In an industry built as much on shared knowledge as it is on technical skill, mentorship remains a vital force shaping the collective future. Recognizing that influence, the "Talking Pools Podcast" has officially opened nominations for the Second Annual Talking Pools Podcast Mentor of the Year Award.
The award, created by Rudy Stankowitz, founder of Aquatic Facility Training & Consultants and host of the "Talking Pools Podcast" network, was established to recognize the individuals who quietly guide the next generation of pool professionals — often without recognition, publicity, or formal titles.
“The pool industry has always been built on apprenticeship,” says Stankowitz. “Most of us can point to someone who took the time not just to answer our questions, but to give us the tools to develop real industry acumen — someone who showed us what to look for when water chemistry didn’t make sense yet, or how to approach a problem the right way, or even how to start up our own pool service company.”
A Recognition Built Around Real Industry Impact
The Talking Pools Mentor of the Year Award is designed to recognize mentorship as it actually happens in the field.
Nominees are not evaluated by votes or titles, but by gauging real-world influence in developing technicians, improving professionalism and helping others grow within the industry, emphasizing genuine impact.
Eligible nominees may come from any area of the pool industry trades, including:
- Pool service professionals
- Builders and contractors
- Retail professionals
- Manufacturer representatives
- Trainers and educators
- Consultants and industry leaders
What unites the nominees is their commitment to helping others succeed.
Mentors often serve as the first line of professional development in an industry where much of the training happens informally — through ride-along training, troubleshooting calls, or simply being available when someone is facing a difficult situation in the field.
Building on the Success of the Inaugural Award
The inaugural 2025 Talking Pools Podcast Mentor of the Year Award recognized Rich Gallo of Pure Swim, whose dedication to mentoring pool professionals earned nominations from across the industry.
According to Talking Pools, the award caught on fast inside the pool industry — "probably because everybody in this business knows the same ugly truth: If we don’t start teaching the next generation how to do this job properly, we’re going to end up with a whole army of people dumping chlorine into pools like they’re seasoning a pot of spaghetti," says Stankowitz.
The Talking Pools crew surprised the winner at their workplace with an unexpected visit and the presentation of the Talking Pools Podcast Mentor of the Year Championship Belt — a big, unapologetic, over-the-top symbol that says, “This person right here actually took the time to help others figure out this crazy industry.”
Because mentorship in the pool world happens on pool decks… in service trucks… and usually while somebody’s explaining how to troubleshoot why the water just turned the color of lime Gatorade.
The unconventional presentation reflects the spirit of the award — celebrating mentorship where it actually happens.
Nominations Opened on March 15
Nominations for the 2026 Talking Pools Podcast Mentor of the Year Award opened on March 15 and will remain open through May 15, 2026.
Industry professionals are invited to nominate a mentor who has played a significant role in helping them develop their skills, build their business, or navigate the challenges of the pool industry, especially those demonstrating practical mentorship, such as teaching, troubleshooting, or on-site training.
Nominees will be reviewed by the Talking Pools Podcast hosts, and a group of Top 10 finalists will be selected before the final winner is announced later in the year.
The recipient will receive the Talking Pools Podcast Mentor of the Year Championship Belt, along with recognition across the Talking Pools Podcast network and affiliated industry media, highlighting the award's value and encouraging nominations.
A Growing Focus on Mentorship in the Pool Industry
Programs like the Talking Pools Mentor of the Year Award help highlight the importance of those efforts and encourage more professionals to take on mentoring roles within their organizations and communities.
“Mentorship is the bridge between experience and the future,” Stankowitz says. “If we want this industry to continue growing and improving, we have to recognize and support the people who are teaching the next generation.”
Pool professionals wishing to nominate a mentor may submit the nominee’s name along with a description of how that individual has influenced their career or the industry.
Self-nominations and nominations by immediate family members are not eligible.
Click here to submit a nomination.
