GENESIS, a company of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, is pleased to announce its new GENESIS education board: Brian Van Bower, SWD Master, GENESIS co-founder and ambassador, education board chair and ex-officio; Paolo Benedetti, SWD Master and SWD advisory board incoming chair, Scott Hester, P.E.; John Kenyon, SWD Registered; Chris Neuman, SWD Registered; Paul Oman, CPA, GENESIS associate; and Jim Mock, executive director and education board ex-officio.
The board’s role is to advise and guide the educational needs of the watershaping industry while maintaining GENESIS’ stringent standards on quality education and code and compliance-based information. The board, built with individuals immersed within the industry and in-the-field experience, provides a well-rounded approach to growing GENESIS’ educational programs along with understanding the needs of our students.
Brian Van Bower, SWD Master, GENESIS co-founder and ambassador, education board chair and ex-officio: Brian Van Bower has nearly 50 years of professional experience in the pool and spa industry and has long been one of the industry’s most influential figures. He is CEO of Aquatic Consultants, Inc., an international consulting and design firm based in Miami, with a satellite office in North Redington Beach, Fla., specializing in upscale and unusual pool and watershape designs. He is also ambassador and co-founder of GENESIS, through which his efforts have transformed the industry, and he has a long history of leadership across numerous industry organizations and programs. Additionally, he is president of BVB Consulting, LLC, which provides business consulting to consumers, business owners and industry manufacturers.
Paolo Benedetti, SWD Master and SWD advisory board incoming chair: Paolo Benedetti is the founder of Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa based in Morgan Hill, Calif., an international consulting and design firm specializing in high-end residential and commercial projects. He is an accomplished watershape designer, contractor, expert witness and consultant to owners, architects, landscape architects and builders throughout the world. Benedetti is a prolific writer, authoring hundreds of articles and administering and commenting in multiple online forums with his acute attention to detail and robust construction experience.
Scott Hester, P.E.: Scott Hester serves as the president and a principal-in-charge for Counsilman-Hunsaker. In this role, Scott is responsible for managing the daily operations while providing comprehensive industry experience in all aspects of Counsilman-Hunsaker, including business development, design and engineering, quality control and facility operations. Scott has a reputation as a high-integrity, energetic leader, having a diverse portfolio of experience in aquatic facilities spanning multiple market sectors. Scott is a recognized leader in the aquatic industry and has shared his knowledge by providing educational-based presentations throughout the country.
John Kenyon, CPO, SWD Registered: John Kenyon serves as the sales manager and design consulting for Gib-San Pool & Landscape Creations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. John’s role utilizes his GENESIS education to understand his client’s dreams and marry them with unique needs, design preferences and budget. An avid swimmer himself, he regularly incorporates the health benefits and immersion of water to his customers. Continuing his educational path, John recently completed the Crestcom Leadership Training, Bullet Proof Manager and is working to become an SWD Master.
Chris Neuman, SWD Registered: Chris Neuman is the vice president of In-House Construction for Neuman Pools in Beaver Dam, Wis. Holding a B.S. in construction management from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, he manages the day to day operations for multiple commercial and residential projects throughout the United States.
Paul Oman, CPA, GENESIS associate: Paul Oman purchased Texas Pools, Inc., in 2016, where he serves as president and CEO. Previously, he owned a consulting and CPA firm focusing on mergers and acquisitions and tax services. He has also worked for both Ernst & Young and FTI Consulting and has advised on more than 100 different transactions of various sizes in the U.S. Mexico, Canada and Europe. Oman is an adjunct professor at Our Lady Of the Lake University, teaching accounting, entrepreneurship, financial reporting and other business subjects.
Jim Mock, executive director and education board ex-officio: Jim Mock leads the GENESIS staff as executive director and is a current PHTA board member. Jim retired after 44 years at Ecolab with his career involving the development of patented products, where he currently holds three patents, along with being involved with both the design and engineering of products. During his tenure, Jim had the highest ranking of employee satisfaction for managers within the Fortune 100 company. He was a member of the former National Swimming Pool Foundation board and is a member of the Joint Committee for NSF Standard 50.
For more information, please contact the GENESIS office at 615-907-1274 or [email protected] or [email protected].