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Back in 1976, in the Gold Coast glory of Newport Beach, Calif., a publisher named Stuart Karl launched Spa and Sauna magazine to fill a niche in the rapidly growing pool and spa market.Â
It began with 3,000 subscribers, most of whom were concentrated in the western United States. Over time, Spa and Sauna evolved into AQUA Magazine, the nationally circulated publication that our readers know and love.
Today, AQUA is proud to serve as the leading educational resource for pool and spa professionals. With an ear to the ground, our tight-knit editorial team stays on the pulse of what truly matters to retailers, builders and service technicians. We strive to curate the most relevant, engaging media in the industry by consistently publishing high-quality information and stories.Â
From cover to cover, AQUA celebrates knowledge, growth and connection — and we’re always trying to create opportunities for others in the industry to do the same. With this in mind, AQUA was excited to launch a national trade show and education conference in October 2022.Â
Meet the Team
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Scott graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Aerospace Engineering, was convicted as editor of AQUA in April 2001 and is currently serving a life sentence in the pool and spa industry and loving every minute of it. If he's not at his desk, he's probably out hiking, maybe with his dog, Tuna, a water bottle and a snack.
Abigail joined AQUA in the summer of 2018. She graduated from Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minn., with a double major in English Literature, Language and Theory, and Creative Writing as well as a minor in Communications. She is a native of Portage, Wis., where most of her immediate family still resides. Abigail enjoys laughing with her nephew Rowan, visiting historic supper clubs, and spending time in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
Laura joined AQUA in the summer of 2024. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, with a degree in Creative Writing and a minor in History. She grew up in Appleton, Wis., where she travels often to see her dog, Lucy — and her parents. You can usually find Laura at a bookstore, hanging out at a park and enjoying the sun, or hunched over her computer while she works on her debut novel.Â
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Jared joined the AQUA sales team in 2014 and has quickly adjusted to life in the pool and spa industry. When he’s not helping AQUA’s advertising partners create successful, customized advertising plans, you can find Jared entertaining with his favorite card trick, quarterbacking his flag football team to victory or on his bike enjoying Madison’s many trails. Jared is a native of Reedsburg, Wis. and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Ab Pictures Mallards 1074 2Stan has been part of the AQUA team since 1992, originally joining the company to start the AQUA Show in Las Vegas. Prior to AQUA, Stan worked for various trade shows and magazines in the pool and spa industry, even helping organize the first-ever trade show for the spa business, “The Hot Water Conference and Expo” which debuted in 1979. Stan is an avid golfer and lives in Irvine, Calif. with his wife Yvonne. They have four children and six grandchildren.
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Chanel joined AQUA Magazine in the second half of 2021. She has previously worked as both a project manager and graphic designer for various Madison-based companies. Originally a Los Angeles native, she found her way to Wisconsin where she quickly earned multiple degrees from both University of Wisconsin and Madison Media Institute. When not working on design projects, Chanel enjoys spending her time creating delicious food or exploring the vast woods of Wisconsin.
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