“From all of us here at Pleatco, thank you to everyone who entered, nominated and voted in our fourth annual ‘Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy contest,” said Howard Smith, CEO of the Glen Cove-N.Y.-based filter manufacturer. "We have been truly overwhelmed by the quality of the hundreds of nominated entrants and the thousands of votes cast. The entries were extremely powerful and heartfelt across the board." Chief Operating Officer John Antretter added, “Over the four years that Pleatco has sponsored this contest, we’ve learned that being a professional pool or spa service technician is more than a job . . . It’s a passion. Many homeowner’s treat their service Guy or Gal like family; it’s a special relationship. A pool or spa is an integral part of a home — a way to relax and it’s a place for a family to share time together. Homeowners trust their service professional to keep their ‘backyard-oasis’ safe. The relationship with the homeowner is much deeper than that of the mailman, local handyman, or even the family doctor in most cases. Essentially, the Perfect PoolGuy and Gal are the unsung heroes of the neighborhood." Both winners received a trip for two to the International Pool, Spa, and Patio Expo in Las Vegas and a $5,000 continuing education scholarship from Genesis Three Design Group to attend the G3 Certified Pool Operator Program. Additionally, both Jennifer and Gil will star in Pleatco's nationwide follow-up ad campaign, and will be featured on the back cover of AQUA in coming months.
About Gil SerranoGil Serrano has become the go-to “service master” over the past 14 years and now trains and re-trains pool service technicians in industry best practices. Humble through the entire competition, Gil says he was shocked to learn how many people supported him and voted for him. Clients call Gil “ the pool whisperer.” About Jennifer AngevineJennifer Angevine has owned Gold Coast Swimming Pools for nearly 10 years and has been in the industry since she was old enough to accompany her father on service calls. Every member of the Gold Coast team expressed great pride in working for Angevine the way she goes above and beyond for clients and her team every day of the year. “I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of the contest and to hold the title of the year,” she said, then credited her father for his support and encouragement. Other Awards Given:• 2011 Industry Achievement Awards to Jim DeBerry of Aqua Pool Dealer in Florida and Annie Abbate of Chem-Tech Pool Cleaning in Arizona. • 2011 Big Heart Award to Bob Charlton of The Pool Guy in Florida. • 2011 Future Leadership Awards to Chris Hamm of Crystal Clear Pools in Florida. • 2011 Most Creative Entry Award to Jonathan Santoscoy of True Blue Pool Service in Texas and Larry Sniezek of Burnett Pools and Spas in Pennsylvania. • 2011 Customer Service Award to Lesley Leal of Optimus, LLC in Tennessee. • 2011 Biggest Pool Personality Award to Paul Beauparlant of Paul and Sons Pool Service, LLC in Nevada.
