The nation's 2012 Perfect Pool Guy and Gal were announced at the recent IPSPE show in New Orleans. The Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy/Gal contest honors the hard-working men and women of the pool service industry. With more than 300 contestants, this year's entrants were as impressive as ever.
Tom Cucinotta, Cucinotta Pool Service, Lake Worth, Fla., was crowned this year's Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy and Mari Lange, Algae Eaters Pool Service, Tampa Bay, Fla., was likewise honored as the 2012 Pleatco Perfect Pool Gal. These two pool and spa service professionals were chosen for their exemplary commitment to their customers and the service industry.
"From all of us here at Pleatco, thank you to everyone who entered, nominated and voted in our fifth annual Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy Contest," says CEO Howard Smith. "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."
"Over the five 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 homeowners treat their service guy or gal like family; it's a special relationship," says Pleatco Chief Operating Officer, John Antretter. "A pool or spa is an integral part of a home. It's a way to relax and 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 Pool Guy and Gal are the unsung heroes of the neighborhood."
Both winners received a trip for two to this year's IPSPE in New Orleans and a $5,000 continuing education scholarship from Genesis 3 Design Group to attend the G3 Certified Pool Operator Program. Additionally, both Cucinotta and Lange will star in Pleatco's nationwide follow-up ad campaign.
Tom Cucinotta is the proud owner-operator of Cucinotta's Pool Service in Palm Beach County, Fla. A business associate attributes Tom's success to his desire "to educate himself on the 'new' rather than relying on the old paradigm to guide his destiny." In his quest of constant improvement, Tom has helped his customers save energy and money by installing variable-speed pumps, while enhancing the safety and beauty of his customers' pools.
After being a 2009 Perfect Pool Gal finalist, Lange decided 2012 would be "her year." And she was right. Lange has been in the industry for 34 years and has owned her own service business for the past 15 years. Customers, co-workers and business associates were thrilled to speak on her behalf and all agreed she was "more than deserving of the crown.
With so many worthy entrants, Pleatco expanded the contest and created additional awards. "During our final interviews, we were impressed with the caliber of so many individuals that we felt it was proper to recognize the outstanding achievements of several other entrants," commented Pleatco's COO, John Antretter. "In that spirit, we selected contestants for four other special awards based on their contribution toward their community and the pool and spa industry."
Those winners include:
Lifetime Achievement Award Dan Stebner of Sun Peaks Aquatics in Canada.
Industry Achievement Awards Bill Parry of Parry Pools in Florida.
Future Leadership Award Ian Fisher of Precision Pool Service in Florida.
Biggest Pool Personality Award Phil Farmakis of Wolter Pools & Spas in Wisconsin.
Five Finalists were also named: Mike Bowers of Pool Pros Inc in Wisconsin. John Pazdersky of Adcock Pool, Spa, & Billards in Mississippi. Jim DeBarry of Aqua Pool in Florida. Tricia Manley of Dabco Pool Service & Repair in Florida.Christina Halverson of Sunshine Pool and Spa in California.
