Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Announces 2024 Award Recipients

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21, 2024

Media Contact:
Amy Willer
Director, Content and Communications
703-838-0083, ext. 121 | awiller@phta.org

POOL & HOT TUB ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES 2024 AWARD RECIPIENTS

(Alexandria, Va.) — The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is proud to announce the winners of its 2024 Awards, including Builder of the Year, Service Professional of the Year, Retailer of the Year, International Hot Tub Association (IHTA) Hot Tub Retailer of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Chapter of the Year.

“PHTA is honored to recognize the prominent achievements of our members and the work they do each and every day to advance their professions,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President & CEO of PHTA. “This year’s winning individuals and companies are truly committed to elevating the pool, spa, and hot tub industry and are amazing examples of the talent that exists throughout the industry. Congratulations to all 2024 winners!”

This year’s award winners are as follows:

Builder of the Year

Claffey Pools

The Builder of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award given annually to one PHTA builder member who has advanced the pool building profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry.

For over three decades, Claffey Pools has been a beacon of excellence in the pool building industry. Their commitment to excellence is evident in their numerous awards and accolades. Claffey Pools has also been a dedicated member of industry associations, with employees serving on the boards for both the Texas Pool and Spa Coalition and PHTA. Beyond their exceptional pool building, they actively support Step Into Swim, PHTA’s drowning prevention initiative. Claffey Pools has put 43 employees through GENESIS® educational programs.

Service Professional of the Year

Craig Sears, Sears Pool Management Company

The Service Professional of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award given annually to one PHTA service member who has advanced the service profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry.

Craig Sears, President of Sears Pool Management Consultants, has been a driving force in the pool and hot tub industry for over two decades. He holds more than five professional industry certifications. Sears is an active CPO Instructor and sits on both the CPO Advisory Council and the CPO Instructor Assessment Committee, as well as the PHTA Georgia Chapter Board of Directors. He has presented at dozens of industry events and has been instrumental in elevating the industry and promoting professional development.

Retailer of the Year

Georgia Spa Company

The Retailer of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award recognizing one outstanding retailer who has advanced the retail profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry. This award is sponsored by LOU.

Georgia Spa Company has redefined excellence in the industry. Renowned for exceptional customer service, innovative store design, and a robust digital presence, Georgia Spa Company boasts a stellar reputation. In 2023, a significant milestone was achieved when the company transitioned to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, empowering their dedicated team members. Georgia Spa Company has been honored with numerous accolades, including multiple industry awards and recognition as a Best & Brightest Company to Work For.

IHTA Hot Tub Retailer of the Year

Ohio Pools & Spas

The International Hot Tub Association (IHTA) Hot Tub Retailer of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award recognizing one outstanding hot tub retailer who has advanced the hot tub retail profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the hot tub industry. This award is sponsored by Watkins Wellness.

From a one-car garage in Canton to a thriving family business serving all Northeast Ohio, Ohio Pools & Spas has come a long way. Under Amanda Annis’ leadership, Ohio Pools & Spas has thrived. The company launched a new website, reorganized their service department, and created informative videos to help customers avoid costly maintenance issues, resulting in increased revenue, lower costs, and a happier, more efficient team. They aren’t just selling pools and hot tubs, they're selling a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Volunteer of the Year

Scott Cohen, The Green Scene Landscaping & Pools

The Volunteer of the Year Award is bestowed upon one prominent individual each year who has made distinguished contributions that raise professionalism in the aquatic community through their volunteering with PHTA.

Scott Cohen, President of The Green Scene, currently serves as Chairman of the California Pool & Spa Association (CPSA), where he has tirelessly promoted member involvement in advocacy initiatives such as protecting the pool, spa, and hot tub industry against extreme regulations in response to drought and decarbonization, as well as supporting the expansion of professional certifications and licensure. He is also a member of the PHTA Builders Council and the Standard Writing Committee for the PHTA-5 standard on residential inground swimming pools.

Young Professional of the Year

Melanie Brzozowski, All Seasons Pools

The Young Professional of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award recognizing a forward-thinking leader under the age of 40 who will be the voice and next generation of pool and spa professionals.

Melanie Brzozowski’s dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence have made her a shining star in the pool and spa industry. At All Seasons Pools & Spas, her dedication to customer service, her willingness to learn and grow, and her leadership skills have made her an invaluable asset to the company. Brzozowski has volunteered at both the national level with the PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Network and locally with the PHTA Midwest Chapter, where she organizes sold-out social events for industry professionals.

Chapter of the Year

Long Island Pool & Spa Association

The Chapter of the Year Award recognizes one outstanding chapter that has set a stellar example for the organization, advancing and enhancing the industry through strong leadership, community outreach, and providing their members with the highest quality of programs, activities, and services.

For over four decades, the Long Island Pool & Spa Association (LIPSA) has been a driving force in the pool, spa, and hot tub industry on Long Island. LIPSA has consistently advocated for the highest standards in the industry, working tirelessly to raise the bar for licensing requirements and promoting industry certifications. Their efforts to educate both members and consumers have played a vital role in ensuring the safety and quality of pool and spa services on Long Island. LIPSA has also supported drowning prevention initiatives both locally and nationally.

For more information, please contact Amy Willer, PHTA’s Director of Content and Communications, at awiller@phta.org or 703-838-0083, ext. 121.

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About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance:
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with over 3,900 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $62B pool, hot tub, and spa industry. PHTA provides education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth initiatives to increase our members' professionalism, knowledge, and profitability. Additionally, PHTA promotes the use of pools by expanding swimming, water safety, and related research and outreach activities aimed at introducing more people to swimming, making swimming environments safer, and keeping pools open to serve communities. For more information, visit www.phta.org.