Show season in the pool industry is always an exciting time of year. I’m lucky enough to be able to attend most of the major industry events around the country and, while I look forward to learning about the latest in technology and products, what I anticipate most is making connections: rekindling friendships and meeting new folks. But the ability to instantly connect with strangers is not a skill that comes naturally to me. So when I see someone demonstrating it in action, I pay attention.
I saw it frequently in IPSSA’s outgoing president, John Oldfield. I first met John in 2016, after he’d been named Pleatco’s Perfect Pool Guy the year prior. He was manning IPSSA’s booth at one of the big shows, and he was enthusiastically talking to a couple of service technicians who were interested in learning more about the association. I was struck by how he was immediately able to connect with these fellows. By the end of the conversation, he had made converts of them — they looked about ready to jump right over the table and help him spread the Good News about IPSSA.
It’s no mistake that I use religious imagery when describing John — if you know him, you know that he serves the association with the zeal of a true believer. His enthusiasm comes straight from the heart — it’s apparent every time he talks about IPSSA and his fellow members how much be believes in the core tenet on which the group was founded: to help one another through tough times. He’s been a part of IPSSA since 2003, serving in various capacities — as chapter president, and then as a member of its Board of Regional Directors — before giving his all as association president. It was while he occupied this role that I got to know him better.
And in getting to know him better, I got to know IPSSA better.
I learned how hard its all-volunteer leaders work to provide the best possible guidelines and bylaws for its members. While they’re the first to admit that they’re not perfect and can’t provide every solution for every problem, just about everyone I’ve met in the group this past year expressed how highly they value the camaraderie and benefits the association provides, most notably its sick-route coverage. The recent formation of its Disaster Relief Foundation, which is meant to help those who lose a large part of their business to natural disasters, is further proof that IPSSA is building on its mission to help their fellow pool pro through tough times.
I also learned how deeply they care about the industry. They’re not just in it for themselves. Nowhere is this more evident than when examining who might benefit from the above-mentioned Disaster Relief Fund and IPSSA’s scholarship program. Remarkably, neither are exclusive to IPSSA folks, but rather, to non-members as well. The Disaster Relief Fund can assist anyone in the industry affected by a disaster. And its scholarship fund, founded by IPSSA’s insurance broker Ray Arouesty, gives all self-employed service techs opportunities to further their education or attain certification that will help their businesses.
This year, IPSSA, as we know the association today, turns 30. I invite you to do as I did and get to know the organization better. We’re currently working on a feature about IPSSA’s past, present and future. Be sure to look for it in our next RetailPro e-newsletter!
