The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance’s Midwest Chapter has started its own regional WAVE Group.
Led by Mallory Bjekich-Wachowski of DesRochers Backyard Pools & Spas in Shorewood, Ill., and Melanie Brzozowski of All Seasons Pools & Spas in Orland Park, Ill., the group is dedicated to connecting young professionals to offer help and advice. “The [PHTA National] WAVE has been a huge benefit to our careers, and we really wanted a way to keep in touch,” said Bjekich-Wachowski.
The group is called the Midwest Chapter PHTA WAVE Group, and is facilitated through a Facebook page. Thought to be the industry’s first regional Wave Facebook page, it helps members exchange thoughts, ideas and experiences. The group believed this would be the easiest way for them to communicate on an ongoing basis, between events. “There are quite a few unique conversations happening in there that may not even have happened in person,” Bjekich-Wachowski said. “When you go to networking events, there’s only so much time we can spend.”
The organizers also believe the Facebook page has been successful at drawing people who do not attend the national events. “I’m seeing some people who are getting involved who are newer to the industry,” she said. “So if we’re training our young professionals to stay in our business, we really want them to get involved in any way we can because it just betters their experience and gets them something to connect to.”
The Midwest Chapter PHTA WAVE Group is planning its first event, likely to take place with the PHTA Midwest Chapter’s scheduled training in March.
