To help manage its recent product expansion, pool equipment maker AquaStar Pool Products has signed with a manufacturers representative firm and named a new West Coast Regional Sales Manager.
The Ventura, Calif.-based firm now is represented by Tampa, Fla.-based Devin Cahn Associates (DCA).
“With the launch of our new pumps and cartridge filters plus additional product releases coming soon, our team knew it was time to expand sales support nationwide,” said AquaStar President Olaf Mjelde. “We considered a lot of very strong rep firms for this partnership and ultimately selected Devin Cahn Associates to take on the AquaStar line.”
The manufacturers rep firm made for a good cultural fit, said AquaStar Chief Operating Officer Todd Pieri: “The DCA team brings many years of sales experience and customer relations to this partnership. There are many synergies between our company cultures, philosophies, and ways of conducting business. For these reasons and more, we feel that DCA will be a great fit to represent our rapidly expanding portfolio of products in the pool and spa industry.”
DCA's staff of more than 25 will represent the company throughout the United States.
AquaStar also hired a new West Coast Regional Sales Manager. Daniel Nicholas brings more than 20 years of experience in sales and territory management. From the San Diego area, he works alongside DCA to support clients in California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon and Washington.
“Daniel’s reputation precedes him, and we are confident he will be an incredible member of the AquaStar team for years to come,” Mjelde said.
Nicholas entered the pool/spa industry at 15, working at a local pool-supply store. He has experience in distribution and served as a sales and design consultant for a pool builder. On the manufacturing side, he was a territory sales manager for Raypak for nine years. For five years, he held a territory sales manager position with Fluidra.
“I have watched Daniel’s leadership in the Southern California market with admiration for many years," Pieri said. "I’ve always wanted the opportunity to work together, and the timing was right for him to join our fast-moving, fast-growing team.”
Nicholas and AquaStar's other four regional managers report to the manufacturer's national sales manager, Mandy Snow.
