Each year, filtration products manufacturer Pleatco names a Perfect Pool Guy and Gal. For 2016, the Glen Cove, N.Y.-based manufacturer had the challenge of choosing from more than 100 contestants. Each winner received a trip for two to the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in New Orleans in November, where they were presented with their awards.
Cory Eagles, of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, was named Perfect Pool Guy in the contest co-sponsored by Genesis and the National Swimming Pool Foundation. Read on to learn more about him — and find out who took Pleatco’s other awards.
THE PEOPLE'S SERVICE GUY
Pleatco chose Corey Eagles for his outstanding work ethic and dedication to his community.
“Cory is celebrating the 10th anniversary of opening his own business,” says Howard Smith, CEO of Pleatco. “And his success in Canada is due in large part to his determination, great customer service, honesty and integrity.”
Eagles seemed destined for the industry: Once he accepted a job servicing pools in 2001, he never looked back.
“Getting into the industry is just one of those things that just kind of happened,” he says.
But then Eagles discovered he really liked it, and was good at it.
In the fall of 2006, the professional decided to strike out on his own and founded Eagles Pool Services. “I enjoyed doing the work and there wasn’t any other company I wanted to work for, so I started up on my own,” he says.
His one-man business has since grown into a crew of six, with an office and a store. Although the seasonal work can be competitive with 14 to 16 other companies in the same area, Eagles attributes his success to his dedication to customer service.
“We’re honest, we’re loyal, we truly do believe in customer service,” he says. “Our customers are like family.”
Eagles is well-known for giving back to the community, donating his time and services to people and animals in need. He replaced a cage stolen from the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and built a therapy pool free of charge for a disabled dog named Rosco.
Additionally, by enlisting the help of his suppliers and subcontractors, Eagles donated an inground pool to a local woman whose daughter has been disabled since birth.
This dedication has earned Eagles recognition from his own community. Local news outlet CTV News, of Northern Ontario, Canada, named him Maritimer of the week, an honor named after Canada’s eastern provinces.
Eagles’ favorite things about working as a service professional include his time in the field and the opportunity to meet new people every day. He especially relishes those chances to help customers get out of a jam.
OTHER STAR SERVICE PROS
Pleatco expanded the contest again to include other award categories. This year, five other professionals were recognized:
• Todd Riddick of Sand Dollar Shores Pools & Spas in Nags Head, N.C., received the Backyard Hero Award;
• Erin Thibodeau of Pace Pool & Spa Service in Pace, Fla., earned the Outstanding Service Award;
• Jason Lehmann of The Water Connection in North Richland Hills., Texas, was recognized with the Industry Leadership Award;
• Douglas Hoerber of Doug Hoerber Pool Repairs in Lake Worth, Fla., was given the Lifetime Achievement Award;
• Mark Howard, of Poolwerx in Phoenix, received the Big Heart Award.
“We were so impressed by the caliber and diversity of individuals that we felt it proper to recognize the outstanding achievements of several other entrants,” said Pleatco CMO Battista Remati.
