There’s a popular saying that has inspired many people to push on in life. It sagely advises, “A strong work ethic is a path to success.”
If ever someone took that message to heart, it’s Ed Conrad. This year he celebrates five decades at Anthony & Sylvan Pools, a PSN Top Builder based in Doylestown, Pa. A reception to honor the hard-working pool professional was held in June, attended by the company founders, members of the board of directors, the executive team, co-workers, family and friends.
“It’s not every day that an employee exhibits such dedication to a company that he spends 50 years working to better it,” said CEO Mark Koide in a statement. “We value Ed’s commitment to the company and hope he stays on our team until he’s ready to retire.”
Conrad joined the firm in 1965 as a concrete finisher and has held various positions as needed, including shotcrete foreman and laborer. He’s been described as the “consummate pool man” and a team player who delivers excellent work with a smile. He’s been involved in pool projects along the East Coast, from Maryland to New Jersey, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Despite his impressively long career in the pool industry, Conrad started out in a different trade. His first job, at age 18, was with a state highway department, doing roadwork. Upon joining the pool business, his work ethic became clear, and so did his resourcefulness.
These sensibilities have become so ingrained in Conrad that, when asked, he says matter-of-factly, “When things had to be done, you just did it.”
He said his work ethic came from his father, a paper mill employee. It must run in the family, though, because his mother also worked outside the home, in a spark plug factory.
Conrad originally hails from Easton, Pa., where he was born and raised along with two sisters. Currently, he lives in Milford, N.J., with wife Patricia, a retired waitress. He has an adult son and daughter.
As Conrad looks back over his career at A&S, he said one thing that stands out is the number of pools he’s built for famous people, many of whom are former sports stars — notables such as Charles Barkley of Philadelphia 76ers fame, now an NBA analyst; Darren Daulton of the Philadelphia Phillies; Bobby Clarke of the Philadelphia Flyers; Larry Holmes, a former professional boxer who shares the same birthplace as Conrad; and Cecily Tynan, current meteorologist on 6 ABC-TV in Philadelphia.
When it comes to leisure pursuits, Conrad is a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team. He also enjoys having winters off so that he and his wife can head south for three months at their Florida condo.
He’s certainly earned it.
