Brian Kelly, the Florida Swimming Pool Association’s immediate past president and Hall of Fame member, passed away peacefully Sept. 5, 2019. He was 58 years old.
His friends and colleagues in Florida say he leaves behind a legacy of doing “what is right” to grow business and make the industry better.
“We have lost our dear and brave friend Brian,” says FSPA President Jim Bingold. “He was an inspiration to me and all those around him, and his passing will be felt by everyone in our association. ”
Kelly founded Shamrock Pool Services Inc., based in North Lauderdale, Fla., in 1991. He has since grown the family business into one of South Florida’s leading service, repair and remodeling companies. The success of his company can be attributed to knowing how to value and take care of both customers and employees, says longtime friend, colleague and fellow FSPA board member Rick Myers.
“He always looked at an issue and asked, ‘What is the right thing to do?’ rather than what is quicker or more profitable, which is why he was so respected,” Myers says.
Kelly always had an eye toward helping the industry and its members evolve, Myers adds.
“As a friend, Brian was always there for me. As a business professional, he was always willing to help anybody with their issues. He wanted to help make the industry better, which is why he served on the FSPA for so many years.
Kelly began his 19-year tenure with FSPA in 2001, serving on the Broward County chapter’s board of directors and then as chapter president in 2009 and 2010. In 2012, his work with the organization progressed to the state level. Since then, he has served in every position of the association’s executive committee, including as president in 2018.
As an executive committee member, Kelly traveled to the state capital in Tallahassee at least once a year to help advocate for legislation that would help the industry and consumers. He also provided guidance as FSPA worked through myriad positive changes, including a reorganization of its government affairs efforts and the purchase of additional office space in Sarasota to serve as a training center.
As a result, FSPA named him Person of the Year in 2018.
“Brian loved the FSPA, and his leadership and generosity will be sorely missed,” says Wendy Parker-Barsell, executive director of FSPA. “He was always available to me and the FSPA team when his counsel was needed. Our members have all benefited from his years of service. This loss is overwhelming both personally and professionally.”
Kelly enjoyed playing golf and was an avid University of Florida sports fan. Most important, says Myers, he loved and took great pride in his family, especially his four children.
Kelly is survived by his wife, Christine, and their children Kimberly, Brooke, John and Thomas.
