Norman J. Cardinal, 75, died Feb. 1 after a 12-day hospitalization. The founder of manufacturers’ rep firm Hydroqual Corp. was active in the pool/spa industry throughout his 40-year career.
“He was a mentor to us,” said Linda Hodak, co-owner with husband Jerry of Simple Pool Technology in Zelienople, Pa.
They met Cardinal in the 1990s, and he helped introduce them to the industry. “Norm took us under his wing,” she said. “It was sobering when we found he did that for everybody. If he believed in something or someone, he would go to the ends of the earth for them.”
Cardinal’s educational background was instrumental in his successful pool/spa career. He obtained a B.S. in electrical engineering at Norwich University, and an MBA in marketing/economics at Syracuse University. He also served as a U.S. Army officer and was a Vietnam veteran.
Cardinal’s early industry forays included work at Tabex Chemicals and Aspen Industries. He founded Hydroqual in Garden City, N.Y., in 1976, serving 13 states.
He also devoted years to NSPI (now called APSP) and the Northeast Spa & Pool Association. Cardinal was director of the NSPI Capital District Chapter; member of the NESPA Board of Directors, developing curricula for its then-new Hands On Training School; and chaired the NSPI Manufacturers’ Agents Council.
“We loved Norm here,” said Trish McCormick, director of NESPA’s The Pool & Spa Show. She said he often visited the organization’s offices. “And he rarely missed a NESPA golfing event.”
Indeed, Kevin Harrington golfed many NESPA events with Cardinal, and they also hit the links in New York state.
“He was a gentle soul with a big heart.” said Harrington, division manager at Ramuc Pool Paint, based in Rockaway, N.J.
Hodak admired Cardinal’s ability to help on many levels: “With his engineer training, he could see things in an analytical way and help a customer design [merchandise]. … He had another degree in marketing, so he could then help you market it!”
Cardinal is survived by his wife, Audrey; three sisters and two brothers; five children; two stepdaughters; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
