Timothy W. Genthner, longtime national training and service manager at Merlin Industries, passed away May 9 after a lengthy battle with lymphoma. He was 58.
Genthner served the Hamilton, N.J.-based manufacturer for 25 years and is credited for playing a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success.
“He was our factory eyes, ears and hands out in the field, and his observations and discussions with our dealers led to product enhancements and improvements all the time,” said T.J. Moreland, director of marketing and business development.
He was known as the “safety cover and liner guru” whose expertise was widely sought. His seminars at The Pool & Spa Show in Atlantic City, distributor programs and at Merlin’s own events attracted large crowds.
He didn’t teach from behind the lectern only. A hands-on instructor, Genthner was often in backyards helping dealers measure pools and assisting with troubleshooting.
“Tim was a gem,” said John Migliaccio, president of The Pool & Spa Place in Cranbury, NJ. “He knew what he was doing. He knew his job and he went above and beyond what was needed.”
Genthner also provided certified training to regional APSP chapters.
He conducted his job with enthusiasm and peppered his conversations with colloquialisms, such as “yupper” and “bingo.” Something wasn’t merely broken, it was “all boogered up,” and a problematic scenario was a “double-ended sword.” He’d often instruct dealers to “hide the finger” when measuring pools. Such expressions were affectionately known as “Timboisms” around the office.
“Tim was a kind and thoughtful person who always had a smile on his face and was always looking to help,” Moreland said. “Our customers would agree.”
