Pleatco, the Glen Cove, N.Y.-based manufacturer of pool and spa filtration products, has announced the 2016 winners of the Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy, Pool Gal contest.
This year, Cory Eagles, of Moncton NB, Canada, was named Perfect Pool Guy, while Jennifer Del Vaglio, of Southold, N.Y. won the designation Perfect Pool Gal in the contest co-sponsored by Genesis, and National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF). The two professionals were selected out of more than 100 contestants.
“Cory is celebrating the 10th anniversary of opening his own business, and his success in Canada is due in large part to his determination, great customer service, honesty and integrity,” said Howard Smith, CEO of Pleatco.
Del Vaglio takes pride in being able to excel as a woman in the pool industry. She has experience in building pools, chemistry maintenance, and retail. “Her customers rave about her and say she is upbeat, positive, and caring,” said Smith.
The Perfect Pool Guy and Perfect Pool Gal each received a trip for two to the International Pool, Spa, and Patio Expo in New Orleans in November. There, they were presented with awards at an official ceremony. Both winners also were invited to attend the Genesis Basic Pool Construction Course free of charge. Other rewards included a gala dinner, nationwide advertising campaign, and thousands of dollars in free Pleatco products.
In addition to the overall winners, Pleatco expanded the contest again this year to include other award categories. Five other professionals were recognized for their excellence in the industry: Todd Riddick of Outer Banks, N.C., received the Backyard Hero Award; Erin Thibodeau of Pace, Fla., earned the Outstanding Service Award; Jason Lehmann of North Richland Hills, Texas was recognized with the Industry Leadership Award; Douglas Hoerber of Lake Worth, Fla., was given the Lifetime Achievement Award; and Mark Howard, of Phoenix, received the Big Heart Award.
"During our final interviews, we were impressed by the caliber and diversity of so many individuals that we felt it was proper to recognize the outstanding achievements of several other entrants,” said Battista Remati, CMO of Pleatco.
For the first time in nine years of the contest, NSPF will award its new Advanced Service Technician (AST) Certification Course to both winners and each finalist.
