Pool & Spa News honored one of its own during the 2013 Int'l Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in Las Vegas November 13.
As the excitement of the show's second day came to a close, friends, industry peers and colleagues gathered for a surprise celebration in honor of the magazine's publisher, Dick Coleman, who is retiring December 2 after nearly 13 years with the publication.
"To be honest, the retirement party was bitter sweet," said Erika Taylor, editorial director, Pool Group. "On the one hand, I'm sure that Dick will greatly enjoy this next phase of his life, but on the other hand, not a day will go by that I won't miss his leadership, friendship and, of course, his corny jokes."
During the celebration, Coleman was presented with two framed, over-sized "mock" magazine covers signed by the attendees.
A highlight of the evening occurred when former PSN salesman and colleague Al Liedel arrived at the party.
"I hadn't seen Al in a year and a half, " said Coleman. "He lives 400 miles away, and all of a sudden he was there. It was great."
Coleman joined Pool & Spa News in June 2001. Previously, he was senior vice president at the publishing firm PennWell. Prior, he served as vice president of sales for Standard Rate and Data Service.
After his retirement, Coleman plans to travel with his wife, Linda.
