Industry News
Talking Pools Podcast Launches Prestigious Mentor of the Year Award
April 30, 2025 | Gainesville, FL — The Talking Pools Podcast, the leading voice in swimming pool service education and industry insights, is proud to announce the launch of the Mentor of the Year Award, celebrating excellence in mentorship within the pool and spa industry.
Open to nominations now through June 30, 2025, the award aims to recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond to guide, uplift, and inspire the next generation of pool professionals. Whether in the field, classroom, or behind the scenes, nominees must actively work in a pool-related profession, including service, retail, construction, education, or manufacturing.
The Top Ten Finalists will receive VIP invitations to attend a Grand Award Ceremony this Fall—location and prizes will be announced soon. The winner must be present to claim the title and will be honored live by the hosts of the Talking Pools Podcast. In true championship style, the victor will be awarded a one-of-a-kind custom championship belt, signifying their elite status as a mentor shaping the future of the pool industry.

“This isn’t just another award,” said podcast host Rudy Stankowitz. “It’s a celebration of those who shape careers, transform lives, and help keep this industry thriving.”
Nominate your Mentor, colleague, or industry inspiration today at mentoraward.com/ (redirects to https://cpoclass.com/pool-news/mentor-award/ )
Judging Panel:
All nominations will be reviewed and scored by the hosts of the Talking Pools Podcast based on criteria including mentorship impact, industry leadership, innovation, and dedication to professional growth.
For more information or to submit a nomination, visit: mentoraward.com or https://cpoclass.com/pool-news/mentor-award/ )
Media Contact:
Rudy Stankowitz
Founder, CPOClass.com
Email: [email protected]
Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available
The Talking Pools Podcast is currently accepting event sponsors who want to support mentorship, leadership, and excellence in the swimming pool industry. Sponsors will receive high-visibility brand exposure across podcast episodes, award materials, social media campaigns, and the live event.
This is a unique opportunity to align your brand with a growing movement that celebrates the people who make a difference in our industry every day. To request a sponsorship kit or secure your spot, contact: [email protected]
Industry News
JED Pool Tools Receives Excellence Award
JED Pool Tools, manufacturer of swimming pool maintenance equipment and accessories, was pleased to recently receive a ‘Customer Excellence Award’ from Estes Freight company, the largest privately held freight transportation company in North America. This award recognizes customers that demonstrate strong shipment values, revenue growth, and foster a collaborative relationship. This award celebrates a few select customers for outstanding engagement, enabling a strategic partnership, and committing to mutual success.
“We’re pleased to earn such high recognition from a leader like Estes,” said Glenn Jonelunas Manager of Warehouse Operations at JED Pool Tools. “We’re honored to be recognized for this award, which is a reflection of the well-established and trusted partnership we’ve built together.”
The Estes Customer Excellence Award was created to recognize and celebrate customers who exemplify outstanding collaboration, commitment and service. Estes presented JED Pool Tools with a celebratory cake and plaque.
About JED Pool Tools
JED Pool Tools has been making high-quality pool tools and pool accessories in the USA for 30 years. JED Pool Tools sells over 400 different products including residential and commercial skimmers, leaf rakes, poles, wall brushes and vacuum heads as well as hoses and through-wall skimmer parts. JED is a family-run company with 3-generations of Heyen family working for the company and is committed to creating and providing jobs for residents of Scranton, PA. JED isproud of and committed to manufacturing in the USA, many it its own facility in Scranton, PA. To learn more about the company and its products visit www.JEDPoolTools.com.
About Estes
Estes is North America’s largest privately owned freight carrier. As an asset-based transportation provider with a global footprint, Estes combines nearly a century of regional freight shipping expertise with the resources, reach, and reliability of a national carrier. Backed by its more than 300 North American terminals and nearly 7,000 next-day lanes, as well as its fleet of more than 10,500 tractors, Estes is committed to getting America’s freight where it needs to go, when it needs to get there. And with its continued investment in leading-edge technology, as well as the support of its more than 24,000 employees. To learn more about Estes visit www.estes-express.com.
Industry News
AquaCal AutoPilot and Devin Cahn Associates Join Forces
ST. PETERSBURG, FL ‒ We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership between AquaCal AutoPilot, Inc. and Devin Cahn Associates (DCA)—a highly respected sales agency with deep roots in the pool and spa industry.
Beginning next month, DCA will represent AquaCal and AutoPilot products in key markets across the U.S. Their team brings trusted relationships, real-world experience, and a hands-on approach that aligns with how we do business.
Founded by Devin Cahn, a long-time leader in the pool and spa space with over 40 years of industry experience, DCA has grown into a national team of professional reps focused on building strong relationships and driving results.
👉 Learn more about DCA
Please join us in welcoming the DCA team to the AquaCal AutoPilot family.
We’re looking forward to a strong partnership built on shared values, expert support, and continued growth.
Media Contact:
Michiko Prussing
Product Manager AquaCal AutoPilot, Inc.
Industry News
RB Retail Software Appoints Sleeman to Lead Business Sales
MONROEVILLE, PA – RB Retail & Service Solutions software, supplier of business software designed specifically for the pool and spa industry, is pleased to announce it has hired Taylor Sleeman as the company’s new Business Sales Consultant. In this new role, Sleeman partners with pool and spa companies to help them modernize and grown their business operations. “I take a consultative approach to sales by focusing on understanding each company’s challenges and aligning these needs with the RB Retail & Service software tools to improve efficiency and profitability for pool and spa businesses,” says Sleeman who has over 10 years of sales experience and a proven track record of helping businesses adopt technology that drives measurable growth.
“We are very pleased to have Taylor on our team as she has already connected with many pool and spa businesses to help adopt and implement our industry-specific software for the 2026 season,” says Rachael Pritz, Vice President for the company. “She is already an invaluable asset to our company.” To contact Taylor and learn more about how RB Retail & Service Solutions software can help your pool and spa business this coming season, email [email protected].
866-933-9099
Monroeville, PA
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