PRO AWARD: Amber Gardner
Director of Client Services, Collins Pool Management
McDonough, Ga.
“It feels like winning the Super Bowl,” says Amber Gardner of Collins Pool Management. “I’m still a little speechless about it.”
As a Pro Award Winner in the 2024 Pentair Pool Pro Awards, Gardner reflects on what — and who — has contributed to her success.
Passionate about water safety, effective communication and helping her company stand out to their customers, Gardner has applied herself wholeheartedly to every aspect of her job. “Our company talks about ‘the Collins difference,'” she says, “and when I came into the industry, I made it my mission to never forget it. The field of pool maintenance relies heavily on communication.”
With 2025 marking her sixth year in the industry, Gardner has made leaps and bounds of progress from her first day on the job as a receptionist. A lot of her success, she says, has come from the guidance and mentorship of Josh Fletcher, operations manager at Collins Pool Management.
“He held back no knowledge,” she says. “He took me under his wing when I started. It was a bit overwhelming back then, but I’m so grateful for everything he’s done for me.”
The industry is an ever-exciting adventure for Gardner, a large part due to the growth and evolution she sees every day. “I admire the constant innovation,” she says, “whether it’s with products, methods or something else, it’s always keeping you on your toes. I like new challenges, and this job gives me that.”
Gardner’s eyes are already on the future; winning the award has given her the confidence to pursue her professional goals both for herself and for her team. Reflecting for a moment on the scale of the honor bestowed upon her, Gardner says, “I’m humbled and extremely grateful for the recognition,” she says. “It means the world to me.”
PRO AWARD: Keith Smith
Head of Renovations, Heritage Pools
North Charleston, S.C.
“I was filthy, standing in a mud hole and covered head-to-toe,” says Keith Smith of his earliest memories in the industry. “The guys were all laughing at me, but I was grinning ear-to-ear. That was when I fell in love with it.”
Smith’s journey into the industry was a near-perfect transition from a previous career to jumpstarting the rest of his life in 2013. “I was a line cook,” he recalls. “I had a newborn baby. I was starting a family. I thought, ‘I’ve got to do something else.'”
A kismet-shaped opportunity arose through a family member who worked at Heritage Pools, where Smith would end up spending the next 12 years of his career. “As cliche as it sounds, everything else is history,” he smiles.
Smith says his growth and success in the business is largely owed to Heritage Pools Owner Michael Gesmond.
“He’s been there to support me every step of the way,” he says. “Not every step was an easy one, but Michael took me to some of my first trade shows, where I got my CPO and CST certifications. Years later, he ended up nominating me for this award, and it’s all because he saw my potential.”
With the award and the honor it bestows, Smith has stopped to reflect on his career thus far, recognizing his accomplishments over the last 12 years.
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, he admits, but it’s important to remember how far you’ve come, and who has gotten you there.
“When I heard that I was receiving the award, my ears rang so loud that I didn’t hear much else,” he says, the awe palpable in his voice even weeks after the initial announcement. “I was shocked.”
For the Smith family, celebration is now in their daily vernacular. Smith’s seven-year-old son, for example, reminds him of the achievement every time he can. It’s a memory he won’t soon forget.
From line cook to service pro to renovations project manager, Smith has had a whirlwind of 12 years that landed him here. With the support from his peers and community, he’s overcome with emotion. “It’s changed my life.”
RECOGNIZING THE WINNERS OF THE…
Lifetime Achievement Award: Jacob Fladhammer, Owner of Emerald Pools and Spas
Emerging Leader Award: Anthony Basilicato, Regional Vice President at Pool Troopers
Advancing Technology Award: Joe Dempsey, CEO at Aquality Construction
Safety Advocate Award: Dan Dumas, Director of Global Business Development at My Aquatic Services
Pleatco Pioneer Award: Salvador Hernández, Owner of Piscinas Itzi
This article first appeared in the March 2025 issue of AQUA Magazine — the top resource for retailers, builders and service pros in the pool and spa industry. Subscriptions to the print magazine are free to all industry professionals. Click here to subscribe.
