Remembering Dan Everton: A Rising Star in the Pool Industry Gone Too Soon

The pool industry is built on the backs of hardworking, visionary individuals—people who not only sell the dream of pool ownership but have the ability to bring it vividly to life. This past month, the industry lost one of those rare talents far too soon. Dan Everton, a dynamic Sales Design Consultant with Premier Pools & Spas in Sacramento, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 43. He leaves behind his loving wife Emily, and their two young daughters, Stella and Marley.

Dan’s path into the pool industry wasn’t a traditional one, but it was unmistakably inspired. After years of being a top-producing sales professional at Verizon—where his name became synonymous with excellence in performance—Dan was faced with a career crossroads when his Sacramento office closed. Rather than uproot his young family to stay with the company in the Bay Area, Dan made a bold pivot.

At the suggestion of a close family member working at Premier Pools & Spas, Dan pursued a new opportunity in a field he knew little about. At the time, Premier was looking to hire seasoned professionals with deep industry experience. But when Dan interviewed with owner Keith Harbeck, his charisma, quick mind, and incredible capacity to learn won him the position. The introduction may have opened the door, but Dan walked through it entirely on his own merit.

From day one, Dan threw himself into the pool world with the same passion and energy that made him successful in telecom. He quickly became a top performer in Premier’s Sacramento office—not by relying on slick sales tactics, but by mastering the nuances of pool design and putting customer satisfaction at the center of every transaction. He immersed himself in the latest 3D design software, creating stunning visual presentations that helped clients envision their dream backyards. And more than that, Dan had the rare ability to build trust quickly. His clients didn’t just feel like they were buying a pool—they felt like they were in good hands.

One of the things that set Dan apart was how deeply he cared about the customer experience—not just closing the sale, but capturing the joy of the entire pool-building journey. He was especially passionate about documenting the construction process, making each step feel memorable and exciting. For Dan, it wasn’t just about selling pools; it was about creating moments.

He had a particular love for what he called the most exciting day in the process: dig day. That was the moment it all became real. The excavators rolled in, the shape of the pool began to take form, and families saw their dream backyard finally coming to life. Dan didn’t treat it like just another step in the timeline—he treated it like a celebration.

He’d text the customer the night before to hype them up like it was Christmas Eve, show up that morning ready to film video clips, snap photos, and high-five the kids. He made sure his clients knew this was the day they’d remember. In fact, Dan had a way of getting the whole neighborhood excited about it. If you lived nearby, you weren’t just witnessing construction—you were part of the experience, watching your neighbor take the leap into pool ownership.

Dan had a rare ability to turn customers into true ambassadors of the brand. He stayed connected with each family throughout the entire build, not just during the sale. When things didn’t go exactly as planned—as is sometimes the case in construction—Dan was there to hand-hold, reassure, and guide them through it. One customer gave him a glowing recommendation and recounts how he personally showed up to explain that their dig would take three days instead of one due to hitting unexpected rock. Rather than panic, Dan reframed the moment with calm professionalism and even a bit of humor, turning what could have been a stressful setback into just another chapter in their backyard story. It’s that level of care and follow-through that earned him not just repeat clients, but raving fans.

Dan’s talents extended far beyond his sales numbers. He was a natural connector, someone whose vibrant personality could light up a booth at a trade show or spark meaningful conversations at networking mixers. His presence added value wherever he went. For many, Dan was the first warm handshake at an industry event, the friendly face you hoped to see again, the person who made you feel welcome and excited to be part of the pool community.

Dan also played a pivotal role in helping shape the early vision for Pool Magazine. When the idea for the publication was still in its infancy, Dan believed in the potential and became one of its earliest backers—helping to secure the domain name PoolMagazine.com and PoolNews.com and encouraging the growth of the magazine as a platform to spotlight excellence in the pool industry. He was more than just a supporter; he was a true believer. And when it came time to introduce the publication and its founder to industry peers, Dan was often the one setting the stage with his trademark enthusiasm and charm.

Behind the scenes, Dan was a devoted husband, father, brother, son, and friend. He brought joy to family camping trips, made holidays feel more special, and was always up for a heart-to-heart about business, life, or the future. He had recently begun taking Genesis design classes, eager to continue growing his knowledge and refining his craft. Dan had big dreams for his career and an undeniable spark that made those dreams feel within reach.

His untimely passing leaves a tremendous void—not just in the lives of his loved ones, but also within the Premier Pools & Spas family and the wider pool community. Dan was still climbing. He was still learning, growing, and giving back. We will never get to see just how far he could have gone, but what he accomplished in such a short time was extraordinary.

As we remember Dan Everton, let us honor his memory by celebrating his legacy: a man who stepped into a new industry and made an immediate impact, who lifted others with his optimism and drive, and who believed in the dream of turning backyards into something extraordinary.

Dan, you were one of a kind. Your absence is deeply felt, but your spirit and contribution to this industry will not be forgotten.

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