The Talking Pools Podcast has announced the Top 10 finalists for its inaugural Mentor of the Year Award, meant to honor the unsung heroes of the swimming pool and spa industry — those who build skills, nurture growth and help others rise through generosity, grit and guidance.
Host of Talking Pools Podcast Rudy Stankowitz shares his enthusiasm for the upcoming announcement: “Selected from nearly 70 nominations submitted by peers and mentees across the country, these individuals exemplify the best of what mentorship means in the trades,” he says. “In an industry facing technician shortages and generational turnover, these mentors are the glue that holds knowledge, professionalism and passion together.”
In a new twist, the Talking Pools Podcast will conduct an unannounced, on-location surprise reveal in November 2025. One finalist will be met at their home or workplace by Stankowitz — and awarded a custom championship belt in front of a rolling camera crew. The reveal will be released in a special video episode and distributed across podcast and social media platforms.
“There’s no ballroom. No stage. Just a knock at the door and a belt for someone who’s been quietly changing lives,” Stankowitz says.
“This industry is only as strong as the people willing to teach others how to thrive in it. That’s what this award is about — spotlighting the quiet champions who lift others up.”
2025 Mentor of the Year Finalists
Finalists were selected based on peer nominations, mentorship testimonials and demonstrated impact across a range of roles, regions and company sizes. Each one represents a powerful commitment to professional growth and community-building.
- Laci Davis
President & Co-Founder, The Grit Game – Hudson, FL - Maddy Vandiver
Supervisor, The Pool Butler – Atlanta, GA - Que Hales
Manager, Pool Chlor – Tucson, AZ - Ron DeLoux
President, Big Blue Pool Services – La Mesa, CA - Shannon D. Wilson
Service Manager, HHHunt – Glen Allen, VA - Tim Bolden
President, The Pool Butler – Marietta, GA - Rich Gallo
CEO, PureSwim – Los Angeles, CA - John Poma
President, A+ Pool Service – Lakeland, FL - Kevin Post
Chairman & CEO, Counsilman-Hunsaker – Evergreen, CO - Greg Beard
President, Greg Beard’s Pool Service – Garden Grove, CA
Each finalist will receive a limited-edition Top Ten shirt recognizing their achievement. One will be awarded the Mentor of the Year Championship Belt, custom-built by Wildcat Belts — the same company that creates championship titles for WWE and UFC.
Sponsors Champion Mentorship
The 2025 Mentor of the Year Award is made possible through the generous support of leading companies in the swimming pool and spa industry, each of whom champions mentorship as vital to long-term success and sustainability.
Blueray XL serves as the Title Sponsor of this year’s award.
“When Rudy first told me about the Mentor of the Year Award, I blurted out straightaway: ‘YES!!!’ We didn’t hesitate — we jumped on board as Title Sponsor immediately,” says Chris Galvin, CEO of Blueray XL.
“This isn’t just a trophy for the shelf. It’s the kind of recognition a real mentor deserves — someone who shows up day after day, poolside or in the pump room, pushing others to be better,” says Christ Galvin, CEO of Blueray XL. “Mentorship is the Rocky Balboa of professional development — it’s raw, relentless and built on grit. It’s about leaning in when others might walk away, celebrating the little wins and making someone believe in their own potential. That’s what Blueray XL stands for: helping pool pros level up — not by giving them shortcuts, but by standing beside them, offering tools, knowledge and belief.”
LaMotte Company, a Gold Sponsor and long-standing leader in water analysis technology, echoed the importance of investing in mentorship.
“Mentorship is incredibly valuable to our team at LaMotte, because it helps share the wisdom we’ve gained by providing water analysis solutions for more than a century,” says Michael P. Smith, director of marketing at LaMotte. “It strengthens our community by guiding the next generation of pool and spa workers to uphold high standards and innovate responsibly. We believe mentoring fosters growth, builds trust, and keeps our industry thriving. Congratulations to all the nominees in the Mentor of the Year award!”
Revdup Apparel, the event’s second Gold Sponsor, emphasizes mentorship as a cultural cornerstone.
“Revdup Apparel is proud to support the inaugural Talking Pools Podcast Mentorship Award, recognizing the vital role mentorship plays in shaping the future of the pool industry,” says Don Douglas, co-founder of Revdup. “We believe that experienced leaders guiding the next generation strengthens the entire community and drives excellence, safety and innovation across the board.”
Media Invitation
Industry media are invited to attend and cover the surprise award reveal in November 2025. For access details or to coordinate press participation, contact Rudy Stankowitz at [email protected].
The moment will be captured and released as a special video episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage available on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
