(Alexandria, Va.) - The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is proud to announce the winners of its 2022 Awards, including Builder of the Year, Service Professional of the Year, Retailer of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Chapter of the Year.
"The hardworking and dedicated professionals being honored this year are a true testament to the strength of the pool, spa, and hot tub industry,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President & CEO of PHTA. "Each winner has gone above and beyond in their respective areas, and we could not be prouder to call them PHTA members. Congratulations to all 2022 winners!"
This year's award winners are as follows:
Builder of the Year
Kyle Chaikin, Chaikin Ultimate Pools
The Builder of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award given annually to one PHTA builder member who has advanced the pool building profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry. Kyle Chaikin is a Certified Builder Professional, Certified Service Professional, and Certified Pool & Spa Operator. He is an active volunteer with PHTA, NESPA, and LIPSA and has spent countless hours teaching classes, raising awareness of drowning prevention, and sharing advice on everything from construction techniques to dealing with supply chain issues. Chaikin has built a reputation in the industry with his commitment to excellence in the quality of his complex construction projects.
Service Professional of the Year
John Citta, Claffey Pools
The Service Professional of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award given annually to one PHTA service member who has advanced the service profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry.
John Citta prides himself on going above and beyond for his customers, often helping them after hours and on weekends. John is also a leader in the workplace. He organized the Claffey Pools Continued Education Committee, developed monthly trainings on products for service techs, and led Certified Maintenance Specialist (CMS) training for 13 employees. Citta's exemplary leadership was put on pull display during the Texas freeze in February 2021. He coordinated and led a massive effort to help over 800 clients get their pools back up and running, and the changes he implemented to the service department during that time continue to have a positive impact to this day.
Young Professional of the Year
Caley Gibbs, Gib-San Pool and Landscape Creations
The Young Professional of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award recognizing a forward-thinking leader under the age of 40 who will be the voice and next generation of pool and spa professionals. Caley Gibbs recently earned her Certified Master Pool Builder & Design Professional certification, the highest pool builder certification offered by PHTA. Gibbs has broad knowledge of all segments of the pool industry, from construction and design to retail and sales. She was co-chair of the PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Network from 2019 to 2021 and is always eager to support others and tout the benefits of working in the pool, spa, and hot tub industry. Gibbs is a big believer in continuing education and has taken nearly 20 GENESIS® courses over the last several years.
Retailer of the Year
Dustin Lockwood, Bontrager Pools
The Retailer of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award recognizing one outstanding retailer who has advanced the retail profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry. This award is sponsored by LOU. Dustin Lockwood always goes the extra mile to ensure customers are happy with their products and service. He regularly attends industry events, both to learn from other experts and to share his own real-world knowledge gained over his many years of experience. He is constantly striving to push our industry forward. One of Lockwood's best qualities is his ability to build strong and lasting relationships with his customers, employees, and peers, making him a valued leader and friend.
Volunteer of the Year
Nathan Coelho, Master Spas
The Volunteer of the Year Award is a new award for 2022. It is bestowed upon one prominent individual, each year, who has made distinguished contributions that raise professionalism in the aquatic community through their volunteering with PHTA. Nathan Coelho serves as the Engineering Committee Chair for the International Hot Tub Association (IHTA), as well as on the IHTA Strategic Leadership Team. He is a subject matter expert who has helped to develop or update several industry standards. Coelho is currently leading the PHTA/IHTA Portable Spa Coalition Working Group, which is developing federal regulations for the U.S. Department of Energy. Coelho is committed to benefitting the industry as a whole, from manufacturers and suppliers to consumers, and is a dedicated leader working to protect the hot tub industry.
Chapters of the Year
PHTA Central Arizona and PHTA Southern Arizona Chapters
The Chapter of the Year Award recognizes one outstanding chapter that has set a stellar example for the organization, advancing and enhancing the industry through strong leadership, community outreach, and providing their members with the highest quality of programs, activities, and services. This year's Chapter of the Year award was jointly presented to both the PHTA Central Arizona Chapter and PHTA Southern Arizona Chapter, who work closely together to benefit the industry statewide. The Arizona Chapters have focused their efforts on three main areas: 1) being a homeowner resource, 2) raising awareness of careers in the industry, and 3) advocating for the industry during the current record-breaking drought.
About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with over 3,600 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $36.5B pool, hot tub, and spa industry. PHTA provides education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth to increase our members' professionalism, knowledge, and profitability. Additionally, PHTA facilitates the expansion of swimming, water safety, and related research and outreach activities aimed at introducing more
people to swimming, making swimming environments safer, and keeping pools open to serve communities. For more information, visit www.phta.org