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Supporting Military Veterans

Watershape University is proud to announce this year’s recipients of Grant’s Grants, a program supporting military veterans who are establishing careers in the pool industry. This year’s winners grew from two to four based on generous industry donations – and a wild ride on a mechanical bull.

Grant’s Grants, Watershape University’s program supporting military veterans in the pool and spa industry, received a boost this year from our corporate engagement partner, Twinscape|Hydrofloors. At this year’s annual WU Tailgate party in Dallas, TX, held in conjunction with the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo, WU announced the 2024 Grant’s Grants recipients. Twinscape|Hydrofloors’ Jim Farrell, a US Marine veteran, then presented the company’s donation.

Typically awarded to two industry military veterans, this year the number was expanded to four using a $2,490 donation from Twinscape|Hydrofloors. The amount honors the 249th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corp’s founding. In an emotional presentation, WU’s co-founders Dave Peterson and Bill Drakeley announced the winners (listed below) followed by Farrell’s thoughts on the importance of supporting veterans working in the industry. “We are proud and honored to support our veterans as they develop their careers in the pool industry,” Farrell said.

Jason Brownlee takes on a mechanical bull in service of those who served.

Keeping in the spirit of the evening, WU instructor, Jason Brownlee agreed to ride the mechanical bull, a main attraction at the party, if attendees ponied up an additional $1,000 for the program. The funds were collected and Brownlee made good on his promise to ride the bull. Although Brownlee was unceremoniously dispatched from his mount, he was uninjured.

AN ANNUAL HONOR

Grant’s Grants is a Watershape University program dedicated to the memory of one the industry’s – and nation’s – finest.

Grant Smith, IWI, leaves a legacy of service and leadership, first as a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, then later as a member of the leadership team within the International Watershape Institute, and always as a devoted husband and father.

“Grant served his country, his industry, and his family always with steadfast commitment to excellence, bravery, intelligence and compassion,” says Dave Peterson, WU co-founder. “He was, quite simply, the best of us. It is humbling to carry on in his absence and his spirit.”

WU is committed to continuing support for his active duty and veteran brothers and sisters as they transition from military to watershaping by granting two Watershape University courses annually.

Grant Smith

This year’s recipients:   

James Kramer is as a veteran Marine Sergeant now with Feel Good Pool Services in Murrieta, CA. “I attend about two classes a year Long Beach and Las Vegas classes,” he says. “This award helps in furthering my education of improvement and further my knowledge. It’s a great honor to win, and to continue my education with Watershape University.”

Martin Cole served in the Marines as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. He is now with Lone Star Oasis Pools serving the Dallas/Fortworth metroplex. “I personally take the view that the education that I receive does not only benefit me but those that I work with, and I impart that knowledge onto them. As a small business owner, I really appreciate the industry giving back so people like myself can continue to grow professionally and hopefully one day I will be able to do the same for someone in the future. ” 

Edgar Acosta Garcia served in the Air Force as an E-7 Master Sergeant. He is now with TORO Pools and Landscaping serving the Las Vegas, NV area. “The Watershape University Course will help broaden my knowledge of this trade that I have grown a passion for ever since I retired in 2021. I will apply and pass that knowledge to those who are following my footsteps in their post military careers.”

Daniel Godfrey served in the Army as a Private First Class, artillery specialist. He is now founder of Godfrey and Jones Pools & Spas in Cary, North Carolina. “I’m very appreciative the educational opportunities from Watershape University. I look forward to continuing to learn and eventually give back to others coming into the industry. WU has demonstrated the value of continuing education, and the importance of being part of a family of professionals that are always striving to the best in the field.”

Opening image by Andrey Popov | Shutterstock

Jason Brownlee bull-riding photo by Danny Riley, Riley V Photography.

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