Watershape University Honors Military Veterans

Watershape University has announced the 2025 recipients of Grant’s Grants. The program provides courses to military veterans working in the pool industry. This year’s grants were awarded at WU’s “Education Vacation” on December 7 in Phoenix, AZ.

Grant’s Grants, now in its 3rd year, was established to honor the memory and service of Grant Smith, a leader in WU’s International Watershape Institute. The program originally honored two veterans but was expanded to four due to a generous donation from Twinscape|Hydrofloors. Additional donations were also made by Hammerhead Aquatics’ Jason Jovaag and Raleigh Pools’ Kurt Candler. 

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 IWI, 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. He was, quite simply, the best of us. It is humbling to carry on in his absence and his spirit.

Grant would do anything for WU and the industry, always doing so with enthusiasm and the common wisdom that can only come from commitment and hard work.

In return, WU would do anything for him. Had he asked to give away courses to active duty or veteran military personnel so that they would have the opportunities that he enjoyed for decades, we would have said “yes.” And although we can’t hear his voice now, we know he would appreciate this opportunity. So, to honor Grant Smith’s legacy, we, and he, are granting online courses annually.

This year’s recipients are Marcie Mascaro, Air Force Major. After serving for 27 years, she has transitioned into high-end residential construction project management,

Jason Hinshaw, Air Force Staff Sergeant, nine years of service, now working in pool construction.

Richard Lesink, Airforce Airman, now running his custom pool  design and construction business.

And, Christopher Tracy, Army Corporal, who says he believes in building to a higher standard.

The program is dedicated to the memory of one our industry’s – and our nation’s – finest.