We asked the following questions about the award and Mr. Johnson, who is one of this year’s recipients:
Which part of New York City is he from or based in (which borough)?
Sean grew up in New York City, the Bronx, where he first discovered his passion for aquatics. He began his career as a teenage lifeguard and has since built a leadership path across the United States. In his current role, he continues to work extensively throughout the New York Metropolitan area and the U.S., overseeing pool operations, developing teams, and supporting regional partners.
2. What this award demonstrates about Mr. Johnson?
Sean Johnson exemplifies the qualities this award represents. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated leadership, professionalism, and a deep commitment to elevating standards within the pool industry. His influence extends beyond his own business through the way he approaches craftsmanship, customer relationships, and mentorship of others in the trade. Sean’s reputation among peers reflects not only what he has built, but how he has led, with thoughtfulness, consistency, and respect for the industry.
3. Why is this award important, and what does it demonstrate about Mr. Johnson?
The Pentair Lifetime Achievement Award is one of the highest honors we present in the pool industry. It is designed to recognize individuals whose careers have had a lasting, meaningful impact on the industry over time, not just through business success, but through leadership, innovation, mentorship, and service to the broader pool professional community.
4. What made them choose Mr. Johnson above other qualified pool industry candidates?
Sean was selected through a competitive process that included many highly qualified industry candidates. What set him apart was the breadth and longevity of his impact. In reviewing nominees, the selection committee looks at a full body of work over time, including leadership within the industry, contributions beyond day-to-day business operations, commitment to best practices, and the respect earned from peers and partners. Sean’s career reflects a rare combination of technical excellence, long-term influence, and service-oriented leadership, which distinguished him among an already strong field of nominees.
5. What sets him and his methods apart?
Growing up in New York City, Sean’s connection to pools began with a personal challenge — he was unable to swim until age 14, when he learned at Boy Scout camp. That experience shaped his life’s work. It fueled a passion not only for aquatic safety, but also for opening doors for others.
Throughout his career, Sean has been driven by a belief in developing people from within. He is known for identifying talent at the entry level, investing in their growth, and building strong teams from the ground up. His entire professional journey has been devoted to the pool industry, making him both a mentor and a model for long-term, values-based leadership.
6. What are his plans for the future of his company and for advancing the industry?
While we cannot speak to specific future plans for Sean’s pool company, Sean is open to interviews and is happy to speak about his career, his experience in the industry, and the perspectives he has gained over time.
Sean remains focused on delivering consistently high-quality customer experience. A major part of that involves using technology and data tools that help identify issues early — often before they become larger problems.
He is also passionate about strengthening the pipeline of new talent entering the pool industry. At a time when leisure and recreation are evolving, he believes the pool trade offers unique career pathways for people who want to work hard, develop their skills, and even operate their own business one day.
He’s excited to see the industry continue to formalize professional standards, training, and certifications, creating more opportunities for the next generation of pool professionals.
7. Ways he gives back (Additional context from our interview with Mr. Johnson)
Sean remains active in community service, including working with the Boy Scouts on projects such as rebuilding trail systems and supporting youth development programs. His service reflects his commitment to giving back to the organizations that shaped him early in life.
8. What the award means to him (Additional context from our interview with Mr. Johnson)
This recognition is deeply meaningful to Sean. He has worked in the pool industry his entire life — his only W‑2 has come from the same company, where he has grown from entry-level to senior executive. Being nominated and selected for this award came as a surprise to him, and he views it as a powerful reminder that anyone, regardless of background or starting point, can build a successful and impactful career.
To him, this award is not just a personal milestone — it’s a celebration of the people who supported him, the teams he has led, and the industry he has devoted his life to.
Below is the announcement and press release about this award and its recipients:
New York City–based pool industry leader Sean Johnson, Executive Vice President of Field Services at Amenity Pool Services, has been named a 2025 Lifetime Achievement Pool Pro Award winner.
Johnson has spent his entire career in the aquatics industry, beginning in New York City and rising from an entry‑level role to an executive leader known for advancing safety, strengthening field teams, and expanding aquatics operations across the region. Under his leadership, his New York office grew from 40 to more than 300 commercial customers while maintaining one of the highest retention rates in the area.
He is also known for his hands‑on commitment to customer service, including personally visiting senior living communities across multiple states to install and implement pool automation systems. Beyond the industry, Johnson is active in youth leadership and community service, supporting the Boy Scouts of America and serving on his local high school board.
Honoring the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Pool Pro Award Winners With Pentair Pool
Celebrating the long-standing industry leaders whose dedication, vision, and service-first mindset have shaped the future of the aquatics industry.
The Pentair Pool Pro Awards shine a spotlight on pool professionals who elevate the standard of excellence — those who champion safety, embrace innovation, and support the next generation of industry talent. Among this year’s honorees, the Lifetime Achievement Award holds special significance. It recognizes individuals whose years of service, leadership, and impact have left lasting imprints on their teams, their customers, and the pool community at large.
The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winners exemplify what it means to lead with purpose. Their stories reflect a shared commitment to uplifting others, advancing the industry, and showing what’s possible through hard work, humility, and a dedication to doing things the right way.
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Shannon Jones
Owner, Graves Pools and Spas | Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
For Shannon Jones, the pool industry is more than a career — it’s a legacy. Celebrating 50 years in business, Graves Pools and Spas has been family-run for generations, and Jones is proud to continue the mission her grandfather began… And share it with all three of her children, who are also involved in the business. Early in her leadership journey, she created a personal mission statement that still guides her today: to make a positive difference in every life she meets.
That philosophy is woven through her business. Guided by servant leadership, Jones focuses first on caring for her team, trusting that empowered employees deliver exceptional experiences for customers. “The more I take care of them,” she says, “the more they feel fulfilled, and the more they care for others.” Many members of her management team have been with the company for 16, 18, even 25 years, a testament to her example-driven approach.
Jones’ commitment to excellence shows up in everyday actions, from celebrating safe driving with the company’s “Golden Steering Wheel” award, to openly acknowledging and correcting mistakes as part of a culture rooted in honesty. And her impact extends beyond the business. Graves Pools and Spas supports swim education across three local YMCA chapters, providing equipment and services free of charge and hosting swim lessons in the company’s pools. “If we save one child from drowning,” she says, “it would be worth everything we give.”
As automation and A.I. reshape the industry, Jones is focused on bringing modern tools to both residential and commercial customers, helping her community stay ahead of the curve. And with all three of her children now part of the company, the future feels bright.
“Our opportunities are limitless,” she says. “And the more we grow, the more positive differences we get to make. I’m honored to be recognized with this award, but having the ability to make a difference in the world through my company, I’ve already won big time.”
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Sean Johnson
Executive Vice President, Field Services, Amenity Pool Services | New York City, NY
For Sean Johnson, the pool industry became a calling long before it became a career. Growing up in New York City, Johnson didn’t learn to swim until he was a teenager, but he was hooked from the moment he did. That first experience sparked a passion for aquatics and lifeguarding that eventually led him to a career path, where he rose from an entry-level role to leading an entire office by age 20.
Johnson’s lifelong dedication is rooted in helping people build meaningful careers. Whether mentoring young lifeguards, developing leaders, or promoting from within, he has always believed the strongest customer relationships start with strong teams. Throughout his career with The Amenity Collective, a leader in aquatics, fitness, and recreation solutions, Sean has been instrumental in the growth of its aquatics platform, including American Pool and Amenity Pool Services, while mentoring field teams and building operational depth and process across the organization. Under his leadership, his New York office grew from 40 commercial customers to more than 300, maintaining one of the highest customer retention rates in the region.
His commitment to going above and beyond is perhaps best illustrated through his work with Erickson Senior Living. Tasked with automating pools across dozens of properties, Johnson personally visited every location — traveling more than 200 nights over three years — to install systems, build relationships, and ensure residents enjoyed safe, perfectly balanced pools. “It was one of the few things I got exactly right in my life,” he says, laughing. “I made real personal friends along the way.”
Johnson also contributes beyond the industry, giving his time to Boy Scouts of America by restoring trail systems, writing hiking guides, and continuing to serve as a scout leader. He’s also a proud member of his local high school’s board.
Winning the Lifetime Achievement Award, he says, feels deeply personal. “I’ve worked in this business my whole life,” Johnson shares. “To be recognized like this… it means everything to me. I hope it shows young people that the pool industry is a real career — something you can grow in, lead in, and truly be proud of. And beyond that, it’s just plain fun!”
Celebrating All the 2025 Pentair Pool Pro Award Winners
In addition to the Lifetime Achievement honorees, Pentair recognized winners across multiple categories, including Premier Pool Pro, Unsung Hero, Safety Advocate, and Advancing Automation. Visit www.pentair.com/en-us/pool-spa/pool-pro-awards to meet all the remarkable individuals shaping the future of pools one customer at a time.
Banner Image: Inground pool. Image Credit – atman studios
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