Mario Kumar, 25

Web and digital marketing manager
Hydropool Hot Tubs and Swim Spas (Jacuzzi Group)
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Mario Kumar stepped into the hot tub and swim spa industry fresh out of college in 2021, joining Hydropool Hot Tubs and Swim Spas as a digital content creator. In just a few years, he’s advanced to web and digital marketing manager, overseeing online strategy for both the manufacturing side of the business and two corporate retail stores. His work spans everything from campaign creation to lead generation — and the results speak for themselves. Some of the monthly tent sales he promotes bring in over $1 million in revenue.

One reason for his success is the way he embraces change. “Just like water takes the shape of whatever it’s in, this industry demands flexibility,” Kumar says. “The tides are always shifting — there’s always something new happening in the pool and spa world.” That might mean exploring AI-driven marketing tools, testing the latest spa technology or rethinking how Hydropool’s retailers tell their stories online.

His most notable professional achievement came at the Hydropool World Conference in Mexico, where he presented a 60-minute session to more than 200 retailers. He introduced a new CRM and website program designed to help dealers spend less time on digital busywork and more time selling. “What made it even more meaningful was what came after,” he says. Over 30 retailers booked one-on-one follow-ups, adoption of the program’s plug-ins jumped by 40% and dealers reported measurable increases in visibility and lead generation.

Not every initiative has been an instant win. When Kumar launched a retailer social media support program via Promoboxx, adoption lagged. Rather than push harder from a distance, he rolled up his sleeves — creating custom walkthroughs, offering one-on-one onboarding and working alongside the sales team to build trust. Today, more than 100 retailers use the platform, enjoying a 30% boost in followers and engagement. “What’s even better is that retailers are now coming to us asking how they can get even more involved,” Kumar says.

Kumar wants to make digital tools in the spa industry more approachable and effective. “Too often, retailers are left trying to navigate complex platforms without a clear path,” he says. His goal is to make digital strategy feel “less like a cold plunge and more like a warm soak” — helpful, intuitive and worth a retailer’s time.

When not immersed in the digital world, Kumar is an avid concertgoer, often pressed against the front barricade at indie rock, jazz fusion or even ’90s hip-hop shows. He also enjoys indoor rock climbing, pushing himself to face challenges head-on — a mindset he brings to both the wall and the workplace.