SpaRetailer’s Hot Tub Hall of Fame
The Hot Tub Hall of Fame was founded in 2024 by SpaRetailer magazine in collaboration with the International Hot Tub Association.
Rich Werber — Hot Tub Hall of Fame
2024 Hot Tub Hall of Fame: Born Dec. 21, 1950, Rich Werber died April 7, 2021, after a brief battle with lung cancer. He founded and ran Great Atlantic Hot Tubs, Pools & Saunas with three locations in the Virginia Beach, Virginia, area and one in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
Steve Hammock — Hot Tub Hall of Fame
After 40 years at the helm, Steve Hammock retired from Watkins Wellness in 2022.
Hammock got his start in the Phoenix hot tub market in 1982 but was determined to make his way to San Diego where his family was from. A friend knew the owners at hot tub maker Watkins Manufacturing (now Watkins Wellness) and recommended him.
Chris Robinson — Hot Tub Hall of Fame
In 2019, Chris Robinson retired from Lucite International after 39 years with the company.
Robinson has been a familiar face in the hot tub industry. He’s been part of many industry groups, serving on and chairing committees.
2024 Retail Stars
2024 Retail Stars
Pool | Spa | Patio Expo
SpaRetailer has curated a list of top seminars, networking opportunities and must-see booths for hot tub professionals attending the 2024 PSP Expo, ensuring you get the most out of your time in Dallas.
Retirement at Last
As a wrap-up to our succession series, retirees share what life is like after selling their businesses.
Wellness Shop
In 2011, Jacuzzi Hot Tubs of Ontario was born.
Now, 13 years and a pandemic later, Wasney’s business is undergoing another rebrand after more than a yearslong process. The Wellness Shop officially launched in February of 2022.
Water By Design
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Water by Design, a family-owned business with four locations across Virginia, including Roanoke, Lynchburg and Christiansburg. The company has evolved into one of the region’s most respected hot tub retailers, thanks to the vision and entrepreneurial spirit of Paul Madden Sr. and his son, Paul Madden Jr.
The Recreational Warehouse
When former owner Craig Ecelbarger thinks of the success The Recreational Warehouse has had, he simply smiles.
“It’s hard not to smile,” says Ecelbarger, who is now the director of Florida operations after the company was purchased by Watson’s. “It’s like, ‘Wow, we’re good at this.’
Patio Pleasures
Adrianne Morgan, vice president of retail operations of the Wisconsin-based pool and spa company, says watching the relationships between customers and her staff develop is the best part of the business.
Ultra Modern Pool & Patio
You could say Rita Rowlen grew up in the hot tub industry.
When Rowlen’s father, Cecil Schniepp, started his swimming pool construction and retail business in 1954, he had high hopes his seven kids would work in the family business.