Kara Boone, 35

CEO
Great Atlantic Hot Tubs, Swim Spas & Saunas
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Kara Boone’s entry into the hot tub industry was nothing short of serendipitous. Since 2021, she has been at the helm of Great Atlantic Hot Tubs, Swim Spas & Saunas — her first and only role in the industry. From the first conversation with the company’s previous owner, Boone says she “fell in love immediately — with hot tubs, with Great Atlantic and with the industry.” That devotion has only grown as she’s worked alongside a team she treasures and respects.

What stands out most for Boone are two moments early in her tenure: selling her first hot tub on her first day as owner — a surprise sale made while simply helping customers at the showroom — and winning the Hot Spring Spas regional dealer award in her first full year. Both milestones validated her leadership and reinforced her belief in her team’s dedication. Reflecting on that first sale, she says, “The customer told my sales rep that they should keep me around because I did a great job — she had no idea I was the owner.”

Boone’s leadership has been tested in more challenging ways as well, particularly navigating supply chain disruptions during COVID. She credits clear communication and flexibility for helping Great Atlantic meet customer expectations despite delays and shortages. “We overcame it by setting clear expectations upfront, staying proactive with customers and strengthening relationships with our vendor partners (and never saying no to an extra surprise hot tub truck),” she says. This experience strengthened the team’s agility and commitment to customer service.

Boone is focused on growth that maintains the personal touch and quality Great Atlantic is known for. She hopes to influence the wider industry’s perception of hot tubs — not as luxury indulgences, but as “wellness, stress relief, family connection and recovery” essentials. 

Beyond the business, Boone balances life with her husband, Evan, their two daughters and their three dogs. A softball coach for both girls’ teams alongside Evan, she dedicates much of her free time to family and community, including serving on local baseball, softball and PTA boards. When a rare moment of downtime arises, Boone enjoys reading or playing piano.