Kara Boone — 30 Under 40 2025
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.
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.
Spa Sales Floors Go Digital
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many industries that had avoided certain technology had to embrace it. Whether it was out of necessity or convenience, digital tools like showroom touchscreens have now become permanent fixtures.
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.
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.
Paul Madden Jr. — 30 Under 40 2024
Paul Madden, co-owner of Water by Design in Roanoke, Virginia, is a second-generation leader in the spa industry.
All In The Family
The hot tub industry is poised for a large number of business handovers in the coming years as retail store owners prepare for retirement.