Your Trusted Partners for Effective Outside Sales Solutions
The pool industry moves fast, and having the right products, knowledge, and connections makes all the difference. That’s where we come in.
Our team works across the U.S. and Canada to support pool builders, retailers, distributors, and service professionals by connecting them with trusted manufacturers and quality products. Whether you need technical guidance, product recommendations, or a direct line to the right brands, we’re here to help.
Each region has dedicated reps who know the local market inside and out. And for national accounts, our leadership team ensures full support, no matter the location.
Find your regional contact below and let’s get to work.
Co-Founder | CEO
With almost 20 years of experience, Johnny’s innovative approach to growing businesses has led to remarkable achievements and earned him industry recognition. As a respected figure from working with manufacturers, distributors, and builders, he oversees our national key accounts, with a specific focus on Florida and the Southeast region. Johnny’s dedication and expertise continue to drive success and inspire growth within our industry.
Email: johnny@thegritgame.com
Phone: (901) 605-0775
Co-Founder | President
Almost a decade in the industry, Laci leads with both heart and strategy. As Co-Founder and President, she ensures operations flow smoothly and champions innovative marketing strategies that keep the team ahead and partners thriving. Recognized in Pool Nation Spotlight and Insights as one of the “Next Generation of Female Leaders” and named to SpaRetailer’s 30 Under 40 list, Laci’s impact is widely felt. Her nomination for Pool Nation’s 2024 Woman Trailblazer of the Year reflects her commitment to transforming the industry with integrity and creativity.
VP of business development
With over 30 years in the pool and spa industry, Gina is a seasoned strategist dedicated to driving growth and building lasting partnerships. Gina draws on her experience working at industry name brands like Aquastar, Pentair, Fluidra, and Hayward, strengthening our market position across North America. She serves as the main point of contact for crucial buying group relationships, ensuring seamless communication and strong alliances. Known for her effective sales leadership and mentorship, she ensures our teams stay sharp and customer-focused. Recently nominated for Pool Nation’s 2024 Woman Trailblazer of the Year, Gina’s passion and expertise make her an invaluable team member.
VP of Sales
With almost 40 years of industry experience, Gary , our VP of Sales, combines in-depth knowledge of distribution and manufacturer representation to drive growth. As the former owner of Senne Sales, a southeast rep firm, Gary brings the insight of a successful rep firm and hands-on experience from sales roles at Letro, SCP, AquaFAB, and Pool Equipment Supply. His strategic approach and dedication to fostering strong client relationships make him a trusted leader, ensuring our sales efforts are both targeted and effective. Gary leads by example, setting high standards for the entire sales team. With a respected history and strong industry reputation, he’s instrumental in delivering exceptional results for our partners
Director of Training
Eric brings nearly 20 years of specialized pool industry experience and over 30 years in sales and training. His background includes leadership roles with Royal Swimming Pools and Coverstar Central, where he honed his ability to develop impactful training programs that equip teams, dealers, and distributors with the tools they need for success. At The Grit Game, Eric leads product training on many of our partner’s product lines enabling not only our team to be more knowable but allowing dealers and distributors to elevate their expertise and achieve greater results with their customers. Known for his hands-on, approachable style, Eric is a cornerstone of our training strategy.
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER FOR CANADA
Almost 40 years in the industry, Stephen leads The Grit Game’s Canadian division with unmatched expertise. Starting out as the owner of a pool service company and later serving as GM of Discounter’s Pool & Spa Warehouse, Stephen managed 10 retail locations, an online store, and wholesale distribution operations across Canada. Now, as our National Sales Manager, he brings invaluable experience in procurement, vendor relations, and business development, making him a key force in driving growth for our partners. Stephen’s commitment to excellence and deep industry knowledge position him as a trusted advisor to partners and a cornerstone of success in Canada.
National Building Materials Manager
Manny Sanchez, our National Building Materials Manager, is the cornerstone of our building material product lines. With almost 30 years of experience in the swimming pool industry, Manny’s role in training and supporting our sales teams ensures we are well-versed in the technicalities of pool & backyard construction materials. His approach to customer relationship management is as reliable as the materials he represents, building lasting bonds with customers, contractors, and manufacturers alike. Manny guarantees that the flow of our building materials to the market is smooth and efficient.al
National Technical Sales Manager
Regional sales manager
With Almost 20 years of industry experience, Jennifer drives growth and builds lasting partnerships as our Regional Sales Manager for the Midwest. Previously with Superior Pool Products, Jennifer earned accolades as the Midwest Division’s 2014 Business Development Representative of the Year and contributed to her team’s Sales Center of the Year award. Known for her proactive relationship-building skills and keen eye on industry trends, Jennifer aligns our Midwest sales goals with broader company objectives, ensuring The Grit Game’s offerings stay fresh and competitive. Her dedication and expertise are instrumental in helping our partners achieve lasting success.
Regional sales manager
With over five years in the pool industry, Loren brings high energy and adaptability to her role as Regional Sales Manager for the Midwest. Previously a Regional Business Manager at Maytronics US and a business owner in the medical field, Loren combines technical expertise with a keen ability to understand and address customer needs. Known for her relationship-building skills, she connects effortlessly with contractors, retailers, end-users, and distributors, creating a seamless flow between our partners and our customers. Loren’s enthusiastic approach and commitment to tailored solutions make her a driving force in our Midwest sales strategy, fostering growth and lasting partnerships.
Regional sales manager
Going on 25 years of experience in the pool industry, Craig brings a wealth of knowledge and strategy our Northeast Regional Sales Manager. His career spans roles with industry leaders like SR Smith and Latham, where he developed expertise across product lines that include pool chemicals, automatic pool covers, and commercial deck equipment. Known for his innovative sales strategies and ability to foster growth, Craig has a proven track record of driving revenue and establishing robust partnerships across the region. His eye for industry trends ensure partners have insight that keeps them competitive and highly valued by customers throughout the Northeast.
Regional sales manager
Kevin , our Regional Sales Manager for Long Island, brings almost 30 years of specialized industry knowledge, technical expertise, and a sharp eye for marketing and design. With experience at Hayward Holdings and Baystate Pool Supplies, Kevin is adept at both strategic planning and field support, often working directly with dealers to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues in real time. Known for his keen attention to detail and practical, innovative strategies, Kevin not only drives sales growth but also aligns our initiatives with the unique dynamics of the Long Island market. His dedication to dealer satisfaction makes him an indispensable part of our team and a powerful force for expanding impact in the region.
Regional sales manager
Chris Frising brings a wealth of leadership experience to the pool industry. Previously overseeing 18 locations as a District Manager for Leslie’s, he mastered the art of team building, revenue growth, and operational excellence. Now covering Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, Chris applies his expertise in coaching and strategic planning to support partners and drive success. Chris’s talent around team building ensures that The Grit Game stays well aligned from within while continuing to provided exceptional service to our partners and customers. Like a well-balanced pool system, he ensures every component works together smoothly, delivering strong results and lasting partnerships.
Regional sales manager
As a Regional Sales Manager for The Grit Game, Kip Sander brings 36 years of expertise spanning sales, retail, construction, manufacturing, and distribution in the pool and spa industry. His leadership background includes working with top brands such as Watson’s, Pool and Spa Depot, Pristine Blue, Leisure Pools, Pool Builders Supply, Maytronics, and Jacuzzi Group. Known for his results-driven approach and deep industry knowledge, Kip is dedicated to helping partners grow their businesses through strong relationships, and strategic solutions.
Regional sales manager
Lori Pierce brings 15 years of experience designing, selling, and installing swimming pools, including 13 years running her own pool business in Texas. Lori’s expertise spans from architectural design to sales and marketing, making her an invaluable resource for creative problem-solving and customer service. Her unique combination of field expertise and hands-on knowledge makes her a trusted partner for our clients across Florida. Lori’s additional strengths in training, mentoring, and problem-solving set her apart, ensuring every project and partnership runs as seamlessly.
Regional sales manager
Jared, our Regional Sales Manager for Florida and active in the FSPA, brings over a 10 years of industry experience from notable companies such as Pinch A Penny, Moov Pool Products, and Waters Edge Pools. Known for his technical expertise across areas like concrete carving, custom tile mosaics, underwater repair, and leak detection, Jared’s background is both broad and specialized. Often called “Mr. Slay the Day,” Jared combines a high-energy approach with deep technical know-how, making him the go-to resource for tackling complex challenges. His hands-on knowledge position for growth across Florida.
Regional sales manager
Carl Cullers, our Regional Sales Manager for Georgia and East Tennessee, brings a tidal wave of expertise with his 33 years in the pool and spa industry. As President of the PHTA Manufacturers Agents Council, Carl plays a pivotal role in representing the interests of manufacturers’ agents that allows our team to make a cannonball-sized impact on the industry. Carl’s influence guarantees that every move we make is as synchronized as a championship swim team, ensuring our goals are always within reach.
Regional sales manager
With 25 years in the pool industry, Thomas brings seasoned expertise and a strategic vision as our Regional Sales Manager for the South Central region. His background spans roles with Heritage Pool Supply, Hayward Pool Products, and POOLCORP, along with his experience as the owner of Flake Family Pools. Thomas is known for his dedication to driving growth and expanding partnerships. As an active member of IPSSA, Thomas is skilled at building strong, lasting relationships with partners, dealers, and distributors. His in-depth industry knowledge and tactical approach to sales ensure that our South Central territory is primed to capture key opportunities.
Regional SUPPORT manager
Big Johnny, our Regional Support Manager for the Southeast, brings 5 years of industry experience and a hands-on approach to serving partners across the Southeast and beyond. With a background in warehouse operations and pool installation, he takes personal charge of last-minute deliveries, ensuring customers and partners get exactly what they need, when they need it. Known for his “road warrior” spirit and his likable nature, he’s known for turning every delivery into a sales opportunity, building strong relationships and uncovering new growth avenues with ease. Big Johnny’s dedication to our partners make him an invaluable asset.
