Georgia Spa Company was named the 2023 Platinum Apex Award
winner for the Southeast Region at the Hot Spring Experience, a dealer
conference meeting, held in Orlando, Florida, in January.
Watkins Wellness, the parent company of Hot Spring Spas,
hosted the event and presented the awards. The Apex Awards are presented for
four regions with three dealer tier levels, with Platinum being the highest
tier.
Scott Greer, Watkins Wellness Regional Sales Manager,
presented the award stating, "Becoming employee owned in 2023 has strengthened
their already incredible culture, and they will celebrate 20 years in business
this year. Leadership flexibility is a big key to keeping this organization
laser focused on ever-changing opportunities which include top-level marketing
activities, sales team development and award-winning customer service. Not to
be forgotten is the charitable outreach that has always been a cornerstone of
this awesome company."
In May, Georgia Spa Company transitioned to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, or ESOP, giving ownership to the company's more than 90 individuals that operate six showrooms in addition to a warehouse and service center. In 2023, this group of employee-owners helped more than 1,500 customers bring home at-home wellness and relaxation with new hot tubs, swim spas and saunas. Additionally, through the Georgia Spa Gives Back program, charitable donations totaling nearly $120,000 were made to more than 40 organizations and individuals.
"Becoming an ESOP and
securing our culture was the biggest win we had in 2023," said Josh Kemerling,
Georgia Spa Company Chief Executive Officer. "We also welcomed back David Baker
as our Executive Vice President this year, and he came back with the motto that
'daily we are going to define the win, clarify the win and communicate the
win,' so we are daily looking at where we are at to earn the small wins along
the way.
"I appreciate Watkins Wellness for what they have meant to
us," added Kemerling. "20 Years we've been in the business, and we've sold a
lot of brands. We are proud to again be exclusive with Watkins and thank them
for the wonderful partnership. To our employee-owners, thank you! Everything we
do is because of each member of our team."