{"filters":{"years":{"2025":{"id":"2025","title":"2025"},"2024":{"id":"2024","title":"2024"},"2023":{"id":"2023","title":"2023"},"2022":{"id":"2022","title":"2022"},"2021":{"id":"2021","title":"2021"},"2020":{"id":"2020","title":"2020"},"2019":{"id":"2019","title":"2019"},"2018":{"id":"2018","title":"2018"},"2017":{"id":"2017","title":"2017"},"2016":{"id":"2016","title":"2016"},"2015":{"id":"2015","title":"2015"},"2014":{"id":"2014","title":"2014"},"2013":{"id":"2013","title":"2013"},"2011":{"id":"2011","title":"2011"}},"categories":{"georgia-spa-news":{"id":"\/blog\/category\/georgia-spa-news","title":"Georgia Spa News","url":"blog\/category\/georgia-spa-news"},"featured":{"id":"\/blog\/category\/featured","title":"Featured","url":"blog\/category\/featured"},"gives-back":{"id":"\/blog\/category\/gives-back","title":"Gives Back","url":"blog\/category\/gives-back"},"employee-spotlight":{"id":"\/blog\/category\/employee-spotlight","title":"Employee Spotlight","url":"blog\/category\/employee-spotlight"},"hot-tubs":{"id":"\/blog\/category\/hot-tubs","title":"Hot Tubs","url":"blog\/category\/hot-tubs"},"swim-spas":{"id":"\/blog\/category\/swim-spas","title":"Swim Spas","url":"blog\/category\/swim-spas"},"saunas":{"id":"\/blog\/category\/saunas","title":"Saunas","url":"blog\/category\/saunas"},"grilling":{"id":"\/blog\/category\/grilling","title":"Grilling","url":"blog\/category\/grilling"},"neal-boortz":{"id":"\/blog\/category\/neal-boortz","title":"Neal Boortz","url":"blog\/category\/neal-boortz"}}},"posts":[{"id":1357766,"pagetitle":"Georgia Spa Company 2024 Staff Awards","url":"\/blog\/georgia-spa-company-2024-staff-awards","pagedata":{"preview-image":{"imagefile":"georgiaspacompanycom_464971358.jpg","alt":"2024 Georgia Spa Company Award Winners","focal-x":null,"focal-y":null,"focal":null,"size":"{\"width\":1920,\"height\":500,\"ratio-w\":3.84,\"ratio-h\":0.26}"},"hero-image":{"imagefile":"georgiaspacompanycom_405249950.jpg","alt":"2024 Georgia Spa Company Award Winners","focal-x":null,"focal-y":null,"focal":null,"size":"{\"width\":1920,\"height\":500,\"ratio-w\":3.84,\"ratio-h\":0.26}"},"excerpt":null,"content":"

On\r\nSunday, February 2, 2025, Georgia Spa Company held its annual company-wide\r\ncelebration and awards dinner at The Georgia Club in Statham. CEO Josh Kemerling, and Executive Vice President David Baker thanked all of Georgia Spa's employees for their efforts and dedication to\r\nGeorgia Spa and presented awards in recognition of 2024 achievements.
<\/p>\r\n\r\n

This year's celebration was themed as \"A Night of Comedy in Hollywood,\" and each Georgia Spa employee and their guest walked the red carpet upon arrival. The evening included awards being bestowed, raffles prizes given out and comedic entertainment enjoyed. <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Congratulations to the award winners listed below. View a complete photo gallery of the celebration on Facebook!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Mark Stevens Employee of the Year: Larry Cheshier, Sales Professional. To be eligible for the Employee of the Year Award, an individual must be one of our monthly Employees of the Month winners from Sales or Operations. This award is named for Georgia Spa Company founder Mark Stevens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n
Baker-Durand Sales Employees of the Year: Joe Brooks, Sales Professional. This award recognizes sales leaders with extraordinary achievement, performance and contribution to the success of GSC. The award is named in honor of Georgia Spa and industry leaders, Mark Baker and Cherry Durand. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n
Operations Employee of the Year: Justin Steed, Delivery Crew Lead. This award recognizes an individual who is devoted to and exceptional at their work to deliver operational excellence and bring success to GSC and relaxation home to our customers. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n
Leadership Award: Ashley Steed, Human Resources. This award is a celebration of what it truly means to L.E.A.D. - Love, Enthusiasm, Accountability, and Discipline. These principles are the foundation of effective leadership and have a transformative impact when embraced fully.\r\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n
Outstanding Service and Dedication: Chris Johnson, Delivery Supervisor. This award recognizes a hard-working, dedicated individual who has gone above and beyond for both Georgia Spa Company and our customers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n
Custom Care Award: Colleen Hall, Sales Associate, and Tiffany Pritchett, Coordinator. This award recognizes a sales associate or coordinator who excels in customer care. Winners of this award treat their customers with respect and kindness and build an emotional connection with them.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n
First Class Service Award: Chris Maddox, Service Technician. This award recognizes a service or valet technician for going above and beyond the normal call of duty to ensure first class service.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n
Bringing Relaxation Home Award: Donald \"Quack\" Wood, Delivery Crew. This award recognizes a delivery team member who excels in customer service through delivery.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n
Behind the Scenes Key Contributor: Alicia Adams, Accounting Specialist. The award recognizes a \"Behind the Scenes\" individual who has limited in-person customer interaction but has provided exceptional commitment and contribution to Georgia Spa, fellow employees, and our customers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n
New Sales Employee of the Year: Mike Ruffolo, Sales Professional. This award recognizes the standout \"Rookie of the Year\" Sales and Marketing Employee who has been a great teammate and addition to our staff.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n
New Operations Employee of the Year: Brandy Franklin, Coordinator. This award recognizes the standout \"Rookie of the Year\" Operations employee who has been a great teammate and addition to our staff.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n<\/div>


<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Additionally, Georgia Spa Company acknowledged\r\nsales and time of service milestones at the celebration dinner:<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Excellence in sales, One Million Dollar Club: Larry Cheshier, Jodi Martin, Daniel Spencer, Tim Meadows, Leo Arsenault, Glen Sanford, Joe Brooks and Darwin Young.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n
20 Years of Service: Josh Kemerling.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
10 Years of Service: Leo Arsenault and Keisha Baker.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n
5 Years of Service: Daniel Spencer, Tim Meadows and Russell Moncrief. Not pictured: Terry Kraus and Ben Marshall. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n

Photos taken by Alexis Peel Photography<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>","grid-image":"https:\/\/transform.octanecdn.com\/crop\/1200x675\/https:\/\/octanecdn.com\/georgiaspacompanycom\/georgiaspacompanycom_464971358.jpg","grid-alt":"2024 Georgia Spa Company Award Winners"},"published":"yes","publishdate":"2025-02-12 21:36:00","year":"2025","categories":[{"id":443169,"title":"Georgia Spa News","url":"blog\/category\/georgia-spa-news"},{"id":443168,"title":"Featured","url":"blog\/category\/featured"}],"authors":[],"filters":{"years":["2025"],"categories":["blog\/category\/georgia-spa-news","blog\/category\/featured"]}},{"id":1319631,"pagetitle":"Georgia Spa Named Caldera Spas North American Dealer of the Year","url":"\/blog\/georgia-spa-named-caldera-spas-north-american-dealer-of-the-year","pagedata":{"preview-image":{"imagefile":"georgiaspacompanycom_719411692.jpg","alt":"Georgia Spa Company accepts the North American Dealer of the Year Award from Caldera Spas","focal-x":null,"focal-y":null,"focal":null,"size":"{\"width\":1920,\"height\":500,\"ratio-w\":3.84,\"ratio-h\":0.26}"},"hero-image":{"imagefile":"georgiaspacompanycom_981907503.jpg","alt":"Georgia Spa Company accepts the North American Dealer of the Year Award from Caldera Spas","focal-x":null,"focal-y":null,"focal":null,"size":"{\"width\":1250,\"height\":500,\"ratio-w\":2.5,\"ratio-h\":0.4}"},"excerpt":null,"content":"

Georgia Spa Company continues to set the benchmark of\r\nexcellence in the spa industry, earning top honors at the 2024 Caldera Thrive\r\nconference held in Anaheim, California. Georgia Spa was named the 2024 North\r\nAmerican Dealer of the Year for Caldera Spas, a recognition that highlights\r\nan unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Additionally, Georgia Spa was also honored with the 2024\r\nPlatinum Apex Award for the Southeast Region by Caldera Spas. These awards\r\ncap off an impressive year, which also included being named the Pool &\r\nHot Tub Alliance (PHTA) Retailer of the Year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"They are the complete package - from marketing to training to customer experience. They always find ways to grow and improve,\" said Pete Papineau, Watkins Wellness Director of Sales, in presenting the Apex award. <\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"There have never been more Caldera Spas sold than last year in your region. You are truly unique and we're very, very grateful to have you has a partner,\" said VJ Teenarsipur, Watkins Wellness President, in presenting the North American Dealer of the Year award. <\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"I cannot thank the team at GSC that comes to work each day and works hard to ensure our customers receive the absolute best experience possible,\" said Josh Kemerling, Georgia Spa CEO. \"Thank you also to the team at Watkins Wellness and all of the Hot Spring Spas, Caldera Spas and Endless Pools dealers who we network with on a regular basis to continue sharing best practices to help us to be the best hot tub, sauna and swim spa retailer in the Southeast!\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n

This year's accolades join a\r\ngrowing list of industry recognitions<\/a> from Watkins Wellness, the parent company\r\nof Caldera Spas, Hot Spring Spas, and Endless Pools, highlighted by:<\/p>\r\n\r\n

    \r\n\t
  • 2023 Platinum Apex Award for the Southeast\r\nRegion (Hot Spring Spas)<\/li>\r\n\t
  • 2022\r\n Scott Smith Service Excellence Award<\/li>\r\n\t
  • 2018\r\n Endless Pools Fitness Systems North American Dealer of the Year Gold Medal<\/li>\r\n\t
  • Two-time\r\n Hot Spring Spas' Locksin Thompson Worldwide Dealer of the Year (2016 &\r\n 2019)<\/li>\r\n\t
  • Two-time\r\n Hot Spring Spas' Alice Cunningham Retail Excellence Award (2015 &\r\n 2018)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n

    With two decades of dedication to excellence, Georgia Spa\r\nCompany remains a proud leader in the spa industry. These achievements would\r\nnot have been possible without the hard work of our incredible team and the\r\ncontinued support of our loyal customers.<\/p>","grid-image":"https:\/\/transform.octanecdn.com\/crop\/1200x675\/https:\/\/octanecdn.com\/georgiaspacompanycom\/georgiaspacompanycom_719411692.jpg","grid-alt":"Georgia Spa Company accepts the North American Dealer of the Year Award from Caldera Spas"},"published":"yes","publishdate":"2025-01-23 09:45:00","year":"2025","categories":[{"id":443168,"title":"Featured","url":"blog\/category\/featured"},{"id":443169,"title":"Georgia Spa News","url":"blog\/category\/georgia-spa-news"}],"authors":[],"filters":{"years":["2025"],"categories":["blog\/category\/featured","blog\/category\/georgia-spa-news"]}},{"id":1243232,"pagetitle":"Gives Back: 2024 Winter Coat & Blanket Drive","url":"\/blog\/gives-back-2024-winter-coat-blanket-drive","pagedata":{"preview-image":{"imagefile":"georgiaspacompanycom_856812645.jpg","alt":"Winter Coat & Blanket Drive","focal-x":null,"focal-y":null,"focal":null,"size":"{\"width\":1920,\"height\":500,\"ratio-w\":3.84,\"ratio-h\":0.26}"},"hero-image":{"imagefile":"georgiaspacompanycom_604262109.jpg","alt":"Winter Coat & Blanket Drive","focal-x":null,"focal-y":null,"focal":null,"size":"{\"width\":1920,\"height\":500,\"ratio-w\":3.84,\"ratio-h\":0.26}"},"excerpt":null,"content":"

    <\/figure>\r\n\r\n

    <\/a>Georgia Spa Company's Gives Back Program<\/strong><\/a> held a Winter Coat & Blanket Drive across all showrooms in December of 2024. All collected winter coats and blankets were donated to local organizations. <\/p>\r\n\r\n

    The local organizations - Atlanta Mission, Foster Care Support Foundation and MUST Ministries were selected to receive the winter coats and blankets along with monetary donation from a portion of purchases made at Georgia Spa Company in the month of December.

    Additionally, customers who purchased a new hot tub or swim spa during the month of December, received $100 off a hot tub or swim spa accessory package (up to $500 off) for each new coat or new blanket donated (min. $10 value).<\/p>\r\n\r\n


    <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    <\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    About Atlanta Mission<\/a>
    <\/strong>Atlanta Mission is a community united to end homelessness, one person at a time. They transform, through Christ, the lives of those facing homelessness. Atlanta Mission is the city's largest and longest-running provider of services to homeless men, women and children. Among the services provided by Atlanta Mission are food and shelter, critical needs, addiction recovery, job attainment, counseling, spiritual recovery and educational services. They invest in the spiritual, personal, and professional development of people, restoring and equipping them to intentional living.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

    Georgia Spa Gives Back makes a donation to the Atlanta Mission. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
    <\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    About Foster Care Support Foundation<\/a>
    <\/strong>Foster Care Support Foundation provides free resources to displaced children in foster and kinship care. Since 2000, FCSF has supported thousands of children by supplying essential items such as clothing, shoes, toys, books, school supplies, and infant care equipment - all at no cost to the families who care for them. These resources alleviate financial burdens on caregivers while ensuring that children have what they need to thrive emotionally, socially, and physically. The mission of FCSF is \"to strengthen the ability of foster and relative care families to meet the needs of their displaced children by implementing a community-based resource and education that can decrease the need for institutionalized care.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n

    Georgia Spa Gives Back makes a donation to the Foster Care Support Foundation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
    <\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    About MUST Ministries<\/a>
    <\/strong>Must Ministries addresses the basic needs of individuals, families and children with facilities in the Cobb and Cherokee counties and programs in numerous other counties. MUST brings people of many faiths together to respond to God's challenge to minister to others with compassion and love, without judgment of the beliefs, background or circumstances of those who serve or are being served. The mission of MUST is \"Serving our neighbors in need \u2026 transforming lives and communities in response to Christ's call.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n

    Georgia Spa Gives Back makes a donation to Must Ministries.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n

    If you would like to nominate a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to be considered as a recipient of the Georgia Spa Gives Back program, please email us<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>","grid-image":"https:\/\/transform.octanecdn.com\/crop\/1200x675\/https:\/\/octanecdn.com\/georgiaspacompanycom\/georgiaspacompanycom_856812645.jpg","grid-alt":"Winter Coat & Blanket Drive"},"published":"yes","publishdate":"2024-12-09 08:40:00","year":"2024","categories":[{"id":443169,"title":"Georgia Spa News","url":"blog\/category\/georgia-spa-news"},{"id":443171,"title":"Gives Back","url":"blog\/category\/gives-back"}],"authors":[],"filters":{"years":["2024"],"categories":["blog\/category\/georgia-spa-news","blog\/category\/gives-back"]}},{"id":1219512,"pagetitle":"Georgia Spa Company Named PHTA Retailer of the Year","url":"\/blog\/georgia-spa-company-named-phta-retailer-of-the-year","pagedata":{"preview-image":{"imagefile":"georgiaspacompanycom_874849488.jpg","alt":"Seven professionals in formal attire posing on stage at an award event with a blue-lit background.","focal-x":null,"focal-y":null,"focal":null,"size":"{\"width\":1920,\"height\":500,\"ratio-w\":3.84,\"ratio-h\":0.26}"},"hero-image":{"imagefile":"georgiaspacompanycom_415899198.jpg","alt":"a group of people posing for a photo","focal-x":null,"focal-y":null,"focal":null,"size":"{\"width\":1250,\"height\":500,\"ratio-w\":2.5,\"ratio-h\":0.4}"},"excerpt":null,"content":"

    Georgia Spa Company is proud to\r\nannounce they are the recipient of a<\/span> 2024 International\r\nAward of Excellence from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA),<\/span> the\r\ntrade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry. Georgia\r\nSpa Company was named the 2024 Retailer of the Year. Additionally, Georgia Spa\r\nalong with our preferred contractor, Spain & Son's Construction, earned the\r\nGold Design Award for Portable Hot Tub Installation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n