{"filters":{"years":{"2026":{"id":"2026","title":"2026"},"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":{"employee-spotlight":{"id":"\/blog\/category\/employee-spotlight","title":"Employee Spotlight","url":"blog\/category\/employee-spotlight"},"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"},"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"},"neal-boortz":{"id":"\/blog\/category\/neal-boortz","title":"Neal Boortz","url":"blog\/category\/neal-boortz"}}},"posts":[{"id":1942143,"pagetitle":"Employee Spotlight: Katie Taitt","url":"\/blog\/employee-spotlight-katie-taitt","pagedata":{"preview-image":{"imagefile":"georgiaspacompanycom_570094369.jpg","alt":null,"focal-x":"23","focal-y":"46","focal":"23,46","size":"{\"width\":1760,\"height\":744,\"ratio-w\":2.37,\"ratio-h\":0.42}"},"hero-image":{"imagefile":"georgiaspacompanycom_736216050.jpg","alt":null,"focal-x":"26","focal-y":"44","focal":"26,44","size":"{\"width\":4080,\"height\":1063,\"ratio-w\":3.84,\"ratio-h\":0.26}"},"excerpt":null,"content":"

Meet Katie Taitt, a Sales Pro at our Kennesaw location who has been bringing energy and personality to the Georgia Spa Company team since July 2025. From staying on top of leads and client follow-ups to keeping delivery schedules running smoothly, Katie plays a key role in creating a seamless customer experience. Known for her love of audiobooks, constant check-ins for pet photos, and her fascination with Titanic and Chernobyl history, she brings a unique mix of focus and fun to the showroom. Katie thrives in the low-stress, team-oriented environment and loves seeing just how many people are excited to invest in their own backyard relaxation. Katie recently was invited to attend the Hot Spring Spas training program, Top Gun, located in California. Katie earned the call sign, Katniss, after completing her week long training courses. <\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Customer Moments<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n

What's a customer interaction that has stuck with you?<\/strong><\/span>
<\/span>\"A customer accidentally told me that he didn't like me (as a joke) and his wife scolded him. She made him apologize to me and I told him that I only accept apologies in cash\u2026\u2026 he now owns a Sovereign. Everytime we speak, I ask if we have become friends haha.\"<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n


<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

What's the most common question customers ask you?<\/strong><\/span>
<\/span>\"What's the price haha!\"<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

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


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

What's something people should know before buying their first hot tub or swim spa?<\/strong>
\"Don't always go with the least expensive thing you can buy. Make sure that you are investing in something that is quality and less maintenance so you can enjoy your ownership experience.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n


<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n

Favorites<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n

Favorite product we sell and why and your favorite fun fact about one of our products?<\/strong><\/span>
<\/span>\"Torn between an Envoy<\/a> and a sauna. There is so much indisputable science behind wellness when you use a sauna regularly, why wouldn't you add one into your rotation?\"<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

If someone handed you the keys to build your dream backyard using our products, what would you include? <\/strong>
\"I would have an Envoy as well as a Halmstad 4<\/a> and a Vigor cold plunge<\/a>.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n


<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n

The Team<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n

What makes the Georgia Spa Company team different?<\/strong><\/span>
<\/span>\"We are all a team and owners. Everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand.\"<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

What's something you've learned working here that surprised you?<\/strong><\/span>
<\/span>\"How many people shop for hot tubs and saunas.\"<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n


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

Quick Hits<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n

Coffee or energy drink?<\/strong><\/span>
<\/span>\"I don't function without my morning coffee but I am also a sucker for a 2pm Alani energy drink.\"<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Favorite way to relax after work?<\/strong><\/span>
<\/span>\"You can usually catch me strolling through Barnes and Noble after a long shift, reading my kindle snuggled with my cats, or rewatching my comfort shows Game of Thrones or The Vampire Dairies.\"<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Something people at work might not know about you?<\/strong><\/span>
<\/span>\"A few fun facts about me are that I have a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. I played college softball at Kennesaw State. My husband and I have 3 cats and one very sassy Siberian Husky. I love to cook new recipes that I find online. To my husband's dismay, everytime I sell something, I reward myself with a special edition of a book for my at home library. I prefer tv shows over movies and I usually watch things I have seen before. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. My favorite advice I ever received was to always have your next vacation planned so you have something to look forward too. If Sarah J Mass or Rebecca Yarros is writing it, I am reading it.\"<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Favorite music to play during a soak?<\/strong><\/span>
<\/span>\"Early 2000's music always.\"<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

If you had a hot tub at home tonight, what would your ideal soak look like?<\/strong><\/span>
<\/span>\"Turn on the projector and watch Game of Thrones with a glass of red wine.\"<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

<\/strong>
<\/p>","grid-image":"https:\/\/transform.octanecdn.com\/crop\/1200x675\/https:\/\/octanecdn.com\/georgiaspacompanycom\/georgiaspacompanycom_570094369.jpg","grid-alt":"Employee Spotlight: Katie Taitt"},"published":"yes","publishdate":"2026-03-20 14:52:00","year":"2026","categories":[{"id":443170,"title":"Employee Spotlight","url":"blog\/category\/employee-spotlight"}],"authors":[],"filters":{"years":["2026"],"categories":["blog\/category\/employee-spotlight"]}},{"id":1905690,"pagetitle":"Georgia Spa Company 2025 Staff Awards","url":"\/blog\/georgia-spa-company-2025-staff-awards","pagedata":{"preview-image":{"imagefile":"georgiaspacompanycom_649811774.jpg","alt":"2025 Georgia Spa Company Award Winners","focal-x":null,"focal-y":null,"focal":null,"size":"{\"width\":3900,\"height\":1763,\"ratio-w\":2.21,\"ratio-h\":0.45}"},"hero-image":{"imagefile":"georgiaspacompanycom_520741037.jpg","alt":"Group photo of award winners holding trophies at the Georgia Pace event with branded backdrop","focal-x":null,"focal-y":null,"focal":null,"size":"{\"width\":3900,\"height\":1763,\"ratio-w\":2.21,\"ratio-h\":0.45}"},"excerpt":null,"content":"

Georgia Spa Company recently held its annual Celebration\r\n& Awards Dinner as we gathered to recognize our 2025 achievements and thank\r\nour employees for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. For the third time, we brought back one of our favorite\r\nthemes — Casino Night! \u2660\ufe0f\u2665\ufe0f\ud83c\udfb2<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Throughout the evening, the excitement grew as the casino\r\ntables filled and the fun began. The event included with friendly competition,\r\nraffle prizes, great food, and well-deserved awards honoring the outstanding\r\naccomplishments of our team members. During the evening, we also took a moment to remember Jodi\r\nMartin, a cherished member of the Georgia Spa Company family, and honor the\r\nlasting impact she made on our team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Thank you to our incredible team for everything you do to\r\nhelp Create Better Lives and Bring Relaxation Home for our customers every day. Congratulations to all our award winners! Your dedication,\r\nteamwork, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire us all. <\/p>\r\n\r\n

We also want to thank our valued customers for your\r\ncontinued support as we took time to celebrate our team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

View Click here to view a complete photo gallery of the celebration on Facebook!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

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

Mark Stevens Employee of the Year: Chris Maddox, Service Technician. 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\r\n\r\n

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

Baker-Durand Sales Employees of the Year: Donna Jensen, 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: Donald \"Quack\" Wood, 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<\/div>\r\n\r\n

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

All In P.E.A.C.H Award: Danyel Straut, Sales Professional. This is a new award in 2025 that recognizes an individual who consistently exemplifies our core values: Passion for the community, enthusiasm for Experiences, Accountability, Collaboration, and Honesty and integrity. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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

Leadership Award: Chris Johnson, Delivery Supervisor. 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: Destry Mull, Assistant Service Manager. 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<\/div>\r\n\r\n

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

Customer Care Award: 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: Trent Mull, Valet 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<\/div>\r\n\r\n

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

Bringing Relaxation Home Award: Justin Steed, Delivery Crew Lead. 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: Theresa Alderson, Coordinator. 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<\/div>\r\n\r\n

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

New Sales Employee of the Year: Nicole Orozco, 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: Cody Harbor, Delivery Crew Lead, and Nick Eubanks, Service Technician. This award recognizes the standout \"Rookie of the Year\" Operations employee who has been a great teammate and addition to our staff. Eubanks not pictured. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n


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

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

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

Excellence in sales, Two Million Dollar Club: Donna Jensen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n
Excellence in sales, One Million Dollar Club: Mike Ruffolo, Rich Feggeler, David Wheaton, Larry Cheshier, Nicole Orozco, Glen Sanford and Joe Brooks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n

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

Excellence in sales, One Million Dollar Club: Jodi Martin. Following Jodi's sudden passing earlier this year, her best friend, Lorna, accepted the award on her behalf.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n
15 Years of Service: Merritt Athon.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n

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

10 Years of Service: Tanner Tedeschi.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n
5 Years of Service: Emily Holman. Also recognized for 5 Years of Service but not pictured: Chris Johnson, Everardo Loza and Tim Stephens. <\/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_649811774.jpg","grid-alt":"2025 Georgia Spa Company Award Winners"},"published":"yes","publishdate":"2026-02-26 14:00:00","year":"2026","categories":[{"id":443169,"title":"Georgia Spa News","url":"blog\/category\/georgia-spa-news"}],"authors":[],"filters":{"years":["2026"],"categories":["blog\/category\/georgia-spa-news"]}},{"id":1840015,"pagetitle":"Senior Chief Joey Gryzenia Named Hot Tub for a Hero Recipient","url":"\/blog\/senior-chief-joey-gryzenia-named-hot-tub-for-a-hero-recipient","pagedata":{"preview-image":{"imagefile":"georgiaspacompanycom_511942620.jpg","alt":"Joey Gryzenia Named Hot Tub for a Hero Recipient","focal-x":null,"focal-y":null,"focal":null,"size":"{\"width\":8000,\"height\":2083,\"ratio-w\":3.84,\"ratio-h\":0.26}"},"hero-image":{"imagefile":"georgiaspacompanycom_185688651.jpg","alt":"Group photo of nine people celebrating with a child holding a sign for a Fortnite bag winner in front of an ice cream shop sign","focal-x":null,"focal-y":null,"focal":null,"size":"{\"width\":5208,\"height\":2083,\"ratio-w\":2.5,\"ratio-h\":0.4}"},"excerpt":"Georgia Spa Company is proud to announce Senior Chief Dennis \"Joey\" Gryzenia, United States Coast Guard (Ret.), as the recipient of its annual Hot Tub for a Hero award, presented through the company's Gives Back<\/em> program.","content":"

Georgia Spa Company is proud to\r\nannounce Senior Chief Dennis \"Joey\" Gryzenia, United States Coast Guard (Ret.),\r\nas the recipient of its annual Hot Tub for a Hero award, presented through the\r\ncompany's Gives Back<\/em> program.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"Choosing a single recipient was\r\nincredibly difficult,\" said Josh Kemerling, CEO of Georgia Spa Company. \"We\r\nreviewed hundreds of nominations, and every one of them represented a veteran\r\nwho is deeply deserving of recognition. While only one Hot Tub for a Hero is\r\nawarded each year, we are truly thankful for all who have served our country\r\nand for the families and friends who shared their stories with us. We are honored to congratulate Senior\r\nChief Joey Gryzenia as the latest recipient and to recognize a lifetime of\r\nservice, leadership, and continued impact.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Georgia Spa Company surprised Joey Gryzenia with the Hot Tub for a Hero announcement at The Blue Ridge Creamery, where his family had gathered for ice cream. Pictured (L-R): Georgia Spa Company's Marketing Manager Tanner Tedeschi, Executive Vice President David Baker, Human Resources Manager Ashley Steed, Joey Gryzenia with his wife Kathy and boys Miller and Maddox, father-in-law Bill Gross and parents, Cindy and Dennis Gryzenia. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n

Each year, the Hot Tub for a Hero\r\ninitiative honors an individual whose life exemplifies extraordinary service,\r\nsacrifice, and continued commitment to others. After reviewing more nominations\r\nthan any previous year, Georgia Spa Company's Gives Back committee selected\r\nSenior Chief Gryzenia for his distinguished military career, enduring\r\nleadership, and lifelong dedication to serving others.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"Joey's leadership and professionalism\r\nleft a lasting impact on me and on countless others who had the privilege of\r\nserving with him,\" said Brian Kirkendall, a fellow Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer\r\nand the individual who nominated Gryzenia. \"The standard he set continues to\r\ninfluence the Rescue Swimmer community to this day.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n