Vance Gillette was one of the prime motivators in home swimming pool ownership around the world. Known for his unwavering passion and visionary leadership, the global pool industry lost one of its brightest stars with the recent passing of Vance Gillette this summer following an extended period of ill health.
Gillette, who was 75, was a trailblazer who fundamentally changed how the United States and the European market viewed home swimming pools. “Vance was a true worldwide icon in the swimming pool industry,” says David Mathers the former head of NorCal and SCP UK.
“Vance changed the perception in America of selling a house with a pool as a negative to an absolute positive ‘must have for health and happiness “ and was a champion of the automatic pool cleaner that took all the hard work out of owning one !”
Vance started out with Howard Arneson and the Arneson Poolsweep then joined Andy Pansini at Jandy with the Pansini and Energy Sweep. “Vance was a mentor and friend to all at Nor Cal, he always had time for you,” David continues.
“Vance even spoke with Wilson ‘Rusty’ Sexton, the then President of SCP America, before coming over to see Bob Trusson and the UK, about the possibility of opening-up in Europe, the rest is history, started with Vance. David adds: “A true friend, Vance will be sadly missed by so many.“
