CREATIVE POOLS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Management
- Sales Training Program, 1987
Mark Ragel started in the Pool and Spa business literally carrying his father's tool box. Eugene Ragel started building cast in place concrete swimming pools in Tucson in 1946 and pioneered Shotcrete pool construction in the mid 1950's. He owned Ragel-Wilson Pools from 1958 to 1963 then worked for Paddock Pools until 1969 when Ed Ast hired him to operate Patio Pools in Tucson. Eugene bought the business with a partner, Jon Evans in 1970 and Patio grew to dominate the custom residential and commercial pool market.
"I enjoy working directly with my clients. At Creative Pools, Tom and I can focus 100% on each customer's desires, needs and dreams. We truly offer personalized service. It doesn't get better than that!"
In 1976 mark started full time for the company and rapidly expanded his knowledge and responsibility. He took the leadership position of the construction division in 1980 and then became the General Manager of all operations in 1988 and company President and CEO in 2004. Under Marks leadership and the collaboration of over 375 outstanding team members Mark grew the company from 5.5 to 36 million in annual revenue by 2006. Mark sold his interest in the company in 2010 and expanded his training and knowledge into rain water harvesting and sustainability. He continued building custom pools and spas on a referral basis for friends and business associates. When it was clear his long time friend and prior business associate Tom Giuffrida was interested in joining forces, Mark and Tom launched Creative Pools and Spas in Sierra Vista.
Today Mark seeks a more hands on focus with clients. "I enjoy working directly with my clients. At Creative Pools, Tom and I can focus 100% on each customer's desires, needs and dreams. We truly offer personalized service. It doesn't get better than that!" Mark Ragel
Job Titles:
- Sales and Leadership Training Workshops, 1988, 1998, 2008
Job Titles:
- Professional Leadership Training and Executive Coaching, 2003 - 2006
Tom Giuffrida has an extensive background in the custom pool and spa industry. He received a bachelors of Science degree in Rural and Urban planning from Slippery Rock University in 1979 and then joined his uncle servicing and building custom pools in New Jersey. By 1983, Tom launched Creative Pools in New Jersey specializing in large custom pools and spas. His projects featured natural stone decking, stone walls and custom stone waterfalls and water features.
"I truly enjoy working with people to understand their individual project dreams. Some of my clients say I have a "Gift". I have the ability to transform their dreams into a multi-functioning, beautiful, energy efficient swimming pool project that integrates with the home, landscape and outdoor entertaining areas. The pool and spa industry has changed in the past few years. With my own company I can offer a level of service unmatched by larger companies with impersonal service policies. Today, service before work begins and after the project is completed is paramount."
Tom perfected the formulations and installation techniques for exposed aggregate interior pool finishes while they were in their infancy. He built spectacular projects with his extensive knowledge of reinforced shotcrete construction techniques and energy efficient, performance based piping hydraulics. Tom traveled to Vancouver BC and Arizona to teach exposed aggregate surface installations to industry leaders. He joined the International Master Pools Guild in 1984 and was recognized as one of the brightest young leaders in the nation. He served on their executive Board of Directors from 1993 to 1995. In 1995 Tom was recruited by one of the largest members of the Master Pools Guild, Patio Pools, to take over a struggling division in Sierra Vista Arizona recently purchased back from a prior employee. Within 5 years Tom took the small company from 2 custom pool projects and 3 employees a year to over 30 handpicked and individually trained team members and 100 projects a year.
In 2010, Patio Pools shifted their leadership focus. Tom wanted to continue his high level of service to his team members and his customers and in 2013 he left Patio Pools and opened Creative Pools in Southern Arizona. Tom's goal is to continue to focus on the personal growth of each of his employees so together they will design, build, remodel, service and repair each project exceeding industry standards for superior service and quality.
Continuing Education:
Tom Hopkins; How to Master the Art of Selling Anything 1985, 1992
Dale Carnegie Management program, 1988, 1998
Dale Carnegie Sales training program, 1987
Don Hudson Professional sales training, 1998
Ray Leone Sales and Leadership Training Workshops, 1988, 1998, 2008
Steve Chandler Professional Leadership Training and Executive Coaching, 2003-2006
Paradigm Strategies Leadership Training, Executive Coaching, 1999, 2001-2007
Business by the Book Course, Crown Financial Ministries, 2007, 2010
John Maxwell, The 360 Degree Leader, 2008
John Maxwell, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, 2009
The Global Leadership Summit, Bill Hybels, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Pathways Global Understanding 16 week course, 2011
Dave Ramsey, Financial Peace University, 13 week course, 2011, 2013
The Truth Project, 13 week course. 2012