Paramount Pool and Spa Systems

From Molly Hammant, Passport to Paradise Coordinator:

I hope everybody is gearing up for our upcoming Passport to Paradise trips to the Caribbean in January and Alaska in August.

This is a friendly reminder that Vendor points need to be submitted no later than September 15, 2010.

Below is a contact list for your reference. Please note that there will not be a representative available as in years past from Pebbletec to take point exceptions after the 15th.

As always please e-mail me to call me with any questions you may have.

Pentair (Crystal P. Stubits) – 800-693-0171
Fiberstars (Donna Prunetti) – 888-704-2276
WetEdge (Lora Sharp) – 877-984-4687
Structure Studios – 800-778-8996
Pebble Tec (Christine Fox ) – 480-948-5058
King Technology – 800-222-0169
Pool Cover Specialists – 801-255-6124
Jandy – 800-822-7933

Time is running out to qualify for this year’s Passport to Paradise incentive trip with your choice of an Alaskan or Caribbean cruise. Can’t decide which cruise to choose…then earn enough points to choose both! During the month of August we’re making it easier for you to qualify with Double & Triple points on all Paramount products. Just earn 3,200 points for a full trip or 2,490 for a ground package trip by August 31, 2010 and come set sail with us. We are offering double and triple points for all of our products plus double points for select vendors.

Double Point Value:
MDX2 – 20 pts
Clear03 – 20 pts
Water Valve – 20 pts
WaterFalls – 10 pts
Canister – 10 pts
Air-Port – 10 pts
SDX – 6 pts
Body & Nozzle – 6 pts
RetroJet – 4 pts

Triple Point Value:
JetPaks – 30 pts
MVFuse In-Deck – 30 pts
Canister with MVFuse – 30 pts
MVFuse Retro Fit – 15 pts
Parascope – 15 pts
Paralevel – 15 pts
Swing Jet – 9 pts

Plus Double Points for the Following Vendors:

_____________

Double/Triple Points Details:
1. Owners points are not eligible for the Double and Triple Points in this promotion.
2. Applies to purchases through distribution (points and free goods require submission of a distributor invoice to Paramount).
3. Points are awarded on purchased product.
4. This promotion only applies to U.S. Paramount Authorized Dealers.
5. International customers need to contact their nearest distributor.

During the month of August, Paramount held a drawing for all Authorized Paramount Dealers and their salespeople called, “Buzz Wants You To Cruise For Free.” There were three different categories to enter: Bronze, Silver and Gold.

The prizes included free cruises to Paramount’s Passport to Paradise trip, an annual incentive vacation sponsored by Paramount.

The winners of the different categories are as follows:

Bronze – Ben Bogdanof from Vineyard Pools in Clovis, California
Silver – George Weiland from Desert Sun Pools in Gilbert, Arizona
Gold – Blake Herott from The Pool Man in Tomball, Texas

Here is a video of the drawing:

With the addition of Lisa Rose to the customer service team, we now have a new map with all the updated information. Click on the image to see full size.

Paramount unofficially launched its social media networks in February of this year. After some great initial success and learning, we decided to officially launch in May. As a way to get people involved with our social media, we decided to use our annual incentive trip to bring people to our Facebook page and watch the video about next year’s trip.

Next year, we are letting you choose your cruise to either the Alaskan Coastline or the southern Caribbean. We created the video (watch the video by clicking here) and let anyone write on our Facebook wall where they’d choose to cruise and why. We would hold a drawing and the winner could choose one of two prizes: an Apple iPad or cabin upgrade if they were going on one of the cruises. We had some great responses to the contest including, “I would choose to cruise the Caribbean because I enjoy snorkeling and riding on catamarans in the warm sun. The rum punch is always a winner too!!!! Then we can dance to Buster Poindexter’s HOT, HOT, HOT!!! OLE! OLE!” or “I’d choose a cruise to Alaska because my wife said so and in our type of business aren’t we all trying to please women?”

After a month of great responses (visit our Facebook wall to view all the responses), we held the drawing. Kathi Jenkins from Almar Jackson Pools in Florida won (see the video of the drawing here) and was nice enough to send us a picture of her with her brand new iPad. The screen even features our website – www.1paramount.com. Thanks Kathi!

On Friday, July 23 we sent an email chain to all our dealers depicting a short story of Brett Farr and Bill Burt secretly recording president and owner of Paramount, Buzz Ghiz still in his “Uncle Sam” costume weeks after the 4th of July promotion.

The very true story illustrated Brett and Bill uploading the video to YouTube and showing others within the company for a good laugh. Of course this prank comes to a quick halt when it is forwarded to Buzz’s inbox and we are left with a message that says:

Molly –
1. I want to see Brett in my office immediately.
2. I don’t know why everyone has a problem with my Uncle Sam costume; I’m just trying to be patriotic!

Unfortunately, Molly “accidentally” forwarded this email to everyone in our database and we regrettably reminded everyone about the “Choose Your Cruise Promo” for the month of July, which is that any salesperson can enter a drawing to win a free cruise to either Alaska or the Caribbean. It is really easy, all they have to do is sell a pool with the select Paramount products and send in their drawing request form or, if the form doesn’t include the Paramount products, a contract must be submitted. The details are all outlined in our other post, Buzz Wants You to Cruise for Free.

In all seriousness, this was a great way for us to use social media to connect with our builders in a more relaxed setting. We appreciate all the responses and wish everyone good luck for the contest.

We got a lot of responses to the email. Here are a few.

- You guy’s are hilarious!  I love a fun work environment!  A++++++++++++++++++  You crack me up Buzz!

- that was so funny!!!!!!!

- INTRIGUING

- OK, U suckered me in.

- LOLOLOLOLO

- you have to much time on your hands

- Hilarious!!  Thanks for the giggles.  We needed it.

- Never know how to take this bunch..? Feel like Ashton Kutcher on “Punked”..

- Classic!!!! I truly Laughed Out Loud!

- Contact the Academy

- I’m totally loving it!!!!!!!!!  Thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!!!!

- Ohh… I get ya.

- Very cute!! Things a little slow up there? Thanks we all can use a laugh !!!!!!!!!!

- Nice to end the week with a good laugh.

Here’s another look at the video.

A couple of generations before the advent of in-floor cleaning systems Paramount launched Pool Tender.  Pool Tender worked in Above Ground and In-Ground pools and included long hoses extending out of a floating base.  These hoses, when activated by water pressure, would move around on the floor and walls of the pool emitting a pressurized flow of water that would serve to stir up the debris in a pool.  The debris would then have a better opportunity to find its way to a skimmer or drain.

The early ideas for in-floor pool cleaning and circulation systems were germinated by advancements in sprinkler technology.  Years ago you would place an oscillating sprinkle of some sort, attached to a garden hose, out in your yard.  After some period of time you would move that sprinkler to another spot in the yard to water a different portion of the yard, etc.   At the end of the day you would remove the sprinkler and roll up the hose to get it off the grass and out of sight.  Along came the idea of burying the plumbing and sprinkler heads and an entire industry of automated sprinkler systems, water valves, etc., was born.

This same principle was behind the development of in-floor cleaning and circulation systems.  In fact, Paramount first took a Toro Sprinkler Head and modified it so that it could be installed in a swimming pool.  Over time Paramount developed a number of state-of-the-art in-floor cleaning systems for concrete, vinyl and fiberglass pools.  Paramount holds a number of patents aimed at making pool ownership as simple as possible.  Products include new nozzle (cleaning jet) technology, a sophisticated, reliable, pressure driven water distribution valve, a deck-side debris containment canister, an Ozone water purifying system, VGB compliant safety drains, a brand new autofill product known as Paralevel and many other products

Written By: Bill Burt, Director of Sales and Marketing

For the month of July you can get double points on the following products: MV Fuse, Paralevel, Parascope and SwingJet. Plus, get triple points on JetPaks.

In addition to double/triple points this month, we are also offering our buy 6 get 1 free deal. Buy 6 of any of the following products and get 1 free: MV Fuse, Paralevel, Parascope, and SwingJet.

We’re doing everything we can to help each builder sell more pools with quality Paramount products and to help them make it on our annual Passport to Paradise trip. This year we are letting you choose your cruise. Choose to chill out and cruise the Alaskan Coastline or choose to warm up and cruise the Southern Caribbean.

Double/Triple Points Details:
1. Owners points are not eligible for the Double and Triple Points in this promotion.
2. Applies to purchases through distribution (points and free goods require submission of a distributor invoice to Paramount).
3. Points are awarded on purchased product – not on free goods.
4. This promotion only applies to U.S. Paramount Authorized Dealers.
5. International customers need to contact their nearest distributor.

BUY 6 GET 1 FREE Details:
1. Applies to individual orders (not cumulative for the month).
2. SwingJet package includes 4 individual SwingJets. Must purchase 6 – 4 packs to receive your 7th for free.
3. More then one order can be placed so long as each order meets the appropriate minimum requirement.
4. Points are awarded on purchased product – not on free goods.
5. Applies to purchases through distribution (points and free goods require submission of a distributor invoice to Paramount).
6. This promotion only applies to U.S. Paramount Authorized Dealers and is not available to distributors.
7. International customers need to contact their nearest distributor.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: SIMPLY SUBMITTING A DRAWING REQUEST FORM DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY ENTER YOU INTO THE DRAWING FOR A FREE CRUISE. IF THE DRAWING COVER DOES NOT REFLECT ANCILLARY PRODUCTS THAT WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE POOL, PLEASE SEND A COPY OF THE CONTRACT SHOWING ALL PARAMOUNT ANCILLARY PRODUCTS.

That’s Right, Free!

Paramount believes that it is every Authorized Builder and Salesperson’s unalienable right to have a chance to Choose Your Cruise and enjoy a relaxing week in the exotic Caribbean seas or the open air of the Alaskan coastline. That’s why during the month of July, every Paramount Authorized Builder and Salesperson has a chance to qualify to win 1 of 3 FREE cruises. Entering is easy!

ENTERING THE DRAWING TO WIN A FREE CRUISE IS EASY:

1. Sell a pool with the qualifying Paramount Products

2. Submit a drawing cover sheet of the pool sold (make sure your name is on the cover sheet)

Terms And Conditions:

1.    There will be 1 winner for each category and you can only win in one category.

2.    Applies to Paramount Authorized Dealers or sales associates of authorized dealers only.

3.    Every qualified drawing is an entry.

4.    If winner has already qualified for the trip, he/she may roll the points over to the next year or choose both cruises.

5.    The award is non transferable and has no cash value.

6.    Winners must be employed by a Paramount Authorized Dealer at the time of the trip.

7.    Each entry must consist of a pool contract and a Paramount system coversheet.

8.    Winning entry will be verified by a sight inspection from a Paramount representative to verify authenticity by October 29th, 2010.  Pools must be at least through the rough plumbing stage.

9.    The qualifying systems are PCC2000, PV3, Cyclean, Pool Valet, Vanquish, Vantage, and Eco Pool (Step Clean does not qualify).

10.    The qualifying ancillary products are Canister, MVFuse products, Clear03, Air-Port, Parascope, Paralevel and Swing Jet (at least 3 Swing Jets per pool).

11.    All entries are due by noon Arizona time on August 2nd.

12.    This promotion applies to US dealers only.

13.    In accordance with Federal Law, individual participants are responsible for reporting the tax value of this trip and will receive a 1099-MISC for the fair market value of the trip. Please consult your tax advisor for any further information.

14.    A completed W-9 Tax form must be received before the trip.

15.    If you are the winner of a trip and register to go on the Caribbean Cruise in January 2011 and cancel, the trip will be forfeited. Like wise, if you register for the Alaskan Cruise and cancel, that trip will be forfeited (and not eligible for rollover or for product credit).

16.    If the drawing cover sheet does not reflect ancillary products that will be installed on the pool, please send a copy of the contract showing all Paramount ancillary products sold.

Attention – Molly Hammant
Via email at mhammant@1paramount.com

Or via mail at:

Paramount Pool & Spa Systems
295 E. Corporate Place #100
Chandler, AZ  85225

This time we’re giving you an opportunity to choose between two different webinars on the same day. One at 8AM Pacific (11 Eastern) and another at 1 PM Pacific (4PM Eastern). We really hope you take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about it. Builders how have signed up already love the program. To sign up, all you have to do is put in your email in one of the boxes below. We’ll email you when the webinar starts. If you’ve never participated in a webinar, don’t worry, all you need is the computer you’re at right now and a telephone. Just click the link that goes to your email. We’d love to hear any questions or comments as well. Just leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you quickly. See you Wednesday!

We received an email early last week from Frank and Tammy, a wonderful couple building a new pool for their daughter who has Epilepsy. They had some great words to say about our finance manager, Scott Pleasant. With permission, here is a little bit of what they wrote:

Madison was diagnosed with Epilepsy at 18 months and has struggled to gain control over her seizures. Unfortunately she has suffered some brain damage because of the seizure activity over the years and she is unable to enjoy many of the activities that kids her age enjoy. Swimming always came natural to her and she loves it! She has limited speech and couldn’t say swimming she would always call it “fun”. So when Madison says she wants to go “fun” she means she wants to go swimming.

We got the pool bug 5 almost 6 years ago when we saw how her face lights up when she is in the pool. Unfortunately we had just moved into a new home and new it would be a few years before we could get a pool. A few years ago we made a serious attempt at purchasing a pool but still did not have enough equity in the home. As Madison got older it became more important to us to get her that pool. Her seizures have robbed her of childhood friends to play with and the ability to do fun things together. As her parents we are determined to make her life as enjoyable as possible and that means a pool! So we decided to try again this year. So this blog will not only be about the journey of building a pool but also about the wonderful people we have met along the way.

So far we have encountered three wonderful people. John Higdon & Chris Miazga from Venture Pools and Scott Pleasant from Paramount Capital. The first time we met John was the night we got home from the hospital. Madison had a seizure inside of a Target Store the night before and we spent the next 24 hours in two different ER’s. So when John came to the house Frank and I had not slept at all but we didn’t want to lose our appointment because the pool meant too much to us and to Madison. John was wonderful – he forgave all the sleep deprived comments and gibberish. He understood our need for safety and shading in and around the pool. He listened and made the entire process easy and stress free!! We certainly needed that after the night we had in the emergency rooms in Rockwall and Medical City. I am not sure how many changes we went through but John acted as if it didn’t bother him in the least. It’s important that you are happy with your pool and that’s all that matters he kept saying. He was truly amazing. Once we settled on the pool we wanted it was time to work through the financing which is where we began talking with Chris Miazga with Venture. Unfortunately purchasing a luxury item like a pool in these economic times is not the easiest thing to do. In fact I think we were told it would be easier for us to purchase a 50k car than a pool. I guess cars really are easier to repo than a pool! Chris didn’t give up and he was great through the entire thing very informative and helpful.

It was during the finance process we came across Paramount Capital and spoke to Scott Pleasant. I will say this – his last name is very fitting. He was extremely pleasant to talk to and work with throughout the entire finance process. He explained each step of each process discussed our options with us and guided us in the right direction. I genuinely believed Scott had our best interest at heart. I just can’t say enough wonderful things about our experience with Scott at Paramount Capital.

In the mail today we got a package from Scott. He sent a goodie bag filled with pool toys, t-shirt and hat all of which were wonderful and truly unexpected. But what I loved the most was the hand written card to my beautiful daughter wishing her “fun” in her new pool. I had told Scott that Madison calls swimming fun and not only did he remember but he thought enough of her to send her a card with a great goodie bag and anyone who knows Madison knows she loves her bags!!

We appreciate this family for sharing their thoughts and experiences with us. If you’d like to follow how the pool is coming along, you can check out their blog at: http://franktammymadison.blogspot.com/