French Olympic diver, Alexis Jandard, created a memorable moment at the grand opening of Paris’s new Olympic pool, though not quite in the manner he had envisioned.

A startling video captured during the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Paris Aquatics Center on Thursday showcased the 26-year-old Olympian’s unfortunate landing on his right foot while gearing up to dive alongside two fellow athletes. Adorned in a Speedo reflecting the hues of the French flag, Jandard’s discomforting descent saw him landing on his back, ricocheting off the nearly 10-foot-high dive board, and somersaulting into the pool in a rather ungraceful manner.

The incident unfolded in front of a sizable crowd of onlookers, including French President Emmanuel Macron and various dignitaries. Jandard later displayed his scraped back on his Instagram account, maintaining a light-hearted approach to his embarrassing mishap by quipping, “For your information, my back is fine, but my ego…”

Sharing a photo of his reddened back, courtesy of the encounter with the diving board, on Instagram Stories, Jandard assured followers of his well-being. Speaking to RMC Sport, he recounted the unexpected turn of events, stating, “I’m fine. I didn’t hurt myself; unfortunately, these things happen. It happened at a time when I wasn’t expecting it at all.”

Reflecting on the incident, Jandard humorously noted, “I’ve broken boards before, but the board had never broken me before. Now it has.” Despite the hiccup, he maintained an optimistic outlook, remarking, “I would have preferred this ceremony to have gone well from A to Z. There was that little hitch. If it made people smile a little, so much the better.”

Explaining the mishap, Jandard clarified that his leg gave way upon landing but denied any slippage, emphasizing, “It’s a non-slip [board], and what’s more, the board was new, beautiful, and I think there’s still [some of] my back on the board there.”

With a silver and bronze under his belt at the 2022 and 2023 World Aquatics Championships, respectively, Jandard took the incident in stride, admitting, “It’s a shame, but it’s funny. When you take a step back, it’s funny.”

Looking ahead to the 2024 Paris Games this summer, where he is set to compete, Jandard acknowledged the inevitability of such occurrences in his sport, jesting, “These things happen,” while playfully lamenting, “It had to happen in front of the president and the whole of France. I think we chose the right moment.”

Despite being inundated with supportive messages and playful jabs, Jandard maintained a good-natured stance, urging his followers on Instagram, “Enjoy yourselves, make fun of me. I seriously deserve it!”

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As the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) marks its fifth anniversary, it’s a time not only for celebration but also reflection on the significant strides made in the pool and hot tub industry. Over the past half-decade, PHTA has stood as a beacon, tirelessly working to educate, advocate, and elevate the industry. Let’s take a closer look at some of the remarkable accomplishments achieved during this time.

Contributions in Education

Education has been a cornerstone of PHTA’s mission, and the Genesis platform stands as a testament to its commitment to excellence. Genesis, renowned for its high-quality instruction, has paved the way for certification in various aspects of pool and hot tub management. From face-to-face to virtual training, Genesis has expanded its course offerings, ensuring professionals have access to top-tier education. The creation of a unique mastermind event further underscores PHTA’s dedication to advancing knowledge within the industry.

Moreover, PHTA has democratized education through initiatives like Class Pass, offering free training to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Additionally, strategic partnerships, such as the collaboration with Cornell to provide business training for executives and emerging leaders, have empowered industry professionals with invaluable skills and knowledge.

Advocates For The Pool & Spa Industry

On the advocacy front, PHTA has been at the forefront of critical discussions surrounding energy efficiency, drought management, decarbonization, and legislative matters such as the VGB Act and summer work travel. The organization’s inaugural lobby day in 2023 marked a pivotal moment, bringing industry stakeholders together to champion key issues. Notably, PHTA’s Step Into Swim program has been a resounding success, raising over $1.5 million and introducing swimming to more than 50,000 individuals.

In terms of industry standards, PHTA’s accreditation by ANSI underscores its commitment to safety and excellence. With over 40,000 professionals certified annually, PHTA ensures rigorous standards are upheld across various domains, including pool operation, design, and service.

PHTA’s reach has also extended through consolidation efforts, bringing organizations like TPSC and CPSA under its umbrella. The alignment with Texas and California signifies a broader reach and deeper impact within the industry. Furthermore, PHTA’s emphasis on research, evidenced by annual and quarterly surveys on business operations, enables members to benchmark their performance effectively.

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Recent Accomplishments

Not content with past achievements, PHTA has remained focused on workforce development. The launch of apprenticeship programs approved by the Department of Labor underscores its commitment to nurturing talent within the industry. Initiatives like Work In Aquatics provide a platform for job seekers to explore careers and opportunities, with over 5,000 applicants to date.

As the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance looks ahead to the next five years, the organization is poised for even greater accomplishments. With a steadfast commitment to educating, advocating, and elevating the industry, PHTA remains dedicated to excellence. It is the engagement and loyalty of its 3,900 members and counting that inspire PHTA to continue pushing boundaries and striving for excellence. Here’s to five years of success and many more to come!

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In a harrowing turn of events, Taiwan was struck by a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake, leaving devastation in its wake. The quake, the strongest to hit the island in 25 years, shook the east coast of Taiwan, particularly affecting the city of Hualien and its surrounding areas. With a depth of 34.8 kilometers, the epicenter of the earthquake was located 18 kilometers south of Hualien, according to the US Geological Survey.

As rescue efforts are underway to free those trapped under rubble and debris, the toll of the disaster continues to rise. At least nine individuals have lost their lives, while over 900 others have sustained injuries. The aftermath of the earthquake has left over 100 buildings damaged, with reports of landslides and collapsed structures adding to the chaos.

The force of the quake was so immense that it caused a surreal sight—a rooftop swimming pool overflowing and cascading down the side of a building, creating an impromptu waterfall. Footage captured during the earthquake also shows the sheer force as a man inside a pool struggles to maintain balance, the water swaying violently from side to side.

The region of Hualien County, with a population of approximately 300,000, faces immense challenges in assessing the full extent of the damage. Many inhabitants reside in remote coastal or mountain communities, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach them promptly. The precarious situation is exacerbated by the expectation of aftershocks, with 29 aftershocks greater than a magnitude of 4.0 already recorded near the epicenter.

Compounding the crisis are reports of miners trapped in two mines in Hualien, adding urgency to the rescue operations. Furthermore, over 91,000 households are grappling with power cuts, amplifying the difficulties faced by residents in the aftermath of the disaster.

Despite the widespread destruction, medical facilities in Taiwan’s capital, Taipei City, are functioning, albeit damaged. The Municipal Government has confirmed that hospitals are operating normally, providing critical care to the injured.

The international community has responded swiftly to the catastrophe, with the Biden administration monitoring the situation closely and expressing readiness to offer assistance. In the face of adversity, Taiwan is rallying its resources and resilience, demonstrating solidarity and resolve in confronting this natural disaster.

As the dust settles and the extent of the damage becomes clearer, questions arise about the effectiveness of early warning detection systems in mitigating the impact of natural disasters. Despite Taiwan’s investment in advanced seismic technology, including early warning systems designed to provide crucial seconds of alert before an earthquake strikes, many residents were caught off guard by the sudden and violent tremors. Reports indicate that the early warning detection system, while operational, did not reach a significant portion of the population in time to take preventive action

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A forthcoming feature potentially destined for the Apple Watch, as detailed in a recent patent application, could serve as a lifesaver for swimmers at risk of drowning.

Outlined in the patent is a capability for the Watch to identify “irregular behavior” and automatically trigger a distress call for assistance.

Apple underscores the alarming statistics surrounding drowning, particularly its prevalence among children, as a leading cause of accidental fatalities.

In the United States alone, drowning claims the lives of over 3,500 individuals annually, ranking as the fifth most common form of accidental death. Tragically, a significant portion of these victims are children.

Emphasizing the critical importance of swift intervention during water emergencies, Apple highlights the dire consequences of prolonged submersion without resuscitation, which can result in brain damage and ultimately, drowning.

A Growing Need For Cost-Effective Wearable Solutions

While acknowledging existing underwater camera systems in some swimming pools aimed at detecting distressed swimmers and alerting lifeguards, Apple notes their costliness and unreliability.

Consequently, there’s a pressing need for a simpler, more cost-effective drowning prevention solution suitable for all types of water bodies, including public and private pools, as well as natural settings like lakes and ponds where installing underwater cameras is impractical.

The patent proposes leveraging wearable devices such as the Apple Watch for broader applicability, increased reliability, and the ability to detect various types of emergencies.

Alerting When Swimmers Are In Distress

For instance, if the Watch detects a wearer who is not proficient in swimming entering deeper water, it can promptly dispatch an alert instead of waiting for signs of distress.

These alerts can be transmitted to nearby devices, including those of friends and family, and seamlessly integrate with existing drowning detection and alarm systems to ensure lifeguards are promptly notified.

Apple Watches already boast capabilities to detect and respond to falls, vehicle accidents, and cardiac irregularities. Heartwarming testimonials featured in Apple’s “Dear Apple” video series show individuals whose lives were saved by these functionalities.

As with many patents from Apple, it’s important to note that not all concepts may materialize into actual products. Nonetheless, this innovation stands as a promising addition for potential integration into future watchOS updates.

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In the sprawling landscapes of Southern California, where residential pools dot the suburban neighborhoods, a unique subculture thrives. Led by Steve Alba, revered as the godfather of pool skating, a group of enthusiasts has found a novel way to merge their love for skateboarding with the practical task of pool maintenance.

The Allure of Skating Pools

With over 10 million residential pools in the United States, the allure of an empty swimming pool in Southern California is irresistible to skateboarders. It’s a blank canvas for daring maneuvers and gravity-defying tricks. But before the thrills begin, there’s the less glamorous work of cleaning the pool. Despite his age of 61, Alba still rolls up his sleeves and offers his services for free, provided homeowners allow him and his friends to skate in the emptied pool afterward.

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Alba’s van is a mobile workshop, equipped with all the tools needed for pool maintenance alongside a crucial addition: a skateboard. For decades, Alba has been at the forefront of pool skating culture, embodying the spirit of exploration and ingenuity that defines the sport. “The ultimate goal is to skate the pool,” Alba explained to the Wall Street Journal, reflecting on his lifelong passion for finding and riding the perfect transition.

Skating Pools Goes Way Back

The concept of skating empty pools harks back to the 1970s, an era when skateboarders repurposed backyard pools and urban terrain to emulate the sensation of surfing. Today, with skateparks aplenty, some skaters still crave the raw, organic experience of navigating the curves and transitions of a pool’s concrete shell.

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The allure of backyard pools is deeply primal for skateboarders. While city-sanctioned skate parks abound—with the Skatepark Project, a California-based nonprofit, estimating around 3,500 in the U.S. in 2019—to dedicated pool skaters, purpose-made bowls and ramps can feel repetitive and almost too simplistic, particularly when they’re inundated by scooter-pushing tweens.

Skaters Willing To Clean Pools For Pool Time

Pitching their services to homeowners requires finesse and persuasion. Ozzie Ausband, another enthusiast of pool skating, utilizes satellite imagery and a personal charm to win over potential clients. His pitch includes promises of regular maintenance, respectful usage, and a demonstration of his skating skills to reassure homeowners of his credibility.

For homeowners, the allure lies not just in the novelty of having skateboarders in their backyard but also in the practical benefits. Salba Pool Cleaning doesn’t just drain and skate; they also undertake yard maintenance tasks and repairs as needed. Ausband, explained that the homeowner is essentially getting a free service, so long as the crew at Salba Pool Cleaning can bring their boards and skate the pool when the job is done.

Getting a ‘Permission Pool’

Initially met with skepticism, their unconventional proposition has evolved into a successful endeavor over the decades. Their pitch now includes the signing of liability waivers to address homeowners’ concerns.

For many homeowners burdened with neglected pools, the proposition is a blessing. What was once an eyesore transforms into a hub of excitement. Alba and his crew recognize the untapped potential hidden beneath neglect. To them, the ideal pool isn’t just defined by its shape but also by the quality of its surface, particularly favoring pools constructed between 1950 and 1977.

However, the service isn’t without its challenges. Skating can leave its mark on pools, requiring repairs and repainting. Participating in a skate session at a “permission pool” often involves contributing to chores. Lance Mountain, a seasoned pro and a Nike skateboarding team member, endured hay fever while assisting with yard work to earn pool time. On one occasion, Mountain found himself pouring and shaping concrete with his fellow skaters to resurface a pool bottom. They labored until late into the night, illuminated solely by iPhone flashlights.

Worth The Price of Admission

Yet, for many homeowners like Daniel Lizarde, the agreement was well worth it. After Salba Pool Cleaning finished their work, Lizarde’s pool was restored from a duck pond to its former glory. The homeowner was pleased he could see the bottom of his pool for the first time in ages.

Overall, the give-and-take nature of the arrangement between pool owners and Salba Pool Cleaning is a symbiotic relationship of sorts where both parties benefit. Pool owners receive much-needed maintenance services and a revitalized pool space, while Alba and his crew gain access to unique skating opportunities and foster meaningful connections within their community.

Featured Photo Credit: Steve Alba @salba69

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According to state officials, an alligator was confiscated from an upstate New York residence where it was being unlawfully kept in a swimming pool.

Environmental conservation police officers retrieved the 750-pound, 11-foot-long alligator on Wednesday from a home in Hamburg, situated south of Buffalo.

Reports from the state Department of Environmental Conservation reveal that the homeowner, Tony Cavallaro, constructed an addition and installed an inground pool specifically for the 30-year-old alligator. Shockingly, individuals, including children, were permitted to enter the water with the reptile.

The alligator suffers from various health issues, including “blindness in both eyes” and spinal complications. It has been transferred to a licensed caretaker until a permanent care facility can be secured, as per a release from the agency.

The homeowner’s state license to keep the alligator expired in 2021, with the state previously determining that the alligator’s enclosure did not meet safety standards. Following recent discoveries regarding the extent of public endangerment posed by the owner’s actions, officers took decisive action this week, according to a statement from the agency.

Despite this, Cavallaro, aged 64, views Albert in a different light. He asserts that Albert, who was born and raised in captivity, has never displayed aggression towards people or other animals. Cavallaro fondly recalls instances such as finding Albert curled up with his dog on the dog’s bed when the alligator was smaller, suggesting a gentle nature.

In an effort to reclaim Albert, Cavallaro has enlisted the help of a lawyer. His cause has garnered support from both his neighbors and strangers on social media. An online petition advocating for Albert’s return has amassed over 160,000 signatures, and supporters have created “Free Albert” merchandise like T-shirts and buttons.

Having lived with Albert for over half of his life, Cavallaro purchased the alligator at an Ohio reptile show when it was just two months old. He considers Albert an “emotional support animal” and has invested significant resources in accommodating him, including spending $120,000 on a custom addition to his house designed around Albert. This addition features amenities such as heated floors, an indoor pond with a waterfall and spa jet, tropical plants, and even a bar.

Featured Photo Credit: Tony Cavallaro

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Nestled in the heart of west London, Fulham Football Club is adding another feather to its cap with the unveiling of the New Riverside Stand. Promising a premier experience set to redefine football spectating, the project is being spearheaded by Fulham FC chairman Shahid Khan.

“My vision for the New Riverside Stand was to provide our fans, and our neighbourhood, with a destination that would continue to honour our history and tradition at Craven Cottage every day of the year, but especially so on matchdays with a premium experience that will be unlike anything in football, here in London or elsewhere,” Khan said in a statement.

Replacing its predecessor, demolished in 2019, the new stand is primed to open its doors this year after navigating through a series of setbacks. The pinnacle of this architectural marvel is the Sky Deck, spanning three floors and offering panoramic vistas of the River Thames, alongside curated gastronomic delights.

About The Pool

Among its standout features is the rooftop infinity pool, an exquisite addition poised to elevate the game day experience for luxury ticket holders. Measuring 15 meters in length, 5 meters in width, and heated to perfection, this pool epitomizes opulence.

“Our vision for the New Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage was to create a unique experience that has not been seen before, whether in the context of football or beyond,” Philip Johnson, lead architect of the project, said.

Watching Game Day From a Luxurious Infinity Pool

While the allure of watching Premier League action from the pool remains tantalizing, practical constraints dictate otherwise. Nonetheless, the infinity pool promises captivating views of London’s skyline and iconic events like the annual Oxford-Cambridge boat race.

A Gourmet Dining Experience

Dining options within the New Riverside Stand are equally impressive, with plans for two Michelin Star restaurants: The Gourmet and The Brasserie. The former offers a sophisticated riverside ambiance with an indulgent menu, while the latter caters to enthusiasts seeking both pitch-side views and culinary excellence.

For an exclusive football encounter, The Dugout offers a unique setting, allowing select ticket holders an intimate proximity to the action, coupled with immersive audio-visual technology and a bespoke bar experience.

Designed by renowned architects Populous, the masterminds behind iconic structures like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Sphere in Las Vegas, the Riverside Stand embodies a fusion of innovation and luxury, poised to redefine the football landscape in London.

Photo Credits: Fulham FC/Populous

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The American Red Cross has been a pioneer in water safety, aquatic science, certification, and instruction since 1914. Annually, its curriculum trains over 300,000 lifeguards, demonstrating its enduring commitment to ensuring the safety of swimmers.

Lifeguard VR Training: A Deeper Dive

Recently, The American Red Cross took a pioneering leap forward with the introduction of their new Virtual Reality (VR) lifeguard training simulator. This groundbreaking technology promises to transform the way lifeguards are trained, particularly in the crucial areas of surveillance and scanning skills, ultimately enhancing their ability to save lives.

At the recent Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) show held in Reno, Pool Magazine had an opportunity to experience firsthand the innovative lifeguard training simulator developed by the American Red Cross in collaboration with Lucid Reality Labs. Chris Whipple, M.Ed., NREMT, a member of the Scientific Advisory Council of the American Red Cross, spoke about the significance of this technological advancement.

“The Red Cross, already the gold standard in water safety and drowning prevention, is enhancing lifeguard training for surveillance skills with the Lifeguard VR virtual reality tool,” stated Whipple, who explained how the tool will help provide effective scanning and surveillance skills that will assist them in identifying individuals in distress and help reinforce cognitive skills through immersive training scenarios.

How The Technology Works

Lifeguards can access the Lifeguard VR app, which offers a range of unique scenarios set in realistic aquatic environments, from the Meta Quest app store. The technology is compatible with all Meta Quest VR devices. In each scenario, lifeguards are placed on an elevated stand within their assigned zone and must swiftly identify individuals in need of assistance. By blowing a virtual whistle, they signal their recognition of the distressed person. Scores are calculated based on performance metrics that evaluate scanning and recognition abilities.

“The award-winning Lifeguard VR tool uses the best cutting-edge technology to ensure that lifeguards are at the top of their game, keeping facility patrons safe,” added Whipple.

Tackling Real-World Problems

This VR lifeguard training simulator is designed to replicate real-world scenarios with remarkable accuracy. It incorporates elements such as typical water behaviors, drowning behaviors, and the presence of other patrons or swimmers. Lifeguards are also challenged by obstacles like lane ropes and floating features, mirroring the complexities they face in actual pool environments.

Moreover, the Lifeguard VR app provides valuable performance metrics, allowing trainers to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Heatmap data on scanning patterns, along with quiz and identification metrics, offer valuable insights into lifeguard competency at various stages of training.

“Lifeguard Instructors and supervisors can now provide dynamic scenarios set in a realistic pool environment to analyze surveillance and scanning skills, recognition of drowning response, and support first aid skills,” explained Whipple.

By harnessing the power of virtual reality, the American Red Cross aims to revolutionize lifeguard training, ensuring that lifeguards are better equipped to respond effectively to emergencies. This innovative approach not only enhances learning outcomes but also offers a more engaging and accessible training experience for lifeguards.

As Whipple aptly summarized, “With the new Red Cross Lifeguard VR app, lifeguards can practice and hone their skills taught in the classroom. By immersing users in dynamic, realistic drowning scenarios, lifeguards are able to improve learning outcomes while learning in an engaging, modern, and accessible way.”

In an era where technology continues to reshape industries across the board, the integration of virtual reality into lifeguard training represents a significant step forward in ensuring water safety and drowning prevention. The American Red Cross’s commitment to innovation underscores their dedication to excellence in safeguarding aquatic environments and protecting lives.

Photo Credits: The American Red Cross

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The right pool equipment will make top-notch maintenance easy, but so, too, will the right cleaners, parts, and filter cartridges. Replacement cartridges are especially important to get right, because cleaning them should be as simple as removing, rinsing, and replacing. So, let’s delve into the importance of finding the right replacement cartridge, why they should make cleaning easy, and how extending the cleaning cycle can lead to happier customers. 

With the integration of Pleatco©, a long-standing pool brand, into the Pentair Pool umbrella, you now have two trusted brands partnering to bring products like the Pleatco Ultra Pool Replacement Cartridge to the market. These innovative replacement cartridges are designed to fit in filters from most major pool brands and manufacturers, offering versatility and convenience like never before. This minimizes the need for pool professionals to stock multiple brands of replacement filters, simplifying inventory management and reducing costs. In short, you can save time and money stocking Pleatco Ultra cartridges that can meet the varied equipment set-ups of your customers. 

Not all replacement filters are created equal. The Pleatco Ultra cartridge, the only replacement cartridge with three technologies built-in, stands out for its filtration capabilities and durability. Crafted with point-bonded fabric, these cartridges effectively capture dirt and debris, and PurePleat helps prevent bunching and makes rinsing a breeze. Plus, its Free Flow Core creates maximum space for water to reach more of the fabric faster, reducing operating pressures on the system. It’s designed to make your job easier, and it’s an excellent option to consider as you’re selecting replacement cartridges for your customers. 

Though some customers are simply looking for a cheaper solution, quality can pay for itself. Lower-quality alternatives may require more frequent cleanings, which means pool owners spend more time waiting for a pro like you to come out and less time swimming, splashing, and having fun. By introducing them to the right filter cartridge, you can ensure your customers are satisfied enough to provide repeat business, share positive reviews, and make referrals. They’ll love the cleaner, clearer water, so it’s an easy boost for your business.  

But the benefits of carrying quality filters in your arsenal don’t end there! When a customer calls in for a filter cleaning at their pool, you don’t have time to waste as you’re going about your service route. Cleaning is a breeze with the right replacement cartridge, meaning you can get to the next pool faster. For your customers, that means less time in the backyard with you and more time swimming! 

Choosing the right replacement filter cartridges for your service offering can give you extended times between cleanings, opening up your busy service schedule to satisfy more customers. By leveraging the latest technology and innovations in pool filtration, you can also elevate the standard of service you provide. 

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MARCH 28, 2024

SRS Distribution Inc. (“SRS”) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with The Home Depot to be acquired for $18.250 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, SRS Distribution will operate as an independent business unit within The Home Depot, focused on accelerating growth in the Pro market.

Over the past 16 years, the SRS family has become one of the fastest-growing building products distributors in the United States. This proposed transaction will bring together the impressive talent, technology, and capabilities of SRS with The Home Depot’s trusted name and robust platform, expanding SRS’ reach into numerous new product categories and customers.

The proposed acquisition will clear a pathway for accelerated growth with the residential and commercial professional customer by expanding The Home Depot’s Pro capabilities, combining online, retail, and wholesale. The combined platform will open new opportunities for existing suppliers and partners by providing access to SRS’ expert workforce focused on specialty verticals, as well as The Home Depot’s cross-project expertise, product mix, network, and digital assets.

Under the agreement, the SRS senior leadership team will remain with the company to guide its ambitious growth plans. Dan Tinker, President and CEO of SRS, will continue to lead SRS operations under this new structure, reporting to The Home Depot CEO Ted Decker.

“We are proud to be combining with The Home Depot to continue our growth journey with the additional resources and capabilities they will put behind us,” said Dan Tinker, President and CEO of SRS. “We set out to find the optimal strategic outcome for the business, and we strongly believe we have achieved just that. With this combination, the future has never been brighter for our supplier partners, our Pro customers, and our team.”

“SRS’ ability to build leadership positions in each of its trade verticals while generating significant revenue growth is a testament to its strong vision, leadership, culture, and execution,” said Ted Decker, Chair, President, and CEO of The Home Depot. “SRS’ branch network, coupled with The Home Depot’s 2,000+ U.S. stores and distribution centers and comprehensive product offering provides the residential and commercial Pro customer with more fulfillment and service options than ever before. I look forward to welcoming Dan and the entire SRS team to The Home Depot and capturing the exciting opportunity ahead.”

SRS Distribution currently has two private equity investors: Berkshire Partners LLC. (since 2013) and Leonard Green & Partners L.P. (since 2018). “Over the past 16 years, SRS Distribution has successfully grown its business while delivering tremendous shareholder value to its investors and, more uniquely, to
its employees,” said Jon Seiffer, Senior Partner at Leonard Green. “This next chapter with The Home Depot is a logical step in SRS’ evolution and will mutually benefit both companies’ growth prospects for the benefit of all employees, customers, and suppliers,” said Josh Lutzker, Managing Director at Berkshire Partners.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of fiscal 2024 and is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Jefferies LLC. is acting as lead financial advisor, and Goldman Sachs is also acting as financial advisor to SRS on this transaction.

About SRS Distribution

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in McKinney, Texas, SRS Distribution has grown to become one of the fastest-growing building products distributors in the United States. Since the Company’s inception, it has established a differentiated growth strategy and entrepreneurial culture that is focused on serving customers, partnering with suppliers, and attracting the industry’s best talent. SRS Distribution currently operates under a family of distinct local brands encompassing more than 760 locations across 47 states. SRS Distribution is a portfolio company of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. and Berkshire Partners LLC. For more information, visit www.srsdistribution.com.

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