This lightweight formula offers greater workability and a long 60-minute open time allowing for greater flexibility during the installation process

August 22, 2023, Bethany, Conn. — LATICRETE, a leading manufacturer of globally proven construction solutions for the building industry, has introduced 254 PLATINUM^TM Plus, a high-performance, lightweight thin-set adhesive mortar that builds on the strengths of the original 254 PLATINUM. This new formula features a lighter, creamier consistency for greater workability and an impressive 60-minute open time to allow greater flexibility for installers on the job site. Additionally, a 25lb (11.3kg) bag of 254 PLATINUM™ Plus offers the same coverage as a standard 50lb (22.6kg) bag of adhesive mortar.

“We understand that whether you’re a professional contractor, architect or a DIY enthusiast, productivity and performance are paramount. 254 PLATINUM Plus not only delivers on both fronts, but its smooth, creamy consistency and lightweight formula ensures it’s easy to work with,” said Jonathan Scott, LATICRETE Senior Product Manager.

The new formula exceeds ANSI A118.15 requirements, the industry’s highest performance standard for cement-based adhesive mortars, making it ideal for any interior, exterior or submerged installations in commercial and residential projects. 254 PLATINUM Plus is UL Greenguard-certified for low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formulated without silica sand to ensure safer and healthier environments for contractors and end-users.

For greater peace of mind, the formula incorporates Microban^® antimicrobial product protection to help prevent odor- and stain-causing bacteria and is backed by the LATICRETE best-in-class lifetime system warranty.

For more information, visit laticrete.com/254-platinum-plus. 

TROY, Mich. (Aug. 17, 2023) –   Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC, recognized five fin-tastic franchisees at its second annual School Leadership Summit in Troy, Michigan, earlier this month. The event provides school leadership teams and owners the opportunity to connect, celebrate successes and milestones, and share learnings and best practices. 

The Franchise Team, with help from brand ambassador and Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones, presented the five Core Value Awards to schools who embody the unique set of values that have made Goldfish Swim School a leader in its category and communities: 

• Going Above and Beyond to Create a Golden Experience – Larisa and Jeff Posner,  Goldfish Swim School –  Springfield, New Jersey
• Providing Wow! Customer Service – Gilbride Ownership Group, Goldfish Swim School – North Canton, Ohio
• Treating People with Integrity, Compassion & Trust – Gina Thomas, Goldfish Swim School – Winter Park, Florida
• Meeting & Exceeding Expectations so you see Extraordinary Results – BHB Ownership Group, Goldfish Swim School – Canton, Michigan
• Making a Big Deal out of Life’s Accomplishments by Remembering to Celebrate – Wyckoff Ownership Group, Goldfish Swim School – Boise, Idaho  

Strengthening the core of the Goldfish Swim School franchise, the brand entrusts franchisees to integrate these guiding principles into both the day-to-day operations of their swim schools and within their local communities. 

“It brings us great joy to engage with, recognize and celebrate our franchisees from all over North America. We appreciate their relentless dedication to living and demonstrating our core values in their communities and in their schools.” said Chris McCuiston, CEO & Co-Founder of Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC. “Through their efforts, we’re able to teach more than 200,000 kids how to be safer in and around the water each week, and we’re eager to witness the continued growth of our franchisees and the brand.” 

While all together, the brand also celebrated the milestone grand opening of Goldfish Swim School’s 150th school in Astoria, New York in June. The school is owned and operated by the brand’s first franchisees, BHB Group, led by Katie Lee and Hope and Brian Bayer. This is BHB Group’s 20th open school across seven states: Michigan, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, Oklahoma, New York and Maryland. 

Adding to this momentum, Goldfish Swim school proudly commemorated the addition of drowning prevention advocate and World Champion Swimmer Ryan Murphy, alongside his parents Pat and Katy Murphy, and grandfather, Mike Sullivan, who plan to open Goldfish Swim School – Saint Johns, near his hometown in Florida. The school is slated for a spring 2024 opening.  

Goldfish Swim School continues to lead the way in franchising for children’s swim schools.  This year, the brand achieved the top spot in the Children’s Swimming Lessons category and secured the 69th position overall in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. It also received recognition among the top 200 franchises and was distinguished as a leading Recession-Proof Franchise by Franchise Business Review. 

With now more than 150 locations open and an additional 150+ schools in development, the brand remains focused on its strategic franchise expansion across North America.  

Franchise opportunities remain available in Dallas, TX, throughout California and in Canada. For more information on Goldfish Swim School and its franchising opportunities, please visit https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/franchise-opportunities/ or call 248-801-1850.  

About Goldfish Swim School:   

Founded in 2006 by husband-and-wife team Chris and Jenny McCuiston, Troy, Michigan-based Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children aged four months to 12 years. Classes are led by specially trained instructors in a safe, child-friendly environment using a research-based philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay®. Since opening its first franchised location in 2009, the brand has grown to 150+ schools in 30+ states, with an additional 150+ in development. Goldfish is ranked No. 69 overall in Entrepreneur’s 2023 Franchise 500^® and has been recognized as the No. 1 provider of children’s swimming lessons  for seven consecutive years, was named to Franchise Times’ Top 500 for 2022 and is rated as a Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review for 2023. Goldfish Swim School is currently in the process of expanding franchise opportunities throughout North America. For information on franchising, go to www.goldfishswimschool.com/franchising-opportunities.

Five finalists, including one young professional, will be selected to receive a trip to PSP/Deck Expo 2023 and vie for a $10,000 prize, provided by Riverflow® Pumps by Current Systems. The finalists will present their design solutions to their peers during an on-floor education session.

Las Vegas, Nevada (August 15, 2023) – The International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo,
co-located with Deck Expo (PSP/Deck Expo) has opened submissions for its design competition. The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge offers pool designers the opportunity to create a mock outdoor living area, with a minimum $1 million budget.  For the second year, designers can win a top prize of $10,000 thanks to Lead Sponsor, Riverflow® Pumps by Current Systems.

Reid Schindler and Mike Farley, both with a degree in landscape architecture and a combined background of more than 50 years of award-winning pool design experience, are teaming up with the PSP/Deck Expo for the fifth time to discover the industry’s top designers.

The finalists will each receive a complimentary Super Pass, travel stipend, and a two-night stay in Las Vegas. They will each present their concepts during the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge session within the conference program. Live voting will determine the winner, who will be named at the conclusion of the session.

“Prepare to leave a lasting impression on the pool design industry,” said Farley. “We’re seeking daring concepts that showcase the boundless creativity of designers, coupled with a practical roadmap to bring their visionary ideas to life.”

PSP/Deck Expo takes place November 13–15, 2023, in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada. Pre-show education occurs November 10–15, with the main conference education and expo hall happening November 13–15.

The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge for 2023 has a scenario of:

Background

The clients are currently building their dream ‘forever’ home on the Intracoastal Waterway in the Miami Beach area. They have just become empty nesters and hope to create a home that friends and family can enjoy year-round. The space will need to be flashy enough to entertain some of the biggest names in the Miami area while also feeling warm and inviting.

Aesthetics and View

• Love the view of the water but wouldn’t mind a little bit of privacy in their secluded areas.
• Love modern design elements, fire and water, and Latin flair.
  
  

Elements to Include

• Lazy River featuring Riverflow® Technology by Current Systems, Inc.
• Sun ledge with 4+ Ledge Loungers
• Dramatic Front Entry
• Front Drive w/ Fountain
• Glass Tile Mural
• Acrylic Glass Element

“This presents an exceptional chance for designers at all stages to gain the recognition they truly deserve,” said Schindler. “We’re looking for builders who can seamlessly blend form and function, always prioritizing the homeowners’ desires and necessities in their designs.”

Riverflow® Pumps by Current Systems is the lead sponsor of the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge.

“Utilizing Riverflow Pumps created by Current Systems opens up a multitude of possibilities,” stated Phil de Tournillon, the Vice President of Riverflow Pumps at Current Systems.  “These include engaging in fitness through swim currents, enjoying leisure and excitement with the gentle flow of a lazy river, or experiencing the thrill of whitewater currents, all within a compact and efficient design.”

Additional sponsors are Ledge Lounger, Pool Magazine, and the PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Network.

The winning designers will take home a cash prize of:

• 1^st Place – $10,000 (Sponsored by Riverflow® Pumps by Current Systems)
• 2^nd Place – $3,000
• 3^rd Place – $1,250
• 4^th Place – $750
• 5^th Place – $500

One of the five spots is guaranteed to a young professional (Age 29 or below at time of submission), whose trip to PSP/Deck Expo will be sponsored by PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Network.

The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge is now accepting submissions, at: https://www.themilliondollarpoolchallenge.com. The deadline to submit is September 21. Five finalists, including a young professional (under 30 years of age), will be named in early fall.

PSP/Deck Expo brings together builders, service techs, retailers and distributors. Thousands of members from the pool, spa, patio, decking and outdoor living community attend PSP/Deck Expo to engage with the latest products and services and to network. These interactions come in the form of new and existing connections, education sessions, demonstrations and more.

PSP/Deck Expo actively collaborates across the entire pool, spa, backyard, and decking industries to provide participants the most comprehensive array of networking, education, and technology available. The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is the official Show Sponsor, GENESIS® is the official Show Endorser, Pool and Spa News (PSN) is the official Show Publication, and the North American Decking and Railing Association (NADRA) is the Deck Expo Show Sponsor.

For more information, visit https://www.themilliondollarpoolchallenge.com.