As the year draws to a close, two books come out chronicling the journeys of industry professionals past and present

Two pool/spa professionals want to share their stories with the industry and the wider business community. One has released an autobiographical book about the profound period in his life that led him to the industry. The other penned a tribute to his industry-pioneer father.

Secrets of the Pink House
Jack Manilla

The outgoing chairman of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals came into the industry as a third career after facing a turning point. Having worked as a high-level executive at Westinghouse, Manilla entered his first entrepreneurial endeavor with a partner. When it came to light that his associate was engaging in fraudulent activity, he chose to leave.

Not only did he walk away from the business, but from the financial security he and his wife enjoyed.

After losing their three homes, the Manillas moved into a cracker bungalow in an orange grove, after which the book is named. The book focuses on the next 18 months in the home, where they tried to find their footing. Finally, Manilla had the opportunity to work for a pool builder who, in preparing to retire, offered Manilla a generous arrangement to eventually purchase the company.

“I wanted to provide inspiration, and get the word out that God is good and will take care of us,” Manilla said. “This industry welcomed me when I was down and out. They afforded me an opportunity to start a new life and career, and to rebuild my own self-worth. This is my opportunity to give back to others.”

Secrets of the Pink House is sold through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and jackmanilla.com. Manilla will sell and sign copies at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo, in APSP’s booth Wednesday 10:30 to 12:30, and Friday 11:00 to 2:00. A portion of every sale will go to YMCA’s drowning prevention program, “Safety Around Water.”

Fathers of Invention
Andrew A. Pansini

Pansini’s work follows the life and industry influence of his father, Andrew L. Pansini, founder of Jandy Industries, the brand eventually acquired by Zodiac Pool Systems.

Not only did the elder Pansini establish one of the most renowned brands in pool and spa automation, but he invented the first automatic pool cleaner, his son contends. This is disputed in the industry, he said, because people don’t understand the true unfolding of events. Some believe that Howard Arneson of Arneson Products created the first auto cleaner, his version being a surface cleaner. But Andrew L. Pansini actually invented that product, his son said, then granted Arneson a license to market it. Pansini went on to invent the submersible automatic cleaner that became Jandy’s first offering.

The automatic-cleaner concept came when the elder Pansini accidentally dropped a simple garden hose in his pool and noticed how it stirred up dirt and debris.

“To me it’s a great story of success, driven by one individual who really is a pioneer in the pool industry,” said his son. “The success story of Jandy was one that I wanted to share with the pool industry.”

He said his father had a dynamic personality and impact. “His honesty and integrity were phenomenal,” he said. “And his ability to inspire other people. He was one of those guys who had a vision, and people who were around him … all wanted to be part of the story. He was so passionate for what he was doing and he was so creative.

“He led by example and inspired others. I think he was a great example for everybody to learn from.”

Andrew L. Pansini continued creating pool-related products through his 90s. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 93. “I knew that at some point I had to write a book telling the story,” his son said.

Fathers of Invention is available on websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as select bookstores.

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MONSTER TIME

Jacksonville natives Zack Loran Clark and Nick Eliopulos introduce their new middle-grade series, “The Adventurers Guild,” at 5 p.m. Saturday at The Bookmark, 220 First St., Neptune Beach. The new series follows best friends Zed and Brock in one of the last cities standing after the world falls to monsters. Zed desperately wishes to join the ranks of the Mages Guild, where his status as Freestone’s only half elf might finally be an asset. Brock, the roguishly handsome son of merchants, is confident he’ll be welcomed into the ranks of the Merchants Guild. But just as it seems the boys’ dreams have come true, their lives take a startling turn, and they find themselves members of the perilous Adventurers Guild, the last line of defense against the hungry, unnatural beasts from otherworldly planes.

PANEL TIME

Mystery writers Nancy Quatrano (“Point and Shoot” mysteries), Steven Kerry Brown (“Redeeming the Dead”), John Marling March (“The Perdiccas Scroll”), and Bruce Thomason (“Perception of Power”) share secrets at the Ponte Vedra/Florida Writers meeting 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Ponte Vedra Beach Library, 101 Library Blvd.

GREET TIME

Authors Ann Browning Masters (“Floridanos, Menorcans, Cattle-Whip Crackers: Poetry of St. Augustine”) and Bob Lee (“Bad Guys, Bullets, and Boat Chases: True Stories of Florida Game Wardens”) join in from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the 2nd annual Meet and Greet for Authors sponsored by the Crescent City Library Board at the Crescent City’s Women’s Club, 604 N. Summit Street.

TIM TIME

To promote his book “Shaken: The Young Reader’s Edition – Fighting to Stand Strong No Matter What Comes Your Way,” Tim Tebow has launched a book report contest for readers, ages 10 to 15, who were inspired or challenged by the book. To enter see www. wmbooks.com/shakenrules. Deadline is Jan. 8. Prizes include a Skype with the author.

STORYTIME

Jack Manilla, APSP Chair and owner of Portofino Pools (Jacksonville, Fla.), recently released his autobiography “Secrets of the Pink House.”

“Secrets of the Pink House” is Manilla’s personal story of how he was led to a career in the pool and spa industry after he made an ethical decision to walk away from a successful, high-paying corporate job. What followed was a painful 18-month journey of losing everything he worked for, but learning the valuable lessons of service and patience, which he today applies to the operation of Portofino Pools.

“That time in The Pink House was challenging, but it led me to an industry that is all about serving people,” Manilla says. “I hope my story inspires others going through a hard time. I want them to know it is never too late to start over or make a positive impact on someone’s life.”

Until November 3, a portion of all book sales will go towards the YMCA’s drowning prevention program, Safety Around Water. Manilla is sponsoring the program’s annual celebration at the EverBank Field Cabana Pools in Jacksonville, Fla., on October 15, just prior to the Jaguars/Rams game.

“I have been so blessed in my life and nothing makes me happier than to pass the blessings on to such an amazing organization,” Manilla says. “Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for kids between ages one and four. It is so important to me to continue to find ways to support local organizations focusing on issues in the pool industry and that are doing their part to make a change.”

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As I watched the news the other night, I felt my heart shatter like glass. I watched as a man living just 15 minutes from my office stood next to a large pile of wet rubble, which used to be his home, and describe how he lost everything he owned in Hurricane Irma. In addition, he had lost his job and car. Totally devastated he pointed to the sky as he expressed how angry he was at life and at God.

My family and I are among the blessed who survived Hurricane Irma. My home, business and all our employees in Jacksonville, Florida, were unscathed. Still, I felt this man’s pain in a very real way. As I watched this interview I recalled that while under different circumstances, I, too, once found myself without a job, a home and the basic means for survival.

Like the man on TV, I too was angry, hurt and confused as to the “why” of my circumstances. I had run several successful businesses and then suddenly, when faced with making an ethical decision, I walked away from my job and business partners.  I was left with nothing. It felt like God was punishing me for making the right choice. But over time I realized losing it all led me to gain the one thing I never realized I didn’t have: A relationship with God. I had to lose everything and hit rock bottom to recognize it.

To my fellow Floridians who, like the man on the news, are left with nothing but the clothes on their backs, I say this: Right now you may feel like you are in a dark tunnel and you can’t even begin to see the end. Believe me, I’ve been there, and I want to encourage you. You will recover, there is an end and a blessing to follow. But you have to get up and to keep going.

Recovery does not happen overnight. It requires patience and perseverance. It is easier said than done; it is not easy to keep going when the rug is pulled from underneath you, but it is so important. There were many times on my life journey I was fed up and tired, but I learned that when that happens, call on God. He will carry you through it. Perseverance keeps us pushing ahead through life’s storms. We overcome by always keeping our eyes on God and striving ever forward to meet Him. He is there waiting right beside you.

Going through hard times, losing everything, it’s not easy but sometimes it’s necessary. Looking back, I can say that the darkest times in my life were merely the dawning of the brightest days that were to come. I can only tell you this because I’ve lived through it.

When we stop focusing on what we don’t have and start praising God for what He has blessed us with, things start to change. God doesn’t always give us what we want but He provides us with us what we need.

Suddenly when we realize it’s not MY life, MY things, MY house, MY way, but rather it’s God’s and by praising and thanking Him, we are able to surrender to Him, allowing Him to do the work that needs to be done not just to our neighborhoods but our hearts. As challenging and upsetting as it was to lose everything I had worked years for, I still had my loving wife, kids and health. I’ll take them over a house, a car and stuff any day.

You aren’t alone in this journey; we are all walking it with you, here to help any way we can and praying for you all as you start to rebuild your lives.

For those of you reading this that haven’t personally been impacted by Hurricanes Irma, Harvey or Maria, I ask that you continue to keep those who suffered loss due to the storms in your prayers and help any way you can – whether that’s donating money or supplies or volunteering in the cleanup and rebuilding efforts. It will help those in need make the first steps in getting their lives back in order.

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Jack Manilla is Owner, President and CEO of Portofino Pools in Jacksonville, Florida. He shares his life journey in his new book, “Secrets of The Pink House.”

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