Meet the Friendly Staff at Pool & Patio Center
Ken opened Pool & Patio Center in 1986 with the belief that customers should be treated with respect. After spending almost 15 years with national retailers in management positions, he knew the customer deserved better.
Before 1986, Ken worked as a retail store manager, retail district manager and swimming pool store manager. Most individuals who enter the retail swimming pool industry do so in quite the opposite manner than Ken did–they accumulate the service industry experience then open a retail store. Ken assembled the retail, corporate and business knowledge first, the industry knowledge second and then opened a retail store. His past work experience has created a retail environment that is ‘customer focused’. Ken knows exactly where each piece of the ‘puzzle’ should go so that Pool & Patio Center functions cohesively.
Ken has earned the Certified Pool/Spa Operator® (CPO) accreditation from the National Swimming Pool Foundation. You will find Ken enjoying hunting, fishing and computer games during his rare off hours.
Before 1986, Ken worked as a retail store manager, retail district manager and swimming pool store manager. Most individuals who enter the retail swimming pool industry do so in quite the opposite manner than Ken did–they accumulate the service industry experience then open a retail store. Ken assembled the retail, corporate and business knowledge first, the industry knowledge second and then opened a retail store. His past work experience has created a retail environment that is ‘customer focused’. Ken knows exactly where each piece of the ‘puzzle’ should go so that Pool & Patio Center functions cohesively.
Ken has earned the Certified Pool/Spa Operator® (CPO) accreditation from the National Swimming Pool Foundation. You will find Ken enjoying hunting, fishing and computer games during his rare off hours.
Annette’s background of over 20 year’s industry experience, combined with her previous corporate experience, has inspired her ‘We Make It Easy®’ mindset. Annette utilizes this mindset every day at Pool & Patio Center (PPC) where she creates a stable environment for staff and customers.
Annette is very prudent in her professional practices, always keeping a watchful eye over all aspects of Pool & Patio Center. She strives to keep everyone on the same page with the understanding that the integrity of PPC is of the utmost importance. To ensure that integrity, she works endlessly to provide her staff with the knowledge and training they need to best serve PPC customers. Annette is also vigilant to ensure customers are provided with detailed information to ensure both a safe and enjoyable pool and/or spa experience.
Annette has earned the Certified Pool/Spa Operator® (CPO®) accreditation from the National Swimming Pool Foundation in 2010 and 2015 with a test score of 98 and is a former Board Member to the State of Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board.
Annette’s maternal instincts along with her playful sense of humor have made Pool & Patio Center famous for entertaining children and providing outstanding, outrageous and unexpected customer service. So, do not be surprised to find staff members wearing pink flamingo hats or children ‘quacking’ around the store with their duck whistles. In 1999, Annette’s maternal instincts and caring nature motivated her to donate bone marrow to a 14-year-old leukemia patient.
During her off time, you will find Annette spending time with her grandsons and granddaughter. Annette also enjoys cooking and reading.
Annette is very prudent in her professional practices, always keeping a watchful eye over all aspects of Pool & Patio Center. She strives to keep everyone on the same page with the understanding that the integrity of PPC is of the utmost importance. To ensure that integrity, she works endlessly to provide her staff with the knowledge and training they need to best serve PPC customers. Annette is also vigilant to ensure customers are provided with detailed information to ensure both a safe and enjoyable pool and/or spa experience.
Annette has earned the Certified Pool/Spa Operator® (CPO®) accreditation from the National Swimming Pool Foundation in 2010 and 2015 with a test score of 98 and is a former Board Member to the State of Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board.
Annette’s maternal instincts along with her playful sense of humor have made Pool & Patio Center famous for entertaining children and providing outstanding, outrageous and unexpected customer service. So, do not be surprised to find staff members wearing pink flamingo hats or children ‘quacking’ around the store with their duck whistles. In 1999, Annette’s maternal instincts and caring nature motivated her to donate bone marrow to a 14-year-old leukemia patient.
During her off time, you will find Annette spending time with her grandsons and granddaughter. Annette also enjoys cooking and reading.
Joseph is our Operations Manager and is dedicated to education. He has undergone rigorous training to become a National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®) Authorized Instructor, mentoring and educating other professionals to succeed in the swimming pool and spa industry.
He has traveled Nationwide for other training and has earned the highest available industry certifications: The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP®) Certified Building Professional® (CBP®) and the APSP® Certified Service Professional® (CSP®) accreditations. Joseph is a NSPF® Certified Pool/Spa Operator® (CPO®), an APSP® Energy Efficiency graduate and a NSPF® Certified Pool-Spa Inspector. Additionally, he has earned the National Spa & Pool Institute® TECH I® and TECH II® Certified Technician certificates.
Joseph has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Business Management and Computer Information Systems from Bryant College and is a Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout.
If you really want to know the ‘ins and outs’ of your swimming pool, Joe is the person you want to speak with, since he ‘waded’ into the business at a very young age. He can identify most parts, name the manufacturer and tell you where—and sometimes when—it was purchased. Joe takes a fanatical approach to education and energy efficiency—at home, at work and in your backyard! After speaking with Joe, you’ll know you’ve met a true expert and will feel confident that you selected the right man and company for your needs.
Joseph and his wife Kellie named their firstborn Kenneth—after his Dad and the Founder of Pool & Patio Center. He is a Jimmy Buffet Parrot Head, hockey fan and the owner of Bailey—one of our resident Cocker Spaniels. During the winter months you will find Joseph babysitting, cooking, perfecting his skiing, traveling and watching football and hockey games.
He has traveled Nationwide for other training and has earned the highest available industry certifications: The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP®) Certified Building Professional® (CBP®) and the APSP® Certified Service Professional® (CSP®) accreditations. Joseph is a NSPF® Certified Pool/Spa Operator® (CPO®), an APSP® Energy Efficiency graduate and a NSPF® Certified Pool-Spa Inspector. Additionally, he has earned the National Spa & Pool Institute® TECH I® and TECH II® Certified Technician certificates.
Joseph has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Business Management and Computer Information Systems from Bryant College and is a Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout.
If you really want to know the ‘ins and outs’ of your swimming pool, Joe is the person you want to speak with, since he ‘waded’ into the business at a very young age. He can identify most parts, name the manufacturer and tell you where—and sometimes when—it was purchased. Joe takes a fanatical approach to education and energy efficiency—at home, at work and in your backyard! After speaking with Joe, you’ll know you’ve met a true expert and will feel confident that you selected the right man and company for your needs.
Joseph and his wife Kellie named their firstborn Kenneth—after his Dad and the Founder of Pool & Patio Center. He is a Jimmy Buffet Parrot Head, hockey fan and the owner of Bailey—one of our resident Cocker Spaniels. During the winter months you will find Joseph babysitting, cooking, perfecting his skiing, traveling and watching football and hockey games.
Curtis spent over 30 years in the hospitality industry where he developed his ‘customer-comes-first attitude’. His years spent as a Manager and Regional Supervisor for Marriott Corporation and Bickford Restaurants throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts nicely prepared him to manage our Service Department.
With his management and hospitality background--along with maintaining his own swimming pool since 1994--his transition to the pool industry wasn’t all that hard. Curtis graduated from Bryant College with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. In 2012 and 2018, he also earned his Certified Pool/Spa Operator® (CPO) accreditation from the National Swimming Pool Foundation and his Association of Pool & Spa Professional’s Certified Maintenance Specialist® (CMS®) certification with impressive test scores of 98, 98 and 93.2 respectively. In 2016 and 2019, Curtis earned his CST Certified Service Technician® from The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals®. Curt also earned his National Plasterers Council Start-Up Technician certification in 2018.
When not working, Curt enjoys cooking and--he says--doing heavy lifting and yard chores so that his lovely wife can plant her garden!
With his management and hospitality background--along with maintaining his own swimming pool since 1994--his transition to the pool industry wasn’t all that hard. Curtis graduated from Bryant College with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. In 2012 and 2018, he also earned his Certified Pool/Spa Operator® (CPO) accreditation from the National Swimming Pool Foundation and his Association of Pool & Spa Professional’s Certified Maintenance Specialist® (CMS®) certification with impressive test scores of 98, 98 and 93.2 respectively. In 2016 and 2019, Curtis earned his CST Certified Service Technician® from The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals®. Curt also earned his National Plasterers Council Start-Up Technician certification in 2018.
When not working, Curt enjoys cooking and--he says--doing heavy lifting and yard chores so that his lovely wife can plant her garden!
Kevin, another Eagle Scout, joined our staff in May of 2003 as one of our summer student staffers. While attending college at Johnson & Wales University, summers would find him back at Pool and Patio Center where he made a significant contribution to our Sales Department.
By 2007, Kevin had earned his bachelor’s degree in Sports/Event/Entertainment Management and pursued his career in the sports field. Binghamton Senators of the American Hockey League hired Kevin to work in their Sales Department, but Kevin couldn’t stay away from Rhode Island long; he returned to the Ocean State to work for the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League.
While with the Providence Bruins, Kevin managed game day staff members as well as office interns while overseeing all promotional material on game days. Kevin handled all Boy Scout, Cub Scout and Girl Scout groups that attended Providence Bruins games. He was an integral part of their Marketing Department designing and creating flyer requests for all group outings and sponsorship proposals.
He remained with the Bruins until February of 2012 when he rejoined Pool & Patio Center as the Social Media & Marketing Coordinator. Since that time, he has earned his Certified Pool/Spa Operator® (CPO®) accreditation from the National Swimming Pool Foundation and his Certified Service Technician (CST®) from The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals® in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
When not at Pool & Patio Center, you can find Kevin playing soccer on Sunday nights, volunteering with his Boy Scout Troop, kayaking, fishing, riding his bike or playing a round of golf. Kevin is a great fit at Pool & Patio Center with his creative ideas and sense of humor.... always making the customer feel at ease.
By 2007, Kevin had earned his bachelor’s degree in Sports/Event/Entertainment Management and pursued his career in the sports field. Binghamton Senators of the American Hockey League hired Kevin to work in their Sales Department, but Kevin couldn’t stay away from Rhode Island long; he returned to the Ocean State to work for the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League.
While with the Providence Bruins, Kevin managed game day staff members as well as office interns while overseeing all promotional material on game days. Kevin handled all Boy Scout, Cub Scout and Girl Scout groups that attended Providence Bruins games. He was an integral part of their Marketing Department designing and creating flyer requests for all group outings and sponsorship proposals.
He remained with the Bruins until February of 2012 when he rejoined Pool & Patio Center as the Social Media & Marketing Coordinator. Since that time, he has earned his Certified Pool/Spa Operator® (CPO®) accreditation from the National Swimming Pool Foundation and his Certified Service Technician (CST®) from The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals® in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
When not at Pool & Patio Center, you can find Kevin playing soccer on Sunday nights, volunteering with his Boy Scout Troop, kayaking, fishing, riding his bike or playing a round of golf. Kevin is a great fit at Pool & Patio Center with his creative ideas and sense of humor.... always making the customer feel at ease.
James has earned two Associate Degrees, Criminal Justice in 2007 and Accounting in 2012, from the Community College of Rhode Island.
James renewed his Certified Pool & Spa Operator® (CPO®) accreditation from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) in 2020. In 2015, he earned his CPO® from the National Swimming Pool Foundation. Both times, his test score was a whopping 98!
James is amongst an elite group of individuals as he is an Eagle Scout, the Boy Scouts of America’s (BSA) highest advancement rank. Only 5% of Boy Scouts ever earn this prestigious achievement!
James has been assisting our Shipping and Receiving Department and our Service Division since 2004. His previous work experience as a Customer Service Representative along with his discipline in achieving the BSA Eagle Scout rank make him an ideal member of our Pool & Patio Center family.
James is mature, quiet and thoughtful. During his off time, you will find James camping and enjoying the outdoors.
James renewed his Certified Pool & Spa Operator® (CPO®) accreditation from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) in 2020. In 2015, he earned his CPO® from the National Swimming Pool Foundation. Both times, his test score was a whopping 98!
James is amongst an elite group of individuals as he is an Eagle Scout, the Boy Scouts of America’s (BSA) highest advancement rank. Only 5% of Boy Scouts ever earn this prestigious achievement!
James has been assisting our Shipping and Receiving Department and our Service Division since 2004. His previous work experience as a Customer Service Representative along with his discipline in achieving the BSA Eagle Scout rank make him an ideal member of our Pool & Patio Center family.
James is mature, quiet and thoughtful. During his off time, you will find James camping and enjoying the outdoors.
Leon joined Pool & Patio Center in 2013, bringing 10 years of industry experience. His background as a Chemical Tech for Interplex Industries along with earning his Certified Pool/Spa Operator® (CPO®) from The National Swimming Pool Foundation® in 2015-- with the impressive score of 86--brings a wealth of knowledge our customers can rely on. Having extended his talent reach into the service field as well as retail, Leon can resolve any concerns our customers may have.
Leon is hands-on and very customer-service oriented. He takes a genuine interest in his customers’ relaxation needs. A visit with Leon and you'll have everything you need to maximize your experience.
On his off time, you can find Leon spending time with his wife, playing video games or listening to any type of music. Leon loves 80’s movies and even does a great impression of Sean Connery--so next time you see him, tell him you want to hear ‘Sean’ and he’ll oblige! He is ALWAYS a gentleman, even-tempered and willing to help any of his Pool & Patio Center family.
Leon is hands-on and very customer-service oriented. He takes a genuine interest in his customers’ relaxation needs. A visit with Leon and you'll have everything you need to maximize your experience.
On his off time, you can find Leon spending time with his wife, playing video games or listening to any type of music. Leon loves 80’s movies and even does a great impression of Sean Connery--so next time you see him, tell him you want to hear ‘Sean’ and he’ll oblige! He is ALWAYS a gentleman, even-tempered and willing to help any of his Pool & Patio Center family.
With a degree in Retail Management from the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) along 23 years’ experience as a CCRI Purchasing Officer and over 25 years’ experience in the pool and spa industry, Ray joined our team with his feet running—during the height of the 2020 pandemic, no less. His vast experience and knowledge are a perfect fit for Pool & Patio Center.
Ray’s attitude, personality and approachability make him easy to get along with; his relaxed nature allows him to explain complicated issues in a very relatable manner. He is always willing to teach and mentor others and loves learning about the newest products’ features and benefits. Ray is well-known throughout our industry and is a polite and respected gentleman. His pool and spa product knowledge are second to none.
In addition to his school, work and prior life experiences, Ray has been involved with volleyball for over 45 years as a player, coach and official. Ray is also an avid pickleball player.
Ray loves to spend time with his family, visit Florida and spoil his grandchildren!
Ray’s attitude, personality and approachability make him easy to get along with; his relaxed nature allows him to explain complicated issues in a very relatable manner. He is always willing to teach and mentor others and loves learning about the newest products’ features and benefits. Ray is well-known throughout our industry and is a polite and respected gentleman. His pool and spa product knowledge are second to none.
In addition to his school, work and prior life experiences, Ray has been involved with volleyball for over 45 years as a player, coach and official. Ray is also an avid pickleball player.
Ray loves to spend time with his family, visit Florida and spoil his grandchildren!
Bill joined our Pool & Patio Center family in March of 2014 and we very much enjoy having him here. Bill is a seasoned professional whose past experiences include--most importantly--his service to our country as a Marine. Additionally, Bill has been involved in various entrepreneurial endeavors along with having substantial financial management expertise.
When Bill is not working, he is spending time with his wife and seven (yes, 7!) grandchildren. Bill enjoys concerts and a wide array of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and kayaking.
When Bill is not working, he is spending time with his wife and seven (yes, 7!) grandchildren. Bill enjoys concerts and a wide array of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and kayaking.
Bailey | In Loving Memory 4/15/08 – 6/17/20
- Bailey came into our hearts one sweet summer day…with big black eyes, long curly ears and wispy fur…so tiny, so cuddly and so full of trust. We fell in love immediately. She was a teacher. Bailey prepared the young adults for parenthood. She reformed a non-dog lover. She filled an empty nest. She calmed the fearful. In her loss, she’s still teaching. She’s preparing the younger ones for the inevitable, necessary losses we all go through. Bailey, you will be in our hearts forever.
