Industry leaders will be honored November 16 at the PHTA Awards of Excellence in New Orleans
NORMAN, Okla., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- SpaRetailer magazine, in collaboration with the International Hot Tub Association, announces Bob Lauter and Brian Quint as the 2026 inductees into the Hot Tub Hall of Fame.
The inductees will be recognized during the PHTA Awards of Excellence on Monday, November 16, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. The ceremony takes place on the final day of pre-conference programming, the day before the Expo Hall opens. Admission is included in registration.
Established in 2024, the Hot Tub Hall of Fame honors individuals whose contributions have helped advance, improve or protect the hot tub industry. Honorees represent manufacturing, retail, supply, associations and support services, with careers distinguished by innovation, collaboration, honesty and integrity.
Lauter and Quint join two previous classes of honorees. The inaugural 2024 inductees were Steve Hammock of Watkins Wellness, Chris Robinson of Lucite International and the late Rich Werber, founder of Great Atlantic Hot Tubs, Pools & Saunas. The 2025 class included Olympic Hot Tub co-founder Alice Cunningham, Joe King of King Technology and the Jacuzzi family.
Bob Lauter
Lauter, co-founder and former CEO of MasterSpas, entered the spa industry in 1979, starting a spa distribution business within W.W. Adcock. After leadership roles at Fort Wayne Pools and L.A. Spas, he co-founded MasterSpas in 1996.
Working alongside Terry Valmassoi, Lauter helped build the company through dealer relationships, sales training, marketing and product development. He helped expand the market for swim spas, including through the company's partnership with Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.
Lauter's contributions extended beyond his own company. He spent six years leading the International Hot Tub Association as president or chairman, working with fellow manufacturers on safety standards and issues affecting the broader industry. His charitable work included helping MasterSpas and its dealers support the NAZ Children's Centre in Jamaica.
Brian Quint
Quint, former co-owner and president of Seattle-area retailer Aqua Quip, joined his family's business in the late 1970s after beginning his career in banking. He helped guide its growth into a multistore operation, including its expansion into hot tubs and its 1999 merger with Carlson Pool & Spa.
An advocate of open-book management, Quint shared financial information with employees and taught them how their work affected the company's performance. His collaborative approach helped Aqua Quip navigate economic downturns, diversify its offerings and prepare for its acquisition by Leslie's in 2019. He remained with the company until retiring in 2022.
Quint's contributions extended beyond retail. As a former chairman of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals and an active participant in industry peer groups, he shared practical business knowledge and encouraged professional development, cooperation and lasting relationships throughout the industry.
For more information about the Hot Tub Hall of Fame and previous inductees, visit hottubhalloffame.com.
About the Hot Tub Hall of Fame
Founded by SpaRetailer magazine in collaboration with the International Hot Tub Association, the Hot Tub Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry through innovation or collaborative work to improve and protect it. The program celebrates their accomplishments and preserves their stories for future generations.
2024 inductees: Steve Hammock of Watkins Wellness, Chris Robinson of Lucite International and the late Rich Werber, of Great Atlantic Hot Tubs, Pools & Saunas.
2025 inductees: Alice Cunningham of Olympic Hot Tub, Joe King of King Technology and the Jacuzzi family.
Media contact
Megan Kendrick, Publisher
SpaRetailer Magazine
[email protected]
480-455-9838
SOURCE SpaRetailer Magazine
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