Meet the Team That Makes Up RIPL
RIPL is built on people who actually care in an industry that often doesn’t have that reputation. Meet the leadership and technicians earning that trust every day.
Ohio
Carolinas
Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan
Texas
Executive Leadership Team
Business Support
Regional Teams
Ohio
Carolinas
Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan
Texas
Leadership
Executive Leadership Team
Business Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Are RIPL technicians company employees, or subcontractors?
RIPLpool maintenance technicians are all company employees. We do use subcontractors from time to time, but only for construction and renovation jobs (e.g. electricians)
Do RIPL technicians carry certifications?
Yes — every RIPL technician completes standardized training and rapid-diagnostics certification before working independently in the field.
Mychal Manolatos, President
Mychal Manolatos is the Founder and President of RIPL, where he leads the company’s strategy, operations and continued growth across the U.S. An operator at heart, Mychal is actively involved in the day-to-day business, working alongside RIPL’s leadership teams to drive performance, strengthen operations and deliver an exceptional experience for both customers and employees.
Acquisitions are also an important part of RIPL’s growth strategy. Since founding the company, Mychal has led RIPL’s acquisition efforts, partnering with pool business owners across the country and overseeing the acquisition and integration of multiple pool service companies. His approach is focused not simply on acquiring businesses, but on building upon what made them successful while providing the people, technology, marketing and resources to support their next stage of growth.
Prior to founding RIPL, Mychal served as President of SOLitude Lake Management and Vector Disease Control International, where he led the acquisition and integration of more than 20 businesses while overseeing the growth and operations of the organization. That combination of operating and acquisition experience has shaped RIPL’s long-term, owner-operator approach to building a leading pool service company.
Mychal is passionate about entrepreneurship and its ability to create opportunities for employees, customers and the communities RIPL serves. He holds a B.A. in Hospitality Management from Michigan State University and lives in the Chicago suburbs with his wife, Lena.
Debbie Clement, CPA, Chief Financial Officer
Debbie Clement is a seasoned financial executive with over 30 years of leadership experience in accounting, finance, and corporate operations. As Chief Financial Officer, she oversees all aspects of financial management, including the preparation and analysis of financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and strategic financial reporting.
Debbie has deep expertise in cash and treasury management, maintaining strong banking relationships and ensuring efficient financial operations. She has played a pivotal role in more than 35 acquisitions, leading due diligence efforts and overseeing the seamless financial and operational integration of acquired entities.
In addition to her core financial responsibilities, Debbie brings valuable experience in human resources management. Her background includes overseeing payroll, employee benefits, and retirement plan administration, further enhancing her well-rounded executive leadership capabilities. Debbie’s commitment to financial integrity and operational excellence has consistently supported organizational growth and long-term success.
Marc Bellaud, Vice President of Procurement and Business Optimization
Marc Bellaud brings over 30 years of experience in the aquatics industry to his role as Vice President of Procurement and Business Optimization. Prior to joining RIPL, Marc served as Director of Technical Services at SOLitude Lake Management, where he played a pivotal role in transforming the company from a regional operation in the Northeast into a nationwide leader in lake and pond management. Under his leadership, SOLitude grew to encompass more than 50 offices and a workforce of over 500 employees, with Marc leading the charge to streamline operations and drive technical excellence during this rapid expansion.
Marc holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Vermont. Originally from New Hampshire, he now resides in the Boston suburbs with his wife and two sons. His deep water quality expertise, strategic mindset, and passion for operational improvement make him a valuable asset to the RIPL team as the company continues to scale its footprint and capabilities.
Matt Serino, Vice President of Marketing
Matt Serino is an accomplished marketing professional with over 20 years of experience in leading marketing strategy, driving leads, and elevating brands. As Vice President of Marketing, Matt spearheaded the go-to-market brand strategy for RIPL and supports organic growth through inbound and outbound initiatives.
Through his creative thinking and passion for innovation in digital marketing, Matt is focused on implementing new initiatives that enhance the RIPL brand and help grow the business. He also has extensive experience with business acquisitions, and has overseen the integration of marketing tactics, processes, and rebranding of dozens of businesses. Prior to joining RIPL, Matt was Director of Marketing for the Specialty Businesses at Rentokil Terminix, where he led a team of marketing professionals to achieve consistent year-over-year lead growth for a handful of national route-based service businesses including SOLitude Lake Management, VDCI, Ambius, and Steritech.
Matt graduated from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, where he earned his
bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing and a minor in art. He is a native of Virginia Beach and enjoys spending time in and around the ocean with his wife and two children.
Bret Ervin, Manager, Revenue Operations & Systems
Bret serves as RIPL’s Manager of Revenue, Operations, and Systems, bringing over 11 years of multi-industry operational and management experience to the organization. In his role, Bret supports company-wide efficiency by overseeing invoice statement processing, maintaining accurate real-time data syncs across core systems, and leading the data onboarding process for newly acquired businesses.
Prior to RIPL, Bret developed extensive expertise in the M&A space. As a former Service Contract Manager in lake management, he personally directed the onboarding of thousands of accounts representing over $10 million in recurring annual revenue. Bret leverages this deep subject-matter expertise to align diverse stakeholder needs, ensuring smooth transitions and shared success post-acquisition. Bret has also previously directed the complete migration and integration of the company’s CRM platform from Microsoft to Salesforce. His strategic leadership ensured a seamless data migration while enhancing cross-departmental adoption and efficiency.
Bret earned a BBA in Business Management with honors from James Madison University, concentrating in Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. A beach native through and through, Bret brings a lifelong passion for the water to his work every day.
Paul Jokisch, Associate
Paul Jokisch, Associate, brings experience across financial services and pool service software. At RIPL, he is actively involved in business development and leads M&A efforts as the firm sources and evaluates new opportunities. Before joining RIPL, Paul was an Investment Banking Analyst focusing on sell-side M&A within the facility services industry. He later worked as a business development consultant for a leading pool service software company, supporting platform growth and industry expansion.
Paul is passionate about bringing great companies together and delivering a smooth, well-executed transaction experience for both buyers and sellers. He was an outside linebacker on the University of Michigan’s varsity football team, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics with honors. Paul is currently pursuing his Master’s in Finance at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business and is based in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Robyn Kirwin, Finance and Accounting Manager
Robyn Kirwin is an experienced Finance and Accounting Manager and is responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, general ledger management, and full-cycle accounting operations at RIPL.
With extensive expertise in managing payables and receivables, payroll processing, and internal audit support, Robyn has led financial operations across diverse organizational settings. Certified as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, Robyn is skilled in leveraging financial systems including NetSuite, Service Titan, Microsoft Dynamics Navision, JobPower, Creative Solutions, and the Microsoft Office Suite.
Outside of her professional work, Robyn enjoys spending time at the lake, relaxing and playing in the pool, and spending quality time with her two dogs, Rylo and Duke.
Tiffany Koldenhoven, Head of Talent Acquisition
As Head of Talent Acquisition, Tiffany Koldenhoven specializes in connecting exceptional people with high-growth opportunities at RIPL. With a proven recruitment background that includes scaling teams during fast-paced corporate acquisitions, Tiffany brings strategic foresight and genuine empathy to every search
Tiffany prides herself on a candidate-first approach to recruiting: actively engaging with applicants, understanding the context behind their career paths and previous setbacks, and advocating for them throughout the hiring journey. Having worked up through the talent acquisition ranks, Tiffany thrives on helping hiring managers spot standout, non-obvious talent while delivering an engaging candidate experience.
Samanta Rosemberg, Marketing Manager
Sam Rosemberg brings more than 10 years of experience in marketing, e-commerce, and project management. At RIPL, she manages marketing initiatives across all regions, overseeing campaign planning and execution, reputation management, and marketing projects from strategy through execution.
Sam’s experience includes developing and optimizing multichannel campaigns, managing content and creative workflows, coordinating cross-functional teams, and building structured processes that improve efficiency and project execution. She is also well-versed in digital marketing, UX/UI, creative operations, and project management. Before joining RIPL, Sam worked in marketing and e-commerce operations in the real estate industry, where she led content-driven marketing initiatives, coordinated design, technology, and logistics teams, and developed automated workflows to improve project visibility and execution.
Sam has an educational background in Industrial Design and additional training in Digital Marketing, User Experience Design, Frontend Development, and UX/UI Design. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and spending time with her pug, Gloria.
Angelo Politis, General Manager
Angelo is General Manager of Ohio, overseeing the region’s overall operational, sales, and financial performance, as well as staffing and team development. He brings more than 20 years of experience in multi-unit business management, with expertise in leading and developing
teams, improving efficiencies, driving growth, and building strong relationships with
employees, clients, and suppliers.
Throughout his career, Angelo has served as a key contributor to significant business
initiatives across the route-based business industry. Prior to joining RIPL, Angelo has held
roles at Cintas, Aramark, and First Choice Services where he has served in sales and
operational management, procurement, and leadership roles. Angelo has led and served on
teams involved in new company initiatives, including helping to develop and launch CRM
platforms, launching new business revenue streams, and supporting the integration of
multiple acquisitions.
His leadership approach centers on building strong teams, aligning business strategy with
execution, and creating lasting relationships with clients and business partners. A graduate
of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Angelo is a member of the National Honor Society.
He lives in the Cleveland area with his wife and two children and enjoys coaching youth
soccer, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Bill Sebring, Operations Manager
Bill Sebring is an experienced Operations Manager operating in the Ohio market and specializes in pool service management, field team leadership, and client contract fulfillment. Bill directs daily operations, route optimization, field safety, and technical dispatching to deliver exceptional service quality to residential and commercial customers.
Throughout his career in property and pool service management, Bill has developed deep expertise in coordinating complex repair projects, chemical systems, structural equipment replacements, and seasonal opening/closing operations. He acts as a key operational liaison for commercial property managers, HOAs, healthcare facility groups, and residential owners, ensuring every project meets rigorous technical and safety standards.
Bill’s leadership philosophy centers on integrity, team accountability, and proactive client communication. By partnering closely with experienced field technicians, subcontractors, and vendor networks, he consistently turns operational challenges into streamlined, dependable service solutions.
Matt Kramer, General Manager
Matt Kramer is an experienced operations leader with more than 15 years in the route-based service industry and 10 years of leadership experience overseeing service, operations, facilities, and route management. As General Manager of RIPL’s North and South Carolina business, Matt is responsible for establishing the overall business strategy for the region while developing local leadership and building the teams and processes needed to support long-term growth.
Matt began his career in the route-based service industry more than 15 years ago and has held roles spanning field service, service management, project management, and operations management. Prior to joining RIPL, Matt served as District Manager for SOLitude Lake Management, where he was responsible for overseeing operations across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. His experience managing geographically dispersed service teams has provided him with a strong understanding of route optimization, operational efficiency, team development, and delivering a consistent customer experience across multiple markets.
Matt attended the University of Tampa, where much of his time outside the classroom was spent in the swimming pool as a member of the university’s swim team. During his collegiate swimming career, he earned All-American honors. His lifelong connection to the water makes his leadership role in the pool service industry a natural fit.
Matt currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife, Savannah, and their French Bulldog, Beast. Outside of work, he remains an avid sports fan and is a devoted supporter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Neil Johnson, Operations Manager
Neil Johnson is a seasoned pool industry professional with over 20 years of experience in pool service and retail management. As Operations Manager, Neil directs daily operations, route optimization, field safety, and technical dispatching for the Carolinas team.
Through his deep technical expertise and comprehensive industry knowledge, Neil is focused on optimizing field productivity to deliver best-in-class service to his clients. He began his career at Lake Norman in 2006, later helping establish a pool business in Mooresville, North Carolina, before transitioning to the manufacturing side as Operations Manager for AquaFinesse LLC. In 2020, Neil launched Swim N Pool & Spa, successfully running the full-service retail, service, and maintenance business for five years before joining RIPL through an acquisition.
Chase Kalacanic, Operations Manager
Chase Kalacanic is a skilled operations professional with a strong field background and expertise in route-based service management, field team leadership, and operational logistics. As Operations Manager at RIPL, Chase supports the General Manager to drive the company’s financial, operational, and sales performance. In his role, he oversees day-to-day operations across sales, service operations, facilities, asset management, staffing, inventory, and customer experience, while developing high-performing teams, optimizing processes, and building strong relationships with customers and suppliers to support long-term growth and profitability.
Chase brings a strong foundation of hands-on industry experience in lake and pond management, where he worked both as a field technician and as a manager handling high levels of independent workload. His background in route-based field service—both in the office and out in the field—has given him deep expertise in geographical route efficiency, field technician management, clear customer communication, and ensuring route completion by month’s end.
Chase holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina. Outside of work, Chase enjoys fishing, watching football, hiking, searching for shark teeth, and crafting paper airplanes.
Kadarrius Myree, Operations Manager
Kadarrius Myree is a dedicated operations professional who brings a strong leadership foundation and diverse technical background to his role as Operations Manager. In his current position, Kadarrius is responsible for leading daily operations, route optimization, field safety, and technical dispatching for the Carolinas team in the Durham, North Carolina area. His hands-on experience includes field training in pool and spa maintenance, liner repair and replacement, as well as pool safety covers and winterization.
Prior to his transition to the pool industry, Kadarrius built a well-rounded career background in construction and commercial transportation. He also proudly served 10 years in the U.S. Army, where he developed the core values of discipline, team leadership, and tactical execution that drive his operational approach today.
With a commitment to high-quality service and team efficiency, Kadarrius focuses on streamlining field productivity, prioritizing safety, and ensuring best-in-class support for both his team and clients across the region.
Jake Fortner, Operations Manager
For Jake Fortner, the swimming pool industry isn’t just a career, it has been a part of his life ever since he took his first steps on a pool deck as a child. With a long family history in the industry, Jake grew up around the pool business and developed a passion for it that has shaped his career and given him a unique understanding of both the service and operational sides of the business.
As an Operations Manager in the Carolinas, Jake oversees day-to-day operations, focusing on service, team development, customer relationships, and operational efficiency. His experience spans residential and commercial pool service, equipment and repairs, renovations, water chemistry, sales, and customer service. This broad industry background allows him to work closely with both customers and team members to solve problems, improve processes, and keep operations moving forward.
Jake is especially passionate about developing people and building strong teams. He believes exceptional service starts with knowledgeable employees, clear communication, and a willingness to learn and improve. He takes pride in helping team members expand their knowledge and develop their careers while building lasting relationships with the customers they serve.
As the pool industry continues to evolve, Jake remains focused on embracing new technology, strengthening operations, and identifying new growth opportunities. He is proud to bring his lifelong connection to the industry to RIPL and be part of building the company’s future.
Matt Pagano, Retail Operations Manager
Matt Pagano is an experienced Retail Operations Manager for RIPL’s North Carolina region, and specializes in overall retail performance, vendor relations, and cross-business inventory management. Matt directs daily retail operations, placing and receiving orders across multiple lines of business while building strong partnerships with local vendors.
Throughout his 20+ years in the swimming pool industry, Matt has developed deep expertise across every tier of retail and pool management. He began his career as a part-time seasonal associate, steadily climbing the ranks to Store Manager before transitioning to the design and sales team for a custom pool builder in New York. After moving to North Carolina in 2018, he served as the Retail Operations Manager for a local business prior to joining RIPL in 2025.
Matt holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Farmingdale State College in New York. When he is not optimizing retail operations at RIPL, Matt spends his free time trail-hiking with his wife and two kids.
Lance Ogreen, General Manager
Lance Ogreen spent much of his career in retail leadership before making the leap into the pool industry, where he now leads Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois as the General Manager. Lance drives the region’s overarching business strategy, cultivating local leaders and constructing the teams and systems necessary for sustainable long-term growth.
Prior to joining RIPL, Lance worked as a Manager at Tractor Supply company. While the industry may have changed, the part of leadership he loves most has stayed the same: people. A coach at heart, Lance loves helping people recognize what they’re capable of and giving them the tools and encouragement to succeed. He invests in his team while growing the business and creating an exceptional experience for customers. Lance especially loves that in the pool industry, the work his team does becomes part of the places where families gather and memories are made.
Lance earned his bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University. Outside of work, Lance is a husband, dad, and outdoorsman who is happiest outside: hunting, fishing, boating, or chopping wood. At work and at home, he values hard work, genuine relationships, and leaving things better than he found them.
Dave Tomky, Operations Manager
Dave Tomky is an accomplished operations professional with three decades of hands-on experience in the swimming pool industry. As Operations Manager for RIPL in New Lenox, Illinois, Dave oversees daily operations, field service, inventory, and customer and vendor relations. His focus is on driving field efficiency, ensuring a high-quality customer experience, and supporting the company’s growth.
Dave’s extensive industry background began in 1995 in a warehouse, quickly advancing to supervise new inground pool installations. Over the next thirty years, he built a comprehensive skillset spanning service, sales, purchasing, construction, and project management. This well-rounded experience allows him to approach problem-solving with an "outside the box" perspective, tackling complex field challenges while prioritizing safety and quality. Passionate about continuous learning and mentorship, Dave loves staying current with new products and sharing his knowledge to help his co-workers succeed.
Since joining RIPL in September 2025, Dave has valued the collaborative, friend-like culture of his team. Outside of work, he stays active and healthy, enjoying time with family and friends, hiking, kayaking, riding his motorcycle, traveling, playing hockey, and watching sports.
Misty Armstrong, Operations Manager
Misty Armstrong is an experienced operations professional with a diverse background in retail, manufacturing, quality control, skilled trades, and customer service. As Operations Manager at RIPL, Misty works closely with the retail team to support sales initiatives and customer service operations, assists with coordinating payments and customer needs throughout the construction process, and maintains relationships with vendors and business partners.
Misty brings a hands-on approach to leadership and problem-solving, with experience managing teams, improving workflows, coordinating projects, and maintaining quality standards. Her background in retail and manufacturing provides her with a strong foundation in customer service, operations management, and supplier coordination.
Prior to joining RIPL, Misty held leadership roles in the retail and manufacturing industries, where she oversaw teams and daily operations, coordinated production needs, and identified practical solutions to operational challenges. She also brings extensive hands-on experience in fiberglass repair, including console repair, structural fiberglass work, mold repair, and quality inspections. Misty holds ASE certifications in the automotive industry, reflecting her technical training and mechanical background.
Misty is passionate about developing strong teams, creating efficient processes, and identifying opportunities that support RIPL’s continued growth. Outside of RIPL, Misty enjoys spending time with her family, working with horses, and being outdoors.
Jonathon Hartzell, Service Manager
As a Service Manager at RIPL, Jonathon oversees service operations and works closely with his regional team and customers to ensure a smooth experience from start to finish. His main goal is to build a strong service team while making sure every customer feels valued and well taken care of.
Jonathan’s professional background includes service management, sales, customer relations, team leadership, and business operations. He has experience developing teams, improving processes, managing day-to-day workflows, and resolving customer concerns. Before joining RIPL, he built his career in leadership and customer-focused roles. He previously worked as Assistant Service Manager at Bontrager Pools and, in 2025, was honored with the Sales Splash Award as Top Growth Leader. Earlier in his career, Jonathon worked in automotive service with Eby Ford Lincoln and Campbell Ford Lincoln where he built the foundation of his skillset in customer service, sales, communication, and problem-solving.
Outside of work, Jonathan values faith and family. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, getting outdoors, and kayaking— making memories with the people who are important in his life.
Gene Kelly, Field Service Manager
Gene Kelly is a highly knowledgeable Field Service Manager who brings 25 years of dedicated experience to the commercial and residential pool service industry. In his role, Gene plays a critical part in ensuring daily field service operations run smoothly, safely, and efficiently across all locations. His operational leadership and technical expertise cover field crew dispatch, real-time technical support, hands-on repairs, and staff development.
In addition to managing early morning preparations to dispatch fully briefed and equipped technicians on their daily routes, Gene serves as the primary point of contact for real-time troubleshooting throughout the day. He maintains rigorous quality standards by directly executing specialized field service projects and equipment installations, while also leading hands-on onboarding, technical training, and safety instruction for new service technicians joining the team.
Outside of work, Gene enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and watching sports (go Cowboys!).
Tiffany Higdon, Retail Manager
Tiffany Higdon is an experienced retail and sales professional with more than 13 years of experience in the pool and spa industry. As Retail Manager, Tiffany oversees day-to-day retail operations, supports sales initiatives, builds lasting customer relationships, and leads her team to provide exceptional customer service.
Tiffany holds certifications as a Pool Maintenance Specialist, Spa Care Specialist, Troubleshoot Tech, Retail & Management Professional, Salt Water Pool Expert, and Water Testing Specialist. Her extensive industry knowledge allows her to help customers navigate everything from water chemistry and maintenance to product selection and troubleshooting. She is passionate about educating customers and finding solutions that make pool and spa ownership easier and more enjoyable.
Throughout her career, Tiffany has focused on building strong customer relationships, developing her team, and creating a knowledgeable and welcoming retail environment. Under her leadership, the retail team has continued to grow its customer-focused approach, contributing to the company being recognized as the 2026 Best Pool & Spa Retailer by Best of Michiana Sturgis Community’s Choice Awards.
Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and making memories with her children. She also enjoys spending time outdoors and finding new ways to enjoy life with her family.
Keith Murray, General Manager
Keith Murray serves as General Manager at RIPL, bringing over 20 years of multi-unit executive leadership and a proven track record of operational excellence to the team. With extensive experience scaling high-stakes operations across commercial, hospitality, and residential service sectors, Keith oversees daily business operations, service delivery, safety compliance, and long-term growth strategies.
Prior to joining RIPL, Keith led high-performing teams and multi-market expansion in commercial landscaping and property management. As Vice President of Operations at Huatan Landscaping, he drove a 40% year-over-year revenue increase while maintaining a 90%+ client retention rate and establishing comprehensive safety standards. His career also includes directing multi-million dollar portfolios for industry leaders such as Brightview, Macerich, and Aramark.
A firm believer in a customer-first approach, Keith focuses on delivering reliable, top-tier pool care and building strong, lasting relationships with homeowners, commercial clients, and community partners across the region. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Magna Cum Laude) from Medaille College.
Anthony Marks Jr., Operations Manager
Anthony Ray Marks Jr. is an accomplished Operations Manager with over two decades of experience driving operational excellence, team leadership, and facility management. Based in the Greater Houston area, Anthony specializes in streamlining business workflows, optimizing staff performance, and implementing high-standard safety and service protocols across large-scale facilities.
Throughout his career, including leadership roles at Texas Apartment Pool Services, Life Time Fitness, and Houston Recreational Management, Anthony has built a reputation for hands-on management, proactive problem-solving, and exceptional stakeholder communication. Grounded in a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and team development, he excels at creating efficient, safe, and welcoming environments that drive long-term business success.
Israel Gutierrez, Business Development Manager
Israel Gutierrez brings 20 years of experience in the swimming pool industry, beginning his career in 2006. Throughout his career, he has held multiple management and leadership positions within pool distribution and manufacturing, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the industry from both the operational and business sides.
Over the years, Israel has continued to expand his expertise through various industry certifications and extensive hands-on experience. His background has provided him with valuable knowledge of pool operations, equipment, maintenance, repairs, and the unique demands of professionally managed aquatic facilities.
As Business Development Manager for Texas Apartment Pool Services, Israel specializes in building and maintaining relationships within the multifamily, student housing, and senior living sectors. He works closely with property managers, regional teams, maintenance professionals, and management companies to understand the needs of each property and provide dependable solutions for commercial pool maintenance, repairs, equipment, renovations, and ongoing service.
With a relationship-first approach to business development, Israel believes that earning an account is only the beginning. His focus is on building trust, delivering consistent follow through, and becoming a reliable long-term resource for the properties and management teams he serves.