If you haven’t had the chance to meet the enthusiastic, passionate Ken Kauffman, you’re in for a treat. 

With over 40 years of experience, Ken’s career began with a passion for technology and business, studying Management Information Systems at San Diego State University. But in the fast-paced tech landscape of the early 1980s, he quickly realized that hands-on experience was just as valuable as classroom learning. In 1983, Ken relocated to Sacramento, balancing a part-time role at Leslie’s Swimming Pool Supplies with continued education at Sacramento State, where he pursued a Business Degree. That part-time job evolved into a full-fledged career as he rose through the ranks to become an Assistant Store Manager and eventually managed his own store in Vacaville, CA. When Leslie’s was sold in 1988, he saw an opportunity to forge his own path. In 1993, Ken purchased Bee Sunny Pools, earned his C-53 Pool Contractor license in 1994, and ran the business successfully for a decade before selling it in 2003 and moving his family to Arizona. Since then, he’s worked across the pool industry—from builders to manufacturers—and today, he’s proud to be sharing his expertise with Raypak, focusing on education around the National Fuel Gas Code and California Title 24. “It’s been a rewarding journey shaped by adaptability, entrepreneurship, and a deep commitment to the industry,” described Ken.

Mentors play a big role in shaping and refining people in any industry. We asked Ken about his role models who guided him along the way, and this is what he had to say:

Ben Beeler was my first mentor and a foundational figure in my career. As the owner of Bee Sunny Pools, Inc. in Chatsworth, CA, Ben was more than a swimming pool contractor—he was a teacher, a visionary, and a pioneer in the industry. I first met him while attending his hydraulics course at West Valley Occupational Center in the San Fernando Valley. Ben played a key role in establishing the Western Pool and Spa Show and became the beloved face of “Lil Algy,” a symbol recognized by many in the trade. His guidance, wisdom, and generosity left a lasting imprint on me. Eventually, I had the honor of purchasing his company and keeping Ben on as an advisor until his passing—a gesture that speaks to the enduring value of his mentorship.

Rick Chafey entered my life more recently, but his impact has been no less profound. As the head of Red Rock Contractors, Rick brought me on to help build a sprawling, three-year residential backyard resort in Arizona. In that time, he taught me one of the most powerful lessons of my later years: that obstacles are simply opportunities waiting to be solved. Rick’s philosophy—”The answer is never no; it’s what will it take and what will it cost”—has reshaped how I approach challenges, both professionally and personally. Though our time working together was brief, Rick continues to influence me today, whether he realizes it or not.

After over 40 years in the industry, Ken experienced numerous projects and challenges. We asked him to share a memorable experience and he described to us what he calls, “Building the Ultimate Backyard Resort”.

After spending a decade with Hayward, I felt a strong pull to push my boundaries and take on something truly extraordinary. I wanted to challenge my skills in a way I never had before—and Red Rock Contractors in Chandler, AZ offered just that opportunity.  They were hiring a full-time, on-site Project Manager to lead the construction of a $12-million residential backyard resort. This wasn’t just another pool project—it was a private aquatic wonderland.

The Vision:

  • 188,000-gallon lazy river winding through the property
  • 180,000-gallon master pool, 16 feet deep, with a Go-Kart track running underneath, featuring eight underwater viewing windows
  • 30,000-gallon shark tank aquarium that seamlessly connects to the master pool
  • Inflatable surf machine with a retractable stainless-steel deck for sleek concealment
  • 12,000-gallon koi pond and an 5,000-gallon indoor master spa
  • A 16-foot-tall negative edge wall with a basin below that doubles as a play pool
  • A massive waterfall with two slides:
    • One 110 foot long, plunging underground
    • One 25 foot long with a dramatic 15-foot drop into a 12-foot “shallow end”

Managing this build was like orchestrating a symphony of engineering, design, and logistics. Every element—from the underwater kart track to the shark tank integration—demanded precision, creativity, and relentless coordination. It was more than just a job. It was a chance to leave a lasting mark, to bring a dream to life, and to grow in ways I never imagined. That project didn’t just challenge me—it redefined what I thought was possible, both personally and professionally!

Due to his tenure and expertise over the years, we asked Ken what he views as some of the most important qualities for success in this industry. Here’s what Ken had to say, directly from his resume, in fact!

Vision

  • Know your destination and chart the course.
  • Vision helps you set meaningful goals and stay focused, even when distractions arise.
  • In our industry, this means anticipating client needs, planning for long-term durability, and staying ahead of design trends.

Passion

  • Be driven to be the best—not just for recognition, but because you care.
  • Passion fuels perseverance through tough builds, weather delays, and demanding clients.
  • It’s what turns a good pool into a masterpiece.

Discipline

  • Success is a marathon, not a sprint.
  • Discipline keeps you consistent, organized, and focused on quality over shortcuts.
  • It’s the difference between a rushed job and a reputation for excellence.

Resilience or Persistence

  • Every project has setbacks—supply issues, unexpected site conditions, or client changes.
  • Resilience means bouncing back, learning, and staying positive.
  • It’s how you build trust and grow stronger with each challenge.

Self-Awareness

  • Know your strengths, own your weaknesses, and stay humble.
  • Understand your role in the team and the value others bring.
  • Self-awareness fosters collaboration, growth, and leadership.

Not only is it important to be self-reflective when it comes to finding success in the industry, but being part of a team is equally, if not more integral. We asked Ken how he manages to keep his team motivated and productive in a busy, fast-paced world.

Keeping a team motivated starts with leading by example, and I make it a priority to demonstrate a strong work ethic and unwavering support for both our Pro Warranty Stations and Sales Team. I recognize that each of my nine team members brings a unique style and set of strengths to the table, so I tailor my training approach to suit their individual needs and market dynamics—whether that means hands-on guidance, PowerPoint presentations, or a hybrid of both. By adapting to what works best for each person and their customer base, I foster an environment of respect and collaboration. We share laughs, navigate challenges together, and even have emotional moments, but through it all, our open communication keeps us grounded and resilient. It’s that sense of unity and mutual trust that keeps us moving forward—not just as colleagues, but as a true team.

Being on the forefront of trends and emerging technology is important, especially when it comes to the pool and spa industry. Ken is most excited about:

  • Smart Pool Technology – Smart Pool Pads
  • Automated cleaning systems and chemical monitoring
  • App-controlled lighting, temperature, and water features
  • AI-driven maintenance alerts to reduce upkeep

Since Ken has had such a unique and interesting career within the industry, we were especially interested to learn what he thinks makes Raypak so unique and special.

Ken replied, Raypak is a privately held company, and it stands out in the pool heating industry through its unwavering commitment to durability, energy efficiency, and cutting-edge smart technology. By focusing exclusively on pool heating, Raypak has cultivated a deep expertise that fuels the development of innovative features, distinguishing its products from competitors. While widely recognized for enhancing residential pools and spas, Raypak’s advanced heating solutions also power commercial-grade boilers and water heaters across diverse sectors such as hospitality, education, and fitness. This versatility underscores the brand’s reputation for reliability and performance in both leisure and industrial applications.  We do one thing;  We heat water better than anyone!

After an accumulation of years and experience, we wanted to know what advice Ken would give to someone trying to get into the industry:

After more than 40 years in the pool industry, the most common refrain I’ve heard is, “I don’t have time for training—I’m too busy.” But the truth is, training isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Staying sharp means getting out to trade shows, attending manufacturer training classes, and building relationships with your local MFG reps for both sales and technical support. It means engaging with industry associations like the Plasterers Council, IPSSA, UPA, Pool Nation, Watershapes University, Genesis 3 Design Group, and PSATC’s ongoing education programs. The moment you think you’re done learning is the moment someone else—hungrier, more curious, and better trained—steps ahead. In this industry, knowledge isn’t just power; it’s survival.

 

Thank you, Ken, for your willingness to give us a peak behind your career and motivations. We are thankful for your tenure and for representing Raypak!