Meet Our Team

Our six-person outside sales staff, as well as our inside sales and support staff are committed to providing truly outrageous service

In Memoriam…..Stephan Swirsky. 1941-2023

After years of helping to develop the American Granby Co. to a position of national prominence in his roles as sales manager, executive vice president, and president. Steve fulfilled a lifelong dream in 1985 to start his own business. Seeing an opportunity to “niche market” high-quality products to the pool, spa, irrigation, nursery, and water-related industries, he utilized his skills in professional sales management and his in-depth knowledge of the northeastern market to found Waterlines, Inc.

Calling on his Dartmouth College/Tuck Business School education, his sales and marketing skills, and his instincts as a competitive athlete, Steve and his partner Ray Gunder established the strongest rep organization on the East Coast.

When you add Steve’s natural enthusiasm and commitment to hard work, his integrity and his very strong drive to “win,” you will understand why so many of Waterlines, Inc.’s vendors sing his praises and credit him with helping them achieve a position of leadership and greater market share.

Steve has been a participating member of the Manufacturers’ Agents National Association (MANA) for 20 years. In 2000, recognizing his ability to establish better rapport between manufactures and agents his industry, he was elected Chairman of the National Swimming Pool Institute’s Manufacturers’ Rep Counsel, which represents over 70 member agents in the pool industry nationwide. He also served a 3-year term on the NSPI Board of Directors and participated as a panel member on APSP’s CEO Conference.

Steve and his wife Joan have three grown children, two grandsons and one granddaughter.

Territory: Major accounts in New England and New York State

Damon joined Waterlines in 2005 as a landscape lighting specialist. His charismatic “people person” personality, quick grasp of a multifaceted product line, and excellent technical skills quickly helped him thrive in sales. In the fall of 2009 he became Steve Swirsky’s partner and Executive Vice President of the company, and in 2020 became President. Damon resides in Meriden, CT, with his wife Sara, their daughter and son.

Territory: greater New York metropolitan area, including NJ, Westchester County, and Long Island

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Josh served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His extensive experience in the pool-and-spa industries includes working for Dover Pools & Supplies in sales and in the management of two retail locations, as well as in customer service, sales, and as division director of sales and marketing of a leading East Coast manufacturer. Josh commutes from New Jersey to Virginia, where his wife Maria is completing her service in the U.S. Army. They have two daughters.

Territory: Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia and Virginia markets

Jason’s background in business development, sales, and project management were perfect preparation for his role as a representative for Waterlines Inc., where he is known for providing superior customer service and product knowledge to clients in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Born and raised in the Baltimore area, Jason obtained his Bachelors of Science degree at Missouri State University where he met his wife, Brandie. They live outside of Baltimore City with their son.

Territory: New England and Westchester, NY

John joined Waterlines, Inc. in September 2016, in order to intensify the company’s coverage throughout New England and New York. John enjoyed a successful 30-year career in the swimming-pool industry––at all levels––starting as a contractor, building pools and spas, and then running two retail pool stores. In addition, he was a salesman for a major pool distributor, after which he became the New England Sales Manager for Zodiac Pool Systems. John and his wife Tracy live in Connecticut and have two grown children.

Territory: Pennsylvania and Southern NJ

Shawn is a swimming pool industry veteran of 20 years, bringing Waterlines expertise in retail management, service, and above-ground pool sales. The recipient of two Salesman of the Year Awards from Waterlines, his competitive advantage is active listening paired with technical expertise to fit each customer with the right high-quality, low-cost solutions. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Shawn is a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business. This Nittany Lion and his wife Dawn, also a Penn State graduate, have two sons and live in Media, PA.

Territory: Upstate New York and New England
Noah has accumulated many years of experience in the pool and spa industry ranging from sales, product delivery& installation to service. A graduate from Penn State University in Hospitality Management and Business Administration, he has managed hospitality and sales operations from Maine to Washington State. A highlight being the General Manager of supply chain and restaurant operations at a Ski Resort. He now brings his determined attitude, excellent customer service and sales expertise to the New York State area. Noah resides in Albany, New York.

Territory: Southeast

Andrea brings 30 years of experience in the green industry to the Waterlines, Inc. team. After achieving a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Contracting from Mississippi State University, she has worked with a range of different size landscape service-oriented companies as well as being a sole proprietor of a landscape lighting company in Destin, FL. More recently, she has put her drive for exceptional customer service, passion for working with people and knowledge of the green industry to work by helping contractors grow their business throughout the Southeastern US. Andrea has two grown children and she lives in Northeast Georgia where she enjoys exploring the great outdoors.

Territory: Southeast

Vince Griffin joins Waterlines Inc. with more than a decade of experience in Retail, B2B, and B2C. Born and raised in the small town of Redlands, CA east of Los Angeles, where he learned the value of hard work and determination at a young age. Vince’s career in sales and retail started at the age of 17, when he landed his first job as a sales representative for a small clothing and sporting goods store. Where he quickly developed a knack for connecting with customers and building relationships, which led to a successful sales and management career in Southern California’s Pool and Landscaping industry. Over the years, Vince has represented a variety of products and companies, from landscaping products and pool building materials to commodity goods and advancing technologies. As a Sales Manager, he takes pride in his ability to quickly understand a client’s needs and develop creative solutions that lead to increased sales and success. Vince’s business partners appreciate his unwavering honesty, reliability, and ability to deliver on promises.

Outside of work, Vince enjoys spending time with his wife and young daughter visiting their favorite beaches in the Gulf of Mexico. He is also an avid hockey and sports fan. “My passion for sales and dedication to excellence have led me to obtain success for those that I work alongside— while also being a respected sales professional in my field. Whether you’re a new client or a long-time partner, I’m committed to listening to your needs, understanding your goals, and exceeding your expectations.”

Leslie Howard

Office Manager

Leslie manages the busy Waterlines headquarters in North Haven, Connecticut. For almost 20 years, she managed both small businesses and multimillion-dollar retail chains, and in 2013 brought her skills and experience to Waterlines. Leslie’s is recognized industry-wide for her professionalism, enthusiasm, and attention to detail. A graduate of Southern Connecticut State University with a B.S. in English and minor in Psychology, she is as tireless outside of work as inside, either running a 5K race, walking dogs at the local shelter, or throwing dinner parties for friends and family. She recently hiked her way across Ireland, and helped her team take 3rd place in a Dragon Boat Race sponsored by Yale University.