Karen Larson Mark Goldberg Jenna Patrick

Co-Founder, Soake Pools Pembroke, New Hampshire

What inspired you to get into the industry?

There was a huge gap in the market in the U.S. in 2013 when we developed our first precast concrete plunge pool. We wanted others to be able to install a pool that was beautiful, earthy and had quality within a budget that was reasonable! We designed the pool for year-round use, due to its smaller size. We also recognized that the timeline for gunite pools was long and we understood how our product would be a total game changer when it came to project timelines. Our vision was for every backyard in the US to be able to have a plunge pool!

What’s the best part of your job?

When a customer writes in to tell us how installing a Soake Pool in their yard has totally changed their lives (for the better), it absolutely makes my day! Bringing a beautiful, functional body of water into a backyard really does change how our clients use their backyards! They spend more time outdoors.

What’s the one thing that would make the industry better?

More collaboration!

What’s the best advice you have received for your career?

Decide who you want to be as a business, and be that. Decide how much you want to grow, and grow to that size. Don’t grow just for the sake of growing.

What inspired you to get into the industry?

I have been an arborist for two decades and wanted to continue to work within the tree care industry but in a supportive role as a manufacturer representative. There are so many tools arborists need every day to do their job effectively, efficiently and safe and when I saw what Scott Porter was doing with Dynamic Green Products (DGP), I knew it was a great fit and opportunity.

What’s the best part of your job?

Reaching out to folks every day who love trees and the environment as much as me and showing them our great products.

What’s your favorite place you’ve ever visited?

Sequoia National Park—mind blowing and magical—It’s my DisneyLand.

What is something not many people know about you?

I am obsessive about safety in the workplace. The tree care industry is dangerous and I never wanted to call a team member’s family and tell them their son/dad/husband wasn’t coming home. A hats off to all the arborists who manage team members and make sure they come home safe every day.

What is your favorite karaoke song?

“Home Sweet Home” by Motley Crue

What inspired you to get into the industry?

Every day, I get to listen to inspiring individuals who are passionate about what they do. In this industry, we care about doing things the right way, not just the easy way. I love that the people I talk to are solving problems for the industry as a whole, and openly communicating with others to learn. Using my skills to put their message on paper is the most rewarding job I can imagine.

What is key to great design?

Research, communication, dedication and an open mindset: this is what a project requires to push past average and into something revolutionary from my point of view. With my background studying graphic design, I understand the importance of a design process, and applying that to a medium that lives, grows and impacts much more than meets the eye never fails to be a fascinating topic of exploration.

What are you most proud of?

As simple as it sounds, I take pride in being a genuine and kind person with a backbone. I advocate for what I believe in, and I challenge myself to consider other perspectives as often as I can. I’m proud of my long-term relationship with my significant other, and I often think about how much we’ve grown as people over the years.