Under the surface: the head of the National Plasterers Council talks candidly about the issues facing his members

Pool & Spa News, Feb 28, 2005 by Shabnam Mogharabi

Mitch Brooks has set lofty goals for the National Plasterers Council. His plan, unveiled back in May 2003, calls for increasing plaster research, boosting membership, improving communication and much more.

However, Brooks was ready for the challenge. Having spent eight years in the pool industry serving on various APSP and Florida Swimming Pool Association chapters, the new executive director of NPC thought the plaster industry could benefit from better leadership.

In the nearly two years since taking office, Brooks has successfully grown the NPC membership by a whopping 77 percent to nearly 400 members. He has also more than tripled the organization's annual income. Brooks recently talked with Pool & Spa News about his accomplishments and plans for the future.

PSN: In 2003, the NPC disclosed its seven key objectives, which included improving communication methods. What kind of progress have you made toward achieving those goals?

M.B.: Well, it's been dramatic. We have a totally redesigned, 12-page, color newsletter that goes out every other month to about 2,000 industry people. In addition, there are a ton of new things available to [members] on our new Web site.

We're in the process of scanning all the studies on pool surfaces that have been done in the last 30 years and putting that research library online. Our consumer area talks about different pool surfaces and offers a directory to find local plasterers. On a weekly basis, we average about 10 consumer inquiries to the site.

PSN: You often say that research is the NPC's top priority. Why is that, and can you describe some of NPC's research plans?

M.B.: It's a primary focus of the council because there has not been independent, third-party research conducted on the issues that affect the plaster and service industries. Since we established our research committee, we have partnered with California Polytechnic University. It's been beneficial to have reputable researchers like those in the Department of Civil Engineering. We have the resources of some talented individuals.

The first protocol that was established was to narrow the causes of etching and deterioration in swimming pools. Since then, the research aspect has blown into something we never expected. As of September 2004, we established the National Pool Industry Research Center at Cal Poly. We also unveiled 12 test pools, where we can do more refined research.

The current protocol, which will be out in July 2005, will hopefully bring us closer to the chemical causes of the etching and deterioration phenomenon. In addition, the Cal Poly College of Engineering has applied to the university to make our research center a department of the college.

PSN: The NPC has long tried to create a certification program for plasterers. At what stage in that development are you?

M.B.: We have three phases in our education and training development. The first is to develop courses and seminars that we can use to educate the pool and spa industry at different trade shows. The next phase is to have a full day of training that we can take to different parts of the country. The third is the certification or accreditation program.

We're currently working on the second phase and are in the process of gathering the syllabus and information. As for certification, we're trying to find out what our members want. We're looking to begin the program in early 2006. One option is to have an accreditation program for a plastering company where the business is designated as an "NPC-accredited" plasterer. The other way is actually having trades training for individuals. That's a more difficult certification-type program.

PSN: You have spent a lot of time advocating for a more national organization. What has been done to achieve that goal?

M.B.: Our national conference is moving to different parts of the country, as is our board meeting. We're now exhibiting in five trade shows. We're advertising in the trade press, and it's succeeding. In the past, at the national conference, you'd have 100 to 150 people attending, half of whom were exhibitors.

Last year, 400 plasterers attended. Our goal for 2005 is to be at around 550 members. We want to hit the 1,000-member mark as soon as possible. The biggest growth has been in Florida, the East Coast, Utah and Texas. People are coming to us for the education aspect and to get information from us.

PSN: What is the single biggest issue facing the plaster industry today?

M.B.: I would say a lack of research and information regarding what's currently being used. Pool surface material is not an exact science. It's not an exact product; it's not a perfect product. The industry needs to work together with researchers and manufacturers to come up with a better product. Our focus is going to be on finding the solutions to bring the industry as high quality a product as possible that has little or no problems.

PSN: Specialty finishes are growing in leaps and bounds. Will this eventually dominate the industry? Or do you think there's room for traditional marcite?