Our Story

Hal Denbar is the Chief Executive Officer and a Founding Partner of National Pool Partners (NPP), bringing nearly 20 years of swimming pool industry experience to NPP.  Under Hal’s leadership, NPP has been committed to setting industry standards in safety, education, employee experience, and operational excellence. 

Hal began his journey in the pool industry as an owner/operator, founding Patriot Pool & Spa in Austin, Texas, in 2006. His dedication to creating the finest customer experience helped Patriot Pool & Spa become the fastest-growing pool service company in the nation, earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list for four consecutive years and being recognized as the #1 customer service company in Texas by Pool & Spa News. 

Hal joined NPP as President of its Texas business, later serving as Chief Operating Officer. He was appointed CEO in 2023. His vision and passion continue to drive NPP’s comprehensive strategy, focusing on enhancing customer and employee experiences across the industry. 

Hal is a graduate of Texas A&M University and an active member of the Pike’s Peak Chapter of Young President’s Organization and the Austin Chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization. He is also involved in mentoring and being mentored by fellow entrepreneurs and chief executives. 

Outside of his professional life, Hal enjoys spending time with his wife and their two daughters and is an avid fan of Aggie football.

Don Dakis is the Chief Operating Officer of National Pool Partners. With over 20 years of experience in business transformation, Don is a growth-focused, innovation leader who has made significant impacts in the home services and home improvement sectors and continues to use his expertise and growth-focused mindset to guide National Pool Partners as an innovative leader in the pool care industry.

Before joining National Pool Partners, Don served in the United States Marine Corps and has held senior positions at Titan Home Improvement, Thompson Creek Windows, and Sears Home Services. In these roles, he established a strong foundation for revenue growth and operational excellence.

Don is deeply involved in cancer support organizations. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Angela Brinley serves as Chief Financial Officer of National Pool Parts (NPP). Angela is a dedicated executive with over 35 years of operating businesses with a focus on financial efficiency and long-term sustainability. Angela holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting, an MBA from Northern Illinois University, and is a licensed CPA in the State of Illinois.

As a finance executive, Angela offers a diverse background that includes industries such as manufacturing, service, retail, distribution, beauty and wellness, as well as six years in the pool industry working for In the Swim / Leslie’s Pool Supplies. While the financial function is her focus, she understands the importance of integrating operations, sales & marketing, human resources and product development as key components to any company’s success.

Her specialty includes strategic management, business optimization, financial reporting, mergers and acquisitions, legal and regulatory compliance, systems implementation and cash management. Angela is a proven executive with a track record in simplifying complex business objectives and creating high-performance organizations that deliver on corporate objectives.

More recently, Angela led a carve-out from Elizabeth Arden to complete a $70M acquisition that included major system implementations, staffing, and finalizing a transition services agreement that was completed in less than one year.

On a personal note, Angela enjoys a number of hobbies including hiking, traveling, art, and of course her very special love – an eight-pound ShihPoo.

Justin Gormley is the Regional Vice President for Texas at National Pool Partners (NPP), where he is dedicated to expanding the company’s market presence and driving revenue growth. With a people-first culture and a strategic, results-driven approach, Justin has successfully led the Texas region to significant gains in market share, profitability, and customer base expansion. His leadership has been crucial in delivering consistent growth and strengthening NPP’s competitive position.

Prior to his current role, Justin served in key leadership positions where he spearheaded business transformations, market expansions, and strategic partnerships that enhanced revenue and operational efficiency. His leadership style focuses on continuous improvement and achieving meaningful results.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Justin enjoys traveling and spending time with his family. He is actively involved in his community, coaching little league, and participating in the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Additionally, he contributes to the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, demonstrating his commitment to both professional excellence and community engagement.

Carrie comes to NPP from Tricoci, where she spent the last 6 years in the Controller role with a focus on strong finance team and operational results. She spent time prior at In The Swim as a Senior Financial Analyst and Accounting Manager. She has her bachelor’s in business administration and master’s in international business.

Carrie, her husband Tom, and son, Alexander, reside in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, with hobbies that include biking, swimming, fishing and reading. She is a self-proclaimed ‘foodie’ and enjoys traveling.

Emily Gibson is the Vice President of Human Resources at National Pool Partners (NPP), where she oversees the company’s human resources strategy, talent acquisition, leadership development, organizational design, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and HR operations and technology across all NPP locations.

Emily holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the University of Florida and is a SHRM-SCP certified professional. With 10 years of experience in HR leadership across various industries, including retail, advertising, and home services, she is dedicated to driving innovation, fostering a customer-centric culture, and building high-performing teams.

Before joining NPP, Emily held leadership roles in dynamic businesses, where she successfully led strategic initiatives that contributed to increased market share and revenue growth. Her vision for NPP is to cultivate a best-in-class workplace where employees can grow and thrive.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends, giving back to her community, and staying active through regular workouts to maintain her mental and physical health.

Clifford Hughes is the Vice President of Sales, Growth, and Retention at National Pool Partners (NPP), bringing 20 years of experience in developing high-performance teams and driving revenue growth. As a dynamic sales leader, Cliff excels in creating strategic sales initiatives, enhancing customer engagement, and building strong client relationships. With a proven track record in scaling sales operations, he has been instrumental in expanding market share, optimizing sales processes, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. His passion lies in aligning sales efforts with organizational goals to achieve sustained growth.

Before joining NPP, Cliff held several key positions at Terminix, where he successfully led strategic initiatives that boosted market share and revenue growth. He holds an MBA from Strayer University and actively participates in various mentorship programs.

Outside of his professional life, Cliff enjoys spending time with his wife and their six dogs, engaging in agility training, scent work, and other competitions. He is also an avid college football fan and enjoys cooking.

Mark Lum serves as the Senior Vice President of Risk and Safety of National Pool Partners, bringing over 48 years of leadership experience in the swimming pool industry. Under Mark’s leadership, National Pool Partners has implemented new safety processes, procedures and training programs.

Prior to joining National Pool Partners, Mark held multiple senior positions during his 48 year tenure at Leslie’s Poolmart Inc., the largest national chain of swimming pool supplies in the industry. Mark’s most current position at Leslie’s was Vice President of Risk Management where he was responsible for insurance placement, safety, claims management, and loss prevention. He holds a Business Management degree and is a Certified Risk Manager.

In his free time, Mark enjoys playing golf, going to the gym and spending time with his family.

Adam Dolch serves as the Director of FP&A of NPP, bringing over 15 years of leadership experience in various industries including SaaS, Telecommunications, and Manufacturing. 

 Adam will be a key member to achieving significant growth and operational excellence within the organization. He is passionate about driving innovation, fostering a customer-centric culture, and expanding financial visibility across the company. 
 
Prior to joining NPP, Adam held several Director level positions where he played a critical role in driving company expansions and financial reporting efficiencies. He holds an MBA from the University of Tampa with a concentration in Finance. 
 
In his free time, Adam enjoys playing sports and relaxing on the beach, along with spending quality time with his wife and son.

Oliver Fernandes is the Director of Marketing at National Pool Partners, where he brings over a decade of expertise in developing impactful marketing strategies for the home services industry. Known for executing effective omnichannel campaigns, Oliver focuses on achieving high returns on ad spend (ROAS) and expanding brand presence across local and regional markets.

Prior to his role at National Pool Partners, Oliver led marketing initiatives for ADU Contractors, Service Corporation International, and Palm Beach Marketing Agency. His efforts consistently drove remarkable results in lead generation, campaign optimization, and budget management. Oliver’s ability to blend data-driven strategies with sales operations has proven instrumental in enhancing lead funnels and improving overall marketing performance.

Holding an MBA in Finance from Nova Southeastern University and a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Berkeley College, Oliver also holds certifications in advanced Google Analytics, HubSpot marketing, and SEO, further reinforcing his expertise in modern marketing practices.

A proud veteran, Oliver served two deployments aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time outdoors with his family, serving as a youth leader at his local church, and volunteering as a distribution coordinator for Feeding South Florida.

Ryan Abud serves as the Senior Vice President of Technology for NPP. A collaborative and results-driven technology executive with over 25 years of technology experience leading transformational initiatives that drive business growth, operational efficiency, and innovation. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from North Central College.

As Sr. Vice President of Technology, he has a proven track record of aligning technology strategies with organizational goals across diverse industries, including manufacturing, distribution, e-commerce, retail, and service industries including food, pool & spa, and beauty & wellness.

With expertise in technology strategy, digital transformation, and team leadership, Ryan has successfully spearheaded several enterprise-wide initiatives, migrating legacy systems to scalable cloud-based platforms, developing comprehensive data strategies, and leading native app and website development. He excels in leading large-scale system implementations and architecting robust tech roadmaps that position companies for long-term success.

Adept at collaborating with executive leadership, and understanding every facet of business operations, his passion for innovation and strategic vision continues to drive success in fast-paced, evolving business environments.

Personally, Ryan is an avid sports fan, especially hockey and March Madness, and can croon with the best of them in karaoke.

Tyler is the Arizona Regional Director and General Manager at National Pool Partners (NPP), overseeing business operations for the Phoenix Metro and Tucson areas. With over a decade of experience in the consumer services and pool care industry, Tyler has a proven track record of driving revenue growth, delivering outstanding results, and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Before joining NPP, Tyler was a successful business owner and entrepreneur, achieving multiple successful exits. He also co-founded and co-hosted the #1 Pool Industry Podcast, Pool Chasers, sharing valuable insights and expertise on the latest trends, best practices, and innovations in the pool sector.

Passionate about leadership development and value creation, Tyler is committed to driving growth and excellence within the pool industry and beyond.

Outside of work, Tyler enjoys spending time with his family, the beach, morning walks, sports, and fantasy football.

Bob is the Field Development & Training Manager at National Pool Partners, bringing over 50 years of experience in the pool industry. His extensive background includes expertise in pool remodeling, inspections, and big water solutions. Bob has also been a Certified Pool & Spa Operator Instructor for over 30 years, earning numerous awards for his teaching.

Bob has been a Certified Pool & Spa Operator Instructor for over 30 years and has won numerous awards for teaching pool professionals. He has trained over 100 health departments nationwide and contributed to the development of the current Texas Swimming Pool Health Code. Passionate about sharing his knowledge, Bob creates practical training content and dedicates himself to educating the next generation of pool professionals.

Outside of his professional work, Bob is a composer and songwriter. He takes pride in his family, including his daughter and nearly 40 years of marriage to his supportive wife.