Our Story
From humble beginnings to industry leadership
National Pool Partners began as a small, one-truck operation built with intentionality, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to the finest customer experience in the industry. From these modest roots, we’ve grown into an industry leader by staying true to our core values and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Our journey has been enriched by the visionary leaders and dedicated team members who have shaped NPP into what it is today. Each merger with a partner company is an honor, and we see it as an opportunity to carry forward a legacy. Together, we’re not just building a company; we’re transforming the pool industry and creating opportunities for growth, connection, and success.
Our core values
- BYOP: Bring your own positivity
- Be passionate to serve others
- Communicate quickly and clearly
- Make it better
- Deliver results
Join us and thrive
Each member brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence, ensuring that National Pool Partners remains at the forefront of the industry. We're dedicated to fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, that drives success for the entire industry.Our leadership team is here to support you & your goals
Hal Denbar
Founding Partner & Chief Executive OfficerHal 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
Chief Operating OfficerDon Dakis is the Chief Operating Officer of National Pool Partners (NPP). 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
Chief Financial OfficerAngela Brinley serves as Chief Financial Officer of National Pool Partners (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.
Mark Lum
Senior Vice President Risk & SafetyMark Lum serves as the Senior Vice President of Risk and Safety of National Pool Partners (NPP), 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.
Ryan Abud
Senior Vice President of ITRyan Abud serves as the Senior Vice President of Technology for National Pool Partners (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.
Become a success story
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At National Pool Partners (NPP), our journey is fueled by passion for the pool industry and guided by our core values. These values foster an engaging, collaborative workplace where lasting relationships and exceptional results thrive. Watching our team members grow, in ways not possible in smaller businesses, is the most rewarding part of this journey. Sharing stories with former owners about their people’s achievements within NPP reminds us why we do this. We honor their legacies by ensuring their teams flourish and their values endure. At NPP, it’s about more than business—it’s about people, culture, and delivering excellence every step of the way.
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At National Pool Partners (NPP), delivering consistent, high-quality customer experiences is our priority. We achieve this through operational excellence and by preserving the unique strengths of each business that joins us. Every company brings its own ‘secret sauce,’ which enriches our practices and elevates our standards. It’s fulfilling to see how these contributions strengthen NPP and to honor former owners by ensuring their teams and customers are well cared for. Our investment in training and safety builds trust with employees and clients alike, creating a supportive environment where everyone thrives. At NPP, we focus on people, legacy, and exceeding expectations at every turn.
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When I joined the pool industry, I was drawn to the opportunity to elevate a fragmented market. What excites me most is seeing our team thrive, with clear paths for skilled technicians to grow into managerial and executive roles. At NPP, professionalism and excellence are deeply rooted in our core values, creating a culture where both people and service shine.
Customer experience begins with the first phone call and is prioritized through every interaction. With advanced technology, detailed weekly reports, and a focus on training, we deliver transparency, integrity, and consistency. For me, it’s about building trust and setting a new standard for excellence in the industry.
By Pool People, For Pool People.
Contact us today to connect!
National Pool Partners was built to elevate the industry. If our story resonates with you, we’d love to hear yours. Together, we can shape the future of this industry and create something truly extraordinary.
