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Member Spotlight: Jeff Tawney, Vice President of Team Horner's AquaCal/AutoPilot

Jeff Tawney is ingrained into the very fibers of AquaCal/AutopPilot, a subsidiary of Team Horner and FSPA Florida West Coast Chapter member. As Vice President and part-owner of the country’s largest heat pump manufacturer since 1981, Jeff exemplifies commitment and dedication to the pool and spa industry.

“This is a good place to work, at any level,” Jeff explains. His interactions with his staff are evident of this - Jeff greets everyone he sees by name, when he walks the floor of the expansive St. Petersburg, FL campus. Construction is currently underway on a 10th building, with the nine other buildings housing various departments including parts and finished product manufacturing, plastic injection molding, research and development, and administration.

As an FSPA member, Jeff has enjoyed the educational benefits that come with membership. “The most enjoyable interactions I’ve had with FSPA was when I was tasked to be on the Energy Committee,” he says, detailing the presentations he gave to the Board of Directors and various law-making groups. “I like teaching; the more technical, the better!”

His penchant for education also expands to his philanthropic side. In the first quarter of 2022 alone, Jeff and AquaCal/AutoPilot, under the umbrella of Team Horner, made a donation of $2.22 per heat pump sold, totaling almost $22,000, to the Florida Swims Foundation.

“I have 8 grandkids that I want to see learn how to swim,” Jeff explains. He anticipates making another donation in the months to come to continue providing vital swim lessons throughout the region.

As for continuing to expand the AquaCal business? “We do what makes sense,” he says. “It makes sense to bring it in house.” All aspects of the business are housed on the St. Pete campus, from making plastic parts and cutting sheet metal to the finished product assembly line and warehousing and shipping departments.

With campus expansion underway and additional philanthropic involvement on the horizon, Jeff and his team are ready for what comes next at every level.

FSPA is thankful to have dedicated members like Jeff and AquaCal/AutoPilot at Team Horner in the growing pool/spa industry.