What would compel a pair of barbecue sauce executives to enter the pool and spa industry? Ask longtime business partners John Antretter and Howard Smith.

“We were looking for something to complement both of our skill sets, and that had an international presence,”Antretter said. “[Company CEO Smith] has an extensive background in distribution, and I know quite a bit about manufacturing. We were hoping to get involved in a situation where our skills in marketing would have an impact.”

So in November 2006, Antretter and Smith — who still co-own the Stubb’s barbecue sauce company — purchased Pleatco. The Glen Cove, N.Y, filtercartridge maker already had an established customer base, but the new owners quickly found areas for development.

"We put a substantial investment into giving Pleatco a fresh look, but 10 times the improvement went into its infrastructure,” COO Antretter said. “Having the most modern systems available is essential for great success.”

That philosophy included investing in an upgrade of Pleatco’s manufacturing equipment, especially the purchase of faster, more efficient pleating machines. The pair’s foray into the pool market is the latest in a long line of business ventures, handled separately and together.

Upon graduating from law school in the late ’70s, Smith joined a family owned pharmaceutical distributor in New York and helped grow the company into an industry leader in the Northeast. More recently, he headed operations at one of the nation’s largest specialty light bulb distribution companies.

Meanwhile, Antretter, who also is an adjunct professor of business at Fordham University in New York, started out as a banker. He soon realized that for him, building and running a company was more fulfilling than financing it. Today, he considers himself a “serial entrepreneur.”

Antretter and Smith said they are fully dedicated to seeing Pleatco thrive.


"We are hands-on operators. [We’re] not in the business of sitting in the background or flipping,” Smith said. “We recognize that our customer really is the most important thing.”

A strong bond between Smith and Antretter has further eased the transition, both agreed. In fact, they even share an office after deciding to retain previous owner Sam Miller as a consultant.

“That’s been great,” Smith said. “We laugh a lot and learn a lot from each other.”
“If you talk to any business owner, the hardest thing to find is a good partner,”

Antretter added. “I’ve never had this kind of comfort before. I trust Howard one million percent, and I know he feels the same.” •

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