Scott Cohen, president of The Green Scene Landscapes & Pools in Chatsworth, CA, was a man on a mission this past November at the International Pool|Spa|Patio|Deck Exposition in Las Vegas. In fact, it’s fair to say he was a man on multiple missions at the industry’s largest annual gathering.
We caught up to HGTV’s favorite “Garden Artisan” for a brief chat and were astonished at how many directions one person could go at one time without breaking a sweat. “It’s great to see our industry’s trade shows back up and running at full tilt,” Cohen said. “Everyone knows the past two years have been challenging in ways no one could have possibly anticipated, but now we’re all here focused on the future.”
Cohen is by any measure, one of the industry’s most prominent leaders and, indeed, most influential trendsetters. His work designing and building residential aquatic environments has earned him widespread recognition for creativity and technical excellence throughout the U.S. and abroad. He is a long-time industry association leader with an extensive track record for holding leadership positions within the industry’s most important organizations. In addition, he is a published author, instructor, and overall “watershaping” wizard.
“I’m obviously thrilled to be here spending time with colleagues and participating in the business of pools and spas on multiple levels,” he said. “Collectively, we have a lot of work to do on different fronts.”
In Las Vegas, his involvement was, indeed, multi-faceted.
First, there were the accolades. Cohen’s company brought home four prestigious design awards, including Master of Design for Water Features and PHTA’s National award for concrete pools.
On the political front, Cohen was on hand serving as chairman of the California Pool & Spa Association, leading the association’s annual board meeting where they advanced important work related to the drought in the Western U.S. and representing the industry’s interest in the halls of government. He also met with executives from the Pool & Hot Tub Association and presented to their board.
A highly popular instructor, Cohen taught two well-attended seminars, one titled “Builders, Bloopers and Blunders” — a candid course in which he divulges hard lessons learned over the years. He also presented a fascinating discussion entitled “Fast Friends,” which delves into Neuro-linguistic Programming and how it can be used to forge connections with customers, colleagues, and basically everyone you encounter in life.
And, if all that wasn’t enough, Cohen walked the floor with a camera crew recording short interviews with show exhibitors, attendees, and other industry luminaries, documenting the top ten things to see at the show. (link to videos). In our brief time together at the show, Cohen flowed from one conversation and subject to another, always seemingly at ease with the constant exchange of information and ideas, as well as all the attention.
“Among the many reasons you go to a show like this is to keep up on the education and find out about the latest products and technology. Most of all, there’s value in maintaining personal connections without having to stare at a computer screen. I love this industry, always have, and it’s a privilege to be a part of it.”
As it turns out, many parts.
As reported by water and garden fanatic, Edwin P. Glick
