The Blake Sales Team
John Grucky - President -
John began his career in the Swimming Pool and Spa Industry in 1978. He worked for Kern Products managing the Phoenix Branch as well as acting as the areas outside salesman until Kern merged with CPM in 1980. That year he went to work for Today's Swim and Patio as an assistant store manager and later as a manager in the Mesa location. In 1982 he met Bob Blake and in 1983 went to work for Bob as the outside salesman for Arizona, New Mexico and Utah for Polaris Vac Sweep. In 1985 he became the Western Regional Manager for the renamed company, Alopex Industries. In 1987 he rejoined Bob to the recently formed company Blake Sales Associates. John's responsibilities include management of BSA along with overseeing New Mexico and Colorado. As I look back on my career, my retail experience probably afforded me the best insight of what it takes to be successful, and to have empathy for the homeowner. The Polaris training in "pull through" marketing still is the most viable method of insuring the manufacturers we represent success. And finally my relationship with Bob Blake instilled within me that you need to enjoy the process, and its all about people. For that and his friendship I will always be indebted.
Richard Sonnefeld -
Vice President of Sales
Richard started in the pool business in 1977 at the age of 15 working after school at Allred’s Pool Supplies in La Mesa, CA. When he got his driver’s license he started servicing pools, moved on to repairs & up to management of their retail stores until 1987.
Richard then moved on to Pool Water Products to their new distribution center in Riverside, CA. He worked there for about a year before his career started with Blake Sales.
Richard has been with BSA for over 33 years.
Ron Eger -
Regional Sales Manager
Ron started in the industry at age 22 after graduating from Northern AZ University in 1994, he went to work for Paddock Pools in Scottsdale, AZ until he moved on to Blake Sales in 1996. Ron covered the Phoenix territory for the next 8 years until moving to the Pacific Northwest in 2005. Ron has been working for BSA for 25 years.
Kevin Witt - District Manager
Kevin started working for Blake Sales in January of 2003. He’s been in and out of the Industry since 1975, starting at Allred’s Pool Supplies. Kevin’s territory covers San Bernardino, Riverside, North LA, Ventura, and Kern Counties.
Brian Duyanovich - District
Sales Manager
Brian is a Sacramento, CA area native. He graduated from Sacramento State University. After spending ten years working for a major pool online retailer in sales and marketing, Brian has been with BSA for the past 8 years.
AJ Grucky - District
Sales
AJ Grucky joined the swimming pool and spa industry in January of 2010 as a Manager for POOL Corporation. During his tenure at POOLCORP, AJ worked in both Operations and Sales until leaving wholesale distribution in 2017 to pursue a career with NC Brands. From 2017 to 2021, AJ worked in sales and education for NC Brands until he joined Blake Sales in early 2021.
AJ
graduated from the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University in 2008. During his college years, he played water polo for the Sun Devils and today
he still coaches the Women's Collegiate Club Water Polo Team at Arizona State.
Heather Fregoso -
Executive Assistant
Heather started in the pool business at age 22 working at Fiberstars in Fremont, CA. In 1997, she went on to work for Caldera Spas in El Cajon, CA for the next three years. From there she started her career with Blake Sales and Heather has been with BSA for over 21 years.
Linda Ramey - Accounting Dept.
Linda joined Blake Sales Associates, Inc. in January 2006. After working for non-profit organizations for 20 plus years, she was happy to bring her Admin skills to BSA's team. You can find her crunching numbers in our Accounting Department. Linda resides in the North County of San Diego. Fun Facts about Linda: In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, painting, travel and the great outdoors.
Sharmane Ramey - Data Entry
In 2013, Sharmane joined Blake Sales Associates in the Data Processing Department. Along with data entry, Sharmane can be found assisting other office team members. She has a passion for success and helping others. Currently living her best life in North County San Diego, she is Mom to two adorable children. Fun Facts about Sharmane: When she's not working and has a free moment, she enjoys her family, the ocean, surfing and a great adventure.