Master Spas
Master Spas is an American manufacturer of hot tubs and swim spas headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Established in 1996, the company has grown to become the largest swim spa manufacturer globally and the largest hot tub manufacturer in the United States that builds 100% of its products domestically using both domestic and foreign components.
History
Master Spas was founded in 1996 when CEO Bob Lauter, along with a group of investors, acquired the spa division of Fort Wayne Pools, which had been producing acrylic spas since 1978. The acquisition included a 90,000-square-foot facility in Fort Wayne. Lauter, leveraging his industry experience, aimed to transform the business into a high-end spa manufacturer. Key executives, including Terry Valmassoi, joined at the company’s inception. Initially operating with fewer than a dozen employees, Master Spas focused on craftsmanship and innovation.[^1^]
Product Innovation
- Master Spas introduced several industry-first innovations:
- Legend Series: Featured waterline fiber-optic lighting and one-piece polymer skirt panels.
- Spa Theater System (2000): Created a new category in the spa market.
- H2X Swim Spa (2005): Included the patented Exerswim Propulsion System.
- Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas (2010): Developed in partnership with Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.
Key Milestones
- 2000: Launch of Spa Theater System.
- 2002: CEO Bob Lauter receives Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
- 2004: INSPIRE Award from the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals.
- 2019: $15.3 million investment in new facilities.
- 2021: 25th anniversary celebration.
Operations
Master Spas operates a 614,000-square-foot manufacturing facility on a 45-acre campus in Fort Wayne. The company employs nearly 1,000 people and serves customers worldwide through a network of dealers across North America, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific.
Patents and Technology
- Master Spas holds 12 patents, with 5 pending. Notable technologies include:
- Bio-Magnetic Therapy
- EcoPur® Filtration System
- U.L. Certified stereo and integrated TV/DVD systems
Awards and Recognition
- TradeCertified® Status: Awarded for 10 consecutive years by Spa Retailer magazine.
- INSPIRE Award (2004)
- [Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2002)
- Greater Fort Wayne Business Hall of Fame (2018)
- Inc. Best in Business List (2024)
President April 2024 – Master Spas, a leading spa manufacturer based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, announced Kevin Richards has been named president of the company. Richards succeeds Terry Valmassoi, who has served as president and CEO and will remain in his role as CEO.
“Kevin [Richards] is one of the most experienced and talented people in our industry,” says Valmassoi. “He has an entrepreneurial spirit with a creative mind for innovation, marketing and continuous improvement.”
Terry Valmassoi is the President and CEO of Master Spas. A native of Southern California, Valmassoi has worked in the spa industry for over 40 years. He began his career in 1978 while attending Long Beach State University, where he earned a degree in financial management. He started his first business selling and installing hot tubs and later founded a company that manufactured gelcoat spas.
Valmassoi co-founded Master Spas with Bob Lauter in 1996 and has been instrumental in its growth. He has overseen operations, expansion, and team development, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. In 2022, following Lauter’s retirement, Valmassoi was named President and CEO.
He is active in the Fort Wayne business community and a member of the Business Forum, a group of nearly 80 business leaders. His leadership continues to focus on strategic growth, customer care, and community engagement.
Notable Media Mentions
- Michael Phelps Partnership: Featured in promotional campaigns and product development.
- Inc. Best in Business List (2024).
- Fox & Friends: Highlighted Master Spas products for year-round backyard enjoyment.
- Steve Harvey Show: Donated five hot tubs.
- Warburton Golf Tournament: Ongoing support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
- Bart Starr Award Presentation: Sponsored broadcast.
- IRONMAN Athletes: Partnerships with Ben Kanute, Tim O’Donnell, Meredith Kessler, and others.
- Wahoo Sports Science Center: Swim spa featured in cutting-edge training facility.
- Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs: Expansion of wellness offerings.
- References
[^1^]: https://www.masterspas.com/about/hot-tub-history
[^2^]: https://www.masterspas.com/blog/master-spas-story/
[^3^]: https://www.masterspas.com/awards
[^4^]: https://www.masterspas.com/news/kevin-richards-president
[^5^]: https://www.masterspas.com/blog/skip-bedell-segment-on-fox-friends/
