Changing of the guard as Daisy’s industry veteran Lee Schatkowski retires
After two decades of dedicated service to the pool and spa industry, Lee Schatkowski, long-time Queensland area manager for Daisy Pool Covers, has officially announced his retirement.
Schatkowski began his journey with Daisy in 2005 as the company’s first full-time area manager in Queensland. With no prior experience in pool covers, but equipped with a strong trade background and a natural sales acumen, Lee quickly became a trusted face of the Daisy brand across the state and beyond.
“Hiring Lee was one of the easiest and best decisions I’ve made,” says Derek Prince, managing director of Daisy Pool Covers.
“He hit the ground running, built lasting relationships, and helped drive Daisy’s growth through some of the industry’s most challenging periods – including the GFC. He did it all with professionalism, humour and genuine heart.
“We thank Lee for his outstanding contribution over the past 20 years.”
Schatkowski played a pivotal role in expanding Daisy’s footprint in the trade and retail sectors, from training franchise groups and independent pool professionals to supporting site installations and addressing logistical challenges brought on by environmental events, his contribution has extended far beyond sales.
Ben Coyne, strategic accounts manager at Daisy says that Schatkowski’s passion for the brand and his willingness to mentor others made him not just a colleague, but a leader in every sense.
“His knowledge, integrity and support have left a lasting legacy on our team and the wider industry,” he says adding that beyond his technical capabilities and deep product knowledge, Schatkowski was known for his calm approach, infectious humour and unwavering support for customers and colleagues alike. His photography hobby often blended with his professional work, capturing moments that became part of the company’s visual legacy.
Grant McLaughlin will step into the vacated role of Queensland area manager.
Prince says that McLaughlin brings great energy and a strong customer-first mindset to the role.
“He hit the ground running last week in Sydney with in-depth product training, and he’s already been out on installs, learning the ropes firsthand.
“With a keen interest in supporting our trade customers across Queensland, Grant is ready to get out on the road, visit stores, and ensure a smooth transition.”
Contact: Grant McLaughlin, 0400 686 026, grant@daisypoolcovers.com.au
Meanwhile, Daisy has announced the launch of a new premium hard pool cover system, using high-performance polycarbonate slats and commercial-grade automation, available now through the national installer network and targeted at premium residential pool market.
“We’ve taken everything we’ve learned in over 40 years of pool cover manufacturing and combined it with proven European performance to create a hard cover system that’s reliable, safe, and built for Australian backyards,” says Prince.
“It incorporates inhouse engineered control systems already used in industrial and commercial applications, and comes in both above-ground surface mounted units ideal for retrofits and below-ground, recessed systems fully integrated for new pool builds or high-end finishes.
Daisy has also appointed Tim Andrews as the new business development manager to support trade partners with training, quoting and technical enquiries.
IMAGE: Lee Schatkowski
