Case Study
Paragon Pools: 25 Years of Award-Winning Storytelling
How a family-owned Las Vegas pool builder became one of the most recognized names in the pool and spa industry, and how one publicist told its story for a quarter century.
Case Study: 2001-2026
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years as Paragon Pools’ publicist
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PHTA Builder of the Year Awards
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International Design Awards
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TV, radio & cable interviews
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at-risk youth given free swim lessons
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consecutive Step Into Swim grants
THE CLIENT
A family business with a world-class eye for design
Founded in 2001 by Joseph M. Vassallo and later co-led with his son, Joseph A. "Joey" Vassallo, Paragon Pools designed and built luxury custom pools, spas and backyards for homeowners and commercial clients across the Las Vegas Valley.
The Vassallos brought something rare to a crowded market: a trademarked design philosophy, AquaTekture™, and a commitment to the community that went far beyond the job site. My role for 25 years was to make sure Las Vegas, and the industry, saw both.
Paragon Pools closed its doors on October 31, 2026. This case study looks back at the work we built together.
WHAT I DELIVERED
One storyteller, every channel
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Media Relations
Press releases, pitches and interview placements that put Paragon Pools on local TV and in the industry's leading trade publications, year after year.
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Photography & Video
Every photograph and video in Paragon Pools’ portfolio, including the images behind its award-winning projects and its Viddy Award-winning water safety films.
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Website Design
Design and content for paragonpoolslv.com, a showcase of 25 years of projects, awards, press and community outreach.
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Social Media
Content and storytelling across Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn and YouTube, built around the work itself.
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Float Like A Duck
Co-founded in 2003, the water safety initiative that became the heart of Paragon Pools’ community story.
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Researcher / Ghost Writer
Description goes here
THE RESULTS
Seen on screen, in print and around the world
Joseph Vassallo became the most televised pool executive in Nevada, with more than 70 appearances. Paragon's story ran in national trade media, the local press and even overseas.
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Media outlets
HGTV, FOX5 Las Vegas, News 3 Las Vegas, ABC 13 Morning Blend, CBS 8, Telemundo, Las Vegas Review-Journal, Pool & Spa News, AQUA Magazine, Pool Magazine, PoolPro, Pool Safely (CPSC), Shipmate Magazine, WAVES Magazine, India
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Thought leadership
55 Las Vegas Review-Journal pool and spa columns, a featured writer role since 2010, trade op-eds and the book The Al Fresco Life.
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Design recognition
World's Greatest Pools honors in six different years, three Pool & Spa News Masters of Design awards and the Las Vegas Parade of Homes Best Pool Award.
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Community voice
GOLD in the Vegas Viewer's Choice Awards, presented by FOX5, in 2025 and again in 2026, plus proclamations from the City of Las Vegas and Clark County.
THE RESULTS
Seen on screen, in print and around the world
Joseph Vassallo became the most televised pool executive in Nevada, with more than 70 appearances. Paragon's story ran in national trade media, the local press and even overseas.
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Paragon Pools is founded in Las Vegas
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Float Like A Duck water safety initiative launches
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Joseph Vassallo named PHTA Builder of the Year
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Joey Vassallo named PHTA Builder of the Year; Paragon Pools turns 20
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Olympic champion Rowdy Gaines presents a Step Into Swim grant
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A final PHTA design award; Paragon closes October 31
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Float Like A Duck
What started in 2003 as a water safety message became Paragon Pools’ proudest legacy. For many years, Float Like A Duck hosted special events where families learned how to float, a simple skill that can save a life. The program also provided free swimming lessons to nearly 2,000 at-risk youth.
The initiative earned five consecutive PHTA Step Into Swim grants (2021 to 2025), a Nevada Points of Light Award, recognition from the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition and multiple Viddy Awards for its water safety videos.
As co-founder, Float Like A Duck continues under my guidance as part of the philanthropic work of Mary Vail, MBA Publicist.