Our Team

With years of experience in the pool industry, our team brings exceptional knowledge and expertise to every custom pool project.

Check out our team members below to learn more about their role and experience.

Management Team

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Sam Pizzo

Founder – Managing Partner

Sam founded Avree Custom Pools after spending many years in the residential and commercial pool-building industries. Having sold and built hundreds of pools, Sam had a vision for how he could improve his clients’ experience and build a better pool. Avree Custom Pools was born.

Sam’s vast construction and sales knowledge makes him an excellent leader and mentor to the entire team. He likes to get to know our clients personally and takes great pride in using the feedback, positive and negative, he receives from our clients to continuously improve and make Avree Custom Pools a great company. Of course, Sam is also one of our Certified Builder Professionals (CBP), approved by the Pool & Hot Tub Association (PHTA).

Bill Zupon B Managing Partner scaled

Bill Zupon

Managing Partner

Bill comes to Avree after a long career in the industrial automation, engineering, and real estate industries. Bill brings a wealth of systems development and operational strategy implementation knowledge to the Avree team.

As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), his passion for developing processes and procedures for both project execution and company operations ensures that the Avree team will always strive to find better and more positive ways to enhance our working environment and our clients’ Avree experience.

Patrick Cortes B Sales Manager

Patrick Cortes

Sales Manager

Patrick Cortes embarked on his professional journey in the hospitality industry as a chef, where years of serving others ignited his passion for bringing people together to share moments and create lasting memories around a table. Upon joining Avree Custom Pools, Patrick discovered that building swimming pools fosters the same sense of connection and joy as his culinary experiences. Viewing pools as the heart of a home, Patrick, in his role as Sales Manager, is dedicated to helping clients transform their vision into reality. His commitment ensures that every pool built by Avree Custom Pools becomes a centerpiece for connection and celebration.
Brandon Grace B Communications Marketing scaled

Brandon Grace

Communications and Marketing

Brandon Grace is a talented individual hailing from the vibrant city of New Orleans. He is a St. Augustine High School graduate and pursued his higher education at Texas Southern University, where he graduated with a degree in Radio, Television, and Film. With a passion for media and communications, Brandon has carved a path for himself in the digital realm. Currently, Brandon holds the esteemed position of Communications & Marketing at Avree Custom Pools. In this role, he utilizes his expertise in social media, content creation, and digital marketing to enhance the companies online presence and engage with its diverse community.

Design Team

Walker Draeger B Staff Designer scaled

Walker Draeger

Staff Designer

Walker believes that hard work, creativity, and consistency are three of the most valuable professional standards a designer can have. Walker has a tremendous ability to turn his clients’ vision into amazing backyard designs. He has recently completed Genesis’ Master Designer Methods and Dale Carnegie Sales Training to further improve his clients’ experience. His outstanding communication skills coupled with his eye for design and knowledge of pool construction makes him a valued part of our clients’ Avree Custom Pools experience (PHTA).

Halston Draeger B Staff Designer scaled

Halston Draeger

Staff Designer

Throughout Halston‘s professional and academic career, he has believed that communication and honesty are the two pillars in any business transaction!

Halston strives for excellence in every aspect of your pool build, from the initial meeting to the final cleanup. He believes the pool process should be fun and desires your family to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Christopher Smith B Staff Designer

Christopher Smith

Staff Designer

Chris Smith brings a wealth of experience and a passion for creating exceptional outdoor spaces. With a background in commercial construction, Chris started his career as a territory salesman before transitioning into the pool industry five years ago due to his enthusiasm for innovative design and commitment to excellence
Steve Martin B Staff Designer scaled

Steve Martin

Staff Designer

Steve Martin is a professional with a background in design and a degree in Architecture. With over 13 years of experience in designing award-winning custom pools, Steve has a passion for creating exceptional outdoor spaces. Seeking to further expand his expertise in pool design and construction, Steve joined Avree Custom Pools to deepen his understanding of the industry. Known for his creative vision and technical proficiency, Steve is dedicated to delivering unparalleled design solutions that surpass client expectations. Outside of his professional pursuits, Steve enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending church, and engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, visiting the beach, or going to the lake.
Kyle Grimes B Staff Designer

Kyle Grimes

Staff Designer

As a recent addition to the Avree Custom Pool Design team, I bring 14 years of invaluable experience from the coaching world, marked by an unwavering attention to detail and an unparalleled work ethic. My passion is deeply rooted in fostering collaborative relationships with clients, dedicated to helping them realize the backyard of their dreams.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I am blessed with a beautiful wife, Lorena, and two energetic young boys, Oliver and Liam. Our family thrives on adventure, cherishing moments of travel and embracing activities that allow our little ones to revel in their boundless energy.

I am thrilled to marry my design expertise with a dedication to client satisfaction at Avree Custom Pool Design, where I am committed to translating each client's vision into a stunning outdoor oasis that becomes the backdrop for cherished family memories.

Andrew Legro B Managing Partner scaled

Andrew Legro

Staff Designer

Andrew co-founded Avree Pool Solutions after leaving his career in the oil and gas industry.

He has a background in finance and got his start in the pool industry while growing up in South Florida. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge in troubleshooting and pool chemistry while leading the solutions team in the planning and execution of maintaining every pool to be healthy and clean. His customer service focus and drive to exceed customer expectations has led to satisfied customers and continued growth.

Mike Ancherani B Project Manager

Mike Ancherani

Remodel Specialist

Mike is a current project manager on our team. Prior to joining the Avree team, Mike was employed as a project manager and industrial electrician for many years.

He currently holds a Journeyman certificate from International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and is pursuing his Texas Master Electrical License. Mike is also a Certified Builder Professional (CBP), approved by the Pool & Hot Tub Association (PHTA).

Construction Team

Johnny Petterson B Construction Project Manager

Johnny Patterson

Warranty Manager

John is one of the project managers on the construction team as well as the warranty manager. With over 12 years of experience as a senior pool technician, John has a knack for making sure everything about your pool functions properly. He has been a Certified Pool Operator (CPO), approved by the Pool and Hot Tub Association (PHTA), since 2011 and is licensed for Residential Appliance Installations (RAIL) by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR).

Randy Williams B Project Manager

Randy Williams

Project Manager

Randy Williams is a project manager for Avree Custom Pools. With a background in teaching and coaching, Randy has developed exceptional skills in multitasking and organization, making him an outstanding project manager. He ensures every project stays on target and runs smoothly. When he’s not at work, Randy enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, and fishing.
Joe Jones B Project Manager

Joe Jones

Project Manager

Joe Jones is a seasoned project manager with over six years of experience in the pool industry. Having built pools all over Houston, Joe takes tremendous pride in the work he does. Ensuring that your project reflects the vision you created with your Staff Designer. Joe also has completed certifications that make him highly qualified to create your backyard oasis. Outside of work, Joe enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, and pursuing his passion for sports.
Jon Holland B Project Manager scaled

Jon Holland

Project Manager

Jon Holland brings 18 years of experience in the pool industry to every project. Over the last decade, he has excelled as a project manager, overseeing complex operations with precision and dedication. Before stepping into management, Jon honed his technical skills as a repair technician and earned a small appliance installer license. His commitment to excellence and deep industry knowledge ensure that every project is handled with care and professionalism.
Jason Rasco

Jason Rasco

Project Manager

Jason Rasco brings a lifetime of experience to Avree Custom Pools. Growing up in a family-owned pool company, young Jason learned the trade from his relatives and developed a deep passion for the business. Continuing his family traditions, Jason now takes immense pride in building beautiful pools as part of the Avree team. When he's not at work, Jason enjoys fishing, hunting, scuba diving, working on cars and boats, spending time with his family, and showcasing his love for cooking.
Andrea Wood B Project Analyst

Andrea Wood

Project Analyst

Andrea Wood is a dedicated project analyst at Avree Custom Pools, where she specializes in accounts payable and receivable, creating and enforcing policy and procedures, and manages our human resources department. With a keen eye for detail and a strong analytical mindset, Andrea ensures smooth operations and effective financial management within the company. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with family.
Crystal Snider B Project Analyst

Crystal Snider

Project Analyst

Crystal Snider is Avree's dedicated Project Analyst. With over 20 years of experience managing and directing people, she ensures projects stay on budget and assists project managers throughout the day. When she’s not at the office, Crystal enjoys spending time with her beloved cats, whether at a cat show in Corpus or relaxing at home. She also loves spending quality time with her friends and family.
Leo Diaz B Project Partner

Leo Diaz

Project Partner

Leo is part of the project management team at Avree Custom Pools, and he has been around the construction scene since a very young age.

He studied Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) while working as a framer at a young age, as well as drafting and detailing commercial foundation drawings. Leo also has over 15 years of industrial construction experience, where he not only crafted but also trained people in building outdoor structures.

jared bellar

Jared Bellar

Construction Manager

As the Construction Manager, Jared administers the construction department and all its daily operations. His responsibilities include creating plans, sourcing appropriate engineering, verifying project pricing, ensuring proper construction processes, quality control, maintaining project budget integrity, supervising project scheduling, creating and implementing construction training, customer relations, and overseeing the Project Managers.

Pool Service Team

Trey Abbott B Service Technician

Trey Abbott

Service Technician

Trey Abbott joined the Avree team after an extensive career in the oil and gas industry.

He was born and raised in the Clear Lake area. He prides himself on his attention to detail and exceeding our customers’ expectations.

Ryan Ross

Ryan Ross

Ryan Ross has been surrounded by pools his entire life, gaining extensive experience in pool service and maintenance. In 2023, he brought his expertise and dedication to Avree, where he takes great pride in providing exceptional service. Keeping your pool crystal clear is something Ryan takes tremendous pride in. Outside of his work at Avree, Ryan is passionate about animal welfare and volunteers with Three Little Pitties, a non-profit organization focused on rescuing and finding foster homes for dogs. His commitment to both his craft and community makes him a valued member of the Avree team.
Brandon Mills

Brandon Mills

Brandon Mills plays a dual role at Avree Custom Pools as a project manager for remodels and a service technician. Brandon takes great pride in his work, from helping maintain crystal-clear pools to transforming existing ones through remodels. With over a decade of pool experience, he is known for his expertise in pool chemistry and exceptional service. Outside of Avree, Brandon dedicates his time running with I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) Squad, a for-profit organization he and his brother started over eight years ago, supporting veterans and first responders.

Office Staff

Deanna Keefer B Material Selection Specialist

Deanna Keefer

Material Selection Specialist

Deanna started her career at Avree after many years as a schoolteacher. She holds a master’s degree in education administration, but her real passion is for design and organization.

Using her excellent interpersonal and communication skills, she assists our clients through the pool build experience. From first contact to assisting with material selections and throughout the entire construction process, Deanna is always there to help enhance our clients’ Avree experience.

Delinda Honeycutt A Project Coordinator

Delinda Honeycutt

Project Coordinator

Delinda is a versatile project coordinator with a background of successfully executing diverse project tasks to meet deadlines for over 20 years.

Skilled at communicating with colleagues, monitoring status, and achieving key milestones, Delinda is an enthusiastic problem solver and talented team player with superior planning and decision-making skills, offering over two decades of experience in cultivating lasting partnerships. Determined, reliable, and dedicated to team success, she is a professional project management specialist with experience working with her team to accomplish short-term and long-term project goals by utilizing her interpersonal and excellent time management skills.

Lori Draeger B Permit Administrator

Lori Draeger

Permit Administrator

Lori Draeger is the dedicated permit coordinator at Avree Custom Pools, where she plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and efficient permit process for clients looking to create their dream backyard oasis. Her attention to detail and commitment to navigating the complexities of permitting help pave the way for beautiful pool installations. Outside of her professional life, Lori finds joy in spending time with her family and creating cherished memories at home. Her dedication to her loved ones reflects her commitment to helping clients achieve the backyard of their dreams, ensuring that every project reflects her commitment to excellence.
a Mary Usher B Office Manager

Mary Usher

Office Manager

Mary Usher helps maintain the welcoming appearance of the Avree Custom Pools offices. Originally from Pennsylvania, Mary moved to Texas with her husband George to be closer to family. When she’s not brightening everyone’s day at work, you can find Mary cheering on her grandkids or happily spoiling them.
George Usher

George Usher

George Usher helps keep the Avree Custom Pools shop in order from organization to making sure products don’t go out without a purchase order. George’s years of experience in the construction industry made this job a perfect fit. Joining the Avree allowed him to stay connected to his passion while being closer to family. In his spare time, George enjoys working around the house, playing with his grandkids, hunting, and spending time in the great outdoors.
Luis Cortes B Auditor

Luis Cortes

Auditor

Luis Cortes is the plans auditor at Avree Custom Pools. With his vast experience, eye for detail, and understanding of pool studios and CAD, Luis ensures that clients' visions come to life. In addition to his work at Avree, Luis has a passion for coffee and creates and sells his own brand, Sugar Skull Coffee. He also enjoys spending time with his family and friends.