Jacuzzi Family Names New CEO To Lead Company’s Operations, Longtime Founder Steps Aside

Jason International Inc. on Friday introduced Matt Peterson and Paulo Jacuzzi as the Central Arkansas spa manufacturer’s newly minted executive brass during a ceremony downtown at the Arkansas State of Chamber of Commerce headquarters.

The new executive team was announced as longtime company founder, CEO and President Remo Jacuzzi steps aside. He will, however, remain in his post as chairman of the North Little Rock based-based luxury spa brand manufacturer as he relinquishes his day-to-day responsibilities.

Peterson, an Oklahoma native and industry veteran who formerly worked for Whirlpool Corp., York International, and Kitchen Aid Brand, was named president of the Little Rock luxury bath manufacturer while family member Paulo Jacuzzi will serve as executive vice president.

“I appreciate the confidence Mr. Jacuzzi has placed in me and others on our team as we strive to deliver the world’s best hydrotherapy products,” Peterson said, with the elder and younger Jacuzzi family members at his side.

Before introducing the new Jacuzzi executive team, State Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Randy Zook said the Jacuzzi name is synonymous with high quality products. “I just think it is one of those classic Arkansas stories where a family business sustains itself over a long period of time,” he said. “It has been remarkable that they’ve been able to do that, despite all the challenges, and ups and downs in the marketplace.”

Peterson, who has been in his new post less than a week, said that his plans are to grow Jacuzzi’s presence in the marketplace by expanding the company’s current workforce and distribution network. That plan includes doubling the company’s current 50-employee workforce in the near-term, although he refused to give a timetable for any new hires.

Peterson also said the company has survived a difficult economic downturn due to its ties to the housing construction market. He said when housing starts topped 1 million in early 2008 and then collapsed to around 400,000 around 2008 and 2009, Jacuzzi’s luxury business line also suffered dramatically due to a loss of commerce and clientele.

“All companies suffered and Jason did as well,” Peterson explained. “But to Mr. Jacuzzi’s credit and everybody who made adjustments to keep the business alive and make tough decisions – the business has survived because of it.”

Now, Peterson added, “we are in a period where we can get into a growth mode.”

Going forward, Peterson said he will take some time to meet with all the company’s employees before striking out on his mission to grow the company. However, he stated that his goal is to grow the iconic North Little Rock brand by investing in its “people, products and distribution network.”

“We have the products to go after every segment of the housing industry, and we need to continue to expand our product line,” he said. “If we get our people motivated and focused on where we need to go, and get them excited about our journey; and get our products and distribution where it needs to be, I guarantee we are going to grow double-digit every year in a flat market.”

With the retirement of Remo Jacuzzi, privately held Jason International is taking a major step in hiring Peterson to lead the company. Jason was started in Central Arkansas more than 30 years ago after the 1979 sale of Jacuzzi Brothers’ name and brand to industrial and manufacturing conglomerate Walter Kidde Inc. of Hoboken, N.J.

After working for Kidde for a few years as president of his family’s former company, Remo Jacuzzi stepped down and said he decided to return to the values and philosophy developed in the original business. That decision caused him to move his family from Brazil to Arkansas, where he founded Jason International in 1982.

The Jason (JAcuzzi-SON) International moniker is derived from the original Jacuzzi brand that incorporates both the family name and the continuing legacy of family members that are still involved in the spa industry today.

Currently, Jason designs and manufactures an entire line of high-end whirlpools and combination hydrotherapy bath products. The Arkansas company also manufactures faucets, shower kits and other bath accessories.

Peterson said he also plans to develop new product lines that cater to all segments of the marketplace, including walk-in tubs and other affordable spa and bath products that target the aging Baby Boomer generation.

“I truly believe that with Peterson’s leadership and knowledge of our industry, Jason International will continue to successfully engage in national and international markets,” Remo Jacuzzi said. “He understands our company, our customers, and our challenges within the industry. I am certain Matt Peterson teamed with Paulo Jacuzzi will keep the family legacy alive.”