She Makes A Splash | August 2025
By Susan (Dolnik) McPhie – Silk Water Solutions Inc.
Melissa Deverell & Becky Smith – Cambridge Pool LeisureScapes, Ontario
When sisters Melissa Deverell and Becky Smith took ownership of their family’s pool and spa business, they weren’t just stepping into leadership, they were stepping into a legacy. Their parents, Anne and Bill Grayston, had built a respected reputation in Cambridge, Ontario. But Melissa and Becky have expanded on that foundation, modernizing the business, proving the power of women in leadership, and showing the industry what balance, trust, and determination can achieve.
Becky’s Journey: From Summer Job to Service Leadership
Becky’s career began in 2002 when she joined her parents at Cambridge Pool Supplies as a summer student. At the time, she planned to pursue policing. “I thought it was going to be a temporary job, but by the end of that summer, I had already mastered water testing, customer service, and most of the equipment knowledge,” she recalls. Her mom recognized her talent and encouraged her to stay on.
That decision began a deep dive into every part of the business. She learned bookkeeping in the off-season, performed pool maintenance in the summers, and eventually took on the store manager role where she oversaw inventory and supported her mom in running operations.
After a decade of growth, Becky faced her first pivotal moment. In 2012, she stepped away from the family business to pursue a new path in financial planning and life insurance. “It was a major shift, but it gave me valuable experience outside the business,” she says.
Six years later, ready for another change, Becky returned with a fresh perspective and, together with Melissa, purchased the company from their parents in 2018. This marked her second pivotal moment, transitioning from employee to co-owner, and learning how to lead in partnership with her sister.
In 2020, Becky and Melissa made another defining move: rebranding the store to Cambridge Pool LeisureScapes and bringing service back in-house. Becky took the reins of the service department, leading modernization efforts, implementing better technology, and building a more diverse team, including their first female service technicians.
“Looking back, the biggest pivotal moments for me were the decision to leave in 2012, the leap into ownership in 2018, and the rebrand and expansion in 2020. Each step pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but each one shaped me into the leader I am today. Detail oriented, driven, and committed to honesty and learning.”
Melissa’s Journey: From Toyota to Retail Leadership
Melissa’s path to pools wasn’t straightforward. After studying business, she worked at Toyota on the assembly line for 15 years. The work was secure and well-paying, but it came at a cost. “The shift work made family life difficult. My husband and I were on opposite shifts just to care for our kids. I realized I needed to be more present,” she explains.
When the opportunity came to join the family business, she took the leap. Leaving behind her secure job, she started in customer service, learning the business from the ground up. “My parents had built a strong reputation, my mom was known as an encyclopedia of pool knowledge and my dad was the service guy everyone trusted. They paved the way but also set the bar very high,” she says.
Melissa spent years proving herself. “For me, it wasn’t about being ‘the daughter of the owners,’ it was about showing up consistently, investing in my knowledge, and building relationships. Over time, I earned respect on my own terms.”
In 2018, Melissa and Becky became co-owners. Melissa now leads the retail side of the business, focusing on customer service and building trust. “What I love most is the connection I’ve built with customers over the last seven years of owning the business. They trust me, they come to me for advice, sometimes even beyond pools. Those lasting relationships are my proudest achievement.”
Melissa’s family is part of her story, too. Her son Lucas started working at the store at age 14, from filling chlorine jugs to learning water chemistry and now working in service while completing his college diploma. “Maybe one day he’ll carry the family torch,” she says. Her daughter Natalie isn’t interested right now, but Melissa hopes one day she may be.
Challenges and Mentors in a Male-Dominated Industry
Both sisters acknowledge that when they entered the pool and spa industry, it was still heavily male-dominated. “At trade shows, in service departments, on job sites, most of the faces were men,” Becky says.
What made the difference, she notes, were the strong female leaders who paved the way. “I was fortunate to have mentors like Anne Grayston, Cheryl Healy, Natalie Heighton, Amy Tompkins, Sandy Rogers, Suzanne Kumu, and Liz Opashinov. They showed me there was space for women to lead, and they made the industry feel more inclusive.”
Today, the industry has changed. “There are more women everywhere, as owners, reps, technicians, and leaders. And the best part is, they’re not just present, they’re highly skilled, knowledgeable, and supportive of one another,” Becky says.
Melissa agrees: “Customers don’t dismiss us or talk down to us because we know our stuff. When you show up with knowledge and confidence, respect follows.”
Facing Bias Head-On
Of course, bias still shows up in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. Becky recalls a pool closing where she and her lead technician, both women, were told by the customer: “You’re not men. Where are the guys?” Her professional but firm reply was: “We sure aren’t — we’re your closing crew. If you’d prefer, you can call another company.” The customer backed down, and by the end of the job, his doubts had disappeared.
Melissa has experienced moments where technical questions were directed to male staff members over her. “I learned to handle those situations with calm confidence , stepping in, answering thoroughly, and letting my knowledge do the talking. Each of those moments shifts assumptions, not just for me but for other women coming after me.”
“Yes, I’m a woman — and yes, I’m going to get the job done, often better, faster, and with more attention to detail than expected.” – Becky
Work–Life Balance: A Seasonal Rhythm
Running a seasonal, high-demand business while raising families has taught both sisters that balance isn’t about doing everything, it’s about adapting to the seasons.
“For me, from April to October it’s all hands on deck,” Becky says. “I tell my friends not to expect much of me during pool season. Date nights often look like finishing service calls together on a Friday night.” But winter gives her the chance to slow down, recharge, and take trips with her husband and her sister.
Melissa describes balance as presence. “When I’m at work, I give it my all. When I’m home, I try to be fully present. We have a strong routine at home, whoever gets home first makes dinner, and we cook together almost every night. It keeps us grounded.”
“Summer is for building the business. Winter is for building memories.” – Becky
Lessons in Leadership
Both sisters believe leadership is built on knowledge, trust, and consistency.
Becky’s advice: “Knowledge is power. Whether it’s sales, service, or management, the more you know, the more confident you’ll be. Every certification, every chance to learn makes you stronger.”
Melissa’s advice: “Trust yourself and take risks. Respect the foundation others built, but give yourself permission to write your own chapter.”
To their younger selves, they’d say the same: You don’t have to be perfect to lead. Confidence grows with experience. Just keep showing up — your skills will speak louder than any doubt.
Looking Ahead
Both sisters see the pool industry shifting from being product-focused to experience-focused. Backyard living today is about lifestyle, connection, and wellness. Women, with their adaptability and attention to detail, are positioned to play an even bigger role in shaping that future.
“What keeps me passionate,” Melissa says, “is the trust and connection we’ve built with customers. Seeing the same families return year after year means everything to me.”
“For me,” Becky adds, “it’s proving every day that women can thrive in every role — retail, service, leadership. The more diverse our industry becomes, the stronger it will be.”
Cambridge Pool LeisureScapes Fast Facts:
• Founded: 2002 by Anne & Bill Grayston
• Ownership: Purchased by Melissa & Becky in 2018
• Rebranded: 2020 – Cambridge Pool LeisureScapes
• Focus: Retail + Service, with a diverse and growing team
Firsts: Hired the store’s first female service technicians