In the heart of Missoula, Montana, Krystal Guilhemotonia is redefining what it means to lead with purpose. As CEO and majority owner of Aqua Creek Products

Breaking Barriers and Advancing Access

In the heart of Missoula, Montana, Krystal Guilhemotonia is redefining what it means to lead with purpose. As CEO and majority owner of Aqua Creek Products — which manufactures aquatic accessibility equipment — Guilhemotonia has grown a family-founded business into an industry leader.

Aqua Creek started at a dining room table with Guilhemotonia’s father at the helm. “I was in high school when Dad started the company,” she recalls. “I was the fourth paid employee.” She originally pursued a degree in accounting and business management at the University of Montana and never planned on staying in the pool industry. But when the Department of Justice began enforcing pool accessibility regulations, everything changed.

“The company exploded overnight,” she says. “Suddenly, I was managing multiple people because I was the only one who knew [the ins and outs of what we did].” That turning point cemented her place in the business — and lit a fire in her.

In 2020, just before the world shut down, Guilhemotonia stepped into the CEO role. “Trial by fire is how I like to do it,” she jokes. But despite the timing, she’s led Aqua Creek through record growth, nearly doubling sales since she took over. In 2024, she became majority owner.

What keeps her committed to this niche of the pool industry isn’t just the business itself. It’s the impact. Aqua Creek specializes in accessible lifts and equipment that allow people with limited mobility to experience the joy of swimming — something most take for granted.

Full Story

Many thanks to Steve D. for sharing