Grant's Grants

The answer begins with his military service. Grant earned several medals including the National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (w/3 stars), Kuwait Liberation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and other awards for combat.

He often referred to his military service as he preached leadership to his employees, students of the University, his many followers on social media, and essentially everyone he knew.

Soon after he left the Marines, Grant started his pool service and repair company, Aqua-Link Pools and Spas. Like so many other professionals in the industry, his work expanded into renovations, new construction and, eventually, full-service design and construction of custom pools, spas, waterfeatures and complete landscapes.

Grant’s attention to detail likely began with his military training and expertise in munitions operation and storage, a profession where simple mistakes can be deadly. He approached his watershaping work with the same rigorous set of guidelines: extensive training through his colleagues at Watershape University and their previous platform at Genesis; recruiting and continuously training his skilled team of artisans at Aqua-Link; connecting with like-minded professionals to foster his success at increasingly larger and more challenging projects; excellent communication and follow-through; and, ultimately, becoming an instructor, leader, coach, mentor and advocate for Watershape University and our students.

He was trustworthy and honest in all facets of his work and his life.

Many of us at WU were fortunate enough to see Grant at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo during our pre-conference courses in November 2021. He left Dallas early to return home to his wife, Kirsten, and his list of active projects. Grant passed away in his sleep the night he returned home.

The loss was devastating and we still grieve.

Grant’s passing reminds us that life is fragile. His unexpected demise left a painful void in our team and our lives. We will miss his keen sense of humor, unwavering patriotism and honest respect for everyone he touched.

Grant would do anything for us and he did so with enthusiasm and the common wisdom that can only come from commitment and hard work.

In return, we would do anything for him. Had he asked Watershape University to give away two free courses to active duty or veteran military personnel so that they would have the opportunities that he enjoyed for decades, we would have said “yes.” And although we can’t hear his voice now, we know he would appreciate this opportunity. So, to honor Grant Smith’s legacy, we, and he, are granting two free online courses annually.