Last month we introduced you to our series featuring Jacuzzi employees and their answers to top questions. Our first employee spotlight was focused on Larry Ovalle, Director of Product Marketing, Hot Tubs, and this time around we have someone new for you to meet. We’d like to introduce you to Erica Moir, Vice President of Marketing and New Product Development for Bath.
Q: How long have you worked at Jacuzzi?
Erica Moir (EM): I’ve been with Jacuzzi for more than 10 years as Vice President for New Product Development and Design, as well as Vice President of Design and Development in both the spa and bath divisions.
Q: Can you give us a quick explanation of what you do on a day-to-day basis?
EM: My main focus is to define the broad scope of the Jacuzzi® Luxury Bath product line. By attending global shows, I stay abreast of evolving consumer expectations and keep a finger on the pulse of design trends. Trend research also involves looking outside of our industry for inspiration in launching new products that will complement our current product lines.
Q: What is so special about Jacuzzi® Brand jets?
EM: Jacuzzi® Jets are exclusive. We have been developing hydromassage jets since the invention of our original J-300™ Pump in 1956. Our PowerPro® Jet systems exploit the Venturi Principle to deliver what we call Jacuzzi® Aqualibrium®—the perfect mix of air and water.
Q: If a hot tub or bathtub has more jets than another one, does that mean it’s a better model?
EM: More jets do not equal a better hydromassage. We put a lot of thought and effort into positioning our fully adjustable jets in the right locations.
Q: Why is Jacuzzi® Brand hydromassage better than competitors?
EM: At Jacuzzi, hydrotherapy and hydromassage are what makes us who we are; and that’s why we are committed to raising the bar when it comes to performance. We continue to advance our highly engineered jets as well as develop other innovative water experiences. Wellness will eternally define the Jacuzzi® Brand.
Q: What is the most popular bathtub style?
EM: Our bathtubs are available by experience: Salon® Spa, Pure Air®, Whirlpool and Soaking. Whirlpool continues to be our signature product. We’ve also noticed a rising trend in freestanding bathtub designs and continue to expand our offering in this space.
Q: Do you have any new bathtub models that you’re excited about introducing?
EM: Starting this spring, we plan on launching several new models, some of which will expand our current product lines, and others that will introduce new product lines to the Jacuzzi® Luxury Bath portfolio.
Q: What are your goals for 2015?
EM: Last year we successfully launched eight new products, and we plan to be just as productive this year.
Q: What is the one thing you think is most important for customers to know?
EM: We believe that the experience of hydrotherapy can not only be improved, but perfected. We know your time is precious; we want the “escape” you find in our products to be an amazing one.
About Erica Moir
With a strong background in product and category knowledge, Erica has worked at Jacuzzi in several key product roles over the past 15 years, both in the Spa and Bath Divisions. She earned two bachelor’s degrees from Fanshawe College and the University of Windsor.
Stay tuned…next month we’ll have another Q&A with a Jacuzzi expert!