Episode 219 of the Pool Nation Podcast, where we dive deep into the pool industry’s latest updates, trends, and professional journeys. Join hosts Edgar de Jesus, John JJ Flawless, and Zach "the Pool Boy" Nicholas as they talk with special guests Jennifer Melee, Kristen Mello, Megan Hightower, and Alicia Rowe. These remarkable women share their inspiring journeys, industry insights, and experiences as nominees for Pool Girl of the Year at the Pool Nation Awards.

Episode Breakdown:

• [00:00:00] – Intro Edgar introduces the Pool Nation podcast and welcomes guests Jennifer, Kristen, Megan, and Alicia. Shoutouts to podcast visionary partners and a fun banter with Zach about his productivity surge.

• [00:05:00] – Kristen Melo’s Journey Kristen shares her career path in the pool industry, her emphasis on education, and the company growth achieved through training and certifications. The importance of standing out in the industry is highlighted.

• [00:24:00] – Megan Hightower’s Story Megan explains how she joined her partner Jordan in the pool industry, from the initial challenges to her passion for building and growing their business together in Nevada.

• [00:37:00] – Jennifer Mele’s Pool Nation Family Connection Jennifer recounts her journey with her husband, Chris, in the industry, emphasizing the support from the Pool Nation family and the motivation to provide high-quality pool service.

• [00:47:00] – Alicia Rowe’s Background Alicia discusses her transition from the equine industry to pool service ownership, her experiences managing a commercial-focused business, and her goals for the company’s future.

• [01:02:00] – Awards and Final Thoughts Edgar reminds everyone about the upcoming Pool Nation Awards, and the team discusses the significance of industry recognition and the supportive community of pool professionals.

• [01:08:00] – Sponsors and Pool Nation Conference Details Details about the upcoming Pool Nation Conference and the special hands-on learning opportunities it will offer, along with a thank-you to sponsors supporting the podcast and conference.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation filled with laughter, learning, and heartfelt reflections on the pool industry. Catch the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts, and see you at the Pool Nation Conference in Dallas, Texas!

In episode 218 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zach dive deep into important industry topics, answer listener questions, and introduce new concepts for the upcoming Pool Nation Conference. They discuss the pros and cons of starting a pool service business from scratch versus buying into a franchise, offering valuable insights for those considering entrepreneurship in the pool industry. John also shares his experience with providing pool cleaners as part of the service package and how it impacts business efficiency. Edgar offers a sneak peek into the innovative Poolman University platform, which is designed to standardize training for pool professionals. As always, the hosts share exciting updates about the Pool Nation Conference, Awards, and much more.

• [00:00] - Intro: Edgar, John, and Zac kick off the podcast with a warm welcome and industry updates.
• [02:30] - Listener shout-outs and Edgar’s latest ideas: Shout-outs to Jeanette and Lindsay, with Edgar sharing a new idea that sparks conversation.
• [10:00] - John’s busy season update: John talks about preparing pools as customers arrive for the winter season and how business picks up in October.
• [15:45] - Franchise vs. independent pool business: The team answers a listener’s question about whether to start a pool business from scratch or buy a franchise. Edgar shares insights from a conversation with Andrew Kidd, CEO of Poolworks.
• [30:15] - Pool cleaners: John explains his approach to providing pool cleaners for clients, how it improves service efficiency, and whether cleaners should be provided or sold to customers.
• [45:00] - Poolman University sneak peek: Edgar reveals exciting details about Poolman University, a training platform for pool professionals to onboard and train their teams efficiently, complete with quizzes and progress tracking.
• [52:00] - Pool Nation Conference and Awards: The hosts provide updates on the upcoming Pool Nation Conference, Heritage Pool Pro Appreciation event, and a growing list of Pool Nation Award nominees.
• [57:00] - Shout-outs and closing: Final thoughts and thanks to the podcast’s visionary sponsors, including Ultimate Pool Tools, Raypak, AquaStar, and more.

Join us for this informative episode packed with practical tips, insights, and the latest happenings in the pool industry!

In Episode 217 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac continue their discussion on operational efficiencies to help pool professionals optimize their businesses. They cover essential topics such as route planning, billing automation, and the importance of comprehensive training programs. The team also talks about empowering employees through education and practical application, offering real-life examples of how training can improve customer service and overall business performance.

Tune in to learn key strategies to make your business more efficient and your team more confident. Plus, don’t miss the shoutout to a young pool pro, Keegan from Riverside, California, who's attending the Pool Nation Conference for the first time.

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] – Introduction: Edgar, John, and Zac kick off the episode with a discussion about the Pool Nation Conference and shoutouts to Keegan.
• [00:05:00] – Keegan’s Journey: Shoutout to Keegan from Riverside, California, attending his first Pool Nation Conference.
• [00:08:00] – Pool Nation Conference Overview: Hands-on learning, business insights, and networking opportunities.
• [00:14:00] – Operational Efficiencies: Route planning and the impact of inefficiencies on your business.
• [00:15:00] – Zac’s Route Planning Strategies: Time management, safety, and minimizing wear and tear.
• [00:20:00] – Automating Billing: The importance of automating invoicing and payment collection for cash flow management.
• [00:25:00] – Best Practices for Billing: The role of consistency in billing and empowering customers to pay on time.
• [00:30:00] – Employee Training Programs: Developing comprehensive training that covers customer service, technical skills, and company values.
• [00:32:00] – Creating Effective Training Programs: The value of having structured, interactive training to engage employees.
• [00:37:00] – Leveraging Manufacturers and Vendors: How to use external resources like reps and manufacturers to enhance training.
• [00:45:00] – Practical Application in Training: Hands-on training that directly impacts the day-to-day work of technicians.
• [00:50:00] – Role-Playing for Customer Service: How role-playing scenarios can help employees better handle customer interactions.
• [00:57:00] – Final Thoughts: Continuous learning, the importance of education, and preparing for the Pool Nation Conference.

Sponsors:

• Ultimate Pool Tools
• The SPPA
• BluRay XL
• AquaStar Pool Products
• Natural Chemistry
• Raypak
• Hayward

In episode 216 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac—bring on a panel of nominees for the 2024 Pool Sales Rep of the Year award. The episode is filled with engaging banter, humorous moments, and a deeper look into the pool industry's sales reps and their journeys.

Here are some key moments with time stamps:

• [00:00] - Introduction: Edgar kicks off the podcast with a lively welcome and introduces the co-hosts and the guest of the day, Spider. The crew sets a fun tone right from the start.
• [05:30] - Panel of Nominees: Edgar introduces the nominees for Pool Sales Rep of the Year—Brian Chrissan, Johnny Davis, Andrew Ragland, and Daniel Nicholas.
• [09:15] - Brian's Introduction: Brian dives into his journey in the industry, reflecting on his career path, lessons learned, and how building relationships with fellow professionals shaped his success.
• [18:00] - Andrew's Story: Andrew shares his experience starting in the industry, working for Hayward, and the importance of building a network with customers and colleagues.
• [30:10] - Fun Moments: The crew shares some hilarious stories about Christmas cards featuring Brian in unique poses, highlighting the fun and camaraderie that exists among industry reps.
• [45:25] - Daniel's Journey: Daniel takes us through his extensive 30-year career in the pool industry, emphasizing how he moved from service to manufacturing and the value of relationships in the business.
• [1:05:40] - Johnny Davis: Johnny talks about his consulting business, The Grit Game, and his dedication to helping small and medium-sized businesses grow in the pool industry.
• [1:25:20] - Advice for New Pool Pros: Edgar and John discuss the importance of sales reps in building a successful pool business, offering advice for new pool professionals to reach out and network with industry reps.
• [1:45:30] - Final Thoughts: Spider wraps up with his insights on the pool industry, while the hosts give their final thoughts, praising the nominees and encouraging pool pros to build their networks.

This episode is packed with industry insights, funny stories, and genuine camaraderie, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to learn more about the role of sales reps in the pool industry.

Episode 215 of the Pool Nation Podcast Edgar, Zac and John host Josh Sandler, CEO of Gold Medal Pools. They dive into a range of topics, including Josh's incredible legacy story in the pool industry, beginning with his father and continuing to his own leadership today. Josh shares key business insights, such as the importance of employee and customer retention, scaling a business, and creating operational excellence.

Timestamp Highlights:

• [00:00:00] - Intro to the Pool Nation podcast
• [00:05:00] - Josh’s story of Gold Medal Pools and building a family legacy
• [00:22:00] - How Gold Medal Pools thrived during the 2008 recession
• [00:39:00] - Discussion on the impact of COVID-19 and the Texas Freeze on the business
• [00:55:00] - Behind the scenes: How Josh and his team use data to drive business success
• [01:05:00] - Importance of employee empowerment and operational efficiency
• [01:15:00] - How to focus on pricing, cost of goods, and building profitable relationships with customers
• [01:25:00] - Josh’s vision for giving back to the pool industry and creating long-term business strategies

Josh emphasizes the power of servant leadership, scaling with intention, and the significance of building long-term customer and employee relationships. The podcast also serves as a build-up to his involvement in upcoming Pool Nation Conference business classes, where he’ll share strategies for growth, financials, and an exit strategy.

In episode 214 of the Pool Nation Podcast! Today, Edgar is joined by John "JJ Flawless" and Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas, along with special co-host Megan Kendrick from Pool Pro Magazine. This week’s episode features a special discussion with James Broderick, Aidan Dunn, and Nick LaPointe, nominees for the prestigious Pool Nation Awards – 30 Under 40 Pool Pro of the Year category.

Discussion Highlights:

• [00:02:00] Megan talks about her journey with Pool Pro Magazine, her podcast experience, and admiration for great interviewers.
• [00:03:00] James Broderick joins the conversation, sharing his experiences as a one-man show pool service business in North Carolina and how he balances his business responsibilities while maintaining strong customer relationships.
• [00:06:00] Aidan Dunn from San Diego jumps in to talk about his experiences growing his family business and winning multiple industry awards, including the 2023 Pool Nation Pool Guy of the Year.
• [00:10:00] Edgar discusses the upcoming Pool Nation Conference at the PSP Expo, where attendees can look forward to hands-on classes, networking opportunities, and learning tracks designed to enhance technical, business, and retail skills.
• [00:17:00] Nick LaPointe shares insights into running a 1,300-account pool service company, partnering with his long-time friend Ray, and their unique business model. He also discusses the Pool & Spa Apprenticeship Training and his commitment to employee growth.
• [00:32:00] Edgar, Megan, and the nominees discuss the importance of community in the pool industry, fostering relationships between service pros, and supporting one another to elevate the trade as a whole.

Wrap-up:

• [01:12:00] Megan wraps up with final thoughts, mentioning the new Pool Pro Magazine issue featuring Pool Nation, and encourages everyone to attend the upcoming Pool Nation Awards and other exciting events at the PSP Expo in Dallas.
• [01:28:00] Closing remarks, including a shout-out to Jake from Jake’s Pool Care, another 30 Under 40 nominee who specializes in pool startups.

In episode 212 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zach do a deep dive into the world of heat pumps with special guests Brad Duncan and Akshaya Shakar from Raypak. They discuss the mechanics of heat pumps, their efficiency, and the growing trend toward adopting this energy-saving technology. Tune in as they break down the key factors pool pros need to consider when selling, installing, and maintaining heat pumps, and the exciting updates Raypak is bringing to the industry with new products and extended warranties.

Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Introduction to the podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac welcome Brad Duncan and Akshaya Shakar. [00:02:00] - Raypak shoutouts, discussion of visionary partners, and Zac’s tech issues. [00:03:00] - John talks about the heat wave, chemical costs, and how pool pros can benefit from heat pumps. [00:04:00] - Brad discusses the importance of understanding heat pump efficiency for future-proofing your business. [00:07:00] - Edgar brings up the benefits of heat pumps and how they differ from gas heaters. [00:10:00] - John emphasizes why pool pros need to stay ahead of the curve with heat pump technology. [00:14:00] - Brad explains how a heat pump works and the science behind extracting heat from the air. [00:16:00] - How heat pumps perform in different climates and markets, key factors pool pros should consider. [00:20:00] - The efficiency of heat pumps versus gas heaters, and how to explain the cost savings to customers. [00:23:00] - John shares his experience with Airbnb properties and using heat pumps in conjunction with gas heaters. [00:26:00] - Brad discusses the heat-cool model and the ability to control water temperature year-round. [00:29:00] - Zac talks about the initial investment versus long-term savings of heat pumps and how to present that to customers. [00:32:00] - The importance of setting customer expectations when switching to heat pumps. [00:34:00] - What affects heat pump efficiency: air temperature, humidity, and installation conditions. [00:37:00] - Critical installation factors, including space requirements, airflow, and clearances. [00:43:00] - The maintenance required for heat pumps and how to clean evaporator coils. [00:46:00] - Licensing requirements for working with refrigerants and the need for HVAC certification. [00:53:00] - The steps involved in installing a heat pump, including plumbing and electrical considerations. [00:58:00] - Manifold plumbing configurations for heat pumps and gas heaters together. [01:04:00] - Electrical requirements for heat pumps, including the importance of proper wiring and amperage. [01:14:00] - Akshaya introduces Raypak's new "Brains and Brawn" partnership with Poolside Tech and their collaboration with AquaStar. [01:15:00] - Brad shares exciting news about Raypak’s new three-year warranty for Avea heaters. [01:22:00] - The team discusses the importance of choosing reliable products for long-term customer satisfaction. [01:24:00] - Final thoughts from Zac, John, and Edgar about the future of heat pump technology and pool pros' responsibilities to stay ahead. [01:26:00] - A shout-out to the amazing women who attended the Pool Nation Women's Summit.