In episode 268 of the Pool Nation Podcast , host Edgar de Jesus – along with co-host John JJ Flawless and Zac the Pool Boy – dives deep into the journey of transforming a small pool service business into a full-scale empire. The conversation covers the ups and downs of growth, from early hustle to mastering delegation, leadership, and team building in the “empire phase.” Listeners get a mix of valuable business insights, personal anecdotes (yes, even about aging and the perils of old man glasses!), and a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and rewards of scaling a pool business.

Chapters & Timestamps:

• [00:00] Intro & Welcome Meet Edgar, John, and Zac as they kick off the episode with a warm welcome and a lighthearted introduction to the pool pros lifestyle.

• [00:01] Meet the Hosts Edgar introduces himself as the reigning champion of Marco Polo and brings on John – the fastest netter in the West – and Zac the Pool Boy, setting the tone for a candid, fun discussion.

• [00:02 – 00:05] Banter & Personal Stories The hosts share humorous insights on aging, new glasses, and everyday struggles, giving a personal touch that resonates with anyone balancing business growth and life changes.

• [00:11] Upcoming Events & Bootcamp Details Edgar outlines the upcoming Heritage Bootcamp in Dallas and previews the 10,000 Pool Pro Challenge, offering details on hands-on training sessions, business strategy classes, and qualification events for pool pros.

• [00:19 – 00:25] The Business Growth Journey A deep dive into the evolution of a pool business—from the foundational phase to the balancing act and scaling stages, culminating in the empire phase. The hosts discuss the transition from doing everything yourself to strategically building a team.

• [00:26 – 00:33] Overcoming Leadership Challenges Conversation turns to the critical elements of successful delegation, empowering employees, and the importance of trust and structured systems to keep the business thriving as it grows.

• [00:38 – 00:42] Leadership Lessons & Final Thoughts Reflecting on personal experiences and drawing inspiration from leadership legends, the discussion emphasizes learning from mistakes and nurturing employee growth without micromanaging.

• [00:55] Outro & Next Steps Edgar wraps up the episode with reminders about bootcamp registrations, the Pool Pro Challenge, and upcoming live Instagram sessions, inviting listeners to join the community and keep the conversation going.

Throughout the episode, the hosts balance humor with hard-hitting advice on managing growth, fostering a strong team culture, and stepping back from day-to-day tasks to focus on long-term business strategy. Whether you’re a seasoned pool pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you elevate your game.

Episode 236 of the Pool Nation podcast—your ultimate resource for pool service, pool repair, and the latest pool industry insights. In this action-packed episode, hosts Edgar de Jesus, John JJ Flawless, and Zac the Pool Boy share insider tips on scaling your pool business, optimizing pool software, and excelling in technical repairs. Get the scoop on the upcoming $10K Pool Pro Championship, hands-on pool bootcamps in Texas and California, and innovative strategies to boost efficiency and safety in your work. Whether you’re a seasoned pool technician or just starting out in the pool service industry, this episode is packed with actionable advice, expert insights, and a community-driven passion for pool excellence. Tune in now to learn how to make waves in the pool repair and service world!

Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction: Welcome to the Pool Nation podcast with an overview of today’s pool industry topics. 00:01:00 – Championship Announcement: Details on the $10K Pool Pro Championship and how pool pros can join the competition. 00:02:00 – Lighting & Tech Setups: Behind-the-scenes insights into on-air lighting challenges and professional pool tech setups. 00:03:00 – Live Banter: Candid moments and humorous exchanges that make this podcast a must-listen for pool professionals. 00:07:00 – Bootcamp Details: Essential information about the Heritage Bootcamp in McKinney, Texas for pool repair training. 00:09:00 – Business & Software Insights: Discussion on scaling your pool business with innovative routing and billing software solutions. 00:11:00 – Pool Brain Demo: In-depth look at cutting-edge pool management software designed specifically for the pool service industry. 00:17:00 – Facility Walkthrough: Preview of Gold Medal Pools and hands-on training sessions that sharpen your pool repair skills. 00:20:00 – Oxnard Bootcamp Announcement: Details about the follow-up bootcamp event in Oxnard, California, for further pool training. 00:21:00 – Championship Registration: Step-by-step guide on registering for the Pool Pro Championship and qualifying rounds. 00:27:00 – Competition Rules & Safety: Overview of strict safety guidelines, standardized tools, and the scoring system for fair play. 00:31:00 – Qualifier Rounds: Explanation of the elimination rounds designed to ensure top-quality pool repair skills. 00:40:00 – Final Challenge Preview: Introduction to the mystery challenge that tests adaptability and precision in pool repairs. 00:43:00 – Sponsor Spotlight: Key messages from top industry sponsors, including SPPA, Pool Invoice, Blu ray XL, Aquastar, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, and Hayward. 00:47:00 – Championship Strategy: Final thoughts on balancing speed, accuracy, and safety to excel in pool repair competitions. 00:55:00 – Registration Reminder: Important details on securing your spot for the championship and upcoming pool training events. 01:00:00 – Final Sponsor Messages: Last sponsor highlights and a recap of the latest pool service innovations. 01:05:00 – Final Thoughts & Next Steps: Closing insights from the hosts and a preview of future pool industry events and training sessions. 01:09:00 – Outro: Thank you for listening! Stay connected with Pool Nation for more expert pool repair tips and industry news.

Dive in, subscribe, and make waves in your pool service and repair career with Pool Nation!

Episode 235 of the Pool Nation Podcast - Join John JJ Flawless, Zac “Pool Boy” Nicholas, and Edgar on this action-packed episode of the Pool Nation Live Podcast as they dive deep into the scaling phase—the critical stage where pool companies transition from a one-person operation to building a thriving team and a sustainable empire. In this episode, our experts share real-world insights on leadership, delegation, financial management, customer communication, marketing strategies, and operational efficiency. Whether you’re managing 40 pools or scaling to hundreds, learn how to overcome growing pains, maintain service quality, and plan for long-term success in the competitive pool service industry.

Key topics include:

• Transitioning from working in your business to working on your business
• Hiring, training, and retaining a strong team
• Delegating effectively and building leadership skills
• Implementing systems, processes, and financial KPIs
• Enhancing customer communication and scaling marketing efforts
• Preparing for challenges, optimizing operational efficiency, and planning your exit strategy

This episode is packed with actionable strategies to help pool pros at every stage of growth. If you’re ready to level up your pool business and build an empire, this episode is for you!

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 – 00:01 | Introduction & Welcome Meet our hosts and get an overview of today’s focus on the scaling phase of your pool business.
• 00:01 – 00:02 | The Four Phases of Pool Business Growth Recap of the foundational and balancing stages leading up to scaling.
• 00:02 – 00:03 | Personal Phases & Setting the Stage Zach shares his personal experience with business phases and challenges.
• 00:03 – 00:04 | Western Pool & Spa Show & Budget Talk Discussion about upcoming events and planning for growth.
• 00:04 – 00:05 | Defining the Scaling Phase Exploring the challenges of hiring your first employee and expanding operations.
• 00:05 – 00:07 | Transitioning to Leadership How to shift from doing the work yourself to leading a team and focusing on strategy.
• 00:07 – 00:09 | Building Leadership Skills Insights into delegation, training, and leading by example in your pool business.
• 00:09 – 00:11 | Team Building & Delegation Strategies for recruiting, onboarding, and empowering your employees.
• 00:11 – 00:13 | Outsourcing & Maintaining Service Consistency The benefits of delegating tasks like bookkeeping and standardizing service quality.
• 00:13 – 00:15 | Creating Processes & Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) How effective SOPs can ensure consistent customer service and efficient operations.
• 00:15 – 00:17 | Financial Oversight & Tracking Expenses Discussion on managing financial KPIs, tracking chemical costs, and cash flow.
• 00:17 – 00:19 | Enhancing Customer Communication Tips on maintaining strong customer relationships and effective communication.
• 00:19 – 00:21 | Scaling Marketing Efforts Transitioning from organic growth to strategic, paid marketing campaigns.
• 00:21 – 00:23 | Preparing for Unexpected Challenges Building contingency plans and managing operational challenges as you grow.
• 00:23 – 00:25 | Cultivating a Long-Term Vision & Exit Strategy Planning your future, setting goals, and preparing for eventual exit or expansion.
• 00:25 – 00:27 | Fostering Team Collaboration & Culture How to build a collaborative, high-performance team culture to retain talent.
• 00:27 – 00:29 | Maximizing Operational Efficiency Practical tips to streamline operations and reduce redundancies.
• 00:29 – 00:33 | Final Thoughts on Efficiency & Growth Wrapping up key strategies for scaling your pool business effectively.
• 00:33 – 00:39 | Sponsor Break Hear from our industry partners including SPPA, Pool Invoice, Blu-ray XL, Aquastar, Natural Chemistry, Ray Pak, and Hayward.
• 00:39 – 00:41 | Post-Sponsor Recap & Final Takeaways Final insights on leadership, delegation, and business scaling.
• 00:41 – 00:43 | Announcements & Business Matrix Details Learn about our new Business Matrix group for pool pros and upcoming events.
• 00:43 – 01:01 | Outro & Next Episode Preview Closing remarks and a sneak peek into our next podcast on the Western Pool & Spa Show.

Optimize your pool business growth by listening to expert advice from those who have been in your shoes. Subscribe now to the Pool Nation Live Podcast and join our community of pool pros committed to excellence and expansion!

In Episode 234 of the Pool Nation Live Podcast, hosts Edgar De Jesus and Zac dive deep into Phase Two: The Balancing Act—the crucial stage when your pool business jumps from 40 to 80/90 pools. Learn how to scale your pool service without sacrificing quality, streamline your processes, optimize your time management, and prepare for employee expansion. Whether you're focused on diversifying revenue streams, mastering customer retention, or managing finances and cash flow, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies every pool pro needs to succeed in the competitive pool industry.

Join us as we discuss:

• Time Management & Efficiency: How to optimize your daily schedule and set boundaries as your workload increases.
• Maintaining Quality Service: Balancing a growing list of service calls with the high standards your customers expect.
• Streamlining Processes: Tips for automating invoicing, inventory, and communication to save valuable time.
• Preparing for Employee Expansion: Best practices for hiring, training, and onboarding new team members before burnout hits.
• Customer Retention & Diversifying Revenue: Strategies to keep loyal customers, set profitable pricing, and add revenue streams without overextending.
• Financial Management & Long-Term Planning: How to monitor expenses, manage cash flow, and set long-term goals to build a resilient pool business.

This episode also features candid discussions about industry events like the Western Pool and Spa Show, real-life business challenges, and the roadmap to scaling your company from a small operation to a thriving enterprise.

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] – Introduction: Meet your hosts Edgar de Jesus and Zac, and hear exciting news about the Western Pool and Spa Show.
• [00:01:00] – Western Pool and Spa Show Updates: Travel stories, event previews, and bootcamp announcements.
• [00:04:00] – Event Education Tracks & Bootcamps: Overview of upcoming classes on business efficiency, profit strategies, and financial security.
• [00:10:00] – Recap of the Four Phases: A quick review of the pool business growth stages.
• [00:13:00] – Phase Two: The Balancing Act: Discussion on managing 80–90 pools and the challenges of scaling your operations.
• [00:16:00] – Key Strategies: Time management tips, maintaining service quality, and streamlining your processes.
• [00:27:00] – Preparing for Employee Expansion: Insights into hiring, training, and effective delegation.
• [00:32:00] – Customer Retention Tactics: How to keep your loyal customers and set proper service expectations.
• [00:38:00] – Diversifying Revenue Streams: Evaluating new services and ensuring they add ROI without draining your resources.
• [00:41:00] – Monitoring Finances: Tips for cash flow management and tracking expenses as your business grows.
• [00:48:00] – Redefining Your Marketing Strategy: Building a strong brand identity and targeting high-end clients.
• [00:57:00] – Long-Term Goals & Planning: Setting milestones and crafting a roadmap for future success.
• [01:02:00] – Final Thoughts & Recap: Summarizing essential strategies for managing growth and avoiding burnout.
• [01:15:00] – Sneak Peek: A look ahead to the next episode on Phase Three – The Leadership and Scaling Phase.

In this episode 233 of the Pool Nation Podcast, hosts Edgar de Jesus, John JJ Flawless, and Zac “the pool boy” Nicholas break down the essential business phases every pool service professional must navigate to scale their operation. From mastering the foundational technical skills to transitioning into high-level leadership at the empire stage, this episode is packed with actionable insights, real-life examples, and expert tips to help you boost profitability, streamline operations, and build lasting customer relationships. Whether you’re managing 40 pools or gearing up for 250+ accounts, learn how to set the stage for sustainable growth and financial discipline in the pool service industry.

Timestamps & Key Topics:

• [00:00:00] Introduction & Welcome Edgar introduces the Pool Nation Podcast, the hosts, and today’s focus on the four phases of every pool pro’s journey.
• [00:01:00] Meet Your Hosts Edgar, John JJ Flawless, and Zach “the pool boy” Nicholas share their industry experiences, humorous banter, and insights into the pool business.
• [00:02:00] Industry Updates & Upcoming Events A sneak peek into the Western Pool and Spa Show, new classes on business and operational efficiencies, and innovative software tools for goal tracking.
• [00:03:00] Preparing for Growth & Financial Security Discussion on mastering financials, tracking expenses, and setting up systems to ensure business stability as you grow.
• [00:04:00] The Four Phases of a Pool Pro Business An overview of the business lifecycle in the pool service industry, setting the stage for a deep dive into each phase.
• [00:16:00] Phase 1 – The Foundational Stage Focus on the early years (around 40-50 pools) where personalized customer service, technical mastery, and quality work set the groundwork for success.
• [00:17:00] Phase 2 – The Balancing Act As workload increases (80-90 pools), learn how to juggle operational demands, customer care, and the challenges of hiring your first employees without burning out.
• [00:18:00] Phase 3 – The Scaling Phase With growth to approximately 130 pools, discover the importance of implementing reliable processes, training new staff, and avoiding quality pitfalls during rapid expansion.
• [00:20:00] Phase 4 – The Empire Stage Transitioning to 200+ pools, the discussion highlights strategic delegation, advanced systems for billing, customer retention strategies, and the evolution from hands-on work to high-level business management.
• [00:24:00] Keys to Success & Best Practices In-depth tips on mastering your craft, establishing consistent processes, building a strong brand, and leveraging networking opportunities to drive referrals and sustainable growth.
• [00:28:00] Sponsor Messages & Software Solutions A word from our sponsors about specialized general liability insurance from SPPA, pool billing software from Pool Invoice, Blu ray XL’s mineral purifiers, Aquastar’s pipeline cartridge filters, and more to boost your business efficiency.
• [00:31:00] Final Thoughts & Event Reminders Edgar and Zac wrap up with actionable takeaways, emphasize the importance of planning for each growth phase, and remind listeners about the upcoming Western Pool and Spa Show and exclusive training sessions.

In episode 232 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac are joined by Bob Doan and Stan Reznick from Poolside Tech to dive deep into the future of pool automation. Discover how The Attendant is reshaping the pool industry by providing innovative solutions that simplify pool management, save energy, and improve service efficiency.

Bob and Stan share their journey from restaurant tech innovators to pool tech pioneers, revealing how data-driven insights, seamless integration, and dealer-focused support are transforming pool pros' operations. Learn how Poolside Tech empowers pool professionals to deliver unparalleled value to their customers while creating new opportunities for growth and profitability.

Whether you're a pool professional, a homeowner curious about automation, or someone passionate about advancing the industry, this episode will inspire you to think differently about what’s possible in pool care. Plus, hear firsthand stories, exciting product features, and the vision driving the evolution of pool automation.

Tune in now and stay ahead of the curve in the pool industry!

• [00:00:00] Intro: Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast! Meet Edgar, John, and Zac as they kick off this exciting episode featuring Poolside Tech.
• [00:02:00] Setting the Stage: Zach shares the crazy Texas winter weather story, setting the tone for a lively discussion.
• [00:06:00] Guest Introduction: Meet Bob Doan, CEO of Poolside Tech, and Stan Reznick, as they discuss their journey into the pool industry.
• [00:14:00] The Attendant's Technology: How The Attendant leverages real-time data, simplifies pool automation, and creates smarter pool systems.
• [00:27:00] Dealer Support & Training: A deep dive into how Poolside Tech supports dealers with training, hands-on classes, and on-demand assistance.
• [00:36:00] Industry Challenges: Overcoming barriers to entry in a market dominated by major players.
• [00:50:00] Innovative Features: Exploring The Attendant's unique capabilities, including energy efficiency, proactive problem-solving, and seamless integration.
• [01:10:00] Practical Applications: Real-world benefits for pool professionals and homeowners, from reduced callbacks to enhanced customer service.
• [01:24:00] Final Thoughts: Bob and Stan share their vision for the future of pool automation and how Poolside Tech is driving change in the industry.

In episode 231 of the Pool Nation Podcast, we’re joined by special guest Bryan Chrissan as we dive deep into the power of networking and its role in helping pool professionals grow and scale their businesses. Bryan shares his expertise and experiences, giving insight into how networking has transformed his career. We also discuss strategies to overcome networking challenges, explore ways to build authentic relationships, and highlight the types of networking that drive results. Plus, we reveal inspiring success stories from the industry, showcasing how the right connections can lead to big opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is your guide to unlocking the true potential of your professional network.

Timelines:

• 00:00 - 06:00: Welcome and weekly updates from the Pool Nation team.
• 06:01 - 15:00: Introduction of Bryan Chrissan and his networking journey.
• 15:01 - 30:00: Why networking matters: Key benefits for pool industry professionals.
• 30:01 - 45:00: Practical tips for building and maintaining strong relationships.
• 45:01 - 55:00: Overcoming common networking challenges and making the most of industry events.
• 55:01 - End: Inspiring networking success stories, Bryan’s final thoughts, and closing remarks.