Pool Nation Podcast

E-300 Pool Nation Podcast - Pool Industry Game Changer: How Bellafina Outdoors Is Rewriting Pool Construction

In Episode 299 of the Pool Nation Podcast Edgar and John sit down with Mike from Quick Shop Pools and Bellafina Outdoors to talk about the future of pool construction, pool design, and pool business mentorship. If you are a pool service pro, pool builder, or pool business owner looking to grow, this is the pool podcast episode you cannot miss.
Mike spent 20 years in law enforcement working federal fugitive task forces, including the team that helped apprehend Whitey Bulger, before going all in on the pool industry. Today, he runs one of the most innovative pool construction companies and pool design showrooms in the country out of Huntington Beach, California. Pool pros who have walked through Bellafina Outdoors are calling it the Disneyland of pool design.
We also welcome Luz, Director of Operations at Bellafina, who brings over 20 years of brand and marketing experience into the pool industry, plus Thomas from PAL Lighting and Michelle from Heritage Pool Supply for a full Pool Nation studio conversation on pool builder education, customer experience, and elevating the pool trade for the next generation of pool pros.
IN THIS POOL NATION PODCAST EPISODE:- How Mike built a pool construction business from the ground up- The real story behind the Whitey Bulger fugitive apprehension- How the 2008 crash shaped a new vision for the pool industry- Why pool builder mentorship is the missing piece in pool construction- The Bellafina Pro Academy and the future of pool builder education- How to deliver a true pool design experience to homeowners- Why collaboration beats competition in the pool industry- Heritage Pool Supply's quarterly open house partnership with Bellafina
POOL NATION PODCAST TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast02:00 Thank you to our Pool Nation sponsors and partners08:30 Meet Mike from Quick Shop Pools and Bellafina Outdoors10:30 Heritage Pro Service Academy pool boot camp June 6 in Van Nuys14:30 From law enforcement to the pool industry16:30 The Whitey Bulger story behind one of America's biggest fugitive captures21:30 Surviving the 2008 crash and launching a new pool design model25:00 Why mentorship for younger pool builders matters30:00 Inside the Disneyland of pool design showrooms38:00 Why healthy competition makes the entire pool industry stronger46:00 Industry tea: big changes coming to the pool industry47:30 Luz on bringing fresh marketing talent into the pool world58:00 Thomas from PAL Lighting on pool and landscape lighting design01:08:00 The Outdoor Plus partnership and the tower of fire bowls01:13:00 Introducing the Bellafina Pro Academy for pool builders01:17:30 Heritage Pool Supply quarterly open house at Bellafina01:24:30 Final thoughts for pool pros
THANK YOU TO OUR POOL NATION PODCAST SPONSORS:SPPA, Blueray XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry,  Raypak, Hayward Pool Products, EnCore BrandsHeritage Pool Supply Group, Pool Brain, Poolside Tech, NidecOnCore Filtration

E-299 Pool Nation Podcast - The Truth About Growing a Pool Business: Profit, Pricing & The $25K Pool Pro Challenge

In Episode 299 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” break down one of the most important conversations every pool pro needs to hear — the signals your business is sending you every single day.
From pricing mistakes and route inefficiencies to hiring too late and chasing the wrong growth, this episode dives deep into the real challenges pool service companies face — and how to fix them.
But that’s not all…
🚨 BIG NEWS: The Pool Pro Challenge just leveled up — now officially a $20,000+ competition (and pushing toward $25K) thanks to industry partners like BioLab and ProGuard.
If you’re serious about scaling your pool business, increasing profitability, and building something sustainable — this episode is a must-listen.
🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why more pools doesn’t always mean more profit
The hidden cost of poor route density and wasted drive time
How growth exposes every weak system in your business
When to hire (and why waiting can cost you thousands)
How to build additional revenue streams right in your customers’ backyards
Why branding builds trust — not just recognition
The real reason most pool businesses plateau
How top pool pros are scaling to hundreds (even thousands) of pools
🚀 Industry Updates & Announcements:
The Pool Pro Challenge Prize Pool jumps to $20K+ (on the way to $25K)
Upcoming Heritage Pro Service Academy hands-on training event
Launch of Pool Nation certifications
New Pool Nation Spotlights featuring real pool pros scaling their businesses
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:00 – What your business is really telling you02:30 – AI, technology, and adapting in today’s world05:00 – Real talk: health, burnout, and the grind12:30 – Heritage Pro Service Academy announcement15:00 – Creating new revenue streams (cool deck, services, upsells)19:00 – 🚨 Pool Pro Challenge hits $20K+23:00 – Why this prize money is a game changer31:00 – Pool Nation Spotlights: real growth stories45:00 – Top 10 lessons from successful pool pros54:00 – Route density and profitability breakdown57:00 – Hiring mistakes and the cost of bad employees01:00:00 – Scaling vs staying small: choosing your path01:05:00 – Final thoughts and key takeaways01:17:00 – Outro
🙌 Special Thanks to Our Visionary Partners
A huge thank you to our incredible partners who make this podcast possible:
SPPA
BlueRay XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
ONCore
Hayward Pool Products
Poolside Tech
Pool Brain
Neodeck
Encore Filtration
👉 Want to grow your business faster?Visit PoolNation.com and get plugged into training, events, and the community that’s changing the industry.

E-298 Pool Nation Podcast Hot Tub & Spa Chemistry Masterclass: Why Pool Pros Get It Wrong (Hot Water, Biofilm, Bromine & Cold Plunges Explained)

In Episode 298 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar and Zac are joined by industry experts Robbie Walker and Michael Viegas from Solenis to break down one of the most misunderstood areas in the pool industry — spa, hot tub, and cold plunge water chemistry.
If you’ve ever treated a spa like a pool… this episode will change everything.
We dive deep into:
Why hot water chemistry behaves completely differently
The truth about biofilm, bacteria, and “human juice” in spas
The real differences between chlorine, bromine, and biguanide systems
How aeration, temperature, and bather load destroy your chemistry
Why your sanitizer disappears overnight
The rise of cold plunges and wellness systems
And how pool pros can turn spas into a profitable service category
This is a must-listen for pool service pros, repair techs, and anyone looking to level up their understanding of water chemistry — especially in smaller bodies of water like spas and hot tubs.
👉 Bottom line: If you're not treating spas differently, you're doing it wrong.
⏱️ Podcast Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Pool Nation Podcast02:30 – Meet the Guests: Robbie Walker & Michael Viegas (Solenis) 06:45 – Why Spa Chemistry is NOT Pool Chemistry10:20 – History of Spas: From Romans to Modern Hot Tubs15:30 – The Rise of Cold Plunges & Wellness Trends20:10 – The 3 Biggest Differences in Spa Water Chemistry25:40 – Bather Load: The Truth About “Human Juice”30:15 – Chlorine vs Bromine vs Biguanide (What Actually Works Best)38:20 – Why Your Sanitizer Disappears in Hot Water42:10 – Aeration, Jets & pH Drift Explained47:30 – Shocking & Oxidation: What You SHOULD Be Doing52:45 – Biofilm: The Hidden Problem in Every Spa58:10 – Drain, Purge & Refill: The Right Maintenance Schedule1:03:20 – Enzymes, Borates & Supplements (What’s Worth It?)1:08:15 – Ozone, UV & Mineral Systems (Do They Replace Chlorine?)1:12:30 – Final Thoughts: The Future of Spa & Wellness Industry
🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
A huge thank you to our Visionary Partners for supporting the Pool Nation Podcast:
The SPPA
Blu-Ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
Poolside Tech
Pool Brain
Nidec
OnCore Filtration
EnCore Brands
We appreciate your continued support in helping us grow the pool industry and build a nation of pool pros.

E-297 Pool Nation Podcast - Why Pool Filtration Is Broken (And How It’s Being Reinvented) | Featuring Jose Perez of Encore Filtration

In Episode 297 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJFlawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” sit down with Jose Perez, founder of Encore Filtration also now officially known as The Duke of Dirty Filters.
This episode goes deep into one of the most overlooked yet critical components of pool service: filtration  and why it directly impacts water quality, efficiency, customer trust, and profitability.
Jose shares his journey from air filtration into the pool industry, why most pool pros are losing money on filters without realizing it, and how innovation, pricing strategy, and protecting the service professional are reshaping the industry.
This isn’t just a product conversation it’s a business conversation about margins, competition from online retailers, and what it really takes to build a sustainable pool service company.
If you’re a pool pro, service company owner, or industry professional this episode will change how you think about filtration, pricing, and long-term growth.
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast01:30 – Introducing Jose Perez (Encore Filtration)04:15 – Why filtration is overlooked in the pool industry08:20 – Jose’s background: From air filtration to pool innovation13:45 – Taking the leap into entrepreneurship (no customers, no guarantees)18:30 – The biggest gaps in the pool filtration market23:10 – The real problem: Online pricing vs. service profitability29:40 – Why protecting pool pros matters (and why most manufacturers don’t)36:15 – The truth about margins, pricing, and customer trust42:00 – Innovation beyond the product: thinking differently48:20 – The FIT Kit concept (solving real field problems)54:10 – How to build loyalty through customer experience59:30 – The future of filtration & industry standards1:05:20 – Technology center & raising the bar in testing1:10:45 – Why “good is not good enough” in business1:15:30 – Final thoughts & lessons for pool pros1:18:00 – The birth of “The Duke of Dirty Filters”
💥 Key Takeaways
Filtration isn’t just maintenance it’s a profit center
Competing with online pricing is one of the biggest threats to pool pros
Innovation isn’t just products it’s customer experience + business strategy
The companies that win will be the ones that protect the trade
If you’re not improving, you’re falling behind good is not good enough
🎙️ Thank You to Our Sponsors
We want to thank our amazing Pool Nation Visionary Partners for making this podcast possible:
The SPPA
Blu-Ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
RaypakEnCore Brands
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
Poolside Tech
Pool Brain
Nidec
Encore Filtration
📲 Connect with Pool Nation
Follow us for more content, training, and industry insights:
Website: PoolNation.com
Instagram: @PoolNationPodcast
Podcast: Pool Nation Podcast

E-296 Pool Nation Podcast Part 2: The System Your Pool Business Needs to Actually Scale

In Episode 296 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar breaks down the pool service business systems that help companies scale without losing control. This is Part 2 of the series and it moves from the problem to the solution. If you want to know how to scale a pool service business, this episode walks through the systems that protect profit, improve consistency, and make growth sustainable.
Edgar covers the real structure behind pool business growth, including chemical systems, route structure, service consistency, repairs, customer communication, and the numbers every pool pro needs to know. If your company is adding pools but still feels chaotic, these pool business systems can help you create repeatable results and build a stronger operation.
This episode is for pool service business owners who want better route efficiency, stronger margins, improved customer retention, and a clearer path to scaling. If you are trying to grow your pool service company without breaking your operations, this episode gives you a practical roadmap.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro and Part 2 overview03:00 What systems really mean in a pool business07:30 Why operations break before money12:00 Chemical systems and hidden profit leaks20:30 How to control chemical creep28:00 Route structure and profit36:00 Drive time and margin loss44:00 Service consistency and reputation52:00 SOPs and repeatable results59:00 Repairs and captured profit1:08:00 Customer communication and trust1:17:00 The numbers every pool pro must know1:26:00 What real scaling looks like1:34:00 Building one system at a time1:41:00 Final thoughts and Matrix invite
Sponsor Section
Special thanks to our Pool Nation Visionary Partners for supporting the podcast and the pool industry.
SPPABlu-Ray XLAquaStar Pool ProductsNatural ChemistryRaypakHeritage Pool SupplyHayward Pool ProductsPoolside TechPool BrainNidecOncore Filtration
EnCore Brands

E-295 Pool Nation Podcast - Why Pool Companies Break When They Grow (And How to Fix It)

E-295 Pool Nation Podcast. If you’ve ever felt like your pool business is growing… but somehow getting harder, more stressful, and less profitable—this episode is for you.
In this episode, Edgar breaks down one of the biggest problems in the pool industry: why companies break when they try to grow. And more importantly, what you need to fix before it happens to you.
This isn’t about working harder. It’s about understanding what growth actually does to your business.
Because growth doesn’t fix your business…👉 Growth reveals your business.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why adding more pools can actually make your business worse
The critical mistake most pool pros make between 50–100 pools
How poor structure leads to burnout, callbacks, and lost profit
Why not knowing your cost per pool is killing your business
The pricing mistake that keeps you stuck and underpaid
How repairs are the hidden profit engine you're walking past every day
The mindset shift from technician to true business owner
If you’re serious about scaling your pool business the right way—and actually making money doing it—this episode will change how you think about growth forever.
This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. In Part 2, we’ll break down the systems and operational structure you need to scale the right way.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 
00:00 – Podcast Intro & Welcome01:00 – Why Pool Companies Break When They Grow03:30 – The Illusion of Growth (Why More Pools Feels Right)06:00 – The Most Important Stage in Your Business (And Why You Skip It)09:00 – The Breaking Point: 70–90 Pools11:00 – When Everything Starts to Feel Heavy13:00 – How Small Decisions Turn Into Big Problems15:00 – The Hidden Cost of Rushing (Chemicals, Time, Profit Loss)17:00 – You Didn’t Fail—You Grew Without Structure19:00 – The Most Important Question: Cost Per Pool22:00 – Why Most Pool Pros Don’t Know Their Numbers24:00 – Route Inefficiency & Profit Leaks26:00 – When Growth Makes the Math Worse27:00 – Sponsor Break31:00 – The Pricing Problem (Why Matching Competitors Fails)34:00 – The 3 Things Your Price Must Cover36:00 – The “More Pools” Trap38:00 – Why More Work Doesn’t Fix a Broken System40:00 – The Repair Opportunity You’re Missing44:00 – Turning Pools Into Profit Centers46:00 – Technician vs Business Owner Mindset49:00 – Why Most Pool Pros Stay Stuck50:00 – The Power of Knowing Your Numbers52:00 – Sponsor Break56:00 – Key Takeaways: Fix the Foundation Before You Grow57:30 – What’s Coming in Part 2 (Systems & Scaling)59:00 – Outro
🤝 SPONSOR THANK YOU 
A huge thank you to our Pool Nation Visionary Partners for making this podcast possible:
SPPA
Blu-Ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply Group
Hayward Pool Products
Poolside Tech
EnCore Brands
Pool Brain
Nidec
OnCore Filtration
These companies are investing in the future of pool pros and helping us build a stronger industry.

E-294 Pool Nation Podcast - From Rookie Mistakes to Mastery: Why Reps, Training & Real Experience Build Elite Pool Pros

In episode # 294 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus sits down live at AquaStar with Bryan Chrissan and Michael Kraus to break down one of the most important topics in the pool industry today training, repetition, and real-world experience.
From early career mistakes to high-level field knowledge, this episode dives into what it really takes to build confidence, skill, and success in the pool service industry.
You’ll hear real stories from the field including costly mistakes, hard-earned lessons, and the power of mentorship along with a deep conversation on how education in the industry has evolved from basic classroom learning to hands-on, immersive training.
Whether you’re a new pool tech or a seasoned pro, this episode will challenge how you think about learning, growth, and what it takes to become elite in this industry.
💡 If you’re not getting reps… you’re not getting better.
⏱️ Chapter Timestamps
00:00 – Podcast intro & Visionary Partners01:00 – Meet Bryan & Michael + setting the stage03:00 – Industry changes: Then vs. now in training07:30 – Real-world mistakes (and what they teach you)12:00 – Travel story + behind-the-scenes laughs20:00 – Why networking is EVERYTHING in this industry25:00 – Pool Nation Bootcamps & $10K Pool Pro Challenge30:00 – The importance of reps in building confidence36:00 – Rookie mistakes: filters, pumps, heaters & more41:00 – Learning from failure vs. wasting time45:00 – The power of mentorship & calling for help50:00 – Evolution of pool industry education56:00 – Why hands-on training beats classroom learning01:05:00 – Creating a safe learning environment01:10:00 – Real impact: changing lives through training01:18:00 – Long-term thinking vs. short-term sales01:25:00 – Relationships vs. transactions in business01:30:00 – Final thoughts: learn, share, grow01:40:00 – Outro + where to connect
🙌 Sponsor Acknowledgment (SEO-Friendly)
A huge thank you to our Pool Nation Visionary Partners for supporting this podcast and the pool industry:
The SPPA
Blu-ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
Poolside Tech
Pool Brain
Nidec
OnCore Filtration
We appreciate everything you do to help move the industry forward.

E-293 Pool Nation Podcast Pool Industry Innovation EXPOSED: New Chemistry Tech, AI Training & What Pool Pros Must Know in 2026 with Alicia and Michael G

In episode #293 of the Pool Nation Podcast, we sit down with industry leaders Alicia Stephens and Michael G to break down what innovation really looks like in the pool industry—and why it matters more than ever for pool service pros, retailers, and business owners.
From next-generation pool chemicals and faster-dissolving chlorine technology to AI-powered training platforms and the future of education, this conversation goes deep into how the industry is evolving—and how you can stay ahead of it.
We’re not just talking about products—we’re talking about thinking differently, solving real problems, and building a better experience for your customers.
You’ll hear how innovation is reshaping:
Water chemistry and treatment strategies
Pool service efficiency and troubleshooting
Retail and customer experience
Training, certifications, and workforce development
Plus… we tease some major upcoming industry disruption you’re going to want to keep your eye on 👀
If you’re a pool pro, business owner, or industry leader looking to stay competitive, this is a must-listen episode.
🎯 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Why “old school” pool chemistry thinking is holding you back
How new chemical innovations are solving real field problems
The role of AI in training the next generation of pool pros
How to simplify your service process and reduce errors
Why innovation isn’t just for big companies—it’s for YOU
⏱️ CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Pool Nation02:00 – Meet Alicia Stephens & Michael G04:30 – Industry energy, culture & community06:30 – Why innovation matters right now in the pool industry09:30 – Michael’s background (Harvard, toys, marketing & beyond)12:00 – Storytelling, branding & marketing in pools15:00 – What “real innovation” actually means18:00 – How the pool industry is changing (environment, chemicals, behavior)22:00 – New product innovation: faster dissolving trichlor & shock technology26:00 – Solving real problems for pool pros in the field30:00 – Retail vs service: simplifying chemistry for success34:00 – Multi-benefit products (the “multivitamin” approach)38:00 – Algaecide + phosphate innovation explained42:00 – New category: pool fragrance (yes… seriously 👀)47:00 – AI-powered training & BioGuard University breakdown52:00 – The future of education in the pool industry57:00 – Why embracing change is critical for growth1:01:00 – Final thoughts: innovation, mindset & opportunity1:04:00 – Teasing what’s coming next (major disruption ahead)
🙌 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
A huge thank you to our amazing partners who continue to support the Pool Nation mission:
SPPA
Blu-Ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
Poolside Tech
Pool Brain
Nidec / U.S. Motors
OnCore Filtration
Your support helps us continue to bring education, innovation, and growth to pool pros everywhere.
🚀 FINAL 
If you’re serious about growing your pool business, improving your chemistry knowledge, and staying ahead of industry trends—make sure you:
✔️ Subscribe to the Pool Nation Podcast✔️ Share this episode with your team✔️ Stay plugged into everything Pool Nation
Because the future of this industry belongs to those who learn faster, adapt quicker, and think differently.

E-292 Pool Nation Podcast Leadership, Industry Stories & Pool Pro Success | Pool Nation Podcast

In Episode 292 of the Pool Nation Podcast “Best of Pool Nation” episode, host Edgar, along with co-hosts John “JJ Flawless” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas, bring together some of the most powerful conversations from the Pool Nation Podcast.
This episode highlights the voices of pool professionals across the country who are helping shape the future of the swimming pool industry. From leadership lessons and business growth to real stories from the field, this episode captures the spirit of the Pool Nation community and the passion that drives pool pros forward.
You'll hear insights from industry professionals including Jennifer Melee, Kristen Meow, Megan Hightower, Alicia Rowe, and more as they discuss their journeys in the pool industry, the challenges they face, and the lessons they've learned along the way.
In this episode we discuss:
• Leadership lessons from pool professionals• The importance of community and networking in the pool industry• Building strong teams and company culture• The challenges pool professionals face in the field• Growing and scaling a successful pool service business• The power of education and training in the industry
Whether you're a new pool technician, seasoned pool professional, or pool business owner, this episode delivers inspiration, real-world insight, and valuable lessons from the Pool Nation community.
The Pool Nation Podcast continues to bring together the leaders, innovators, and professionals who are helping raise the standard in the swimming pool industry.
 
⏱️ Podcast Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast1:00 – Special “Best Of” episode introduction2:00 – Zac shares leadership lessons after visiting Gold Medal Pools4:00 – Culture, leadership, and motivating your team5:30 – Kristen’s trip to New Jersey and pool industry observations7:00 – Megan discusses balancing family and running a pool business8:20 – Jennifer shares hurricane recovery challenges in Florida11:30 – The impact of major storms on pool businesses13:00 – Alicia Rowe joins the conversation14:30 – Work-life balance and running a pool company17:00 – Pool Nation Awards and Pool Girl of the Year nominations18:00 – Behind the scenes of Pool Nation events20:00 – Industry partnerships and innovation23:00 – Corey’s journey into the pool industry26:00 – Mentorship and opportunity in aquatics29:00 – Innovation in pool equipment and technology34:00 – Aquastar pipeline filter discussion38:00 – The future of innovation in the pool industry41:00 – Hands-on training and educating pool pros45:00 – Why education is critical for the next generation of pool professionals49:00 – The power of networking and community53:00 – How relationships shape careers in the pool industry58:00 – Preparing for the Pool Nation Awards and conference1:02:00 – The future of Pool Nation and the industry
🙌 Thank You to Our Sponsors
A special thank you to the companies that support the Pool Nation Podcast and help us continue delivering education and innovation to the pool industry.
• SPPA• Blu-Ray XL• AquaStar Pool Products• Natural Chemistry• Raypak• Heritage Pool Supply• Hayward Pool Products• Poolside Tech• Pool Brain• Nidec• Oncore Filtration
Your continued support helps Pool Nation bring education, training, and industry conversations to pool professionals everywhere.

E-291 Pool Nation Podcast Michelle Cooke & Heritage Pro Service: The Program Changing the Pool Industry

In episode #291 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas sit down with Michelle Cook from Heritage Pool Supply to discuss the launch of the Heritage Pro Service Program and what it means for pool service professionals across the industry.
Michelle Cooke Transcript
The conversation dives deep into how Heritage is moving beyond the traditional distributor model to become a true partner in helping pool pros build stronger businesses.
Michelle shares the vision behind the new Heritage Pro Service Program, including:
• Loyalty rewards designed specifically for service professionals• Monthly rebate payouts through a debit card system• Transparent tracking of purchases and rewards• A brand-new education platform and certification opportunities• Vendor training sessions and Pro Talks every week• The launch of the Heritage Pro Service Academy in partnership with Pool Nation
This episode also explores the larger mission of raising the standard in the pool industry by providing pool pros with better tools, better education, and stronger business support.
If you're a pool service professional looking to grow your business, improve your technical knowledge, or connect with a stronger industry network, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
⏱️ Episode Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast1:30 – Introducing Michelle Cook and the Heritage Pro Service Program3:30 – Industry travel, events, and building the pool pro community9:00 – Michelle’s background in the pool industry16:00 – Heritage’s culture and commitment to pool pros20:00 – What makes Heritage different from traditional distributors26:00 – The origin of the Pool Tech program32:00 – Why Heritage launched the new Pro Service Program36:00 – Rewards, rebates, and supporting small service companies42:00 – How the rebate and loyalty program works47:00 – Tracking purchases and rewards through Heritage Pool Plus52:00 – Monthly payouts and financial benefits for pool pros56:00 – Education and training opportunities for service professionals1:03:00 – Certification credits and professional development1:08:00 – The Heritage Pro Service Academy with Pool Nation1:18:00 – Why education is critical for the future of the industry1:24:00 – Business growth, leadership, and scaling a pool company1:35:00 – The vision for raising the professional standard in the pool industry1:45:00 – Final thoughts and closing remarks
🤝 Special Thanks to Our Podcast Partners
A huge thank you to our Pool Nation Visionary Partners for supporting the podcast and helping elevate the pool industry:
SPPA
Blu-Ray XL
AquaStar Pool Products
Natural Chemistry
Raypak
Heritage Pool Supply
Hayward Pool Products
Poolside Tech
Pool Brain
Nidec
Oncore Filtration
Your support helps us continue educating and empowering pool professionals everywhere.