Pool Nation Podcast

E-216 Pool Nation Podcast -Behind the Scenes with 2024 Nominees for Pool Sales Rep of the Year

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.

E-215 Pool Nation Podcast - Business Scaling and Financial Goals with Josh Sandler

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.

E-214 Pool Nation Podcast - From 80 Pools to 1300 they share it all. Nominees for the 30 Under 40 Awards

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.

E-213 Pool Nation Podcast - Breaking Down the 2024 Pool Nation Awards Nominees & Industry Insights

In episode 213 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac return to break down the nominees for the 2024 Pool Nation Awards. The team dives into key categories and shares excitement for the upcoming event. They also touch on Zach’s recent adventures in Idaho, John's fitness journey, and the latest news on the Heritage Pool Pro Appreciation Event, which will feature hands-on training and the new Apple Bar concept for pool professionals. Join the fun as they share personal stories, industry insights, and a whole lot of laughter.
Episode Breakdown:
[00:00:00] - Intro:The hosts return to discuss life updates, pool industry trends, and the start of the podcast episode. Zach is still out in the wilderness, and Edgar welcomes everyone back.
[00:03:00] - Zach’s Wilderness Adventure:The team checks in on Zach, who’s currently hunting in Idaho, while joking about his outdoor challenges and sharing some light-hearted banter.
[00:10:00] - Pool Nation Awards Nominees Discussion:Edgar, John, and Zach dive into the exciting 2024 Pool Nation Awards, highlighting some of the top nominations and what the awards mean for the industry.
[00:12:00] - Heater of the Year:Nominees include: Hayward Universal H-Series, Jandy JXI with VersaFlow, Pentair MasterTemp, Raypak Avia.
[00:14:00] - Automation of the Year:Nominees include: Hayward OmniLogic, Jandy AquaLink RS, Pentair IntelliCenter, Poolside Tech – The Attendant.
[00:16:00] - Pool Cleaner of the Year:Nominees include: Apier Scuba N1 Pro, BWT RC60, Dolphin Explorer E70, Hayward TrackVac, Pentair Rebel, Polaris Atlas, Polaris Freedom Plus, PowerVac 3600.
[00:18:00] - Variable Speed Pump of the Year:Nominees include: Aquastar Pipeline Pump, Hayward TriStar VS, Jandy VS FloPro, Pentair IntelliFlo 3, Waterway Power Defender.
[00:20:00] - Heat Pump of the Year:Nominees include: AquaComfort Heat Cool, Crosswind V, Gulfstream HE, Hayward HeatPro, Jandy VersaTemp Heat Chill, Pentair UltraTemp, AquaCal HeatWave.
[00:22:00] - Filter of the Year:Nominees include: Aquastar Pipeline Filter, Hayward SwimClear, Jandy DEV, Pentair FullFlow XF, Waterway Crystal Water.
[00:24:00] - Innovative Product of the Year:Nominees include: Beta SE Plus Pro Pool Skimmer, Ultimate Pool Tools Hypervalve, Poolside Tech – The Attendant.
[00:26:00] - Distributor of the Year:Nominees include: Heritage Pool Supply, Horner Express, SCP, PWP.
[00:28:00] - Salt System of the Year:Nominees include: AutoPilot ChlorSync, Hayward AquaRite, Estuary Salt System, Jandy TruClear, Pentair IntelliChlor, Resilience E-Series.
[00:30:00] - People Categories:
[00:30:30] - Trainer of the Year:Nominees include: Brad Duncan (Raypak), Eric Knight (HASAA), Ken Kaufman (Raypak), Lauren Broom (Space Coast Pool School), Rob Stewart, Terry Arko, Ronnie James.
[00:32:00] - Builder of the Year:Nominees include: Anthony & Sylvan Pools, Clappy Pools, Endless Summer Pools, Gold Medal Pools, Living Stone Pools, Master Touch Pools, Oasis Pools, OC Poolscapes, Southern Wind Pools, Lucas Lagoons, Envy Pools Arizona.
[00:34:00] - Retailer of the Year:Nominees include: Central Iowa Pool & Spa (Des Moines, Iowa), Griffin Pool & Spa (Lexington, Kentucky), Taylor Pools (Waycross, Georgia), The Pool Doctor of Rhode Island (Coventry, Rhode Island), The Pool Place (West Monroe, Louisiana), Townley Pool & Spa (Little Rock, Arkansas).
[00:36:00] - Sales Rep Group of the Year:Nominees include: Alpha West Marketing Group, Blake Sales Associates, Devin Con Malarkey Associates, Performance Link Rep Group, The Grit Game, Thornburg Enterprises, WECC & Associates.
[00:38:00] - 30 Under 40 Female of the Year:Nominees include: Debra Martin, Mackenzie Kinder, Molly Snyder, Nicole Geisberger.
[00:39:00] - 30 Under 40 Male of the Year:Nominees include: Aiden Dunn, Jack Speronez, James Broderick, Nick LaPuente.
[00:40:30] - Sales Rep of the Year:Nominees include: AJ Grucky, Andrew Raglin, Brian Croissant, Carlene Viboch, Daniel Nicholas, Johnny Davis, Matt Greenfell, Russ Kennedy, Sean Linderman, Tyler Topp, Brian Sadler.
[00:42:00] - Best Truck Wrap of the Year:Nominees include: Panther City Pools, Pool Guardians, Pool Tile Rescue, Sea Dog Pools, Superior Pool Solutions.
[00:43:30] - Women’s Trailblazer of the Year:Nominees include: Akshaya Sekhar, Bonnie Chong, Crystal Lengua Rowell, Elizabeth McMurray, Gina Harris, Jamie Novak, Lacey Davis, Natalie Portillo, Sabina Hickman, Shelley Morris, Stephanie Gardner, Taryn Springsteen.
[00:45:00] - Pool Company of the Year (250 Pools or Less):Nominees include: Big Family Pools, Blue Oasis Pool Care, Family Pool 360, First Response Pools, Times Pool & Spa, Logan’s Pool Service, Pool Guardians, Preserve Pools.
[00:47:00] - Pool Guy of the Year:Nominees include: Alex Moran, Benny Romero, Brian Gallick, Daniel Sarda, Francisco Mascorro, Jay Lardy, Joel Forrester, Jordan Orr, Michael Kraus, Miguel Cabello, Omar Falcón, Ray Da Rosa.
[00:49:00] - Pool Girl of the Year:Nominees include: Alicia Rowe, Deidre Bedford, Devin Spacey, Jennifer Mele, Kristen Mello, Lauren Vance, Lindy Sharp, Maria Castellanos, Megan Hightower Noor, Sabrina Salem, Sarah Barrow.
[00:50:00] - Heritage Pool Pro Appreciation Event Preview:Edgar previews the upcoming Heritage Pool Pro Appreciation Event, discussing the hands-on training and introducing the new Apple Bar concept where pool professionals can seek advice on scaling, HR, training, and business development.
[00:58:00] - Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up:The hosts give a final shout-out to the Pool Nation community, encouraging everyone to vote for the awards and sharing plans for upcoming podcast episodes, which will feature some of the nominees.

E-212 Pool Nation Podcast Mastering Heat Pumps: Efficiency, Installation, and Future Trends with Raypak

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.

E-211 Pool Nation Podcast - Women's Summit Special - Reflecting on the 2024 Pool Nation Women's Summit

In Episode 211 of the Pool Nation Podcast, your host Leanne DeJesus, alongside Janey Flawless and Jeanette Horn, dive deep into the 2024 3rd Annual Pool Nation Women's Summit. The trio reflects on the transformative experiences, key takeaways, and empowering moments that made this year's summit truly exceptional. From breaking boundaries to fostering authentic connections, they share personal stories, lessons learned, and the impact of the summit on their personal and professional lives.
Join them as they discuss the growth of the summit, the importance of empowering women in the pool industry, and what to look forward to in the next year. Plus, they share insights on the Pool Nation Awards, how the industry is evolving, and the anticipation for the upcoming Pool Nation Conference.
Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Intro: Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast
[00:01:00] Leanne kicks off the Women's Summit Special
[00:03:00] Discussing the growth of the Pool Nation Women's Summit over the years
[00:14:00] Reflections on Year One: The power of community and connection
[00:19:00] Year Two: Girl power, building relationships, and the impact of inspiring speakers
[00:28:00] Year Three: New takeaways, the importance of authenticity, and lessons in self-improvement
[00:45:00] The future of the Women's Summit: Growth, challenges, and preserving intimacy
[00:54:00] Pool Nation Awards and the excitement for the upcoming Pool Nation Conference
[01:13:00] Final thoughts: Looking forward to the future of Pool Nation events and the continued empowerment of women in the industry
[01:24:00] Outro: Thank you for listening
Tune in for an inspiring and insightful conversation that celebrates the strength, resilience, and growth of women in the pool industry.

E-210 Pool Nation Podcast - Operational Efficiency to scale your business

In episode 210 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac are back to discuss operational efficiency for pool professionals. They dive deep into the importance of route planning and how it impacts the success and profitability of a business. The team shares personal experiences and tips for optimizing your schedule, reducing wasted time, and maximizing profits, especially when balancing service routes and repair jobs. They also chat about the upcoming Pool Nation Women's Summit and reminisce about Zac's wilderness adventures. Tune in for valuable insights to help improve your pool business!
Episode Breakdown:
[00:00:00] - Intro: The hosts return from a break and get back into the swing of things. They catch up on life updates and share some laughs, with Zac making a triumphant return.
[00:03:00] - Zach's Truck Update: Zach shares an update on purchasing a new truck, and the team jokes about the process, including the challenges of dealing with recalls and repairs.
[00:10:00] - Nominations and Events: The team discusses the exciting number of nominations received for the Pool Nation Awards and the upcoming Pool Nation Women's Summit.
[00:17:00] - Route Planning and Efficiency: Edgar, John, and Zach dive into route planning and operational efficiency, offering strategies for maximizing time and minimizing drive times to increase productivity and profitability.
[00:28:00] - Real-Life Business Examples: They share personal examples of how route planning and efficiency have transformed his business, emphasizing the importance of scheduling and prioritizing tasks.
[00:49:00] - Repair Scheduling: The conversation shifts to managing repair schedules and how strategic planning can increase the number of jobs completed while reducing time and costs.
[00:58:00] - Upcoming Events: The hosts briefly mention upcoming events, including the Pool Nation Conference and Pool Nation Awards.
[01:04:00] - Final Thoughts: The team wraps up the discussion by reinforcing the importance of operational efficiency and looking ahead to future episodes focused on business improvement strategies.

E-209 Pool Nation Podcast - Celebrating Pool Nation's 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees: A Special Episode with Terry Arko & Steve Barnes

In Episode 209 Pool Nation Podcast, we had the honor of hosting Terry Arko and Steve Barnes, the 2023 inductees into the Pool Nation Hall of Fame. We had a chance to do an Instagram Live with them, where they shared their inspiring stories, answered questions, and reflected on their journeys in the pool industry.
This episode celebrates the Pool Nation Hall of Fame 2023, focusing on the incredible contributions that Terry and Steve have made to the industry. Whether it's education, safety, or innovation, these two leaders have consistently gone above and beyond, making a significant impact. Join us as we explore their experiences, the evolution of the pool industry, and what it means to be recognized by peers.
Don't miss out on this insightful conversation with two of the industry's finest, and be sure to stay tuned for our upcoming live podcast next week! Dive in and enjoy this special episode dedicated to celebrating the 2023 Hall of Fame inductees.
Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:01:00] Edgar introduces the special guests, Terry Arko and Steve Barnes
[00:03:00] Hall of Fame induction and the significance of recognizing industry leaders
[00:05:00] Special shout-outs and behind-the-scenes stories
[00:08:00] The Hall of Fame jackets and the journey to find the perfect fit
[00:14:00] Steve and Terry share their insights on the industry's evolution
[00:35:00] Advice for new professionals entering the industry
[00:50:00] Handling dips in your career and staying relevant

E-208 Pool Nation Podcast Moving the Needle: Pool Safety, AquaStar and Every Child a Swimmer

Pool Nation Podcast Episode 208. In this powerful episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar and John are joined by Casey McGovern, Todd Pieri, and Steve Barnes to discuss a topic of utmost importance in the pool industry—safety. This episode highlights the need for heightened awareness and action around water safety, particularly through the Every Child a Swimmer initiative. Todd and Steve from Aquastar share their company’s deep commitment to safety, not just meeting but exceeding industry standards, and the incredible steps they're taking to support this cause. Casey McGovern bravely shares her personal story, emphasizing the importance of every pool professional leading with safety to help prevent future tragedies.
Timestamps:
[00:01:00] - In-Studio Guests: Edgar introduces today’s guests: Casey McGovern, Todd Pieri, and Steve Barnes, highlighting the importance of today’s discussion on water safety.
[00:03:00] - Casey’s Story: Casey McGovern shares the heartbreaking story of her daughter’s drowning, the aftermath, and how it fuels her mission with Every Child a Swimmer.
[00:25:00] - AquaStar’s Commitment: Todd Pieri discusses the origins of Aquastar’s dedication to safety, its evolution from commercial to residential spaces, and the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation in safety.
[00:39:00] - Industry Challenges: The panel discusses why safety has been a taboo topic in the pool industry and how Aquastar is working to change that narrative through education and product innovation.
[00:56:00] - Actionable Steps for Pros: Casey shares practical steps that pool professionals can take to promote safety, including conversations with clients, leave-behind materials, and the importance of teaching children to swim.
[01:04:00] - Aquastar’s New Initiative: Todd and Steve unveil Aquastar’s new initiative to donate a portion of the proceeds from every pump, filter, and ozone system sold to the Every Child a Swimmer program.
[01:15:00] - Final Thoughts: The guests share their final thoughts, expressing their commitment to the cause and encouraging the entire industry to step up and join the effort in moving the needle towards greater water safety.
[01:26:00] - Closing: Edgar and John wrap up the episode, expressing their excitement about being part of a movement that is making a difference in the pool industry.

E-207 Pool Nation Podcast - Heritage Pool Supply Pool Pro Appreciation Event

Episode 207 Pool Nation Podcast. In this special episode, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming Heritage Pool Pro Appreciation Event.
We sit down with special guests from Heritage Pool Supply: Logan, Jeff, Grayson, Chris, Isaac, and Clayton. They discuss their career journeys, the importance of customer relationships, and the upcoming Pool Pro Appreciation Event at the Pool Nation Conference. Listen in for insights on industry changes, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Key Moments:
[00:00:00] - Introduction and welcome
[00:03:45] - Special guests from Heritage Pool Supply: Logan, Jeff, Grayson, Chris, Isaac, and Clayton
[00:06:45] - Discussion on the Pool Nation live podcast format and visionary partners
[00:10:45] - John shares a personal story and experiences with the industry
[00:15:30] - Logan's transition from construction management to the pool industry and overcoming challenges
[00:23:00] - Jeff's return to the pool industry and differences between Phoenix, San Diego, and Texas markets
[00:27:45] - Grayson's journey from intern to branch manager and the importance of being a resource
[00:33:00] - Chris's unexpected entry into the pool industry and the importance of employee treatment
[00:39:30] - Isaac's key lessons learned and the importance of customer relationships
[00:47:00] - Clayton introduces the Pool Pro Appreciation Event and its significance
[00:50:30] - Sponsor messages and a brief break
[00:54:45] - Details about the Pool Pro Appreciation Event: Apple bar concept, hands-on experiences, and networking
[01:07:00] - Discussions on knowledge sharing, mentorship, and the role of Heritage in the industry
[01:16:30] - Closing thoughts, thanking Heritage, and encouraging pool pros to attend the event
[01:20:00] - Final remarks, shoutouts, and upcoming events
Join us for this insightful episode as we explore the impact of Heritage Pool Supply on the pool industry and the exciting upcoming Pool Pro Appreciation Event. Whether you're a seasoned pool pro or just starting out, this episode is sure to provide you with the tools and inspiration to elevate your business to new heights.