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.

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.

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.

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

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.