Pool Nation Podcast

Pool Nation
Pool Nation Podcast

The podcast for Pool Nation is a podcast for the swimming pool industry. We talk latest products, trends, and training in the swimming pool industry.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    E-235 Pool Nation Podcast - Scaling Your Pool Business: Mastering Leadership, Team Building & Operational Efficiency

    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 & WelcomeMeet 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 GrowthRecap of the foundational and balancing stages leading up to scaling. 00:02 – 00:03 | Personal Phases & Setting the StageZach shares his personal experience with business phases and challenges. 00:03 – 00:04 | Western Pool & Spa Show & Budget TalkDiscussion about upcoming events and planning for growth. 00:04 – 00:05 | Defining the Scaling PhaseExploring the challenges of hiring your first employee and expanding operations. 00:05 – 00:07 | Transitioning to LeadershipHow to shift from doing the work yourself to leading a team and focusing on strategy. 00:07 – 00:09 | Building Leadership SkillsInsights into delegation, training, and leading by example in your pool business. 00:09 – 00:11 | Team Building & DelegationStrategies for recruiting, onboarding, and empowering your employees. 00:11 – 00:13 | Outsourcing & Maintaining Service ConsistencyThe 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 ExpensesDiscussion on managing financial KPIs, tracking chemical costs, and cash flow. 00:17 – 00:19 | Enhancing Customer CommunicationTips on maintaining strong customer relationships and effective communication. 00:19 – 00:21 | Scaling Marketing EffortsTransitioning from organic growth to strategic, paid marketing campaigns. 00:21 – 00:23 | Preparing for Unexpected ChallengesBuilding contingency plans and managing operational challenges as you grow. 00:23 – 00:25 | Cultivating a Long-Term Vision & Exit StrategyPlanning your future, setting goals, and preparing for eventual exit or expansion. 00:25 – 00:27 | Fostering Team Collaboration & CultureHow to build a collaborative, high-performance team culture to retain talent. 00:27 – 00:29 | Maximizing Operational EfficiencyPractical tips to streamline operations and reduce redundancies. 00:29 – 00:33 | Final Thoughts on Efficiency & GrowthWrapping up key strategies for scaling your pool business effectively. 00:33 – 00:39 | Sponsor BreakHear 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 TakeawaysFinal insights on leadership, delegation, and business scaling. 00:41 – 00:43 | Announcements & Business Matrix Detai

    1h 2m
  2. FEB 10

    E-234 Pool Nation Podcast - Phase Two: The Balancing Act – Scaling Your Pool Business

    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.

    1h 15m
  3. FEB 3

    E-233 Pool Nation Podcast Scaling Your Pool Business: Mastering the 4 Phases of Pool Pro Success

    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 & WelcomeEdgar 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 HostsEdgar, 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 EventsA 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 SecurityDiscussion 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 BusinessAn 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 StageFocus 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 ActAs 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 PhaseWith 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 StageTransitioning 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 PracticesIn-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 SolutionsA 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 RemindersEdgar 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.

    1h 11m
  4. JAN 27

    E-232 Pool Nation Podcast - Embracing the Future with Bob, Stan and The Attendant

    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! Timeline: [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.

    1h 44m
  5. JAN 13

    E-230 Pool Nation Podcast - Customer Retention and Business Growth in the Pool Industry

    In this episode 230 of the Pool Nation Podcast, hosts Edgar De Jesus, John "JJ Flawless," and Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas explore the critical topic of customer retention and share strategies for scaling your pool business while maintaining exceptional service. From snowy Texas adventures to key business insights, the team offers a mix of personal stories and actionable advice for pool professionals. Whether you're a single-pool operator or managing a growing team, this episode dives deep into the importance of communication, the role of KPIs, and how tools like Pool Brain can help you build and sustain meaningful customer relationships. Stay tuned for: 00:00:00 - Introduction and snow day banter. 00:07:00 - Discussing freak weather in Texas and its impact on plans. 00:16:00 - The humor of Hallmark movie moments and personal anecdotes. 00:18:00 - Highlights of the Pool Nation Business Matrix Program launching on January 18th. 00:27:00 - Preview of upcoming events, including the Western Pool and Spa Show. 00:34:00 - Key topic: Customer retention and its role in scaling a pool business. 00:45:00 - Communication strategies and setting clear expectations with customers. 00:51:00 - Building systems and training employees for consistent customer service. 01:17:00 - Leveraging technology like Pool Brain to standardize operations. 01:22:00 - Final thoughts and reflections. The episode also includes updates on upcoming pool industry events, insightful tips for business efficiency, and discussions about using technology to improve customer experience. For more information on Pool Nation programs, events, and resources, visit PoolNationPodcast.com. Don't miss this chance to learn how to retain customers, optimize operations, and grow your pool business effectively.

    1h 23m
  6. JAN 6

    E-229 Pool Nation Podcast: Mastering Pool Business Billing: Tips for Getting Paid on Time

    E- 229 Pool Nation Podcast. In the first Pool Nation Podcast of 2025, Edgar, John, and Zac tackle a critical question from a listener: “How can I stop chasing customers for payments and improve cash flow?” The hosts share practical strategies for streamlining billing, automating payments, and handling late-paying clients while maintaining a professional and customer-focused approach. They also dive into the balance between process-driven efficiency and providing above-and-beyond customer service. Plus, get an industry update for 2025 and hear the latest about Pool Nation’s exciting plans for the year ahead! Timestamps:[00:00:00] Intro – Welcome to 2025! The hosts set the tone for an exciting year.[00:01:00] First Podcast of 2025 – Fun banter and personal updates from the hosts.[00:09:00] Pool Nation Business Matrix Update – Details on upcoming trainings, SMART goals, and KPI tracking.[00:12:00] 2025 Industry Update – Trends from 2024 continue, with slower construction but steady service demand.[00:19:00] Listener Question: Late Payments – Tips for improving cash flow and streamlining billing.[00:32:00] The Human Touch in Billing – Balancing empathy with business efficiency and profitability.[00:47:00] Working with Property Managers – John shares insights on building relationships and setting boundaries.[00:56:00] Deep Dive into Balance – Zach reflects on staying human while scaling a business.[01:08:00] Final Thoughts – Strategies for mastering billing and building successful customer relationships in 2025. Sponsors: Thank you to SPPA, Blu-Ray XL, Aquastar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Heritage Pool Supply, Hayward Pool Products, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, and Pool Invoice for supporting the Pool Nation Podcast. Connect with Pool Nation: Instagram Live with Edgar and John resumes next week! Visit [poolmanuniversity.com](https://poolmanuniversity.com

    1h 16m
  7. 12/30/2024

    E-228 Pool Nation Podcast - Biggest Wins, Lessons Learned, and Secrets for a Game-Changing 2025!

    In episode 228 of the Pool Nation Podcast, we wrap up 2024 with a lively discussion on personal growth, professional milestones, and our shared excitement for what lies ahead in 2025. Edgar, John, and Zac reflect on the year's successes, challenges, and lessons learned, all while keeping the conversation lighthearted and engaging. From cleaning out trucks to learning new beard techniques, the team dives into a mix of humorous anecdotes and heartfelt reflections. They discuss key takeaways from the year, such as the launch of the Pool Nation Business Matrix, their most memorable events, and their growth as individuals and as a team. Looking ahead, they set their sights on building stronger relationships with the pool pro community, expanding their reach to the East Coast, and continuing to help pool pros achieve financial success. Tune in for an entertaining and insightful final episode of 2024 that sets the stage for an exciting 2025!   [00:00:00] Intro: Edgar opens the last podcast of 2024 with his signature humor and gratitude, acknowledging visionary partners and introducing the day's discussion. [00:02:00] Zach's Year-End Reflections: Zach talks about his deep-cleaning adventures, Christmas highlights, and setting a clear-headed mindset for 2025. [00:04:00] John's Beard Epiphany: John hilariously shares his discovery of a better way to drink with a beard and the quirks of facial hair life. [00:06:00] Wrapping Up Repairs: John discusses catching up on repair work during the holidays and planning better for 2025. [00:08:00] Time Flies: The team reflects on how quickly the year has passed and the importance of cherishing the moments. [00:09:00] Upcoming Trade Shows: Edgar highlights major industry events coming up in early 2025 and encourages listeners to register. [00:11:00] Reflecting on Events: Zach and John share their favorite events of 2024, with Zach praising the Raypak and AquaStar tours and John highlighting the Pool Nation Conference. [00:17:00] Lessons Learned: John reflects on the challenges and growth from 2024 and shares insights on tackling new opportunities. [00:22:00] Team Dynamics: The team discusses how their unique perspectives and evolving roles have helped them grow as a cohesive unit. [00:25:00] Looking East: John shares a goal for 2025—expanding Pool Nation's reach to the East Coast and strengthening relationships there. [00:27:00] Business Matrix Rollout: Zach emphasizes the importance of business tools like the Pool Nation Business Matrix for empowering pool pros in 2025. [00:29:00] Zach’s Growth: Zach reflects on his personal and professional growth in 2024, from hiring key team members to spending more time with family. [00:32:00] Gratitude for 2024: John shares his heartfelt gratitude for his family, team, and the pool pro community, emphasizing the value of their shared mission. [00:38:00] Wrapping Up: Edgar closes the podcast with excitement for 2025, teasing upcoming projects and wishing listeners a Happy New Year.

    41 min
4.6
out of 5
44 Ratings

About

The podcast for Pool Nation is a podcast for the swimming pool industry. We talk latest products, trends, and training in the swimming pool industry.

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