In Episode 217 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac continue their discussion on operational efficiencies to help pool professionals optimize their businesses. They cover essential topics such as route planning, billing automation, and the importance of comprehensive training programs. The team also talks about empowering employees through education and practical application, offering real-life examples of how training can improve customer service and overall business performance.

Tune in to learn key strategies to make your business more efficient and your team more confident. Plus, don’t miss the shoutout to a young pool pro, Keegan from Riverside, California, who's attending the Pool Nation Conference for the first time.

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] – Introduction: Edgar, John, and Zac kick off the episode with a discussion about the Pool Nation Conference and shoutouts to Keegan.
• [00:05:00] – Keegan’s Journey: Shoutout to Keegan from Riverside, California, attending his first Pool Nation Conference.
• [00:08:00] – Pool Nation Conference Overview: Hands-on learning, business insights, and networking opportunities.
• [00:14:00] – Operational Efficiencies: Route planning and the impact of inefficiencies on your business.
• [00:15:00] – Zac’s Route Planning Strategies: Time management, safety, and minimizing wear and tear.
• [00:20:00] – Automating Billing: The importance of automating invoicing and payment collection for cash flow management.
• [00:25:00] – Best Practices for Billing: The role of consistency in billing and empowering customers to pay on time.
• [00:30:00] – Employee Training Programs: Developing comprehensive training that covers customer service, technical skills, and company values.
• [00:32:00] – Creating Effective Training Programs: The value of having structured, interactive training to engage employees.
• [00:37:00] – Leveraging Manufacturers and Vendors: How to use external resources like reps and manufacturers to enhance training.
• [00:45:00] – Practical Application in Training: Hands-on training that directly impacts the day-to-day work of technicians.
• [00:50:00] – Role-Playing for Customer Service: How role-playing scenarios can help employees better handle customer interactions.
• [00:57:00] – Final Thoughts: Continuous learning, the importance of education, and preparing for the Pool Nation Conference.

Sponsors:

• Ultimate Pool Tools
• The SPPA
• BluRay XL
• AquaStar Pool Products
• Natural Chemistry
• Raypak
• Hayward

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.

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.