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

Meet the Elite: 2024's Top Pool Sales Rep Nominees Share Their Stories

In an industry where relationships drive success and expertise builds trust, pool sales representatives serve as the crucial bridge between innovative products and the professionals who install and maintain them. The Pool Nation Podcast recently brought together four exceptional nominees for the 2024 Pool Sales Rep of the Year award, offering listeners an intimate look at what separates the good from the great in pool industry sales.

The Power of Recognition: Why Pool Sales Reps Matter

Host John J.J. Flawless emphasized the significance of this category during the episode, explaining why pool sales representatives deserve recognition:

I think this category is one of my personal favorite categories because I believe that pool reps in our industry play a very vital role... Each and every one of you have been nominated by one of your peers or somebody out there that you've personally touched... that you guys have inspired somehow some way in the industry.

— John J.J. Flawless, Pool Nation Podcast

This year's nominees represent a diverse cross-section of the industry, from established veterans to rising stars who are reshaping how sales relationships work in the pool business. The nominees include Brian Crisad from North Carolina, Johnny Davis, Andrew Ragland from Texas, and Daniel Nicholas from San Diego, California.

Behind the Scenes: The Nominees' Unique Perspectives

What makes these sales representatives stand out isn't just their ability to move product—it's their deep understanding of the industry and genuine commitment to helping their clients succeed. Each nominee brings a unique background and approach to their role, reflecting the diverse paths that lead to excellence in pool sales.

Brian Crisad, calling in from North Carolina, expressed his enthusiasm for being included among such distinguished company:

I am tickled literally to have these guys on because I know each one of them personally and they're great guys. So we've got some competition along with some other people on that list so I'm just glad to be in the room virtually.

— Brian Crisad, Pool Nation Podcast

This camaraderie among competitors highlights a key characteristic of successful pool industry professionals: they understand that lifting each other up ultimately benefits the entire industry. The pool business thrives on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual respect—qualities evident in all four nominees.

Regional Insights: The San Diego Success Story

An interesting trend that emerged during the discussion was the strong representation from San Diego in various award categories. Daniel Nicholas, representing the San Diego market, acknowledged this phenomenon:

There's been a lot going on in San Diego. There's a lot of nice pools and a lot of pool companies out there... There's a lot of nice company down here.

— Daniel Nicholas, Pool Nation Podcast

The San Diego market's success reflects several key factors that other regions can learn from: a concentration of high-end pool installations, a collaborative professional community, and a commitment to excellence that drives continuous improvement. This regional success story demonstrates how local market dynamics can foster industry leadership and innovation.

Building Relationships in a Digital World

While technology continues to transform how business is conducted, the pool industry remains fundamentally relationship-driven. The success of these nominees underscores the importance of personal connections, trust-building, and genuine service to clients' needs. In an era where many industries are becoming increasingly automated, pool sales representatives continue to provide irreplaceable value through their expertise, problem-solving abilities, and personal touch.

The diversity of backgrounds among the nominees also highlights how different approaches can lead to success in pool sales. Whether they come from technical backgrounds, previous sales experience in other industries, or grew up in pool families, each brings unique strengths to their role.

Looking Ahead: The Pool Nation Conference and Awards

The episode also provided exciting details about the upcoming Pool Nation Conference, scheduled for November 9-11 at the PSP Expo in Dallas. This event represents a new approach to pool industry education, moving away from the traditional buffet-style selection of classes to carefully curated curricula designed to build comprehensive expertise.

The conference will feature four distinct tracks: technical, hands-on, business, and retail. Each track is designed with a progressive curriculum where classes build upon each other, ensuring attendees develop deep, interconnected knowledge rather than fragmented insights.

The technical track, for example, focuses on three fundamental areas: water safety and chemistry (protecting the bather), vessel protection (partnering with the NPC for plaster startups, acid washes, and stain removal), and equipment pad optimization. This systematic approach ensures that participants develop a holistic understanding of pool service and maintenance.

A particularly innovative addition to the conference is the Heritage Pool Pro Appreciation Event on November 11th. This event introduces a concept similar to an "Apple bar" but for pool professionals—multiple stations where attendees can get direct access to industry experts who can help with specific business challenges, from scaling operations to HR issues, branding, and marketing.

The Human Side of Professional Excellence

One of the most engaging aspects of the episode was the lighthearted banter and genuine friendship evident among the participants. From the humorous mix-up with Johnny Davis's photo submission to the celebration of John's 46-day milestone in his smoking cessation journey, these moments remind us that behind every successful professional are real people with real challenges and victories.

The hosts' pre-show routine—creating content, grabbing pizza at Pie Tap in Frisco, and then transitioning into "show mode"—offers a relatable glimpse into the preparation that goes into producing quality industry content. Their ability to flip the switch from casual conversation to professional presentation demonstrates the kind of adaptability that characterizes successful pool industry professionals.

Key Takeaways for Pool Industry Professionals

Several important lessons emerge from this conversation with the 2024 Pool Sales Rep nominees:

• Relationships remain paramount: Despite technological advances, personal connections and trust continue to drive success in the pool industry.
• Regional collaboration breeds success: Markets like San Diego demonstrate how local professional communities can elevate entire regions.
• Continuous learning is essential: The evolution toward more structured, curriculum-based education reflects the industry's growing sophistication.
• Peer recognition matters: These nominees were selected by their peers, highlighting the value of industry recognition and mutual respect.
• Diversity of approaches works: Each nominee brings unique strengths, proving there's no single path to sales success.

Conclusion: Celebrating Excellence in Pool Sales

The 2024 Pool Sales Rep of the Year nominees represent the best of what the pool industry has to offer: deep expertise, genuine care for clients, collaborative spirits, and commitment to continuous improvement. Their stories remind us that behind every successful pool installation, every resolved technical challenge, and every satisfied customer is often a dedicated sales representative who goes above and beyond to deliver value.

As the pool industry continues to evolve and grow, professionals like Brian Crisad, Johnny Davis, Andrew Ragland, and Daniel Nicholas set the standard for excellence. Their nomination for this prestigious award reflects not just their individual achievements, but their contribution to raising the bar for the entire industry.

The Pool Nation Awards ceremony on November 13th will celebrate these and other industry leaders, but the real victory lies in the daily work these professionals do to advance the pool industry and serve their clients with distinction. Win or lose, these nominees have already achieved something significant: the respect and recognition of their peers in an industry that values integrity, expertise, and relationship-building above all else.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Host Banter
• 05:00 Meet the 2024 Pool Sales Rep Nominees
• 15:00 The Importance of Pool Sales Representatives
• 25:00 Regional Market Insights from San Diego
• 35:00 Pool Nation Conference Details and Education Tracks
• 45:00 Heritage Pool Pro Appreciation Event
• 55:00 Pool Nation Awards and Industry Recognition