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

As 2024 draws to a close, the pool industry is buzzing with reflection and anticipation. The Pool Nation Podcast recently delivered their final episode of the year, offering a candid look back at triumphs, challenges, and the valuable lessons that will shape the industry in 2025. Hosts Edgar De Jesus, JJ Flawless, and Zach Nicholas didn't just recap the year—they pulled back the curtain on what it really takes to succeed in the pool business and shared their game-changing strategies for the year ahead.

Celebrating the Biggest Wins of 2024

When asked about the most exciting projects of 2024, the hosts were unanimous in their enthusiasm for hands-on learning experiences. Zach Nicholas highlighted a particularly memorable event that exemplified the power of industry education and networking.

The one that jumps out to me was Oxnard Ventura. And that at the Raypack heater class, that was such a good time and just an overall great experience going out there and seeing the hot room at Raypack. What a crazy thing to see. I didn't even know that something like that existed, but to be able to go out there and experience that and then tour the facility and see that he, how much is involved in that, all of the people, the whole process and the equipment and machinery.

— Zach Nicholas, Pool Nation Podcast

This behind-the-scenes look at equipment manufacturing revealed something crucial for pool professionals: understanding your tools at the deepest level transforms how you work with them. The experience went beyond technical knowledge, encompassing facility tours, networking events, and comprehensive product education from concept to completion.

The ripple effects of such experiences are already showing. Zach's team member Nick, who accompanied him on these educational tours, recently earned his state license and has been promoted to full-time repairs, specifically prioritizing maintenance customers for faster turnaround times.

The Power of Industry Education and Networking

The podcast emphasized a critical message for pool professionals: the importance of continuous education and industry engagement. With convention season approaching rapidly, the hosts stressed the value of attending key industry events.

The upcoming show calendar includes:

• Pool and Spa Show in Atlantic City (January 28-30)
• Southwest Pool and Spa Show (February 4-8)
• Western Pool and Spa Show (February 6-8)
• Everything Under the Sun Expo (March 14-15)

Edgar De Jesus pointed out a crucial timing consideration for busy professionals:

Look, we're getting right off of Christmas. New Year's will be here in a couple of days. And then we go straight into convention season for the pool season, right? It's literally, we start, we hit it hard. We end up in March and then in March, we just roll into the season and it's go time.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This compressed timeline means that preparation and registration need to happen now, not later. The industry moves fast, and those who stay ahead of the educational curve position themselves for success.

Mindset Shifts for Maximum Impact

One of the most revealing aspects of the podcast was the discussion about mental preparation and clarity heading into the new year. Zach shared his approach to starting 2025 with a clear head:

I've got this whole mindset of going into 2025, like being clear headed mentally. And it's like all these things at home that it's like, oh, I need to do that. I need to get that done. I've been just trying to get it done so I don't have to worry about it in 2025.

— Zach Nicholas, Pool Nation Podcast

This philosophy extends beyond personal organization to business operations. The hosts discussed how they used the holiday downtime to tackle accumulated repair work and installations, completing weeks worth of backlogged projects. This strategic use of slower periods demonstrates professional maturity and business acumen.

The concept of mental clarity also applies to recognizing the "that's a 2025 problem" mentality that can derail productivity. By addressing lingering issues now, professionals can enter the new year focused on growth rather than playing catch-up.

Strategic Partnerships and Industry Evolution

The podcast revealed significant developments in their partnership ecosystem, announcing new visionary partners for 2025 including Poolside Tech, The Attendant, and Pool Brain. These additions signal important trends in the industry toward technology integration and enhanced service delivery.

The hosts also acknowledged the crucial role of established partners including SPPA, Blu-ray Excel, Biolab, Aquastar, Raypack, Hayward, and Heritage Pool Supply. These relationships demonstrate the importance of building and maintaining strong industry connections.

JJ Flawless touched on the collaborative nature of their success:

I think it was really amazing because it wasn't really about us. It was really about our community and everybody came together. Right. And everybody was there at every single event and the support was just tremendous.

— JJ Flawless, Pool Nation Podcast

This community-first approach has become a hallmark of successful pool industry professionals, recognizing that shared knowledge and mutual support elevate the entire industry.

Operational Efficiency and Team Development

The discussion revealed practical insights into operational improvements and team development. Edgar's mention of creating calendars for different homeowner associations and country clubs highlights a common challenge in the service industry—managing varying schedules and requirements across different clients.

The promotion of team members and strategic reorganization of service delivery shows how successful companies invest in their people while optimizing customer service. By dedicating Nick to full-time repairs with priority for maintenance customers, Zach's company demonstrates understanding of customer value and service efficiency.

The hosts also touched on the reality of time perception in business, noting how quickly years pass and the importance of recognizing achievements. Edgar's surprise at learning Zach had been in his house for three and a half years rather than the year and a half he remembered illustrates how busy professionals can lose track of time without proper reflection.

Setting the Stage for 2025 Success

As the pool industry prepares for another dynamic year, several key themes emerge from this final 2024 podcast episode. The emphasis on education, community building, operational efficiency, and strategic partnerships provides a roadmap for success.

The rapid transition from holiday season to convention season to pool season demands that professionals stay ahead of the curve. Those who invest in education, build strong industry relationships, and maintain clear focus on operational excellence position themselves for sustained success.

The pool industry continues to evolve with new technologies, changing customer expectations, and emerging business models. Companies that embrace continuous learning, foster team development, and maintain strong community connections will thrive in this dynamic environment.

As we look toward 2025, the Pool Nation Podcast team's approach offers valuable lessons: celebrate wins, learn from experiences, invest in education, build strong partnerships, and maintain clear focus on what matters most. The new year promises exciting opportunities for those ready to seize them with both hands and a clear vision for success.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Holiday Greetings and Year-End Reflection
• 05:00 Deep Cleaning and Mental Preparation for 2025
• 10:00 Christmas Break Activities and Catching Up on Work
• 15:00 Upcoming Industry Shows and Convention Season
• 20:00 Biggest Wins and Most Exciting Projects of 2024
• 25:00 Lessons Learned and Strategic Partnerships
• 30:00 Team Development and Operational Improvements