E-265 Pool Nation Podcast Inside Heritage: Scott Frost on Culture, Disruption & What’s Next for Pool Pros

From Pool Builder to Industry Visionary: Scott Frost's Three-Decade Journey

In an industry where most professionals specialize in one area, Scott Frost stands out as a rare breed—someone who has successfully navigated every major segment of the pool industry. With over 30 years of experience spanning pool construction, manufacturing, and distribution, Frost recently made waves by joining Heritage Pool Supply, bringing his unique perspective to one of the industry's most disruptive forces.

On a recent episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, hosts Edgar De Jesus and John "JJ Flawless" sat down with Frost to explore his remarkable journey, leadership philosophy, and vision for transforming pool industry distribution. What emerged was a masterclass in industry evolution and the power of embracing change at every career stage.

The Making of a Pool Industry Renaissance Professional

Scott Frost's career trajectory reads like a blueprint for understanding the pool industry from every angle. Starting in pool construction, moving through manufacturing, and now leading in distribution, his path offers insights that few in the industry can match. This comprehensive experience has shaped his unique perspective on what the industry needs to thrive.

Scott's career started to talk to Scott Frost and his co-host. Scott Frost expands building pools, manufacturing and now distribution, giving him probably one of the most complete perspectives in this industry.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

Beyond his professional achievements, Frost maintains a balanced personal life that reflects his approach to business—thoughtful, strategic, and grounded. Married for over two decades, he's raised children across different generations, from a 42-year-old daughter who works as a headhunter for Cisco to a 17-year-old high school junior. This multi-generational perspective informs his understanding of how to connect with different demographics in the workplace and marketplace.

His personal interests also reveal a pattern of seeking clarity and perspective—whether through piloting aircraft or fishing on weekends. These activities aren't just hobbies; they're deliberate choices that help him maintain the mental clarity needed for strategic decision-making.

Heritage Pool Supply: Disrupting Distribution Through Culture

Frost's decision to join Heritage Pool Supply wasn't just a career move—it was an alignment of values and vision. Heritage has made a name for itself by challenging traditional distribution models and prioritizing genuine relationships over transactional interactions. For someone with Frost's experience across all industry segments, Heritage represents an opportunity to implement learnings from three decades in the business.

The podcast hosts noted the cultural fit immediately, with JJ commenting on the authenticity of leadership at Heritage. This cultural alignment is crucial in an industry where trust and relationships often matter more than price points or inventory levels.

It's always great to see top leaders, presidents of companies that you can have an honest and true conversation with, right? That actually get it... it was a breath of fresh air yesterday, having a good conversation with you and actually talking about the nitty gritty and saying, wow, okay, you get it.

— John "JJ Flawless", Pool Nation Podcast

Heritage's approach to distribution represents more than just another supply chain—it's about reimagining how pool professionals can be supported throughout their business journey. This philosophy aligns perfectly with Frost's comprehensive industry experience and his understanding of pain points across all segments.

Leadership Philosophy: Walking the Walk in Pool Industry Innovation

Throughout the conversation, it became clear that Frost's leadership style is rooted in authenticity and practical understanding rather than theoretical management principles. His approach emphasizes action over rhetoric—a philosophy that resonates strongly in an industry built on practical problem-solving and hands-on work.

The podcast hosts were particularly impressed by Frost's ability to engage in "nitty gritty" conversations about real industry challenges. This willingness to dive deep into operational details while maintaining strategic vision is what separates effective leaders from those who remain disconnected from their teams and customers.

And to see that Scott has come over to Heritage and embrace that same culture. And for you guys to listen and learn that it's more about not just talk, but it's walk along with it. So action is going to be followed. And it's important.

— John "JJ Flawless", Pool Nation Podcast

This action-oriented approach is particularly valuable in the pool industry, where customers and employees can quickly distinguish between leaders who understand the business and those who rely solely on corporate speak. Frost's comprehensive experience across all industry segments provides credibility that enables more effective leadership and communication.

The Future of Pool Industry Distribution

With his multi-segment experience, Frost brings a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing pool industry distribution. Having worked in construction and manufacturing, he understands the needs and pain points of Heritage's customers in ways that traditional distribution leaders might miss.

The pool industry has been relatively slow to adopt some of the innovations seen in other industries, but companies like Heritage are changing that landscape. Under leadership that includes professionals like Frost, the focus shifts from simply moving products to creating comprehensive support systems for pool professionals.

This evolution is particularly important as the pool industry continues to professionalize and mature. Pool builders, service technicians, and retailers need partners who understand their businesses holistically, not just vendors who can fulfill orders. Frost's experience positions him to help Heritage deliver this more comprehensive value proposition.

Practical Insights for Pool Industry Professionals

Frost's journey offers several practical lessons for pool industry professionals at any stage of their careers. His willingness to transition between industry segments demonstrates the value of maintaining curiosity and openness to new challenges, even after achieving success in one area.

The importance of maintaining perspective—whether through hobbies like flying and fishing or through diverse personal experiences—cannot be understated. These activities and experiences provide the mental clarity and broad perspective needed for effective leadership and strategic thinking.

Most importantly, Frost's emphasis on authentic leadership and practical understanding resonates throughout the conversation. In an industry built on trust and relationships, leaders who can engage genuinely with real challenges and opportunities will always outperform those who rely on superficial management techniques.

Conclusion: A Blueprint for Industry Evolution

Scott Frost's journey from pool builder to manufacturing leader to distribution executive provides a unique blueprint for understanding how the pool industry continues to evolve. His recent move to Heritage Pool Supply represents more than just a career change—it's a strategic alignment that could help reshape how pool professionals think about distribution and supplier relationships.

The key themes that emerge from his story—comprehensive industry understanding, authentic leadership, maintaining perspective, and prioritizing action over rhetoric—offer valuable lessons for professionals at every level of the pool industry. As the industry continues to mature and professionalize, leaders like Frost who can bridge different segments and maintain genuine connections with the practical realities of the business will be increasingly valuable.

For pool industry professionals looking to advance their careers or improve their businesses, Frost's example suggests that success comes not from specialization alone, but from maintaining curiosity, embracing new challenges, and always staying connected to the fundamental realities of serving customers and supporting teams. In an industry built on trust and practical problem-solving, these timeless principles continue to drive success across all segments.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
• 02:30 Scott Frost Introduction and Background
• 05:15 Personal Life and Family Discussion
• 08:45 Career Journey Across Pool Industry Segments
• 12:20 Heritage Pool Supply Culture and Leadership Philosophy
• 18:30 Industry Insights and Future Vision