E-269 Pool Nation Podcast - How 4 Women Are Rewriting the Rules of the Pool Industry

The pool industry has long been dominated by men, but a new generation of women is diving in and making significant waves. In a recent episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, host Edgar De Jesus and co-host Megan Kendrick from Pool Pro Magazine sat down with four exceptional women nominated for the 30 Under 40 Pool Nation Awards to discuss how they're rewriting the rules and reshaping the industry landscape.

Breaking Into the Pool Industry: From Hospitality to Hospitality

The journey into the pool industry often comes from unexpected places. Nellie's story is particularly compelling as a "refugee from the hospitality industry" who found her calling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her transition illustrates how transferable skills from other service industries can create success in the pool business.

I'm actually a refugee from the hospitality industry. Happened right at COVID, right? Everybody got let go. And the Amenity Collective took me in. And it was amazing ever since. I never thought about leaving. Pools has been incredibly fun.

— Nellie, Pool Nation Podcast

The Amenity Collective represents a new breed of pool service companies that are diversifying their offerings and creating comprehensive service solutions. This approach allows professionals like Nellie to explore multiple facets of the industry, from retail and spa services to construction and customer service.

The Power of Continuous Learning and Adaptability

One of the most striking themes that emerged from the conversation is how rapidly the pool industry is evolving. The women discussed how practices that were standard just five years ago are now obsolete, while fundamental principles like water chemistry remain eternally relevant.

Something that I've noticed that's really cool about the pool industry is it's really evolving and changing every single day. Like there are practices that I learned five years ago that are no longer applicable.

— Nellie, Pool Nation Podcast

This rapid evolution creates both challenges and opportunities. Companies that embrace change and invest in continuous training are positioning themselves for long-term success. Maddie's company exemplifies this approach with their "Training Tuesday" program, where technicians participate in regular educational sessions every week.

The commitment to ongoing education is particularly impressive when considering the scope of these training sessions. As Maddie explained, sometimes the training lasts just an hour, but other days it can consume most of the workday, demonstrating a serious investment in employee development and industry expertise.

Regional Challenges and Climate Considerations

The podcast highlighted how geography plays a crucial role in shaping pool service strategies. From Sarah working in the intense Arizona heat to Katie enjoying the surprisingly pleasant climate of Ventura, California, each region presents unique operational challenges.

In Arizona, we don't really get fall till, like, January. Just plugging along in 100-degree weather.

— Sarah, Pool Nation Podcast

These climate considerations affect everything from work schedules to equipment choices and customer expectations. Pool professionals must adapt their service approaches based on local conditions, whether that means dealing with extreme heat in Arizona or managing different seasonal patterns in various markets.

The discussion also touched on how climate challenges are intensifying, with extreme temperatures lasting longer into traditionally cooler months. This trend requires pool professionals to be even more adaptive and forward-thinking in their operational planning.

Innovative Training Programs and Team Development

The commitment to employee development emerged as a key differentiator among successful pool service companies. Maddie's company has institutionalized learning through their weekly Training Tuesday program, which brings together technicians who typically work independently from their home-based trucks.

This approach serves multiple purposes: it ensures consistent service quality, keeps technicians updated on new techniques and products, and creates team cohesion among workers who might otherwise operate in isolation. The company also tracks training hours throughout the year, demonstrating a systematic approach to professional development.

The training partnerships with major industry suppliers like Ray Pack and Aquastar show how forward-thinking companies are leveraging manufacturer expertise to enhance their service capabilities. These relationships provide access to the latest product knowledge and technical insights that can be immediately applied in the field.

The Importance of Industry Recognition and Networking

The Pool Nation Awards represent more than just industry recognition—they're a catalyst for professional growth and network building. All four women expressed excitement about attending their first awards ceremony, highlighting how such events can be transformative for young professionals.

You are going to find that it is it's really weird. It's hard to explain. It's a little bit of this magical thing. And I think because it's just all pool pros hanging around that it's really cool.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

Industry events and recognition programs serve as important touchstones for professionals who might otherwise feel isolated in their daily work. The pool industry, despite its size, maintains a tight-knit community feel that can be particularly valuable for newcomers and young professionals establishing their careers.

The advice to "prepare your speech" reflects the reality that recognition often comes when least expected, and being prepared to articulate your vision and gratitude can maximize the impact of such opportunities.

Future-Proofing Careers in a Dynamic Industry

The conversation revealed how the pool industry offers multiple career paths within a single organization. Nellie's experience spanning sales, regional management, repair services, and office operations demonstrates the versatility that the industry can offer to motivated professionals.

This diversity of opportunities within the industry allows professionals to develop broad skill sets while staying within their chosen field. It also provides natural career progression paths that can keep talented individuals engaged and growing within pool service companies.

The emphasis on mentorship emerged as another crucial factor in professional development. Having "amazing mentors along the way" helps newcomers navigate the industry's complexities and accelerates their learning curve in a field where practical experience is often as valuable as formal training.

As the industry continues to evolve with new technologies, environmental considerations, and changing customer expectations, professionals who embrace continuous learning and maintain flexibility in their approaches will be best positioned for long-term success. These four women exemplify the kind of forward-thinking, adaptable leadership that will drive the pool industry's future growth and innovation.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcomes
• 05:00 Meet the Female Nominees
• 10:00 Nellie's Journey from Hospitality to Pools
• 15:00 Regional Challenges and Climate Considerations
• 20:00 Training Programs and Professional Development
• 25:00 Industry Recognition and Awards Preparation