Pool Nation Podcast E-198 Megan Kendrick Pool Pro Magazine

In an industry where connections can make or break careers, some partnerships transcend typical business relationships to become catalysts for mutual success. When the Pool Nation Podcast team sat down with Megan Kendrick, owner of Pool Pro Magazine, what emerged was more than just another industry interview—it was a masterclass in building authentic relationships that drive innovation in the pool service sector.

From Small Town Dreams to Industry Leadership

Megan Kendrick's journey to becoming one of the pool industry's most influential voices began in an unlikely place: Williston, North Dakota, a town of just 13,000 people. Her educational background was equally humble yet formative.

I grew up in North Dakota in a really small town Williston, North Dakota, 13,000 people. I graduated of a class of 22.

— Megan Kendrick, Pool Pro Magazine

This small-town foundation would later prove instrumental in shaping her approach to business relationships. Growing up in a community where everyone knows everyone taught Kendrick the value of authentic connections—a principle that would become central to her success in the pool industry.

After high school, Kendrick moved to Phoenix to attend Grand Canyon University, marking her first major step away from her North Dakota roots. This transition from a graduating class of 22 to a major university environment demonstrated an early willingness to embrace challenges and step outside her comfort zone—qualities that would serve her well in her future endeavors.

The Power of Strategic Partnerships

One of the most striking aspects of the interview was the mutual appreciation between Kendrick and the Pool Nation team. Host Edgar DeJesus took time to acknowledge how Kendrick's early support was instrumental in their success, particularly when she featured them on the cover of Pool Pro Magazine during their early days.

You were really one of the first instrumental people to really help elevate us. And so you've been just an amazing partner with us... We were really at our early stages and you put us on the cover of your magazine.

— Edgar DeJesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This partnership exemplifies a crucial business principle: successful relationships are built on mutual benefit rather than one-sided transactions. Kendrick didn't just provide exposure to Pool Nation—she recognized their potential and invested in their success, creating a partnership that has continued to benefit both parties.

The collaboration has evolved beyond simple magazine features to include joint initiatives like the annual "30 Under 40" program, which recognizes emerging talent in the pool industry. This ongoing partnership demonstrates how initial business relationships can grow into comprehensive collaborative efforts that benefit the entire industry.

Creative Vision and Team Dynamics

Behind every successful publication is a team that can execute creative visions under pressure. Kendrick's approach to magazine production reveals her leadership style and her ability to work with creative professionals who can bring ambitious concepts to life.

During the podcast, the hosts frequently referenced a recent photo shoot they had participated in for an upcoming magazine feature. The discussion revealed Kendrick's collaborative approach to creative projects and her ability to push people outside their comfort zones while maintaining their trust.

I can come up with a great idea, but I need my team to actually execute it. I wanna do this. And I showed it to our art director and I think she was like, oh no.

— Megan Kendrick, Pool Pro Magazine

Kendrick's willingness to acknowledge her dependence on her team while also pushing creative boundaries shows mature leadership. She understands that great ideas require great execution, and she's built a team capable of bringing ambitious visions to reality. Her art director Brittany received particular praise during the interview for her ability to work under pressure and execute complex creative concepts.

The photo shoot discussion also revealed Kendrick's understanding of her collaborators' comfort levels and her commitment to maintaining trust in professional relationships. As Edgar noted, she holds discretionary photos that could embarrass her partners, but her professionalism ensures that trust is never violated.

Industry Evolution and Adaptation

Throughout the interview, Kendrick demonstrated a keen understanding of how the pool industry continues to evolve and how media coverage must adapt to meet changing needs. Her approach to featuring industry professionals goes beyond traditional corporate headshots to more creative, engaging content that captures attention and sparks conversation.

The creative photo shoots mentioned throughout the podcast represent this evolution in action. Rather than settling for standard industry coverage, Kendrick pushes for innovative approaches that generate discussion and engagement. This willingness to experiment with format and presentation keeps Pool Pro Magazine relevant and engaging for its audience.

Her collaboration with Pool Nation on initiatives like the "30 Under 40" program also demonstrates her commitment to highlighting emerging talent and future industry leaders. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the publication remains connected to the industry's developing trends and rising stars.

Building Authentic Professional Relationships

Perhaps the most valuable insight from the interview was the emphasis on authentic relationship building. The conversation between Kendrick and the Pool Nation hosts demonstrated genuine mutual respect and friendship that extends beyond pure business transactions.

You talk about relationships and partnerships and it's the same for us, the people that we've partnered with. It's why that we are still here. So yeah, and the partnership with you guys it's been the same. It's helped us grow and it's given us more exposure and it goes both ways.

— Megan Kendrick, Pool Pro Magazine

This mutual acknowledgment of benefit illustrates how successful business relationships should function. Rather than one party extracting value from another, the best partnerships create value for all involved parties. Kendrick's approach to business relationships reflects the small-town values she grew up with, where reputation and trust form the foundation of all interactions.

The hosts' decision to dedicate part of the podcast to thanking Kendrick and sharing their appreciation publicly demonstrates the depth of these professional relationships. In an industry that can sometimes prioritize transactions over relationships, these authentic connections stand out as particularly valuable.

Lessons in Leadership and Vision

Kendrick's leadership style, as revealed through the interview, combines creative vision with practical execution. She's comfortable admitting when she needs help and actively acknowledges her team's contributions to the magazine's success. This approach creates an environment where creative risks can be taken because team members feel supported and valued.

Her willingness to push creative boundaries while maintaining professional relationships shows sophisticated judgment. The photo shoots that made some participants uncomfortable ultimately created memorable content while preserving trust and professional respect.

The interview also revealed Kendrick's commitment to long-term thinking. Rather than pursuing short-term publicity or quick wins, she invests in relationships and collaborations that build value over time. This approach has clearly paid off, as evidenced by the ongoing success of her partnerships and the continued growth of Pool Pro Magazine.

Looking Forward: Industry Impact and Future Collaboration

As the interview concluded, it was clear that Kendrick's influence on the pool industry extends far beyond magazine publication. Through her strategic partnerships, creative vision, and commitment to highlighting emerging talent, she's helping shape the industry's future direction.

Her upcoming participation in Pool Nation's Women's Summit represents another evolution in their collaborative relationship. After missing previous events due to scheduling conflicts, Kendrick's commitment to attending shows her dedication to supporting industry education and professional development.

The discussion of various industry events and initiatives throughout the interview demonstrated how interconnected the pool service community has become. Leaders like Kendrick play crucial roles in facilitating these connections and creating platforms for knowledge sharing and professional growth.

For professionals in any industry, Kendrick's approach offers valuable lessons in relationship building, creative leadership, and strategic partnership development. Her success stems not from individual achievement alone, but from her ability to create mutually beneficial relationships that elevate everyone involved.

The pool industry is fortunate to have leaders who prioritize collaboration over competition and authentic relationships over transactional interactions. As the industry continues to evolve, these partnerships and the trust they're built on will remain essential for continued growth and innovation.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Recent Projects
• 05:00 Photo Shoot Reflections and Team Dynamics
• 10:00 Upcoming Industry Events
• 15:00 Partnership Appreciation and Thank You
• 20:00 Megan's Background and Small Town Origins
• 25:00 Creative Vision and Team Leadership
• 30:00 Industry Evolution and Future Plans