ex-ESPN Sports Commentator turned Pool Pro joins Wayne on Thursdays

What happens when an ESPN sports commentator trades the press box for pool decks? In the latest episode of Talking Pools Podcast, host Wayne welcomes Steve Sherwood as his new Thursday co-host, bringing a unique perspective that spans both coasts and combines media expertise with hands-on pool industry knowledge. This dynamic partnership promises to deliver fresh insights into an industry that's both massive and surprisingly niche.

From Sports Commentary to Pool Chemistry: Steve's Unconventional Journey

Steve Sherwood's path to pool industry expertise is far from typical. Before diving into water chemistry and equipment maintenance, he spent 15 seasons in the sports broadcasting world, working with major teams and media outlets.

I worked for the New York Jets and the New York Giants for about 15 seasons. So I did the play-by-play announcing for the media and the press box during the games... I also had a show on ESPN radio. So I followed my dream when I first got into the pool industry for the first five or six seasons I tried to make it in what was the early podcasting days.

— Steve Sherwood, Talking Pools Podcast

The transition wasn't easy, but it proved pivotal. While broadcasting offered excitement and the fulfillment of following his dreams, the seasonal nature and limited income potential pushed Steve toward a more stable career path. The pool industry provided that stability, along with unexpected opportunities for growth and mentorship.

Steve's entry into pools began in the early 2000s with his brother's company in New Jersey, where he learned the fundamentals of seasonal pool operations. This foundation would prove invaluable as he expanded his expertise and eventually made a cross-country move that would reshape his understanding of the business.

East Coast vs. West Coast: A Tale of Two Pool Seasons

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Steve's story is his transition from New Jersey's intense seasonal model to California's year-round operations. This geographic shift revealed fundamental differences in how pool businesses operate and generate revenue.

In New Jersey, Steve experienced the familiar East Coast reality of cramming a year's worth of work into a few intense months. Pool openings, closings, and equipment winterization dominated the business model, creating periods of frantic activity followed by relative dormancy.

And did the whole seasonal opening and closing and not having a life for four or five months a year... And it's a big difference coming out to being a full not seasonal company anymore and making all your money in 365 days a year as opposed to your 100 days of summer.

— Steve Sherwood, Talking Pools Podcast

The California experience opened Steve's eyes to equipment longevity and different maintenance challenges. The desert climate preserves equipment that would typically deteriorate much faster in harsh Northeastern winters. This discovery led to fascinating encounters with vintage equipment still functioning decades after installation.

The seasonal differences also impact water chemistry management. Steve uses an interesting analogy to explain winter pool behavior in moderate climates, comparing pools to hibernating bears. During colder months, reduced bacterial activity and limited sun exposure mean pools maintain their chemistry with minimal intervention, while summer awakens increased demand for sanitizers and more active management.

Building a Multi-Faceted Pool Business

Steve's current operation in Los Angeles demonstrates how modern pool businesses can diversify beyond traditional service routes. His company has evolved from a small startup into a medium-sized operation with multiple revenue streams, each addressing different market needs.

The core service business remains fundamental, but Steve has expanded into certified pool operator training, insurance inspections, home purchase evaluations, and expert witness consulting. This diversification provides stability and leverages his expertise across different applications.

The expert witness and consulting work represents a particularly specialized niche. When accidents occur at swimming pools, investigators often lack the technical knowledge to properly evaluate conditions and equipment. Steve's role involves providing factual, objective assessments that help all parties understand what actually happened.

My goal in the consulting industry and what we do with inspections is to write a clear, concise, factual report where if I had five or six different contractors read that report they would say, hey, this is exactly what is wrong I get it and I can fix it for that amount of money.

— Steve Sherwood, Talking Pools Podcast

The Power of Community in a Niche Industry

One of the most compelling aspects of Steve's story is his emphasis on community building and knowledge sharing within the pool industry. Despite the industry's substantial size, its specialized nature means traditional educational pathways are limited.

The biggest thing about our industry is it's a really, really huge industry but it's very, very niche right? So there's no trade schools that you can go to and it seems like any guy that has a couple thousand dollars in a pickup truck can say, hey I'm a pool guy.

— Steve Sherwood, Talking Pools Podcast

This reality drove Steve to create solutions for ongoing education and support. His Facebook group, started in 2010 to support CPO course graduates, has grown to over 3,000 members and serves as a vital resource for technical information and problem-solving.

The group addresses a critical gap in industry support. While manufacturers provide valuable assistance, their recommendations naturally lean toward their products. Peer-to-peer forums offer unbiased, practical solutions based on real-world experience. Sometimes the advice isn't what people want to hear, but it's often exactly what they need.

Wayne's influence on Steve's approach to community building is evident throughout their conversation. With decades of experience teaching thousands of pool professionals, Wayne established a model of generous knowledge sharing that Steve has embraced and expanded upon.

Lessons from a Unique Career Path

Steve's journey from broadcasting to pool business ownership offers valuable insights for anyone considering career changes or business development in specialized industries. His broadcasting background provided unexpected benefits: communication skills, attention to detail, and experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.

The transition also highlights the importance of mentorship in technical fields. Steve's connection to Wayne began during a CPO instructor class in 2008, where Wayne served as one of his proctors. That early relationship evolved into a lasting professional friendship and now a business partnership.

Perhaps most importantly, Steve's story demonstrates how passion for helping others can drive business success. His focus on education, accurate reporting, and community building has differentiated his services in a crowded market while contributing to industry improvement overall.

Looking Forward: Thursday Partnerships and Industry Evolution

The partnership between Wayne and Steve represents more than just a new podcast format. It symbolizes the industry's evolution toward more collaborative, educational approaches to business development and problem-solving.

Their Thursday show promises to deliver diverse perspectives from different geographic regions, business models, and professional backgrounds. Wayne brings three decades of chemical industry expertise and education, while Steve offers hands-on service experience across different markets and innovative approaches to business diversification.

This combination of experience and innovation positions them well to address the challenges facing modern pool professionals: seasonal variations, equipment changes, regulatory developments, and evolving customer expectations.

The pool industry continues to grow and professionalize, but it still lacks formal training programs found in other trades. Podcasts, online forums, and continuing education programs fill this gap, providing accessible learning opportunities for both newcomers and experienced professionals seeking to expand their expertise.

Conclusion: Building Success Through Service and Community

Steve Sherwood's transition from sports commentary to pool industry leadership illustrates how diverse backgrounds can bring fresh perspectives to traditional industries. His journey from New Jersey's seasonal intensity to California's year-round operations, combined with his commitment to education and community building, offers a blueprint for sustainable business growth in specialized markets.

The key themes from his story—adaptability, continuous learning, community engagement, and service excellence—provide practical guidance for pool professionals at any stage of their careers. Whether dealing with regional challenges, exploring business diversification, or seeking to contribute to industry knowledge, Steve's approach demonstrates that success comes from combining technical competence with genuine dedication to helping others.

As Wayne and Steve begin their Thursday partnership, listeners can expect insights that bridge different perspectives, geographic regions, and approaches to pool industry challenges. Their combined expertise promises to deliver the kind of practical, unbiased information that helps professionals provide better service while building stronger, more sustainable businesses.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Wayne's New Co-Host Announcement
• 02:30 Steve's Background: From New Jersey to California
• 05:15 Sports Broadcasting Career at ESPN and NFL Teams
• 08:45 Building a Multi-Service Pool Business in Los Angeles
• 12:20 Seasonal vs. Year-Round Pool Operations
• 16:10 Community Building and Facebook Groups
• 20:00 Industry Education and Mentorship
• 23:30 Looking Forward: Thursday Show Partnership