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Pool Nation Podcast Culture

Rocco Russo Trainer of the Year

📅 January 17, 2026 ⏱️ 1:55:15 🎤 Edgar De Jesus, John JJ Flawless, Zack Nicholas, Rocco Russo

Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Welcome and Introductions
    Edgar De Jesus, John JJ Flawless, and Zack the Pool Boy Nicholas welcome listeners and introduce Rocco Russo, the 2025 Trainer of the Year.
  • 9:42
    Rocco's Early Life
    Rocco Russo discusses his family life, his children, and his early career working at a deli, leading to an opportunity in the propane marketing industry.
  • 34:03
    Transition to HVAC
    Rocco details his career progression from a propane plant manager to an HVAC service technician, acquiring various licenses and facing early challenges.
  • 49:20
    Entering the Pool Industry
    Rocco explains his transition into the pool industry's gas division, highlighting the parallels between HVAC and pool equipment maintenance, and the high standards of luxury pool construction.
  • 59:34
    Moving to Jandy/Fluidra
    Rocco recounts his decision to move to the Carolinas for a role with Jandy (now Fluidra), becoming a territory service manager and appreciating the company's culture and support for its technicians.
  • 1:14:03
    The Birth of Jandy Training
    Rocco shares the story of how Jandy's training program was revived, and how he and Alex Keski developed a comprehensive, hands-on approach to teaching pool professionals.
  • 1:24:20
    Building Confidence and Value
    Rocco discusses the importance of confidence for pool technicians, explaining how his training aims to equip them with skills to overcome anxiety and deliver exceptional service, thereby increasing their value.
  • 1:31:25
    Trainer of the Year Award
    Rocco reflects on winning the 2025 Trainer of the Year award, expressing gratitude and emphasizing the collective effort of his team and the industry's need for accessible, impactful training.

Speakers

E
Edgar De Jesus
Host
J
John JJ Flawless
Host
Z
Zack Nicholas
Host
R
Rocco Russo
2025 Trainer of the Year

Key Takeaways

✦

Prioritize continuous self-education and skill development to excel in the pool industry, understanding that diverse skills are crucial.

✦

Be humble and curious; leverage manufacturer tech support and training programs to enhance your expertise and troubleshoot effectively.

✦

Cultivate confidence in your abilities and offerings, as it directly impacts your valuation of services and your interactions with clients.

✦

Focus on providing value over price; present comprehensive solutions and emphasize the long-term benefits to differentiate your business.

✦

Implement structured business practices, including precise job costing and targeted profit margins, to ensure financial growth and stability.

✦

Develop a 'servant's heart' in your customer interactions, focusing on solving problems and enhancing their experience with their pool investment.

✦

Embrace feedback and learn from mistakes; view failures as opportunities for smarter approaches and continuous improvement.

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