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

πŸ“… October 13, 2025 ⏱️ 1:07:19 🎀 Edgar De Jesus, Megan Kendrick, Nelly, Katie, Maddie, Sarah

Chapters

Click to jump to section

  • 0:49
    Welcome and Introductions
    Edgar De Jesus welcomes listeners and introduces the hosts and the special guests: the female nominees for the Pool Nation Awards' 30 under 40 list.
  • 10:05
    Awards Excitement and Tips
    The hosts and guests discuss the upcoming Pool Nation Awards, sharing advice on preparing acceptance speeches and managing the celebratory atmosphere.
  • 19:03
    Nelly's Hospitality Journey
    Nelly from The Amenity Collective shares her transition from the hospitality industry to pools, emphasizing the transferable skills of customer service and sales.
  • 42:57
    Katie's Unexpected Career Shift
    Katie recounts her surprise move from owning Happy Pools to working with Aquaar, highlighting the networking opportunities within the industry.
  • 51:38
    Overcoming Natural Disasters
    Katie describes her experience working through devastating fires in Pasadena and the community's resilience in rebuilding and maintaining pools.
  • 1:06:55
    Maddie's Passion for Training
    Maddie from The Pool Butler discusses her extensive background in water safety and her role as a company trainer, emphasizing hands-on learning and skill retention.
  • 1:20:28
    Sarah's Leadership and Resilience
    Sarah shares her journey from swim teacher to general manager, discussing managing a large pool service company in Arizona's extreme heat and her personal story of overcoming a severe injury.
  • 1:37:14
    Regional Industry Differences
    The discussion covers how geographical differences, like weather and foliage, significantly impact pool service practices across different regions.

Speakers

E
Edgar De Jesus
Host
M
Megan Kendrick
Host β€” Pool Pro magazine
N
Nelly
director of sales and communication at The Amenity Collective
K
Katie
administrative specialist at Aquaar
M
Maddie
company trainer and in-office supervisor for the maintenance department at The Pool Butler
S
Sarah
general manager

Key Takeaways

✦

Leverage hospitality skills: Strong customer service, clear communication, and attention to detail, honed in hospitality, are highly valued and can differentiate your pool business.

✦

Network proactively: Actively participate in industry events and connect with other professionals; these connections can lead to unexpected career opportunities and valuable partnerships.

✦

Prioritize continuous education and training: Implement a 'teach-back' method for your team, where they learn new skills and then train others, enhancing retention and overall team knowledge.

✦

Adapt to local conditions: Understand that pool service practices vary significantly by region due to climate, foliage, and other environmental factors; tailor your services accordingly.

✦

Empower your staff: Provide support and resources to your technicians, especially in challenging conditions like extreme heat, by being adequately staffed and offering practical assistance.

✦

Over-communicate with customers: Keep clients informed about their pool's status, issues, and solutions to build trust and prevent dissatisfaction, regardless of the service industry.

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