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Pool Nation Podcast Growth

E-308 Pool Nation Podcast – How Emerald Custom Pools Built One of the Fastest Growing Companies in t

📅 July 6, 2026 ⏱️ 1:07:49 🎤 Edgar de Jesus, Ryan, Kyle Burns, Stephanie Burns

Chapters

Click to jump to section

  • 0:57
    Introduction to Emerald Pools
    Edgar de Jesus introduces Kyle and Stephanie Burns of Emerald Custom Pools, highlighting their rapid growth and multi-faceted business model.
  • 1:50
    Entry into the Pool Industry
    Kyle explains how he transitioned from firefighting to pool building, inheriting leads from a retired captain, and Stephanie's eventual full-time involvement after her nursing career.
  • 2:50
    Growth and Vertical Integration
    The couple discusses their strategic decision to vertically integrate their business, expanding into service, retail, and real estate to ensure long-term sustainability and profitability.
  • 3:28
    The 'Big Freeze' and Foresight
    Kyle recounts their proactive decision to stock pool equipment before a major Texas freeze, demonstrating their pre-planning mentality from firefighting.
  • 4:28
    Future of the Industry
    Kyle shares his vision for the pool industry, anticipating a shift towards more affordable pool options like vinyl liners and the growing importance of remodels.
  • 6:33
    Business & Family Dynamics
    Stephanie and Kyle discuss how they manage their husband-and-wife business partnership while raising a family, emphasizing 'divide and conquer' and strict operational lanes.
  • 7:56
    Family in the Business
    Kyle shares a story about firing and rehiring his son, highlighting their commitment to accountability and meritocracy within the family business.
  • 8:10
    Innovative Retail Model
    The Burns explain their unique retail strategy, focusing on a health and wellness model that includes spas, cold plunges, and infrared saunas to offer a broader 'backyard experience'.
  • 9:51
    Safe to Swim Nonprofit
    Stephanie details their non-profit, Safe to Swim, which provides swim lessons and safety resources to prevent childhood drownings, inspired by their past professions.
  • 10:39
    Advice for New Pool Pros
    Kyle and Stephanie offer advice to new entrants in the pool industry, emphasizing consistency, continuous education, forecasting, and hiring the right people for growth.

Speakers

E
Edgar de Jesus
Host
R
Ryan
Host
K
Kyle Burns
Owner, Emerald Custom Pools and Emerald Pool Care
S
Stephanie Burns
Owner, Emerald Custom Pools and Emerald Pool Care

Key Takeaways

✦

Vertical integration is key for long-term business sustainability; explore expanding into service, retail, or even real estate to diversify revenue streams.

✦

Proactive inventory management, driven by foresight and risk assessment, can turn potential crises into significant opportunities for your business.

✦

Develop a 'pre-planning' mindset by anticipating industry shifts and challenges, such as interest rate changes or supply chain issues, to adapt your business strategy effectively.

✦

Implement a robust auditing process for every job to track margins, ensure accountability, and identify areas for improvement in sales and operations.

✦

Consider offering more affordable options (e.g., vinyl liner pools) to capture a wider market segment, especially as economic factors impact purchasing power.

✦

Innovate your retail experience beyond just chemical sales; offer a 'backyard experience' with health and wellness products like spas, cold plunges, and saunas.

✦

Prioritize continuous education and networking within the industry; leverage events, podcasts, and mentorship to navigate challenges and foster growth.

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