E-289 Pool Nation Podcast - Pool Show Recap & Industry Rising Stars

In Episode 289 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” recap the energy and momentum from the Western Pool & Spa Show and the Southwest Pool & Spa Show, then dive into powerful conversations featuring some of the brightest rising stars and top sales professionals in the swimming pool industry.

This episode highlights:

• The impact of industry trade shows on pool service businesses

• Leadership development and next-generation talent in aquatics

• The importance of customer relationships and pool education

• What separates top-performing sales reps in the pool industry

• The Pool Nation Awards 30 Under 40 nominees

• Sales Rep of the Year nominees and what drives their success

You’ll hear stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, business growth, and the mindset it takes to build a sustainable and profitable pool service or pool building company.

Whether you're a pool service professional, pool builder, sales rep, or industry supplier, this episode delivers insight, motivation, and practical takeaways to help you level up your business.

If you're serious about growing your pool company, scaling operations, improving customer retention, and becoming a true Pool Pro — this episode is for you.

⏱ Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:00 – Western & Southwest Pool & Spa Show Recap 03:00 – Zac’s Idaho adventure & team banter 09:00 – Introducing 30 Under 40 Male of the Year Nominees 13:00 – IPSA Education Fund & Investing in Industry Training 15:00 – James Broderick’s Journey: From Pandemic Startup to Growth Through Referrals 21:00 – Pool Education & “Pool School” for Homeowners 24:00 – Sales Rep of the Year Nominee Introduction 28:00 – Sales Rep Leadership, Market Growth & Industry Relationships 32:00 – Andrew’s Career: Distribution to Manufacturer Rep 40:00 – Daniel’s 30-Year Industry Journey: Retail, Service, Building & Manufacturing 48:00 – Relationship-Driven Sales & Building Market Trust 55:00 – Industry Growth, Mentorship & What’s Next for Pool Pros

🙌 Thank You to Our Visionary Partners & Sponsors

We want to thank our incredible Visionary Partners for supporting the Pool Nation Podcast and the pool industry:

• SPPA

• BlueRay XL

• AquaStar Pool Products

• Natural Chemistry

• Raypak

• Heritage Pool Supply

• Hayward Pool Products

• PoolSide Tech

• Pool Brain

• Nidec / US Motors

• OnCore Filtration

Your commitment to education, innovation, and supporting pool professionals nationwide makes this platform possible.