E-197 Pool Nation Podcast - Raypak Boot Camp, Pool Nation Conference and More

From Technical Difficulties to Industry Excellence

The latest episode of Pool Nation Podcast kicked off with some relatable technical challenges that many business owners will recognize. Host Edgar De Jesus and co-host John JJ Plalas welcomed their newest team member, Zach "the pool boy" Nicholas, to his very first podcast appearance – though not without some entertaining tech struggles that delayed the show by 30 minutes.

I didn't realize how the severity of my technology deficiency. Deficiency is only been four years, bro. It's finally gotten through to you today.

— Zach Nicholas, Pool Nation Podcast

Despite the rocky technical start, the episode delivered valuable insights into the pool industry's latest developments, upcoming educational opportunities, and the personal side of running a successful pool business.

Celebrating Milestones: Graduations and Growing Families

Before diving into industry talk, the hosts shared personal celebrations that many pool business owners can relate to – watching their children reach important milestones. Both Edgar and John had daughters graduating, providing a touching reminder of the work-life balance that entrepreneurs constantly navigate.

John's experience at his son's graduation perfectly captured the analytical mindset that successful pool professionals bring to everything they do:

I'm looking at the program and then I'm counting there's names on one left side... I'm timing how fast they say a name... I'm calculating the time. And then I showed to mama after we've been there for an hour and a half. And I told her, look, we still have 182 minutes left or something like that before they're done calling everybody.

— John JJ Plalas, Pool Nation Podcast

This analytical approach – breaking down processes, timing operations, and calculating efficiency – is exactly the kind of thinking that separates successful pool professionals from the competition.

Raypak Boot Camp: Building Technical Excellence

The episode highlighted the recent success of their Raypak Boot Camp, an intensive training program designed to elevate pool professionals' technical skills. This type of specialized education represents a growing trend in the pool industry, where technical competency increasingly separates thriving businesses from struggling ones.

The boot camp's success underscores the industry's hunger for quality education and hands-on training. Pool professionals are recognizing that investing in technical knowledge and certifications isn't just beneficial – it's essential for staying competitive in an evolving market.

The hosts emphasized how much preparation and planning went into the boot camp, reflecting the level of detail and commitment required to deliver valuable educational experiences in the pool industry.

Women's Summit: Addressing Industry Diversity

One of the most significant announcements was the upcoming Women's Summit, scheduled for August 29th and 30th, with registration opening at the end of the following week. This initiative represents an important step toward addressing gender diversity in the pool industry.

The summit will feature multiple speakers and networking opportunities, specifically designed to support women in the pool industry. This type of targeted programming reflects the industry's growing recognition that diversity isn't just about fairness – it's about bringing different perspectives and skills that strengthen the entire profession.

Heritage Pool Supply's involvement in planning the Thursday night networking event demonstrates how industry suppliers are investing in professional development and community building, recognizing that a stronger professional community benefits everyone.

Pool Nation Conference: A Comprehensive Learning Experience

Perhaps the most ambitious announcement was the Pool Nation Conference at PSP Expo, scheduled for November 9th, 10th, and 11th. This represents a significant expansion of their educational offerings:

We are going to be doing a full blown conference where we do technical classes. We do eight hands-on classes... We're going to be doing two days of business tracks that we're going to be talking about. We also have retail classes that we're going to be doing with our partners over at bio lab.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This comprehensive approach – combining technical skills, business education, and retail knowledge – reflects the modern reality of pool businesses. Success requires expertise across multiple areas, from water chemistry and equipment repair to customer service and business management.

The partnership with companies like BioLab for retail education shows how manufacturers are recognizing the importance of supporting their dealer networks with comprehensive training programs.

Pool Nation Awards: Celebrating Industry Excellence

The upcoming Pool Nation Awards represents another way the podcast is building community and recognizing excellence. The democratic process of selecting categories through their Instagram Live sessions shows their commitment to community input and engagement.

The timeline is aggressive – categories selected in the upcoming Instagram Live, nominations opening in July, and awards presentation in November. This compressed schedule reflects the fast-paced nature of the pool industry and the importance of staying current with trends and achievements.

Awards programs like this serve multiple purposes: they recognize excellent work, provide marketing opportunities for winners, and establish standards of excellence that elevate the entire industry.

The Technology Challenge: A Lesson for All Pool Businesses

Zach's technology struggles, while entertaining, highlight a serious business issue that many pool companies face. The hosts' suggestion for a GoFundMe for a new laptop was humorous, but their underlying point was serious – technology is a business investment, not an optional expense.

Challenge accepted. But you can't come and complain about the money that you have to spend... It's a business expense because it's your work laptop.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This conversation perfectly illustrates how successful business owners think about technology investments. They're not personal expenses – they're tools that directly impact your ability to serve customers, communicate professionally, and operate efficiently.

Building a Professional Community

Throughout the episode, the emphasis on community building was evident. From thanking their sponsors (Ultimate Pool Tools, SPPA, Blu-ray Excel, Aqua Star Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Ray Pack, Heritage Pool Supply, and Hayward Pool Products) to acknowledging listeners by name, the hosts demonstrated how successful businesses build relationships.

The personal touch – congratulating Brian Croissant's daughter on graduation, welcoming Maria from Ensenada Pool, and acknowledging regular listeners – shows how digital platforms can create genuine connections in a traditionally relationship-driven industry.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
• 05:00 Host Introductions and Graduation Celebrations
• 15:00 Raypak Boot Camp Success
• 20:00 Upcoming Events: Women's Summit and Pool Nation Conference
• 25:00 Pool Nation Awards Timeline and Process
• 30:00 Technology Challenges and Business Lessons