E-199 Pool Nation Podcast - Business Growth, Emotional Intelligence and Accountablitiy with Doreen King

Elevating Pool Industry Education: A New Era of Professional Development

The pool industry is experiencing a transformation that goes far beyond traditional technical training. In a recent episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, the conversation centered around innovative educational approaches that combine business acumen with emotional intelligence—skills that are becoming increasingly crucial for pool professionals who want to thrive in today's competitive market.

Host Edgar De Jesus, along with co-hosts John JJ Flalas and Zach Nicholas, welcomed education expert Doreen King to discuss the future of pool industry training and the launch of several exciting educational initiatives that promise to reshape how professionals approach both their technical skills and business development.

The Power of Experiential Learning in the Pool Industry

One of the most compelling aspects of the discussion was how hands-on, experiential learning differs dramatically from traditional classroom-style training. The hosts emphasized that many pool professionals haven't experienced this type of advanced educational approach.

It's hard to really put it into words and perspective for a lot of our listeners because it's something that most pool pros, the majority of them just haven't had the opportunity to experience before. So until you've actually been a part of it or until you've had the opportunity to listen to you teach one of your courses, they just don't see really what they're missing.

— John JJ Flalas, Pool Nation Podcast

This type of education goes beyond technical pool maintenance and repair skills. It focuses on developing the whole professional—someone who can not only service pools effectively but also run a successful business, manage difficult customer situations, and lead teams with confidence.

The integration of emotional intelligence training into pool industry education represents a significant shift. Pool professionals frequently deal with stressed homeowners, emergency situations, and complex customer relationships. Having the skills to navigate these interactions professionally while maintaining business objectives is invaluable.

Women's Leadership in the Pool Industry: The Summit Initiative

Perhaps one of the most exciting developments discussed was the overwhelming response to the Women's Summit initiative. The hosts revealed that registration had just opened, and already 14 women had signed up before the official announcement.

We never get as much hype as we did after the women's event. Every single woman that attended was pumped and ready to rock and roll. They were chomping at the bit, telling us we need dates for next year so that we can plan ahead and we can make sure that we're there and that we can join.

— John JJ Flalas, Pool Nation Podcast

The Women's Summit, scheduled for August 29th and 30th at Heritage Headquarters in McKinney, Texas, addresses a critical need in the industry. Women in the pool business often face unique challenges, from establishing credibility with customers to balancing family responsibilities with business demands. This focused educational experience provides both technical training and business development specifically tailored to these challenges.

The enthusiasm surrounding this event speaks to a larger trend in the pool industry—the recognition that diverse perspectives and leadership styles strengthen the entire profession. Women bring different approaches to problem-solving, customer service, and team management that benefit the entire industry ecosystem.

Business Growth Through Accountability and Emotional Intelligence

The core theme of Doreen King's educational approach centers on accountability and emotional intelligence as drivers of business growth. In an industry where many professionals are technically competent but struggle with business development, these skills can be game-changers.

Accountability in the pool business means more than just showing up on time and completing tasks. It involves taking ownership of customer relationships, proactively addressing problems before they escalate, and continuously improving service delivery. When pool professionals develop strong accountability practices, customer satisfaction increases, referrals multiply, and business growth follows naturally.

Emotional intelligence manifests in numerous ways within pool service operations:

• Reading customer emotions and adjusting communication style accordingly
• Managing stress during emergency service calls
• Motivating and leading team members effectively
• Handling difficult conversations about pricing or service issues
• Building long-term customer relationships based on trust and reliability

These are types of skills that not only you can apply in your workplace, but you know, in life period. How to deal with people and day to day crap that we all deal with as human beings. It just makes you a better person and makes you more prepared for it.

— John JJ Flalas, Pool Nation Podcast

The Pool Nation Conference: A Comprehensive Learning Experience

The upcoming Pool Nation Conference, scheduled for November 9th-11th at the PSPO Expo in Dallas, represents the culmination of this educational evolution. Unlike traditional industry conferences that focus primarily on product demonstrations and technical updates, this event integrates business development, leadership training, and advanced technical education.

The conference structure reflects a understanding that modern pool professionals need diverse skill sets. Technical expertise remains crucial, but success increasingly depends on business acumen, customer relationship management, and leadership capabilities.

What makes this conference particularly valuable is its focus on practical application. Rather than theoretical presentations, attendees engage in interactive sessions where they can practice new skills, receive feedback, and develop concrete action plans for implementation in their businesses.

Planning and Commitment: Lessons from Industry Leaders

An interesting subplot in the conversation revealed important insights about planning and commitment in business. The hosts noted that women tend to be better planners and more reliable when committing to professional development opportunities.

Women are planners, guys, just so you know, we need to have advanced notice... Here's what I love about the women that we work with. And that is that if they say that they're going to do something like they say, we're going to do it and that's it. You don't have to worry about it anymore. It's done.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This observation highlights broader patterns in professional development. Those who plan ahead, commit fully to educational opportunities, and follow through on implementation tend to see better business results. The pool industry, like many trades, benefits greatly when professionals approach their development with this level of intentionality.

The Future of Pool Industry Education

The initiatives discussed in this podcast episode represent a broader transformation in how the pool industry approaches professional development. The integration of business skills with technical training, the focus on emotional intelligence and accountability, and the recognition of diverse learning needs all point toward a more sophisticated and effective educational ecosystem.

For pool professionals looking to grow their businesses and advance their careers, these educational opportunities offer unprecedented value. The combination of technical expertise with business acumen and interpersonal skills creates a competitive advantage that traditional training simply cannot provide.

The enthusiasm and rapid registration for these programs demonstrates that industry professionals recognize this value. Pool service providers, retailers, and contractors are investing in comprehensive skill development because they understand that success in today's market requires more than technical competence.

As the pool industry continues to evolve, those who embrace this holistic approach to professional development will likely find themselves leading the way. The foundation of technical skills remains important, but the addition of business growth strategies, emotional intelligence, and strong accountability practices creates the complete professional package that customers value and that builds sustainable, profitable businesses.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 05:00 Women's Summit Registration Opens
• 10:00 The Power of Advanced Education with Doreen King
• 15:00 Business Growth Through Accountability
• 20:00 Pool Nation Conference Preview
• 25:00 Planning and Commitment in Professional Development