E-206 Pool Nation Podcast - Celebrating 35 Years of Innovation: The Journey of Natural Chemistry with Jamie Novak and Chris Marcano

Building a Culture of Innovation and Fun

What does it take to thrive in the pool industry for 35 years? According to Natural Chemistry's Jamie Novak and Chris Marcano, it's a combination of innovation, strong relationships, and a workplace culture that allows people to truly be themselves. Their recent appearance on the Pool Nation Podcast revealed not just the story of a successful company, but the human connections that make it all possible.

The conversation began with a hilarious story that perfectly encapsulates Natural Chemistry's unique culture. During a trade show, Jamie arranged for a woman in a chicken costume to surprise Chris during his birthday while he was teaching a class to 400 people. As Chris recalls:

I have a bit of a fear of clowns, right? And it's pretty well known... this lovely woman who took her job very seriously, she gave it a valiant effort. She was a very vivacious chicken. But the costume was almost clown-like. Very off-putting.

— Chris Marcano, Pool Nation Podcast

While traumatic for Chris at the time, this story illustrates something profound about Natural Chemistry's work environment – it's a place where colleagues feel comfortable enough to orchestrate elaborate pranks, where leadership encourages fun alongside professionalism, and where memorable moments become part of the company's legend.

The Foundation of Lasting Success

Natural Chemistry's 35-year journey didn't happen by accident. The company has built its reputation on understanding that success in the pool industry requires more than just good products – it demands genuine relationships and a culture that attracts and retains exceptional talent.

As the podcast hosts noted, this type of workplace dynamic speaks to something larger:

You can't do without great people and you don't have great people work for you if you work for shitty people. It goes past us. There's just a whole group of people from the legacy to today and just awesome people all around in this group.

— Pool Nation Podcast Hosts

This philosophy has clearly paid dividends for Natural Chemistry. When employees feel valued and comfortable enough to be authentic – even to the point of elaborate birthday pranks – it creates an environment where creativity and innovation can flourish. It's no coincidence that a company with such a strong internal culture has managed to stay relevant and competitive for over three decades.

Innovation Through Relationships

One of the key themes that emerged from the conversation was how Natural Chemistry's approach to innovation is deeply rooted in relationships. Rather than developing products in isolation, the company has built its success on understanding the real-world needs of pool professionals and consumers alike.

Jamie and Chris's dynamic during the podcast – comfortable enough to share embarrassing stories, supportive of each other's quirks, and clearly enjoying their work – demonstrates the kind of collaborative environment that breeds innovation. When team members feel safe to take risks, share ideas, and even fail spectacularly (like Jamie's infamous s'more construction attempt), it creates the psychological safety necessary for breakthrough thinking.

This relationship-first approach extends beyond internal team dynamics to how Natural Chemistry engages with the broader pool industry. Their presence at trade shows, willingness to participate in industry podcasts, and commitment to education all reflect a company that sees success as a community effort rather than a zero-sum game.

The Evolution of Industry Leadership

Over 35 years, Natural Chemistry has witnessed and participated in the dramatic evolution of the pool industry. From technological advances to changing consumer expectations, the company has managed to stay ahead of trends while maintaining its core values.

The conversation touched on how the industry has changed, with references to weather patterns, business cycles, and the increasing sophistication of both products and customer expectations. Through it all, Natural Chemistry has maintained its position by focusing on what matters most: solving real problems for real people.

Chris and Jamie's easy rapport and obvious expertise suggest a company that has successfully navigated generational transitions, bringing together experienced industry veterans with fresh perspectives. This blend of institutional knowledge and innovative thinking is crucial for any company looking to maintain relevance over multiple decades.

Lessons in Company Culture

Perhaps the most valuable insight from this podcast episode isn't about pool chemistry or industry trends – it's about the power of company culture. Natural Chemistry's success story offers several key lessons for any organization:

First, authenticity matters. When leaders are comfortable being themselves – sharing fears about clowns, laughing about s'more construction failures, or orchestrating elaborate pranks – it gives permission for everyone else to bring their whole selves to work. This authenticity creates stronger teams and more innovative solutions.

Second, fun isn't frivolous. The elaborate birthday surprise wasn't just a prank – it was an investment in team cohesion, company legend, and the kind of positive culture that attracts top talent. Companies that make room for joy and celebration create environments where people want to stay and contribute their best work.

Third, relationships are the foundation of everything. Natural Chemistry's 35-year success story isn't just about products or market positioning – it's about building and maintaining relationships with employees, customers, and industry partners. These relationships provide the stability and support necessary to weather challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

Looking Forward: The Next Chapter

As Natural Chemistry celebrates this milestone, the conversation with Jamie and Chris revealed a company that's not resting on its laurels. Their enthusiasm for their work, comfort with each other, and engagement with industry events like the Pool Nation Awards and Women's Summit suggest a company that's actively investing in the future of the pool industry.

The podcast also highlighted Natural Chemistry's commitment to industry education and professional development. Jamie's upcoming public speaking workshop at the Women's Summit, building on previous successful presentations, demonstrates the company's dedication to lifting up others in the industry rather than just promoting its own products.

I actually had somebody reach out and say it was a life-changing activity. So I was like, how do I top that this year? She was working through some stuff, and it helped get some clarity by doing some writing.

— Jamie Novak, Pool Nation Podcast

This commitment to making a meaningful impact on individuals' lives and careers speaks to a company philosophy that extends well beyond profit margins and market share.

As Natural Chemistry embarks on its next chapter, the foundation they've built – strong relationships, authentic culture, commitment to innovation, and genuine care for their community – positions them well for continued success. Their 35-year milestone isn't just a celebration of past achievements; it's a launching pad for future impact in an industry that continues to evolve and grow.

The pool industry is fortunate to have companies like Natural Chemistry that understand that true success comes not just from what you sell, but from how you treat people, build relationships, and contribute to the broader community. Here's to the next 35 years of innovation, authenticity, and maybe a few more memorable birthday surprises.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Host Banter
• 05:00 The Chicken Costume Birthday Story
• 12:00 Company Culture and Team Dynamics
• 20:00 Natural Chemistry's 35-Year Journey
• 28:00 Industry Evolution and Innovation
• 35:00 Pool Nation Awards and Upcoming Events