E-207 Pool Nation Podcast - Heritage Pool Supply Pool Pro Appreciation Event

What happens when you flip the script and put the microphone in front of the people behind the counter? After four years of hosting Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and his co-hosts decided it was time to hear from the other side—the distribution professionals who keep our industry moving. This episode brings together Heritage Pool Supply branch managers from across Texas to share their stories, challenges, and insights from a perspective rarely heard in our industry.

Breaking Down Industry Barriers

One of the most striking realizations from this conversation was how siloed different segments of the pool industry have become. As host Edgar De Jesus reflected during the episode:

We all forget that we're all, you know, a part of the same team when you really think about it. And we get lost in our own little world as service guys and gals out there that we forget about all the important pieces that are there working in the background, making things happen for us and how important they are, you know, in our business as service professionals.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This episode represents a conscious effort to bridge those gaps. Service professionals, builders, distributors, and retailers all play crucial roles in the pool ecosystem, yet they rarely have opportunities to understand each other's challenges and perspectives. The Heritage team's willingness to participate in this conversation demonstrates the kind of collaboration that can elevate the entire industry.

From Construction to Pool Distribution: Logan's Journey

Logan's story offers a fascinating glimpse into what it takes to transition from traditional construction into the pool industry. Coming from commercial construction in Idaho, where projects followed predictable patterns and involved minimal homeowner interaction, the pool industry presented entirely new challenges.

I knew nothing about swimming pools besides how to swim in one. I didn't know what a skimmer was. I didn't know what main drains were. I didn't know what tile really was. Coping was a foreign word to me.

— Logan, Heritage Pool Supply

His transition highlights one of the pool industry's biggest challenges: the steep learning curve for newcomers. Unlike many industries where basic concepts are widely understood, pool technology and terminology can be completely foreign even to experienced construction professionals. Logan's journey from knowing nothing about pools to managing a Heritage branch demonstrates both the industry's complexity and its potential for those willing to learn.

The biggest adjustment? Moving from cookie-cutter commercial projects to highly customized residential work where communication becomes paramount. As Logan explained, commercial construction involves monthly updates to investment groups, while pool building requires daily communication with homeowners who often don't understand what they're installing in their backyard.

The Reality Behind the Counter

What many service professionals don't realize is the complexity of operations happening behind the distribution counter. These branch managers aren't just order-takers—they're problem solvers, inventory managers, customer service representatives, and technical advisors all rolled into one.

The Heritage team shared insights about the daily challenges they face:

• Managing inventory across multiple product lines and manufacturers
• Staying current with rapidly evolving pool technology
• Balancing the needs of different customer types (service professionals, builders, retailers)
• Providing technical support and troubleshooting advice
• Maintaining relationships while managing business pressures

These behind-the-scenes challenges directly impact service professionals' ability to serve their customers effectively. When distribution runs smoothly, everyone benefits. When there are hiccups, the effects ripple through the entire supply chain.

Building Stronger Industry Relationships

One of the most valuable aspects of this conversation was hearing about the mutual respect and understanding that can develop between service professionals and distribution partners. The Heritage managers clearly understand that their success is tied directly to their customers' success.

This relationship-building extends beyond simple transactions. The best distribution partnerships involve:

• Proactive communication about product availability and changes
• Technical support and troubleshooting assistance
• Flexible solutions for urgent service needs
• Educational opportunities to stay current with new products and techniques
• Honest feedback flowing both directions

As the podcast hosts noted, breaking down the artificial barriers between different industry segments benefits everyone. Service professionals who understand the challenges facing their distribution partners can work more effectively together, while distribution teams who understand field realities can provide better support.

The Human Side of Distribution

Beyond the business aspects, this episode revealed the personal stories and motivations driving these distribution professionals. From Logan's transition from Idaho construction to Texas pools, to Isaac's TikTok fame and unexpected connection with co-host JJ, these are real people with diverse backgrounds who've found their place in the pool industry.

Happy to be alive. Yeah. Happy to be here. I was in a car wreck. I got hit... Headed over here... I'm still beating here.

— Logan, Heritage Pool Supply

Logan's determination to make it to the podcast recording despite being in a car accident that morning exemplifies the commitment these professionals bring to their work and relationships. It's this kind of dedication that often goes unrecognized but makes a real difference in how smoothly the industry operates.

The episode also showcased the camaraderie and team spirit within Heritage Pool Supply. Having branch managers travel from as far as San Antonio and Houston to participate in this recording demonstrates both company culture and individual commitment to advancing industry dialogue.

Looking Forward: Collaboration and Growth

This conversation represents more than just an interesting podcast episode—it's a model for the kind of cross-industry collaboration that can drive the pool industry forward. When service professionals, distributors, manufacturers, and other industry segments understand each other's challenges and work together toward common goals, everyone benefits.

The episode hints at exciting future collaborations between Pool Nation and Heritage Pool Supply, including upcoming announcements about joint initiatives. This kind of partnership between content creators, distribution, and service professionals points toward a more integrated industry future.

For service professionals listening to this episode, the key takeaway isn't just learning about distribution challenges—it's recognizing opportunities to build stronger relationships with their supply partners. Understanding what happens behind the counter can lead to better communication, more realistic expectations, and ultimately better service for end customers.

The Power of Perspective

As the hosts reflected after this unique recording, having these different perspectives represented in industry conversations is long overdue. The pool industry benefits when all voices are heard and all challenges are understood.

This episode serves as a reminder that behind every successful pool service operation is a network of professionals working to make it possible. From the branch managers ensuring parts are available to the customer service representatives solving urgent problems, distribution professionals play a crucial but often invisible role in keeping pools sparkling across the country.

The next time you walk into your local pool supply store, remember that there's a whole world of complexity, expertise, and dedication behind that counter—and those partnerships might be more valuable than you realize.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Host Banter
• 05:30 Heritage Pool Supply Team Introductions
• 12:45 Logan's Journey from Construction to Pools
• 18:20 Industry Relationships and Barriers
• 25:10 Behind the Counter Perspectives
• 32:00 Building Better Industry Partnerships