E-219 Pool Nation Podcast Meet the Pool Nation Awards’ Pool Girl of the Year Nominees

What happens when pool industry professionals get together to share their latest adventures, challenges, and hard-won insights? You get the kind of authentic, no-holds-barred conversation that makes the Pool Nation Podcast a must-listen for anyone serious about the swimming pool business. In episode 219, we dive deep into real-world experiences that range from hurricane recovery in Florida to learning from industry leaders and adapting to seasonal changes across different markets.

Learning from Industry Leaders: A Game-Changing Visit

Sometimes the best education comes from seeing successful operations in action. Zach the Pool Boy Nicholas recently had the opportunity to visit Gold Medal Pools, and the experience proved to be nothing short of transformative for his business approach.

That trip up there was really enlightening for me and it just reaffirmed a lot of things... I got to go see their operation in action from going in the very early morning before everyone was there and watch their team come in, the processes they have, how they go through that. And they're a huge operation.

— Zach Nicholas, Pool Nation Podcast

The visit wasn't just about observation – it was about understanding systems and culture. Gold Medal Pools has implemented a championship belt system where different teams compete based on specific criteria to win recognition for their weekly performance. This gamification approach to team motivation clearly made an impression, as evidenced by Zach's immediate action upon returning to his own operation.

The energy from this learning experience was infectious. Zach returned home with a list of improvements and changes, from installing warehouse lights that had been sitting in boxes for a year to purchasing a boom box for the shop (which apparently came with more bass than anticipated, requiring a policy on proper usage). This kind of immediate implementation of new ideas demonstrates the value of seeking out successful operations and being willing to adapt proven strategies.

Weather Challenges Across Different Markets

One of the most striking aspects of this episode was hearing how pool professionals in different regions deal with varying weather challenges. From the extreme heat of Las Vegas to the hurricane devastation in Florida, weather remains one of the biggest operational challenges in the pool industry.

In Las Vegas, Megan Hightower described dealing with temperatures reaching 122 degrees during the summer season. For pool service professionals working outdoors all day, this presents serious health and safety challenges. However, innovative solutions exist – Megan mentioned using a specialized vest with frozen ice pouches that can make working in extreme heat more manageable.

Meanwhile, on the East Coast, the seasonal nature of the business creates different challenges. Kristen's recent trip to New Jersey revealed an interesting cultural difference in how businesses handle seasonal changes, with restaurants on boardwalks closing for the season even when weather conditions remained pleasant.

Hurricane Recovery: The Hidden Costs of Natural Disasters

Perhaps the most sobering part of the conversation came from Jennifer Mele's account of dealing with the aftermath of recent hurricanes in the Tampa Bay area. Her experience illustrates the often-overlooked impact that natural disasters have on service businesses and their customers.

Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater, it's bad. Clearwater, St. Pete's pretty devastated. Some of our pools are gone. The houses are destroyed. They've got to tear them down. So it's just been very overwhelming. I've been through hurricanes before, but we've never had one really impact us like these did.

— Jennifer Mele, Pool Nation Podcast

The challenges went far beyond just pool-related damage. Basic infrastructure was compromised, with grocery stores operating limited hours due to food shortages and gas stations running out of fuel. The psychological impact of seeing widespread destruction day after day while trying to maintain business operations creates an additional layer of stress that's often underestimated.

For pool service businesses, natural disasters present unique challenges: equipment replacement, complete pool reconstruction in some cases, and the emotional toll of working with customers who may have lost everything. Jennifer's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the resilience required to serve communities during recovery periods.

Regional Market Differences and Opportunities

The conversation revealed interesting insights about market conditions across different states. Kristen's observation about New Jersey potentially needing more pool service help than South Carolina suggests untapped opportunities in certain markets. This kind of market intelligence is valuable for professionals considering expansion or relocation.

Each region presents unique advantages and challenges. San Diego offers consistent weather but comes with higher operational costs. Las Vegas deals with extreme heat but has a year-round season. Florida markets face hurricane risks but benefit from extended swimming seasons. Understanding these regional differences is crucial for pool professionals making strategic business decisions.

The Importance of Team Culture and Motivation

Throughout the episode, the importance of team culture and employee motivation became a recurring theme. Zach's enthusiasm after visiting Gold Medal Pools translated into immediate changes designed to improve his team's working environment and motivation.

I got to go to gold medal pools... I got to sit at some meetings and it was just an awesome experience. And if you know me, it got me really freaking going. And when I got back, we're making a lot of changes around here.

— Zach Nicholas, Pool Nation Podcast

The championship belt concept from Gold Medal Pools represents more than just a fun competition – it's a systematic approach to recognizing excellence and creating healthy competition among teams. These kinds of initiatives can transform workplace culture and improve both employee satisfaction and customer service quality.

Personal Growth and Life Balance

Beyond business insights, the episode touched on personal milestones and life changes. Jennifer shared that her son Braden had moved to Omaha to work in construction, marking a new chapter as an empty nester. Megan was dealing with the transition of having a teenager in the house. These personal touches remind us that behind every successful pool business are real people juggling family responsibilities alongside professional obligations.

The pool service industry often involves family businesses and close-knit communities, making these personal connections particularly important. The support and camaraderie evident among the podcast participants demonstrates the value of building relationships within the industry.

As we look at the insights shared in this episode, several key themes emerge that can benefit any pool professional. The willingness to learn from successful operations, adapt to regional challenges, maintain team morale during difficult times, and balance personal and professional responsibilities are all crucial elements of long-term success in the pool industry. Whether you're dealing with extreme weather, natural disasters, or simply trying to improve your operations, the experiences shared by these industry professionals offer valuable lessons and practical solutions.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Host Updates
• 05:30 Zach's Visit to Gold Medal Pools
• 12:15 Regional Weather Challenges
• 18:45 Hurricane Recovery in Florida
• 25:30 Market Differences Across States
• 32:00 Personal Updates and Life Changes