E-231 Pool Nation Podcast - Strategies for Pool Industry Success with Bryan Chrissan

Celebrating Industry Connections and Milestones

In a special in-studio episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, the team finally brought longtime friend and industry veteran Bryan Chrissan from Aquastar into their Texas headquarters. What made this episode even more special? It happened to be Bryan's birthday, creating the perfect backdrop for both celebration and serious business discussion.

Brian, I think, has been on the podcast almost as much as Todd has been on the podcast. But it's always remotely... He is no stranger to our podcast, but he is right. This is the first time that he's actually in the studio.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

The hosts didn't just treat Bryan to a podcast appearance – they took him to Three Forks Steakhouse and presented him with a birthday card signed by the entire team. This personal touch exemplifies the close-knit nature of the pool industry community and how relationships drive business success.

The Power of Industry Networking and Relationships

One of the most valuable aspects of this episode was seeing how genuine relationships translate into business opportunities. Bryan's journey from remote podcast guest to in-studio feature demonstrates the importance of building authentic connections within the pool industry.

The conversation revealed how industry professionals can leverage their networks not just for business growth, but for personal development and learning opportunities. The hosts' excitement about finally having Bryan in-studio after years of remote appearances shows how persistence in relationship-building eventually pays dividends.

These connections become particularly valuable when attending industry events like trade shows, where face-to-face interactions can strengthen bonds formed through virtual meetings and phone calls.

Introducing the Pool Nation Business Matrix Program

The episode provided significant details about the Pool Nation Business Matrix, an innovative program designed to help pool service professionals systematically improve their operations and profitability.

So by the time you're done with this first class, they need to come up with two business goals that we're going to hold them accountable to throughout the year.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

The program follows a structured approach:

• January: Setting SMART goals (both personal and business-focused)
• March: Learning financial KPIs and tracking systems
• June: Implementing comprehensive financial analysis including cost per pool and profit margins

What sets this program apart is its accountability structure and practical software training. Participants don't just learn concepts – they implement tracking systems and receive ongoing support to ensure success.

Financial KPIs: The Foundation of Business Success

The discussion around Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) revealed a crucial gap in many pool service businesses. While operators might track basic metrics like number of pools serviced, few dive deep into the financial analytics that drive sustainable growth.

They will come and take another financial class. They'll plug all the numbers into the software. And they're going to learn their cost of service. They're going to learn their profit per pool, their cost per pool.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

The Business Matrix program addresses this by teaching participants to track 2-4 specific financial KPIs, ultimately leading to a comprehensive understanding of:

• True cost of service delivery
• Profit margins per pool
• Operational efficiency metrics
• Growth trajectory indicators

This data-driven approach enables pool service professionals to make informed decisions about pricing, route optimization, and service expansion.

Industry Events and Professional Development

The episode highlighted the upcoming Western Pool and Spa Show as a critical professional development opportunity. The Pool Nation team will be presenting multiple educational sessions covering:

• Business efficiency and operational optimization
• Financial security and business protection
• Understanding business metrics and cost of service
• Profit strategies through customer-centric approaches

These presentations represent a shift toward more sophisticated business education in the pool industry, moving beyond basic technical training to comprehensive business development.

You guys are starting to get into the nitty-gritty now. I like it... Numbers, baby.

— Todd, Pool Nation Podcast

The Value of Vendor Partnerships

One of the most impressive aspects of the Business Matrix program is the vendor partnerships Pool Nation has secured. Todd's contribution of $300 off per pump (up to 50 pumps per participant) represents potential savings of $15,000 per business owner.

These partnerships demonstrate how industry relationships can create tangible value for small business owners. When established companies like Aquastar and others provide significant discounts and training support, it reduces barriers to growth and equipment upgrades.

The Attendant's offering of $500 off automation systems plus on-site training further illustrates how vendor partnerships can accelerate business development and technology adoption.

Looking Forward: Sustainable Growth Strategies

The episode painted a picture of an industry evolving toward more sophisticated business practices. The emphasis on financial literacy, systematic goal-setting, and data-driven decision-making represents a maturation of the pool service sector.

Bryan Chrissan's presence as both a longtime industry participant and Aquastar representative symbolizes the bridging of traditional industry relationships with modern business methodologies. His journey from remote podcast contributor to in-studio guest mirrors the industry's evolution from informal networking to structured professional development.

The integration of technology, systematic training, and vendor partnerships creates a framework for sustainable growth that benefits both individual businesses and the industry as a whole.

As pool service professionals face increasing competition and rising operational costs, programs like the Business Matrix provide the tools and knowledge necessary to build resilient, profitable businesses. The combination of goal-setting, financial tracking, and industry networking creates a comprehensive approach to business development that addresses both immediate needs and long-term sustainability.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Birthday Celebration
• 05:30 The Gummy Bear Story
• 12:15 Business Matrix Program Overview
• 18:45 Financial KPIs and Tracking
• 24:30 Western Pool and Spa Show Preview
• 30:00 Industry Partnerships and Vendor Relations