E-236 Pool Nation Podcast - Win the $10K Pool Pro Championship 2025

Picture this: you're running a successful pool service business, everything seems to be humming along nicely, and then suddenly you're faced with a major decision that could reshape your entire operation. That's exactly what happened to countless pool professionals this week when industry software changes forced many to reevaluate their business systems. But as the hosts of Pool Nation Podcast discovered, sometimes these unexpected challenges become the perfect catalyst for growth and innovation.

The $10,000 Pool Pro Championship: Your Shot at Glory

The Pool Nation Podcast is making waves with their announcement of the 2025 Pool Pro World Championship, featuring a massive $10,000 first-place prize. This competition represents more than just a chance to win big money—it's an opportunity for pool professionals to showcase their expertise on a national stage.

We're talking about the Pool Nation Pool Pro World Championship with the first place winner taking $10,000.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This championship promises to be a game-changer for the industry, bringing together top talent from across the nation to compete for the title of ultimate pool pro. For professionals looking to establish themselves as industry leaders, this competition offers unparalleled exposure and recognition.

When Change Becomes Opportunity: Navigating Industry Disruptions

Sometimes the biggest growth opportunities come disguised as challenges. The podcast hosts found themselves in this exact situation when industry-wide software changes forced them to reconsider their business operations. Rather than viewing this as a setback, they embraced it as a chance to upgrade and scale their operations.

Look, I get it as companies, you got to do what you got to do, especially if you're in a position where they need to make a change. I know for us, we're slowly but surely starting to outgrowth our route software.

— John JJ Flawless, Pool Nation Podcast

The key lesson here is that successful businesses don't just react to change—they use it as a springboard for improvement. When external forces push you out of your comfort zone, that's often when the most significant breakthroughs happen.

The Hidden Costs of Procrastination in Business Systems

One of the most revealing discussions in this episode centered around the tendency to delay necessary business upgrades. The hosts candidly discussed how easy it is to postpone system changes when current solutions are "good enough."

Sometimes as business owners, we fall into this, I don't know if it's complacency. I don't know what it really is, but sometimes it's like we put up with something simply because it's just easier to do.

— John JJ Flawless, Pool Nation Podcast

This procrastination comes with real costs. When you finally make necessary changes at a larger scale, the impact extends far beyond just the business owner. Employees, customers, and operations all feel the effects of a major system transition. The lesson? Make strategic upgrades early, when the stakes are lower and the transition is more manageable.

Strategic Planning: Building for Your Future Self

Perhaps the most valuable insight from this episode was the emphasis on strategic, forward-thinking planning. Rather than making decisions based solely on current needs, successful pool professionals must consider where they want their business to be in the future.

What I would challenge people to think about is like your long-term vision plan... if you're looking to switch, think about what your goal is and make sure that you're setting yourself up now for that. Who do you want to be?

— Zach Nicholas, Pool Nation Podcast

This forward-thinking approach requires business owners to honestly assess their growth ambitions. Are you planning to stay a solo operator, or do you want to build a scalable business with employees? The systems you choose today should support where you're going, not just where you are.

The Power of Industry Partnerships and Community

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasized the importance of strong industry relationships. Their partnership with companies like Pool Brain, SPPA, Blu-ray XL, and others demonstrates how strategic alliances can provide resources and support during challenging transitions.

The pool industry thrives on community connections. When faced with difficult decisions about software changes or business transitions, having a network of trusted advisors and partners makes all the difference. These relationships provide not just technical solutions, but also moral support and shared wisdom from others who have faced similar challenges.

Learning from Setbacks: The Growth Mindset in Action

What sets successful pool professionals apart isn't the absence of challenges—it's how they respond to them. The podcast hosts demonstrated this perfectly by sharing their own struggles with technology, lighting setups, and business transitions. Rather than hiding these difficulties, they used them as teaching moments for their audience.

This transparency creates a culture of continuous learning and improvement. When industry leaders are willing to admit their mistakes and share their problem-solving processes, it elevates the entire profession. It shows that expertise isn't about perfection—it's about persistence and the willingness to adapt and grow.

Practical Steps for Implementation

Based on the insights shared in this episode, here are concrete steps pool professionals can take to position themselves for success:

• Conduct a business vision audit: Write down where you want your business to be in 3-5 years, including number of employees, service areas, and revenue goals.
• Evaluate current systems: Assess whether your current software, processes, and equipment can support your growth plans.
• Research scalable solutions: Investigate business management tools designed for growth, not just current needs.
• Build strategic partnerships: Connect with other professionals and vendors who can support your journey.
• Create implementation timelines: Set specific deadlines for making necessary changes before you're forced to by circumstances.

The pool industry is evolving rapidly, and professionals who embrace change while planning strategically will be the ones who thrive. The 2025 Pool Pro Championship represents just one example of how the industry is raising the bar for excellence and creating new opportunities for growth and recognition.

Success in the pool industry—whether competing for championships or building a sustainable business—comes down to preparation, adaptability, and strategic thinking. The professionals who understand this will be the ones collecting prizes, growing their businesses, and leading the industry into its next phase of evolution.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Lighting Comedy
• 03:45 2025 Pool Pro Championship Announcement
• 08:20 Industry Software Changes Discussion
• 15:30 Business Scaling and Strategic Planning
• 22:10 Partnership Spotlight and Community Building
• 28:45 Practical Implementation Advice