E-238 Pool Nation Podcast - From Pool Pro to CEO: Mastering the Empire Pool Pro Phase

In the pool service industry, the leap from solo technician to managing an empire of 250+ pools represents one of the most challenging yet rewarding transitions a business owner can make. It's a phase that separates the hustlers from the CEOs, the dreamers from the empire builders. On this episode of Pool Nation Podcast, industry veterans Edgar De Jesus, John "JJ Flawless," and Zach "The Pool Boy" Nicholas dive deep into what it really takes to master this critical growth phase.

The Reality of Scaling: More Than Just Adding Routes

When you're running a pool service empire, the challenges multiply exponentially. It's no longer about perfecting your own technique or managing a handful of accounts. At the 250+ pool level, you're orchestrating a complex symphony of technicians, equipment, customer relationships, and operational systems.

Zach Nicholas, who's been experiencing rapid growth in his own operation, shared insights about the current expansion phase:

We're doing a lot of cool things. I can't spill the tea yet on any of it. One thing we did is we got a new van. So we're excited about that and going to have another repair tech going. We're off to a great start this year.

— Zach Nicholas, Pool Nation Podcast

This seemingly simple update about adding a new van and repair technician actually reveals the complexity of empire-level operations. Each new vehicle represents significant capital investment, insurance considerations, equipment outfitting, and most importantly, finding and training qualified technicians who can maintain your company's standards across hundreds of accounts.

The Personal Cost of Professional Growth

One of the most honest discussions in this episode centered around the physical and personal toll of building a pool service empire. The hosts didn't shy away from discussing how the demanding nature of the business affects them personally, bringing a refreshingly human perspective to business growth.

Edgar De Jesus reflected on the signs of aging that come with years in the field:

This is how I know that I'm getting old... I leave yesterday at the house, go run some errands. And I've got a jacket on. I got a sweater on. I got all that. And there's all these young kids in like white beater shirts and shorts and flip flops just walking. And I'm just like, man, I've officially made it and I'm old.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

John "JJ Flawless" added his own perspective on the physical demands:

Janie and I, we play a game and it's funny. We literally laugh. And if I'm, we're laying in bed and somebody gets up or Janie gets up and it's, I swear, she gets up and you hear like 14 different pops... From hip to knee to elbow, just from like getting old. And the stuff that you took for granted when you were younger, it becomes a hard reality, unfortunately.

— John "JJ Flawless," Pool Nation Podcast

These candid admissions highlight an often-overlooked aspect of running a large pool service operation: the importance of building systems and teams that don't rely solely on the owner's physical presence and capabilities.

Technology and Adaptation in the Modern Pool Business

The conversation also touched on how technology impacts the modern pool professional. John's experience with needing glasses for the first time illustrates the broader theme of adaptation that's essential for empire-level success. Just as our bodies change, so does the technology and methodology in our industry.

The empire phase requires pool professionals to master not just the technical aspects of pool care, but also:

• Digital communication and scheduling systems
• Mobile apps for route management
• Customer relationship management (CRM) platforms
• Financial tracking and reporting software
• GPS tracking and fleet management

Embracing these technological tools becomes crucial when managing hundreds of accounts across multiple technicians and service routes.

Building Industry Knowledge Through Continued Education

The hosts emphasized the importance of continuous learning and industry engagement, highlighting upcoming educational opportunities that can help pool professionals master the empire phase. The Heritage Boot Camp represents exactly the kind of comprehensive training that empire-level operators need.

As Edgar explained:

Day one, it's going to be hands on. We're going to be doing pumps, filters, automation, wiring the pad... Day two, what we're actually doing is two different tracks. So we're doing a technical class track... And then on the business side, we're going to do a business track.

— Edgar De Jesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This dual-track approach perfectly captures what empire-level pool professionals need: advanced technical skills combined with solid business fundamentals. You can't successfully manage 250+ pools without mastering both aspects.

The business track covers essential empire-phase topics including:

• Business efficiency and operational optimization
• Leadership principles for managing teams
• Understanding financial metrics and cost of service
• Driving results through accountability systems

The Competitive Edge: Why Excellence Matters More at Scale

When you're managing an empire of pools, your reputation multiplies with every account. One mistake doesn't just affect one customer—it can ripple through your entire operation through word-of-mouth, online reviews, and referral networks. This is why the Pool Nation team is launching the $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge, designed to identify and celebrate true excellence in the field.

The competition structure reveals what matters most in empire-level operations: accuracy, speed, and technical mastery across multiple scenarios. Participants will be judged on:

• Repair accuracy and quality
• Troubleshooting speed and methodology
• Time management and efficiency
• Overall technical competency

This emphasis on measurable excellence reflects what empire builders must demand from themselves and their teams. When you're responsible for hundreds of pools, there's no room for "good enough."

The Financial Reality of Empire Building

Managing 250+ pools requires significant capital investment and financial sophistication. The empire phase demands understanding of:

• Cash flow management across seasonal fluctuations
• Equipment financing and fleet management
• Insurance and liability considerations
• Payroll and benefits administration
• Profit margin analysis per route and technician

The upcoming boot camps address these financial realities with dedicated sessions on "ensuring financial security," "unlocking profit and growth," and "profit strategies." These aren't just buzzwords—they're the fundamental skills that separate successful empire builders from those who struggle to scale.

Community and Industry Connection

Throughout the episode, the hosts consistently acknowledged their community, giving shoutouts to pool professionals from Texas to Brazil. This community engagement illustrates another crucial aspect of empire building: your success becomes intertwined with the success of the broader industry.

Empire-level operators often become industry leaders, mentors, and advocates. They have the resources and influence to drive positive changes in standards, practices, and professional development. The Pool Nation Podcast itself represents this kind of industry leadership—providing education, community, and advancement opportunities for pool professionals at every level.

Practical Takeaways for Aspiring Empire Builders

The episode offers several actionable insights for pool professionals ready to make the leap to empire-level operations:

Invest in Your Team: As Zach demonstrated with his new van and additional repair tech, growth requires investment in both equipment and personnel. Plan for these capital needs before they become urgent.

Embrace Change and Adaptation: Whether it's accepting that you need reading glasses or learning new technology, successful empire builders adapt rather than resist change.

Prioritize Continuous Education: The technical and business knowledge required for empire-level success continues to evolve. Make education a consistent investment, not a one-time event.

Build Systems, Not Dependencies: The physical demands discussed by the hosts highlight why empire builders must create systems that function effectively even when they're not personally present.

Maintain Quality at Scale: The $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge emphasizes that growth without maintaining excellence is ultimately self-defeating.

The transition from pool pro to CEO of a 250+ pool empire represents one of the most significant challenges in our industry. It requires technical mastery, business acumen, leadership skills, and the wisdom to continuously adapt and grow. As the Pool Nation team demonstrates, success at this level comes from combining personal excellence with community engagement, continuous learning, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

For pool professionals ready to make this leap, the path is clear: invest in education, build robust systems, embrace change, and never stop striving for excellence. The empire phase isn't just about managing more pools—it's about elevating the entire industry through your success.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 05:30 Getting Old in the Pool Business
• 12:15 Zach's Business Growth Update
• 18:45 Heritage Boot Camp Announcement
• 25:30 $10,000 Pool Pro Challenge Details
• 32:00 West Coast Training Events
• 38:15 Empire Phase Discussion Begins