E-270 Pool Nation Podcast Inspiring Stories from the Pool Pros Shaping Our Industry

From Pandemic Pivots to Pool Pro Success

The pool industry has always been built on more than just chemicals and equipment—it's built on relationships, trust, and the dedication of professionals who go above and beyond for their customers. In this special episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, we dive deep into the stories of rising stars who are shaping the future of our industry, from a one-man operation that started during the pandemic to multi-generational family businesses that have weathered decades of change.

What makes a pool professional truly exceptional? Is it technical expertise, business acumen, or something more fundamental? As we explore the journeys of these industry standouts, we discover that success often comes down to understanding that you're not just maintaining pools—you're serving families and building communities.

The Power of Customer Relationships: James Broderick's Journey

Sometimes the most powerful testament to a pool professional's work comes not from industry awards or business metrics, but from the voices of the customers they serve. James Broderick of JB Pools Care discovered this firsthand when his nomination for Pool Nation's 30 Under 40 Male of the Year generated an unprecedented response.

I have never had so many customers write in as they did for James and say, hey, you really have to consider this dude because he's amazing... we had a ton of his customers reach out and say how much, like what a great job he does and how much they love him. And I have never seen anything like it for a couple of days there. It was like a deluge of all of his customers.

— Pool Nation Podcast Host

Broderick's story began during the pandemic when he transitioned from managing an indoor swim school to starting his own pool service company. What started as helping friends with their green pools has evolved into a thriving business built entirely on referrals and word-of-mouth.

Operating as a one-man show with his wife Jennifer handling the administrative side, James services roughly seven pools a day during peak season. His approach is refreshingly honest about his limitations and strengths, focusing on what he does best while referring out work that falls outside his expertise.

A lot of the people that I work for, they need my help more than want my help. I have some sweet little ladies that unfortunately husbands have passed and other scenarios like that, that just lead me to have doing what I do.

— James Broderick, JB Pools Care

Breaking the Family Business Stereotype: Aiden Dunn's Evolution

The pool industry is filled with second and third-generation professionals, but the path to joining the family business is rarely straightforward. Aiden Dunn's journey exemplifies a common theme among young industry leaders: initial resistance followed by passionate embrace of the family legacy.

Dunn's father started their business in 1989 as a one-man operation with 40-50 pools. Like many children of pool professionals, Aiden initially wanted nothing to do with the industry. After moving away and exploring other opportunities, he eventually returned with fresh perspective and renewed appreciation for what the pool industry could offer.

His transformation from reluctant heir to industry leader culminated in back-to-back recognition: winning IPSA's Pool Pro of Tomorrow award and Pool Nation's Pool Guy of the Year. This remarkable achievement speaks to both his dedication and the supportive community that surrounds successful pool professionals.

I ended up moving away. Told myself I never wanted to be a pool guy growing up and moved away for a while. Saw what the pool industry had to offer. Moved back and bought the business from him and basically took off from there.

— Aiden Dunn

Legacy Building: The Samler Family's Multi-Generational Success

Some stories in the pool industry transcend individual success to become legends of perseverance and family legacy. Josh Samler, CEO of Gold Medal Pools, carries forward a tradition that began with his father's determination to overcome a difficult childhood in New York City.

The Samler story reads like an American dream narrative: a 16-year-old with a troubled home life, kicked out and forced to make his own way, discovers opportunity in the pool industry. What began as a survival job became a calling that would span generations.

In 1974, Josh's father made a pivotal decision that would shape the family's future. Acting on a tip about growth opportunities in North Dallas, he loaded everything he owned into a truck and drove to Texas to start Sandler Pools. This leap of faith into an area that was still largely undeveloped—where dirt roads existed beyond what is now a major highway—demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit that defines successful pool professionals.

At 16 years old, after working for a couple of months for a pool company, he dropped out of high school and said, I can do this better and started a pool company... He was a hardworking dude, still is to this day. He's in his 70s now and he still works just as hard on his own projects.

— Josh Samler, Gold Medal Pools

This foundation of relentless work ethic became the cornerstone of the family's success. Josh's father built Sandler Pools through the 1970s and 1980s, eventually selling it in the early 1990s. But the family's connection to the pool industry was far from over—it was simply evolving into its next chapter.

The Authenticity Factor: Why Genuine Care Matters

Across all these success stories, a common thread emerges: authenticity and genuine care for customers creates sustainable business growth. These professionals aren't just maintaining pools; they're becoming trusted parts of their customers' lives.

James Broderick's experience illustrates this perfectly. His business grew organically during one of the most challenging periods in recent history, not through marketing spend or aggressive sales tactics, but through consistently showing up and doing excellent work. His customers didn't just appreciate his service—they became advocates willing to take time from their days to write recommendations.

This relationship-first approach creates a competitive advantage that's difficult to replicate. When customers trust you enough to recommend you enthusiastically to others, you've transcended the typical vendor-client relationship to become something more valuable: a trusted partner.

Practical Lessons for Pool Industry Success

The stories shared in this episode offer concrete lessons for both newcomers and veterans in the pool industry:

Start where you are, use what you have: James Broderick didn't wait for perfect conditions or extensive capital to start his business. He leveraged his existing knowledge from managing a swim school and began by helping friends during the pandemic shutdown.

Embrace your limitations: Successful pool professionals know when to stay in their lane. James openly admits he doesn't handle electrical work until he feels completely confident in that area. This honesty builds trust and prevents dangerous situations.

Invest in relationships over marketing: Word-of-mouth marketing remains the most powerful tool in the pool industry. James has never spent a dollar on traditional marketing, instead focusing all his energy on delivering exceptional service that naturally generates referrals.

Honor the legacy while innovating: Aiden Dunn didn't just take over his father's business—he transformed it through strategic growth and fresh perspective, while maintaining the foundational values that made it successful.

The Future of Pool Industry Leadership

These stories represent more than individual success—they showcase the evolving nature of leadership in the pool industry. Today's successful professionals combine traditional values like work ethic and customer service with modern approaches to business growth and community building.

The recognition these individuals have received through industry awards and customer advocacy demonstrates that the pool industry values authentic leadership over flashy marketing or cutthroat competition. Success comes to those who genuinely care about their customers, continuously improve their skills, and contribute to the broader professional community.

As the industry continues to evolve, these professionals are setting the standard for the next generation. They're proving that with dedication, authenticity, and a commitment to excellence, it's possible to build thriving businesses that serve both customers and communities.

Whether you're just starting your journey in the pool industry or looking to take your existing business to the next level, these stories offer a roadmap: focus on relationships, maintain high standards, never stop learning, and remember that success in the pool industry is ultimately about the trust you build and the lives you impact along the way.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Pool Nation Awards Nominees
• 05:30 James Broderick's Customer-Driven Success Story
• 15:45 Aiden Dunn's Journey from Reluctant Heir to Industry Leader
• 28:20 Josh Samler and the Multi-Generational Legacy
• 45:10 The Power of Relationships in Pool Business Success
• 52:30 Key Takeaways for Pool Industry Professionals