Creating Pool Boy Rubs - Derrick Todd's Flavor Journey

What happens when a pool professional decides to take his business from chlorine to cayenne? In this fascinating episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, host Rudy Stankowitz sits down with Derek Todd, the entrepreneur behind Pool Boy Rubs, to explore an unconventional journey that spans retail pool stores, 18 months living at sea, and the creation of a barbecue spice company that's making waves in both the pool and grilling communities.

From Pool Store to Life on the Ocean

Derek Todd's story begins like many in the pool industry - with the acquisition of an aging business looking for new life. In 2015, he purchased a struggling pool store that had been operating for three decades but had stagnated with just white walls, basic chemicals, and minimal inventory.

I bought a retail store that was going out of business in 2015... it was a nice store had been there for 30 years and it had white walls, had chemicals, and it was just a chemical store. They had like, I don't know, maybe two floats that I bought with the inventory.

— Derek Todd, Talking Pools Podcast

Rather than simply maintaining the status quo, Derek had bigger ambitions. He recognized an opportunity that many pool professionals overlook - the potential to create a complete backyard lifestyle destination. This vision would prove to be both his greatest success and the foundation for his future ventures.

But Derek's path took an unexpected turn when he decided to leave the business world behind entirely for life on the ocean. For 18 months, he and his wife lived aboard a boat, embracing a nomadic lifestyle that many dream about but few actually pursue.

About 18 months. Don't think for a moment that I don't miss it, because I do... the biggest thing I think is I couldn't go to some places that I wanted to go. For instance, I wanted to sail to the Bahamas. I wanted to go to the Virgin Islands.

— Derek Todd, Talking Pools Podcast

Building a Backyard Empire: Lessons in Retail Diversification

Before his maritime adventure, Derek transformed his basic pool store into something remarkable. His approach to diversification offers valuable lessons for pool professionals looking to expand their businesses beyond traditional chemical sales.

Derek's strategy involved creating a complete backyard experience center. He broke down walls, installed a working demo pool complete with automation systems, and even connected the store's lighting to the pool automation so he could control it remotely from his phone. This wasn't just about selling products - it was about selling a lifestyle.

His grill selection journey reveals important insights about vendor relationships and market positioning. Starting with Primo grills, he quickly learned that some manufacturers don't provide adequate support for independent retailers. When Komodo Joe promised him territorial exclusivity only to have their products show up at nearby big box stores for $400 less, Derek made the tough decision to pivot.

I was in there and Lowe's had a Komodo Joe and it was $400 less than what I was selling mine for. It wasn't the same model, but from the average person, you could not tell cause it looked the same... So I called them up. I was mad.

— Derek Todd, Talking Pools Podcast

This experience led him to Big Green Egg, where he eventually became the largest seller in South Carolina by working his way up through their tiered dealer program to platinum level. The lesson here is clear: successful diversification requires partners who understand and support independent retailers.

The Birth of Pool Boy Rubs: From Concept to Creation

The idea for Pool Boy Rubs didn't emerge from Derek's culinary background - it came from his understanding of retail dynamics and customer retention. While running his expanded pool and grill store, he recognized the need for products that would bring customers back after their major purchases.

The name itself was a strategic choice, designed to be memorable and attention-grabbing. Derek secured the domain name, Facebook page, and other digital assets early, shelving them until he had the time and resources to properly develop the concept.

When Derek finally began developing his first rub two years ago, his approach was refreshingly practical and honest about building on existing knowledge rather than reinventing the wheel.

I was able to look to see what other people have done... I had a rub in my store that I really like that I was selling. It was a local company. I was like, how can I match this flavor? I kind of want to match this flavor. So I'll be honest with you. I looked on their label and I'm like, OK, they've got these things on their label.

— Derek Todd, Talking Pools Podcast

His development process was remarkably efficient. When asked what number his original flavor would have if named like the famous 409 cleaner (which got its name from being the 409th formula that worked), Derek's answer was surprising: "Three." This suggests either exceptional luck or a very methodical approach to product development.

Product Development and Market Positioning

Derek's approach to creating his rub line demonstrates several smart business principles. He started with a versatile original flavor designed to work as a standard barbecue seasoning that could enhance everything from ribs to pulled pork, and even plain potato chips at parties.

For his second product, the "sunburn" rub, Derek faced a challenge: he's not a fan of spicy food, and neither is his wife. Rather than abandoning the idea of a hot rub, he found a creative solution by incorporating Trinidad Scorpion pepper, which measures 1.7 million Scoville units - far beyond typical cayenne pepper heat levels.

This decision showcases an important entrepreneurial principle: you don't have to personally love every product you create, but you need to understand your market and create products that serve specific customer needs.

Derek's products have proven successful beyond his expectations, with customers using them in ways he never anticipated. Some use the rubs in conventional ovens rather than on grills, demonstrating the versatility of well-crafted seasonings.

Lessons for Pool Professionals Looking to Diversify

Derek's journey from pool chemicals to barbecue rubs offers several actionable insights for pool professionals considering business diversification:

Start with Customer Lifestyle Needs: Rather than thinking about what products to add, consider what lifestyle your customers are trying to achieve. Pool owners often see their backyard as an entertainment space, making grilling and outdoor cooking natural extensions.

Secure Digital Assets Early: Derek's practice of buying domain names and social media handles for future ideas is smart business planning. At $10-20 per year, these investments can pay huge dividends if the timing becomes right.

Build on Existing Knowledge: Derek didn't try to revolutionize barbecue rubs from scratch. He studied successful products, understood what worked, and then created his own improved versions.

Test Everything with Real Users: All of Derek's products go through family testing first. This real-world feedback is invaluable for product development and helps ensure market acceptance.

Choose Partners Carefully: Derek's experience with grill manufacturers shows the importance of finding vendors who truly support independent retailers rather than just paying lip service to the concept.

The Future of Pool Industry Diversification

Derek's success with Pool Boy Rubs represents a broader trend in the pool industry. As traditional pool service and retail margins face pressure from big box stores and online retailers, successful pool professionals are finding creative ways to leverage their customer relationships and industry knowledge.

The key insight from Derek's story is that successful diversification doesn't require abandoning your core business or expertise. Instead, it involves understanding your customers' broader lifestyle needs and finding ways to serve those needs that complement your existing services.

His approach also demonstrates the importance of brand building beyond traditional pool industry boundaries. The Pool Boy Rubs name creates immediate recognition and association while allowing for expansion into related outdoor lifestyle products.

For pool professionals inspired by Derek's journey, the message is clear: start small, test thoroughly, and don't be afraid to build on what others have already proven successful. Innovation doesn't always mean creating something entirely new - sometimes it means taking existing concepts and executing them better for your specific market.

Derek Todd's transformation from pool store owner to barbecue entrepreneur shows that with creativity, persistence, and smart positioning, pool professionals can successfully expand their businesses into new territories while maintaining their industry expertise and customer relationships. Whether you're seasoning ribs or balancing pool chemistry, the fundamental business principles of understanding your customers, delivering quality products, and building strong relationships remain the same.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Derek's Background
• 05:30 Life on the Ocean - 18 Months at Sea
• 12:15 Building the Ultimate Pool Store
• 18:45 Grill Vendor Challenges and Lessons
• 25:20 The Birth of Pool Boy Rubs Concept
• 32:10 Product Development Process
• 38:40 Original Flavor Creation
• 42:15 Spice Sourcing and Business Strategy