In this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, host Megan interviews Kayla Hagan, associate product marketing manager at King Technology. Kayla shares her journey into the pool and spa industry, discusses her role in new product development, and provides insights into King Technology’s latest innovations, including the Balancing Basics Kit and the FROG VIP program. The conversation covers the importance of water care, the challenges faced by new hot tub owners and how King Technology supports both consumers and pro dealers. […]

In this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, host Megan Kendrick talks with Travis Hogan, owner of Fiesta Pools and Spas in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They discuss how Travis got into the hot tub and pool business, starting from his humble beginnings in pool maintenance to eventually purchasing and expanding Fiesta Pools. Travis shares insights on business challenges, including transitioning into a well-established company at a young age, learning servant leadership, and implementing strategic planning to expand and adapt the business. They […]

In this episode of the SpaRetailer Podcast, host Megan Kendrick interviews Scott Gettings, co-owner of Hot Tub Superstore, which has locations in Reno, Vegas, and Scottsdale, Arizona. Scott shares his background coming from the car business and how he transitioned into the hot tub industry through a partnership with his roommate and now business partner, Dan. They discuss the importance of consistent sales training, strategic planning around economic and political climates, and the challenges of expanding into new markets. Scott […]

In this episode of the Spa Retailer Podcast, hosted by Megan Kendrick, the owner of SpaRetailer Magazine, Jim Parker, CEO of Ahh!some Water Care, discusses his journey into the hot tub industry, the development and expansion of his family’s business, and the importance of proper water care. Jim shares insights into the origins of Ahh!some Water Care, initially developed by his father and business partner in 1996, emphasizing its core product for eliminating biofilm in pools and hot tubs. Megan […]

In this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, host Megan Kendrick converses with Tom Vaughn, the president of Water’s Choice. Vaughn shares insights about the development and benefits of enzyme-based water care products, the startup challenges with them and the company’s evolution. They also talk about Water’s Choice’s new Buzz Off product for repelling insects around pools and hot tubs using ion technology. Vaughn provides anecdotes from his diverse career, confesses his hardest lessons learned and his penchant for golf and […]

This episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast features an insightful conversation between host Megan Kendrick and AJ Cada from Cada Pools and Spas in St. Charles, Illinois. AJ discusses his journey into the pool and spa industry, which began in 2012, as well as the evolution and growth of his family’s business over 45 years. The discussion covers the challenges and benefits of working in a family-run business, the importance of staying updated with industry trends and technologies, and the strategic […]

In this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, host Megan Kendrick welcomes back Alex Granlund from King Technology, where they delve into his experiences and observations from recent industry trade shows. They discuss the unique challenges faced at the Western Pool and Spa show and the Atlantic City show, sharing funny and insightful anecdotes. Alex highlights King Technology’s commitment to innovation, detailing the advances made possible by their new state-of-the-art facility and innovation center. He explains the benefits of their at […]

In this episode of the Spa Retailer podcast, host Megan Kendrick interviews Steve Hammack, former president of Watkins Wellness. Steve discusses his upbringing as a ‘military brat,’ attending 14 schools, and eventually settling in Southern California. He recounts his entry into the hot tub industry in 1982, his early relationships and travel to find dealers, and the challenges Watkins faced including the Great Recession and a critical material supply issue in the 1990s. The conversation covers the company’s marketing strategies, […]

In this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, host Megan Kendrick interviews Edie Bukenya, owner of Crested Crane Interiors, about her work in store design, specifically for hot tub retail spaces. Bukenya shares her journey from an architecture design firm to launching her business during the COVID pandemic, largely influenced by her work with Don Riling of Olympic Hot Tub. Edie discusses essential elements that enhance customer experience in hot tub showrooms, such as good lighting, decluttering, and using natural elements […]

In this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, host Megan Kendrick, owner of SpaRetailer magazine, brings back Shawna Mesher, director of sales and marketing at Evosus, to discuss strategies for planning and executing successful sales events in the hot tub industry. Shawna shares her insights on the importance of events, drawing from her experience with Oregon Hot Tub and Nordstrom. She emphasizes the need for creating urgency and building excitement among both salespeople and consumers. Shawna offers specific tips on running […]