Pool Chasers Podcast

Brittany Duncan, an associate landscape architect at Design Ecology, shares her experiences and insights in the world of landscape architecture and luxury pool design/build in Austin, TX. 

Topics Discussed:

• 03:45: About Brittany Duncan
• 05:51: Brittany's role at Design Ecology
• 07:56: About landscape architecture and what separates it from other landscape design roles
• 08:57: Things taken into consideration when designing a project
• 15:43: Working with high-end clients in Austin
• 20:01: Juggling multiple projects at the same time
• 20:57: Waiting 1 year before taking photos
• 26:06: Designing inspiration sources 
• 27:44: Keeping track of inspiration
• 30:29: Sourcing hard to find materials found online
• 35:32: Communicating design vision to the client
• 38:26: Favorite size projects and why
• 40:26: Most rewarding project
• 42:56: When designing a backyard with a pool, what are you expected to know in terms of design?
• 45:58: The importance of understanding plumbing and hydraulics
• 50:36: Design plans details
• 52:09: Project turnaround time
• 55:25: “Austin-style” backyard & pool
• 1:05:08: Plants and materials Brittany most enjoys working with
• 01:07:37: Is there a detail or something that repeats in every design you do?
• 01:10:56: How many projects working on at once?
• 1:09:59: How Brittany is matched with clients
• 01:12:05: Do you have a detail that you've designed that you haven't built yet or something that isn't out yet?

Connect with Design Ecology:

• Website 
• Instagram
• Facebook 

Connect with Pool Chasers:

• Website 
• Instagram 
• Facebook 
• YouTube 
• Pinterest 
• TikTok 
• Patreon 

Andy Everleigh is second generation CEO of Environmental Pools located in Chelmsford Massachusetts. Environmental Pools ranks nationally amongst the top 50 pool builders in the country, along with receiving numerous awards over the years. Andy Everleigh Jr. started working for the company at a young age and joined the staff full time upon graduating from Suffolk University with a Business Management degree. He has been a vital part of the company’s growth over the past 15 years. Andy’s focus has been the expansion of the company’s presence throughout New England while maintaining the highest level of workmanship in collaboration with the finest architects and builders. He brings forth a new level of experience through communication and swimming pool construction techniques. His passion and vision will lead the company forward.

In this episode Andy discusses the history, transitioning into the CEO position, growth, technology, and how they work with home builders and landscape architects.

This episode is brought to you by Lyon Financial: Offer your customers the industry’s best financing options and sell more pools! Lyon Financial’s low rates and long terms give your clients more buying power by making a pool affordable, one low monthly payment at a time. They offer unsecured loans with: • Low, fixed rates • Terms up to 30 years • Single loan amounts up to $200,000 • Options for credit scores of 640+ • And no 6% consulting fees like other finance sources charge your customers

Lyon Financial pays builders directly, ensuring payment on time and in full.

Call 877-754-5966 or visit www.lyonfinancial.net today!

Connect with Guest:

• Website 
• Instagram 
• Facebook 
• Environmental Pools LinkedIn 
• Andy Everleigh LinkedIn 

Connect with Pool Chasers:

• Website 
• Instagram 
• Facebook 
• YouTube 
• Twitter 
• Pinterest 
• TikTok 
• Patreon 

In this episode we talk with Fluidra’s Vice President of Marketing, Brad Parker and Vice President of Engineering Product Development, Mark Baukman to discuss sustainability and the actions they are taking now and for the future.

Fluidra’s philosophy and approach to sustainability is dual-faceted: environmental responsibility and long-term business viability. They are committed to reducing an environmental impact in every community they operate in, aligning with ethical practices. Second, they focus on creating a sustainable business model that will thrive for decades by closely listening to consumer preferences and monitoring ever-changing policies. This proactive stance ensures they’re not only doing business ethically but also preparing for a sustainable future, rather than being forced to make reactive changes.

The brands involved in Fluidra’s push for sustainability are AstralPool, Zodiac, Jandy, Polaris, Gre, Cepex, CTX Pro, Certikin, and Piscine Laghetto

Topics Discussed:

• [00:02:10] What is your company's philosophy on sustainability?
• [00:03:46] How does sustainability align with your company's overall mission and values?
• [00:05:34] What inspired your company to focus on sustainability, and how has this focus evolved over time?
• [00:08:56] Following strict compliance
• [00:14:32] What are the primary environmental challenges your company is currently addressing?
• [00:16:16] How does your company work to reduce emissions, waste, and resource consumption?
• [00:17:48] The cost of Sustainability
• [00:23:30] How is your company leveraging technology and innovation to drive sustainability?
• [00:27:00] Advantage of being in California market
• [00:29:12] How do you determine what products are or aren’t sustainable?
• [00:37:40] What are some examples of sustainable products that contribute the most to a make a pool more sustainable?
• [00:41:16] What would a fully sustainable pool look like?  How would it be different from a typical pool as we know it today?
• [00:44:06] What are the main challenges you've faced in implementing sustainability initiatives, and how have you overcome them?
• [00:50:03] How do you see your company's sustainability efforts evolving in the next 5 to 10 years?

Connect with Guest:

• Fluidra Website 
• Fluidra LinkedIn 
• Fluidra Sustainability

Connect with Pool Chasers:

• Website 
• Instagram 
• Facebook 
• YouTube 
• Twitter 
• Pinterest 
• TikTok 
• Patreon 

Finally, a slide for the swimming pool we can be proud of! In this episode we talk with Splinterworks co-founder, Miles Hartwell located in Bath, United Kingdom.

Miles shares the story of how Splinterworks went from creating furniture to designing unique pool slides and other innovative structures. They discuss their unexpected ideas, such as a hammock bath and a swimming pool slide, and how their passion for creating fun and cool designs led them to where they are today. Tune in to learn more about the fascinating journey of Splinterworks and their unconventional approach to design.

EPISODE 257 WEB PAGE

In this episode we are joined by CPA Joshua Hayes to discuss the tax side of selling a business. Joshua, with 30 years of experience in tax, specializes in transaction advisory services, particularly in the M&A space. He shares his insights on helping business owners efficiently sell their companies and navigate the unique tax structures involved in these transactions. Tune in to learn more about the importance of using standardized financial rules and the value of expert tax guidance when selling your business.

** Visit Pool Chasers Website for More Information **

In this casual episode, we chat with our good friend Kayne Zamorano, the visionary founder of Premier Pool Care and Premier Pool Co. in Phoenix, Arizona. Kayne tbrings us up to speed on his journey of balancing pool maintenance, construction, and product innovation. His evolution from pool service to construction was ignited by frustrations over servicing luxury pools that were lacking appropriate equipment or care. As he stepped into the construction world, he quickly mastered the nuances of the industry and understood how agility fuels success. Despite the pressures to deliver projects swiftly, Kayne remains committed to his mission of crafting high-quality pools, embracing patience and acknowledging the inherent learning curves. His tenacity shines through as he continually offers comprehensive services to his clientele. Join us to uncover Kayne's captivating narrative and gain an insider's view into the world of pool-building.

In this episode, Megan Kendrick joins us to discuss Pool Pro Magazine July/August 2023 issue. The main focus of this issue is placed on the challenges faced by the pool industry during the busy summer season. We discuss the physical and mental toll that the industry takes on professionals and share insights on how to protect one's mental health during this demanding period. The cover features Spartan Pool & Patio located in Norman, Oklahoma. This issue is packed with quality articles including The Effects of Price Changes, Remodeling with Hydroblasting, Cyclical Pool Marketing, and much more! Tune in to gain valuable insights and strategies for thriving in the pool industry.

Topics Discussed:

• [00:03:23] Spartan Pool & Patio
• [00:06:51] Summer Survival Guide
• [00:10:50] Monkey Island
• [00:14:59] Leadership
• [00:19:37] The Effects of Price Changes
• [00:23:42] Hydroblasting
• [00:27:21] Cyclical Pool Marketing
• [00:28:12] Trade certified business

Connect with Guest:

• Pool Pro Magazine July/August 2023
• Sign Up for Magazine
• Vote 30 Under Forty
• Trade Certified

Connect with Pool Chasers:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• TikTok
• Patreon

In this episode we are are joined by special guests Garth Stevens and Buzz Giz. Garth, a corporate attorney specializing in mergers and acquisitions, shares insights and advice on the complex process of selling a business. Listeners can expect to learn about the challenges, emotional aspects, and importance of staying focused throughout the negotiation and documentation stages.

We are also joined by returning guest Buzz Ghiz. When Buzz decided to sell Paddock Pools in 2004 he hired Snell & Wilmer where he worked closely with Garth. After having success they went on to work on other deals including Paramount Pool & Spa Systems. 

Sponsors:

• Jandy SpeedSet Variable-Speed Pump Controller
• Lyon Financial

Connect with Garth Stevens:

• Website
• LinkedIn

Connect with Pool Chasers:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• TikTok
• Patreon

This episode features a conversation with Alex King and Dwayne May from King Technology, a company specializing in pool chemicals and proprietary mineral technology. They explain how their technology helps sanitize water and use less chemicals, and also talks about their EPA registration as a disinfectant. The company has been in business for 45 years. They discuss the differences between their mineral technology and other minerals on the market, and how they focus on prevention rather than prescription.

Connect with Guest:

• King Technology Website
• Frog 
• Aqua Smarte Plus
• Sani King
• New Water

Connect with Pool Chasers:

• Website 
• Instagram 
• Facebook 
• YouTube 
• Twitter 
• Pinterest 
• TikTok 
• Patreon 

Greg and Justin sit down with Benjamin Lasseter of Design Ecology, an award-winning landscape architecture and luxury pool design/build firm based in Austin, Texas.

Listen in as Ben gives his thoughts on the state of the pool building space in Austin. He runs through his pool building process, from the design phase to the specialized trades that come in, and his passion for incorporating water elements into his designs.

Ben also discusses his journey from graduating with a political science degree to his foray into the pool business, eventually meeting Scott Cummings who would become co-owner of Design Ecology. They built their success in the industry by consistently standing by their philosophy of being generous with his knowledge, resulting over time in a loyal client base.

Asked about Design Ecology’s unique process to pool building, Ben talks about why he’s partial to perimeter overflows and why he prefers a minimal contemporary style over free-form pools. Plus, we touch on considerations regarding skimmer bottoms and dealing with flooded gutters, building surge tanks, plumbing, as well as how to plan in advance for minimal noise from the overflow.

Sponsors:

• Jandy SpeedSet Variable-Speed Pump Controller 
• Lyon Financial 

Connect with Guest:

• Design Ecology Website 
• Instagram 
• Facebook 

Connect with Pool Chasers:

• Website 
• Instagram 
• Facebook 
• YouTube 
• Twitter 
• Pinterest 
• TikTok 
• Patreon