Pool Chasers Podcast

Greg and Justin sit down with Sarah Teveldal of FlashPool Productions, an underwater photography and video production company, at the stunning Commodore Perry Estate in Austin, Texas.

FlashPool productions offers underwater photography and video services worldwide for private and commercial clients, pool builders, swimwear brands, and much more. 

Sarah shares her remarkable journey from her beginnings in South Dakota to finding her passion for underwater photography in Australia, and how she transformed this passion into a successful business.

We do a deep dive into the world of underwater photography as Sarah talks to us about the unique techniques and equipment required to capture breathtaking photos and videos for swim teams, swim schools, and even pool parties.

She describes her process for documenting pool-cleaning and construction processes creatively for social media, and how planning ahead is crucial for achieving the perfect shot. She reveals the challenges she faced while building her custom fiberglass pool, as well as her love for swimming and traveling.

Finally, Sarah gives her thoughts on the growing popularity of underwater maternity shoots and mermaid makeovers, showcasing the versatility and captivating nature of underwater photography.

Sponsors:

• Jandy SpeedSet Variable-Speed Pump Controller
• Lyon Financial 

Topics Discussed:

• [03:45] About Sarah and FlashPool, and how she got into underwater photography
• [05:59] Types of photoshoots and clients
• [07:55] How did you get into underwater photography?
• [13:35] First clients
• [15:31] Photographers who inspire Sarah
• [17:11] First pool builder client in Austin
• [19:02] Jandy SpeedSet Variable-Speed Pump Controller
• [20:05] Sarah’s go-to gear
• [24:05] What is ISO?
• [27:32]Best Financing Options with Lyon Financial
• [28:34] Photography tips for pool service or builders
• [30:02]Be creative & test new angles
• [34:44] Benefits of underwater photography for the trades
• [39:21] Sarah’s pool-building experience as a owner builder
• [54:30] Sarah’s favorite swimming pool destinations

Connect with Sarah Teveldal:

• Website 
• Instagram 
• Facebook 

Connect with Pool Chasers:

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

Greg sits down with Megan Kendrick to talk about the May/June 2023 issue of PoolPro Magazine!

Megan shares her excitement for this issue’s Power Women feature, as well as its cover featuring Horn Family Pools’ Jeanette Horn.

She also talks about featuring Dustin Anderson, CEO of Precision Aquatics, to offer readers a look behind the curtain of a commercial service company.

The latest issue touches on the developing discussion around building pools with insulated concrete form (ICF), and includes a growing news section, and an article on why every business owner always needs to keep the word “breakeven” in mind.

Topics Discussed:

• About the Power Women feature
• What Megan loves about Jeanette Horn
• Featuring Dustin Anderson of Precision Aquatics
• Including ads “organically” into the magazine’s stories
• ICF for pools
• What to expect in the news section
• The importance of breakeven

Connect with Guest:

• Pool Pro Magazine May/June 2023 - https://poolpromag.com/may-june-2023/
• Vote 30 Under Forty - https://poolpromag.com/30-under-40-nominations/
• Sign Up for Magazine - https://poolpromag.com/subscribe/

Connect with Pool Chasers:

• Website - https://poolchasers20.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/poolchasers/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/poolchasers/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXIcnqHms_PEu8AAPafxdVA
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/poolchasers
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/poolchaserspodcast/
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@poolchasers
• Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/poolchasers

Key Quotes by Megan:

• I love hearing from people who are just doing their thing, doing it well, and caring about their customers.
• Breakeven, in general, is the amount of money you need to start making money.

Sarah Herring currently works for Innovative Pool Trades managing the shotcrete division.

After serving 2 1/2 years in prison she worked as a CSR for one of the largest pool builders in the valley, Mossman Brothers Pools. While working for Mossman she developed many skills and undertook tasks that would make her the go-to person for customers and sub-contractors. After years of continued commitment she decided to move on.

During her time at Mossman, Sarah created a reputation for doing whatever needed to be done to ensure pools got built! Even if that meant using personal lines of credit to buy equipment. The respect she has for the trades is mutual and almost personal.

Sponsors:

• Jandy SpeedSet Variable-Speed Pump Controller 
• Lyon Financial 

Topics Discussed:

• [00:05:35] How Sarah Got Started in the Pool Business
• [00:20:57] Lyon Financial
• [00:26:57] Planning for life after prison
• [00:29:06] Adjusting to life after prison
• [00:29:55] First jobs after release
• [00:31:07] First year at Mossman
• [00:32:07] Sticking it out with Mossman
• [00:33:44] Working as a CSR & more
• [00:35:00] Jandy SpeedSet Variable-Speed Pump Controller
• [00:36:47] Dealing with frustrated customers
• [00:37:30] Going above & beyond for subs
• [00:38:29] What Mike & Justin dislike about working with CSR's
• [00:45:46] What Sarah would do different
• [00:53:17] Pros & cons of being a woman CSR
• [00:56:57] Going the extra mile for clients
• [01:00:12] Currently working with Innovative Shotcrete
• [01:11:35] Favorite pool

Connect with Guest:

• Website 

Connect with Pool Chasers:

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

Greg, Justin, and Mike sit down with Gordon Ly. He is the founder of Ly Visuals, a Scottsdale based creative agency specializing in scroll stopping video and photo content tailor-made for local small businesses and global e-commerce brands alike.

Gordon got his start in the world of business with an active apparel company he launched out of his passion for health and fitness. That experience brought with it a ton of lessons that Gordon carried over into his creative agency.

Listen in as Gordon discusses the ins-and-outs of content marketing in 2023. To him, rising above the noise in today’s saturated marketplace comes down to acquiring and keeping your prospects’ attention.

The key to doing this is by putting out the right type of content on the social media platforms of your choice, regularly over a long period of time to stay top-of-mind with your ideal customers, and tracking their progress through your sales funnel at every touchpoint.

Gordon also talks about why he decided to introduce coaching and the sale of digital products into his business to those who want a hands-on opportunity to master the sales process.

Topics Discussed:

• Gordon’s biggest lessons learned in business
• Intentional content creation
• Creating content that converts
• The right type of video content for different social media platforms
• Considerations regarding sound in video content
• Getting people comfortable during photoshoots
• How Gordon prices his services
• The value of failing fast
• Why Gordon was inspired to offer digital products
• Our favorite books and audiobooks
• Gordon’s favorite pools

Connect with Gordon Ly:

• Website 
• Instagram @gordonly 
• Instagram @lyvisuals 

Connect with Pool Chasers:

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

Greg and Justin sit down with Ryan Werlich, VP of Operations at Rain Deck, a company that produces residential and commercial splash pad/park products.

Before getting into pools, Ryan was in the real estate space. It was in 2012, during the subprime mortgage crisis, when he got into the pool industry by “accident” after reconnecting with old church missionary friends, who proposed that they do business together.

Listen in as Ryan breaks down the construction of splash pads, both on the residential and the commercial level. He explains what builders will find in Rain Deck’s backyard splash pad kit and the average costs homeowners should expect when considering the installation of a backyard splash pad.

He also talks about incorporating an existing pool’s piping with a new splash pad, as well as automation. Finally, Ryan shares why, since the outbreak of the pandemic, he and the Rain Deck team have stopped attending pool trade shows, and how they maintain a steady stream of referrals today.

Sponsors:

• Jandy SpeedSet Variable-Speed Pump Controller 
• Lyon Financial 

Topics Discussed:

• [01:34] Ryan’s early career
• [04:58] From real estate into the pool industry
• [07:40] The story behind Rain Deck
• [11:36] What goes into building a splash pad
• [15:04] What’s in the Rain Deck splash pad kit
• [17:48] Lyon Financial
• [17:48] Jandy Speed Set Variable Speed Pump Controller
• [18:49] Setting up the Raid Deck backyard splash pad
• [28:07] The average budget for a backyard splash pad
• [30:08] Ryan’s favorite features for residential and commercial splash pads
• [34:31] Incorporating pool automation with a splash pad
• [37:22] Ryan’s favorite project
• [40:07] How Rain Deck finds customers

Connect with Guest:

• Website 
• Instagram 
• LinkedIn 
• YouTube 

Connect with Pool Chasers:

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

Greg and Justin sit down with Ryan West, President of Leak Science, a veteran-owned company which specializes in swimming pool leak detection and pool restoration.

Ryan got his start in the pool business after leaving the U.S. Navy. Beginning with a small route of pools, he quickly grew his company to over 300 client accounts. After a successful run in pool service management, Ryan sold his business and switched his focus exclusively to repair work.

Following leak detection training, Ryan opened Leak Science—the only full-service company of its kind in the Valley. He lists the unique challenges of the job, the equipment he uses, what he listens for as a leak locator, and the stringent training process he uses when hiring repairmen.

Ryan discusses the different types of leaks and what makes detecting them so hard. He also explains what builders should consider when constructing a pool to minimize the risk of leaks, as well as what to do to ensure longevity following a leak fix.

Finally, he talks about his process for working with new clients, communicating with irritable clients, avoiding lawsuits, and dealing with the tricky situation of being called on by owner-builders.

Sponsors:

• Jandy SpeedSet Variable-Speed Pump Controller 
• Lyon Financial 
• Anderson Manufacturing 

Topics Discussed:

• [05:05] About Ryan and Leak Science
• [12:58] Ryan’s worst job
• [19:59] What makes leak detection so hard
• [24:19] Types of leaks
• [32:21] How long it takes for a leak to be noticed and preliminary questions asked
• [39:37] The average cost of Ryan’s services
• [45:10] About the static leak test
• [57:28] Using helium in leak detection
• [1:09:55] Ensuring longevity following a leak fix
• [1:20:17] Structural considerations to avoid leaks when constructing a pool
• [1:25:17] Dealing with owner-builders
• [1:28:06] Ryan’s favorite pool and the most outrageous pool he’s ever seen

Connect with Guest:

• Leak Science Website 

Connect with Pool Chasers:

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

Greg chats with Meagan Kendrick of PoolPro Magazine to talk about this year’s 30 Under 40, whose annual selection of winners are featured in the magazine’s November/December issue.

The 30 Under 40 is one of the magazine’s most exclusive features, highlighting young industry up-and-comers from a variety of fields, from manufacturing to retail to plaster. Not to mention, it’s a great promotional tool for business owners as well as those looking to reach the next level in their career!

Nominations open on May 1 and close at the end of June. Selections are made across the next few months before finally being announced in November. Anyone in the industry can be nominated—you can even nominate yourself.

Once you receive the detailed form, Meagan encourages nominees to “let your personality shine. We want to get a taste for you and your passion for the industry!”

Nominate your pick for this year’s 30 Under 40 at https://poolpromag.com/30-under-40-nominations/ 

Topics Discussed:

• [03:08] About PoolPro Magazine’s 30 Under 40
• [04:33] Highlighting up-and-comers in the industry
• [06:14] How to nominate a pool professional
• [12:54] How to increase your chances of getting picked
• [15:09] Photo requirements
• [19:10] Where the 30 Under 40 winners will be featured

Connect with Pool Pro Magazine:

• 30 Under 40 Sign Ups 
• Website 
• Instagram 
• Facebook 

Connect with Pool Chasers:

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

Key Quotes by Megan:

• We are trying to highlight up-and-comers in the pool industry. We are looking for people across the industry: If you work for a manufacturer or a distributor, if you’re in service or building or retail—everybody is welcome in this contest. We try to highlight the breadth and depth of the industry and the talent within it.
• The contest is a level playing field where it’s not about what others think of you, but what you think of yourself and what you’re passionate about.

Greg and Justin sit down with AJ Grucky, Manufacturer Representative of Blake Sales Associates, which offers pool and spa manufacturers a multi-level, multi-dimensional sales and marketing program.

AJ got his start in the swimming pool and spa industry in January 2010 as a Manager for POOL Corporation. He left wholesale distribution in 2017 to pursue a sales and education career with NC Brands until he joined Blake Sales in early 2021.

Listen in as AJ takes us down memory lane, reflecting not only on his career in the pool and spa industry, but other major milestones, including his long road to sobriety and his time as a college athlete playing water polo for the Sun Devils.

AJ discusses his keys to success as a representative at BSA. Offering his thoughts on communicating effectively in times of conflict, he suggests that the most important thing to think about is that nobody is immune to making mistakes—that our focus as leaders should be on our response to those mistakes.

To AJ, this principle applies equally to discussions with team members as it does to discussions with customers. For every employee in an organization, and particularly for sales reps like himself, the top priority should be around maximizing the human connection between the product or service to the end user.

Topics Discussed:

• [01:13] About AJ Grucky
• [05:05] Journey to sobriety
• [16:29] Growing up around water
• [21:03] Water polo overview
• [35:06] How AJ got involved in the pool industry
• [40:00] Justin and AJ meet at SCP 512A Mesa
• [44:53] Effective communication when dealing with issues in business
• [57:40] Leaving POOLCORP
• [56:29] Products represented by BSA
• [01:01:50] BSA’s ideal client
• [01:09:36] Ideal communication
• [01:10:45] Products that AJ is most excited about
• [01:18:54] What BSA doesn’t do
• [01:27:38] How sales reps add value to pool companies
• [01:31:16] Favorite pool
• [01:32:48] Favorite outrageous pool

Connect with Guest:

• LinkedIn
• Website 
• Instagram 

Connect with Pool Chasers:

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

Greg and Justin sit down with JMax General Manager Mike Rynne.

The three look back on their recent experience at the Western Pool and Spa Show in Long Beach and compare the event with the Vegas trade show, discuss the changes they want to see when it comes to pool cleaning tech, and talk about the most exciting new products revealed at the recent show.

They vent their frustrations around A&A’s logistical issues and general lack of attention around customer experience and feedback, and offer their thoughts on how the company can improve. They also touch on Weld-On and Christy’s 2019 acquisition by IPS (pitting the two adhesive companies against each other in the process), as well as Orenda’s recent acquisition by HASA.

Switching gears, they go back to the topic of the Long Beach show, with Greg giving his thoughts on the folks he met at the event, including PoolPro’s Megan Kendrick and Joe Mischik of Painless Pool Care. He also shares what he learned about Pentair’s exciting pool builder software.

Finally, Greg, Justin, and Mike reflect on the Western Pool and Spa Show in Los Angeles, capping off the conversation with their quick takes on Gen Z and the AI revolution.

Topics Discussed:

• [00:45] Wrenhouse beer choice of the week
• [02:59] Brandon w/ Pool_Volution call
• [03:55] Justin’s Sedona car rally fun
• [07:55] Chasing CM600 robotic cleaner
• [09:29] Testing Solar Breeze in Justin’s pool
• [10:28] Vac cleaners in luxury pools
• [11:04] Large pool w/ two cleaners doesn't work
• [11:56] AJ Grucky gives tour of products
• [12:49] Blue Square
• [13:26] Disappointed in A&A
• [15:48] The difficulty of completing pools w/ no parts
• [22:53] Pentair warranty claims
• [23:31] Weldon & Christy's glue
• [26:02] Alien Tape
• [26:50] Megan & Pool Pro Magazine
• [27:35] Pentair Pool Builder software
• [30:22] Lil Algy?
• [31:11] All these cameras and no video 
• [31:47] Joe Mischik of Painless Pool Care
• [34:11] Hasa buys Orenda
• [39:27] Long Beach Swim School EQ Room
• [40:18] JMax Update
• [41:09] Work leads from lunch 
• [45:43] AI tech is scary

Connect with Pool Chasers:

• Website - https://poolchasers20.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/poolchasers/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/poolchasers/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXIcnqHms_PEu8AAPafxdVA
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/poolchasers
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/poolchaserspodcast/
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@poolchasers
• Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/poolchasers

Greg and Justin sit down with Lewis “Buzz” Ghiz, Former Owner of Paramount Pool & Spa Systems. The Phoenix-area pool and spa equipment manufacturer was started by Buzz’s father George in 1964 as a research-and-development arm to builder-retailer Paddock Pools.

Buzz, alongside his brothers David and Edward, took over both companies once George stepped down, and, in 2005, decided to sell Paddock Pools to be able to put all their energies into developing Paramount.

In 2017, Buzz heavily deliberated on the painful decision to sell the family business after losing his brother Edward and sister Jazelle. He ultimately decided to pass the reins of the company to Hayward CEO Clark Hale.

Listen in as Buzz discusses how he’s keeping busy in retirement, fully believing that as long as he’s still around, he needs to engage himself in projects that give him a sense of purpose and excitement to get out of bed every single morning.

Buzz talks about his biggest lessons learned from his entrepreneurial father George, especially the importance of developing genuine and sincere relationships if you want your business to succeed long-term.

He also gives his thoughts on the current state of the pool industry, and his best practices around training your team, testing product viability, and maximizing the “wow” factor when unveiling a pool to your client.

Topics Discussed:

• [01:37] Buzz talks life in retirement
• [03:18] About the Ghiz family business and why Buzz wanted to stay in the pool industry
• [12:28] The Paramount story
• [17:35] Why George dedicated to establish Paddock
• [22:39] PACE (Paramount Advisory Committee Enterprise)
• [30:54] Buzz’s thoughts on the franchise model
• [37:43] Developing Paramount products
• [43:38] Buzz’s mentors
• [48:58] Creating a memorable experience for your client
• [56:36] Buzz’s current and upcoming projects
• [59:52] Thoughts on the pool industry today
• [1:04:46] Buzz’s book recommendations
• [1:09:56] Buzz’s favorite pools

Connect with Buzz Ghiz:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/buzz-ghiz-aa312524/

Connect with Pool Chasers:

• Website - https://poolchasers20.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/poolchasers/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/poolchasers/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXIcnqHms_PEu8AAPafxdVA
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/poolchasers
• Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/poolchaserspodcast/
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@poolchasers
• Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/poolchasers

Key Quotes by Buzz Ghiz:

• I’m a firm believer that you have to have a purpose in life, and that when you get out of bed you have to be laser-focused on something.
• Anybody can be transactional; but, a strong business is built on sincere, genuine relationships.
• Surround yourself with rainmakers: At the end of the day, your business is built on people.
• Market safe, market wise, and you’ll get your share.