The SpaRetailer Podcast

The second half of our conversation with Justin Miller, the founder of pHin. We talk about how pHin specifically works in hot tubs, and how Jeff is planning on using them in his company. We also touch on the inline hot tub version of pHin that’s currently being tested. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/ Not familiar with pHin? Check it out here. A couple summers ago we tested pHin out for ourselves and had a good experience. You can read that review here. Let us know what you think about this episode and others by emailing [email protected]. You can also leave us a voicemail at 405-992-0160 and we’ll listen to your question on the air. This episode is sponsored by Marquis. Marquis’ Vector21 hot tubs feature Vector Optimized Laminar Therapy (V-O-L-T) which delivers up to 40% more flow volume, specifically engineered to achieve laminar flow. Variable Velocity Valves (V3) throttles 0 to 100 percent of the available water flow between multiple seats or to only one seat. Conal Jetpods are softer on the skin’s surface. Directional Jetpods offer more targeted sensation into the muscle mass. Orbital Jetpods rotate dynamically to create a kneading sensation. Specialized Massage Seat configurations include: Deep-Tissue, Relaxation, Shiatsu or Swedish Massage. Whitewater-4 jet is high-flow therapy innovation, located in the footwell to enhance the benefits of leg and foot massage.

Justin Miller has a background unlike any other we’ve had on the podcast before — NASA, Apple, eBay and Comcast just to name a few. His focus on customer experience at those companies helped lead him and a partner to develop pHin, a water monitoring device for pools and hot tubs. In part 1, we delve into Justin’s background, the early development days of pHin and the company’s acquisition by Hayward. Not familiar with pHin? Check it out here. A couple summers ago we tested pHin out for ourselves and had a good experience. You can read that review here. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/ This episode is sponsored by Strong Spas. Experience true spa convenience at the touch of a button! Strong Spas’ fully-automated Dura-Shield HardCover is another example of Strong’s innovative engineering in a long line of industry firsts! Strong has taken the durability and strength of its HardCover and made the ease of use even simpler. Effortlessly open and close Dura-Shield with a simple turn of a key! Strong’s Dura-Shield HardCover holds 1,000+ lbs. and comes with a limited Lifetime Guarantee! Read more about the Dura-Shield HardCover here.

Megan and Jeff are back with a new season of The SpaRetailer Podcast. We chat about our sudden departure last season, what we’ve been up to this summer (Megan reveals a big surprise) and what we’ve got coming up on episodes this fall. We also introduce the SpaRetailer 10 — 10 questions we ask each guest at the end of the podcast about their life and business. Megan and Jeff take a stab at answering them as well. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/ Check out a few of the places mentioned in this episode for yourself:Carleton LandingFour Seasons Bora BoraVRBO.comPGA West Golf CourseTurks & Caicos islandsScarpettaBazaar Meat The Olive GardenJavier’s Williston Public LibraryMcDonaldsThe FounderMindhunterSports WarsBrad Thor booksBillions Let us know what you think about this episode and others by emailing [email protected]. You can also leave us a voicemail at 405-992-0160 and we’ll listen to your question on the air. This episode is sponsored by Bullfrog Spas. Does your spa business offer a customer experience that engages and excites? Bullfrog Spas is the only hot tub manufacturing partner with a program dedicated to retail experience. Power Per Square Foot is a set of customer experience best practices designed to elevate dealership performance. With game-changing products, interactive sales tools, and step-by-step planning guides, Power Per Square Foot by Bullfrog Spas provides the complete package you need to succeed in today’s retail environment. Visit bullfrogspas.com to learn about dealership opportunities today!

Sean Doyle, longtime marketer and author of Shift, joins us on the podcast to discuss the marketing challenges facing small business owners. Sean works with businesses to help evaluate their marketing and develop a better strategy. You can learn more about his business, or get a copy of Shift, at seanmdoyle.com. You can also read the SpaRetailer article featuring Sean here. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/

Dan Friedman from The Hot Tub Store joins us on the podcast to talk about reviews. He was recently interviewed for a story on Yelp, and we talk about that as well as Google reviews. Jeff and Dan’s stores both use Broadly to help them manage reviews, but there are a number of resources, just a few of which we list here. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/ Womply PowerReviews ReviewTec Podium DealerAutomatedReviewsSystem Also, if your interest was piqued like Megan’s, or maybe just your hunger, you can look into sending your customer’s thank you treats from Smitty’s. This episode is sponsored by Bullfrog Spas. Does your spa business offer a customer experience that engages and excites? Bullfrog Spas is the only hot tub manufacturing partner with a program dedicated to retail experience. Power Per Square Foot is a set of customer experience best practices designed to elevate dealership performance. With game-changing products, interactive sales tools, and step-by-step planning guides, Power Per Square Foot by Bullfrog Spas provides the complete package you need to succeed in today’s retail environment. Visit bullfrogspas.com to learn about dealership opportunities today!

In the February/March issue of SpaRetailer, we outlined how the trucker shortage was impacting hot tub retailers. This week on The SpaRetailer Podcast we talk to a transportation expert about some of the issues facing that industry. Doug Punzel, president of Celtic Intermodal, has worked for more than three decades in transportation. Celtic also happens to be the intermodal company that co-host Jeff uses to ship his hot tubs from southern California to his stores in Philadelphia. Let us know what you think about this episode and others by emailing [email protected]. You can also leave us a voicemail at 405-992-0160 and we’ll listen to your question on the air. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/ This episode is sponsored by Marquis.Marquis’ Vector21 hot tubs feature Vector Optimized Laminar Therapy (V-O-L-T) which delivers up to 40% more flow volume, specifically engineered to achieve laminar flow. Variable Velocity Valves (V3) throttles 0 to 100 percent of the available water flow between multiple seats or to only one seat. Conal Jetpods are softer on the skin’s surface. Directional Jetpods offer more targeted sensation into the muscle mass. Orbital Jetpods rotate dynamically to create a kneading sensation. Specialized Massage Seat configurations include: Deep-Tissue, Relaxation, Shiatsu or Swedish Massage. Whitewater-4 jet is high-flow therapy innovation, located in the footwell to enhance the benefits of leg and foot massage.

Longtime SpaRetailer columnist, Linda Cahan, joins us to talk about the right way to merchandise hot tub chemicals. Not the prettiest part of spa retail stores, you can still take a thoughtful approach to stocking chemicals. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/ Visit fastener website that Linda mentions here. You can check out all of Linda’s past columns here. This episode is sponsored by Bullfrog Spas. Does your spa business offer a customer experience that engages and excites? Bullfrog Spas is the only hot tub manufacturing partner with a program dedicated to retail experience. Power Per Square Foot is a set of customer experience best practices designed to elevate dealership performance. With game-changing products, interactive sales tools, and step-by-step planning guides, Power Per Square Foot by Bullfrog Spas provides the complete package you need to succeed in today’s retail environment. Visit bullfrogspas.com to learn about dealership opportunities today!

In January Leslie’s Poolmart purchased independent retailer Aqua Quip. Aqua Quip’s president Brian Quint joins us on the podcast to talk about the acquisition and how they had readied their company so they could pounce on the opportunity. Brian mentions several resources for business owners, which you can find below.Vistage Michael Gerber The Great Game of Business Ownership Thinking https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/

On January 22, the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals and National Swimming Pool Foundation announced (again) that they were going to merge. Today we’re joined by Larry Caniglia, CEO of APSP, to discuss the reasons behind the merge, where they’re at in the process and what the industry can do to help the merge be successful.To learn more about the new Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and the merge process you can view the press release and FAQs. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/ This episode is sponsored by Marquis. MicroSilk® SKIN HEALTH AND BEAUTY TREATMENT WHILE YOU SOAK Marquis’ MicroSilk beauty treatment moisturizes and hydrates at the same time. Micro bubbles envelope your body in a soothing, effervescent cloud of oxygen, diving deeply into pores to restore collagen. MicroSilk leaves your skin silky with reduced fine lines and wrinkles. A MicroSilk bubble is negatively charged, approximately 50 to 100 times smaller than a typical hot tub bubble. Negatively charged ions are credited with increased serotonin production which is associated with emotional stability, a sense of well-being and promotes restful sleep. MicroSilk is available on Signature line models Spirit, Promise (1 pump), Resort, Euphoria, Epic, and all Vector21 hot tub models. Learn More: http://www.marquisspas.com/accessories/microsilk/

Part 2 of Jeff’s journey to purchase Spring Dance Hot Tubs. Surprise — the deal actually gets done! But there are a lot of bumps along the way.Thanks for all of your support this year!Let us know what you think about this episode and others by emailing [email protected]. You can also leave us a voicemail at 405-992-0160 and we’ll listen to your question on the air. And if you’re so inclined — leave us a review! https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/ This episode is sponsored by Marquis. Celebrity & Celebrity Elite high flow therapy jets are engineered to provide the most satisfying low pressure massage to penetrate muscles without punishing pressure. They vary in size from small neck jets to large straight, rotator or multi-port jets for a varied massage experience. The water flow is adjustable and jets can also be interchanged to provide a unique feel to the soak. The Hollywood Elite features a Whitewater-4 jet in the footwell for an exhilarating, whole-body blast! The jets are easily controlled with an inward-facing panel and a zone control in the Hollywood Elite. CELEBRITY HOT TUBS & CELEBRITY ELITE from Marquis give you HIGH FLOW FOR EXHILARATING FUN!