The SpaRetailer Podcast

We finally go in-depth with cohost Jeff about the process he went through to buy his company. Jeff is candid about some of the obstacles he faced, things that went wrong and the costs associated with everything. While each business transaction is unique to the company and people, if you’re interested in buying or selling a hot tub company you’ll want to give this a listen. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/ We broke this into two parts, so check back on the 19th to hear the rest. 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.

Megan and Jeff meet in Las Vegas at the Pool | Spa | Patio Expo and chat with Troy Derheim. Troy is the owner of My Aquatics Services — a pool construction, service and hot tub retail company — in the Fargo/Moorehead area. But we’re talking to Troy about his passion project, Aquatics Empowered, a nonprofit he’s starting to help provide aquatic facilities and therapy to communities of all sizes. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/ Learn more about Aquatics Empowered on its website and read the SpaRetailer article 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.

Norm Coburn from New England Spas in the Boston metro has been attending the industry trade shows for 30+ years. In this episode he tells us when he starts planning for the show (six months in advance!), what he tries to accomplish when he’s there and his strategy for shows. Norm shares how the industry trade shows are different now versus when he started in the industry — and products he’s brought back that succeeded and bombed. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/ You too can have your own Moses duck, but we’re guessing that Norm would be happy to give you one for free. See them on Amazon. 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.

In this episode Megan and Jeff talk to Tom Junck, co-owner of Combined Pool & Spa in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Tom’s store has won the Caldera Dealer of the Year award the last five years. The company also have more than 280 Google Reviews and is rated at 5 stars. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/ But the real reason we wanted to talk to Tom is because his company is very successful in selling other outdoor products like patio furniture and fire pits. We talk to Tom about the keys to their success in outdoor products as well as what it’s like to attend both the patio and pool and spa shows. Jeff and Tom mention an article about the growth of Sioux Falls and other midwest cities, which you can read from Bloomberg here. Also, if you aren’t familiar with the Gemini Effect, you can read more about it on its website, here. Gemini is essentially a working group that allows retailers to compare their numbers and KPIs to find ways to improve. Thanks for listening. You can now send us your questions via voicemail and we’ll play them on the podcast, call 405-992-0160. You can also email us at [email protected].

You may have already read about Flint Hills Spas in our last issue. But we think this story is so unique that it’s worth returning to. Megan and Jeff discuss the unlikely partnership that has formed between the former and new owner and the confidence and respect it must take. 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/

We’ve revamped The SpaRetailer Podcast! We’ve got a new intro and are welcoming Jeff Bailey to the podcast as our new cohost. Jeff is the owner of Spring Dance Hot Tubs, which has three locations in the Philadelphia metro. In his first episode we talk about how Jeff got into the hot tub industry, his work with the IHTA and a little bit about his recent buyout of his longtime business partner, making him sole owner of Spring Dance. This episode is sponsored by Marquis. AQUATIC TRAINING VESSELS HIGH FLOW THERAPY: FASTER, FITTER, FIERCER Aquatic Training Vessels are much more than a traditional swim spa. Hydrodynamic flow design and control plus a unique range of pumps and jet arrays deliver water flow users can customize for their aquatic workout. The Kona’s exclusive system design uses six Whitewater-4 jets to deliver water flow beyond the volumes created by the pumps, delivering up to 39% more flow than comparably sized competitive jets, plus two mid-vessel Buoyancy Jets that provide mid-to-lower torso lift during swimming. The V150 party/swim tub utilizes Whitewater-4 jets: three swim jets and two footwell jets, plus Directional, Conal and Orbital Jetpods in eight therapy seats. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjdUYjBbr7c https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/

It’s a buzz word that Linda Cahan has been talking about in SpaRetailer a lot. We talk through what experiential retail is and practical ways it can be applied in your store. After this episode we’ll be taking a summer hiatus — see you in August! https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/

Longtime columnist Linda Cahan joins us to discuss some of the good and bad things she sees in hot tub retail stores. A few topics we cover: — The decompression area — Clean bathrooms (with changing tables) — Using mannequins (Linda likes mannequinmadness.com) — Lighting — Signage https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/

Megan talks with My Retail Coach, Danielle Lavallee Wasson, about how you can create the ultimate shopping experience for customers in your hot tub showroom. For 25 years, Danielle has coached hot tub retailers on four continents, helping them grow their retail businesses. We know she’ll provide some valuable insight for your business too. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/

In part 2, Jim discusses the process of converting to an ESOP. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/