The SpaRetailer Podcast

Merchant Cost Consulting is every small business owner’s dream. They do the work and you don’t pay them a dime unless they deliver — and in this case they are delivering pretty significant savings in your credit card processing fees. MCC isn’t a processor, but it goes through your processing charges with a fine-tooth comb, seeing where you can find savings staying with your current processor. Once it’s negotiated those savings on your behalf, it continues to monitor your account so when the processing company inevitably raises your rates, MCC can swoop in and hold the company to its original agreement. Sounds like a pipe dream, but there are several hot tub retailers who have already done this — and saved big. Strong Spas. Did you know that Strong Spas has hot tubs in stock and available now? The company has overstock and recertified hot tubs that are ready to ship. Strong also has the industry’s shortest lead times on made-to-order tubs, Strong Spas can put hot tubs in your showroom now — filling any holes where there should be floor models or holes in your product offering. You can still diversify your suppliers by adding Strong to your product mix. Strong Spas has expanded its production capacity and, as always, is made in the USA. To become an authorized dealer today, visit strongspas.com/dealer. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/

The robot used to spray Acrylobond at the Isotec factory It took Isotec International many years to perfect a polyurethane that could replace the typical polyester resin used to back hot tubs. Acrylobond not only offers to same strength as polyester resin, but cures faster, can be applied by a robot (!) and is environmentally friendly. Forest Knight, president of Isotec, takes us through what Acrylobond does and how it can be a time, money-saving and green alternative for hot tub manufacturers. This episode is sponsored by Strong Spas. Did you know that Strong Spas has hot tubs in stock and available now? The company has overstock and recertified hot tubs that are ready to ship. Strong also has the industry’s shortest lead times on made-to-order tubs, Strong Spas can put hot tubs in your showroom now — filling any holes where there should be floor models or holes in your product offering. You can still diversify your suppliers by adding Strong to your product mix. Strong Spas has expanded its production capacity and, as always, is made in the USA. To become an authorized dealer today, visit strongspas.com/dealer. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/

On January 25, Monomoy Capital Partners announced its acquisition of both Artesian Spas and Marquis. (Read more about the acquisition(s) here.) On this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, Megan sits down with Jim Johnston, the vice president of sales and marketing for Marquis, to talk about the details of the acquisition, what it means for Marquis, its employees and the hot tub industry. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/

Rick Harvey, director of sales (Pool Division) at KIK Consumer Product/Biolab Inc. is the current chair of the PHTA’s WAVE Young Professionals Network. Megan, who is the WAVE vice-chair, and Rick sit down in Atlanta to discuss what WAVE is, why it’s important and how people can get involved. As industries struggle to hire fresh, young talent and fill positions, groups like WAVE can help make an industry more attractive — but first it takes buy-in from business owners and local PHTA chapters. Join the WAVE Facebook group to learn more and if you’d like to volunteer, visit PHTA.org. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/

Gunnar Graven is the second generation in his family at the helm of Steepleton in Louisville, Kentucky, but the fourth generation overall to run the business founded in 1908. Read more about the company in the February/March edition of SpaRetailer. Graven has turned his company’s website into its third location — making a concerted effort to ramp up online sales, including selling hot tubs online. Graven talks us through the evolution of their website and how they beat his ecommerce sales goals six times over. 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://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/

As a local business you surely have filled out your Google My Business listing, gathered as many reviews as you can and have even done some paid advertising to get your company at the top of local search results. But Google is introducing a new program that may push you further down the page if you don’t act fast. We talk to Lorne Sederoff from SearchKings about the Google Guarantee and how hot tub retailers can be the first to get it in their market. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/

For more than a decade Multi-Tech Products has been supplying acrylic repair materials to the hot tub and bath industries, working behind the scenes with manufacturers and acrylic suppliers. Under new ownership, the company is now stepping out in front of the industry, hoping to streamline the ordering process for retailers and consumers. Meet the new owners and hear about their plans for the future, and what they’ve seen going on in the hot tub industry from their unique vantage point. WSJ article on Bullfrog Spas and hot tub supply chain (you need a WSJ subscription to see the entire article). https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/ Jesse Huizar, CEO, Multi-Tech Art Leon, COO, Multi-Tech John Crisanti, Consultant, Multi-Tech Megan Kendrick, Host, The SpaRetailer Podcast

The International Hot Tub Association has been working to protect the hot tub industry since 2008. Now part of the PHTA, the chair and vice-chair of the organization’s leadership team joins the podcast to talk about its membership drive. Steve Stigers, vice president of marketing at Watkins Wellness, and Tracine Marroquin, vice president of marketing at Jacuzzi Group may be competitors, but the two work together to ensure the hot tub industry doesn’t get roped into undo legislation. To do your part to support the hot tub industry and the IHTA, become a member today. A portion of your membership will be earmarked specifically to support the IHTA. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/

Gunnar Graven is the second generation in his family at the helm of Steepleton in Louisville, Kentucky, but the fourth generation overall to run the business founded in 1908. Graven has turned his company’s website into its third location — making a concerted effort to ramp up online sales, including selling hot tubs online. Graven talks us through the evolution of their website and how they beat his ecommerce sales goals six times over. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/ 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.

Ben Poggemiller is back on The SpaRetailer Podcast to share what his company has been doing to sell swim spas. Before 2021, there hadn’t been much of a focus on swim spas at Urban Life Pools & Hot Tubs, but now they are all-in. Hear Poggemiller’s tips to putting together a successful swim spa marketing campaign. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/ Hear Ben Poggemiller on other episodes: Episode #54, The Long Game with Ben Poggemiller Episode #46, Find and Convert Online Leads with Ben Poggemiller 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.