E-318 Pool Nation Podcast - Six Years of Pool Nation: The Stories, Sacrifices, and People Behind It

Episode 318 Pool Nation Podcast. Six years ago, we turned on the microphones to have the conversations pool pros needed. We never imagined those conversations would grow into boot camps, the Pool Nation Awards, the Women’s Summit, and a headquarters built for the pool pro community.

In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and John “JJ Flawless” look back at how it all started, the moments that made the work worth it, and the lessons learned along the way. From the early days of Instagram Live to earning the industry’s trust, we share what it has taken to keep showing up—and why listening to pool pros continues to shape everything we do.

We get personal about the sacrifices behind the scenes, talk honestly about mistakes and partnerships, and discuss why growing a mission takes the right people, consistency, and a willingness to change direction. We also share updates on Heritage’s training at Pool Nation headquarters, the Pool Nation Awards, and the $25,000 Pool Pro Challenge.

To everyone who has listened, attended a training, shared an idea, or trusted us to be part of their journey: thank you. You are the reason we are Pool Nation.

Master the business. Perfect the craft. Make an impact.

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome and celebrating six years of Pool Nation03:00 – Remembering September 1107:00 – Heritage MIT training and a home for pool pros13:00 – Pool Nation Awards, training, and Pool Pro Challenge updates16:00 – Looking back: How Pool Nation began20:00 – From helping pool pros to launching a podcast27:00 – How the original vision evolved30:00 – Bob Lowry and the inspiration behind the Pool Nation Awards34:00 – Building a space and a voice for every pool pro38:00 – The moments that showed us we were making a difference42:00 – The Women’s Summit and ideas born from the community45:00 – Sponsor break50:00 – Back from the break52:00 – Earning the industry’s trust through consistency59:00 – Going all in while running a business and raising a family1:03:00 – The work and personal sacrifices behind the scenes1:07:00 – Mistakes, partnerships, and lessons learned1:10:00 – Building the team and learning to change direction1:13:00 – Rethinking coaching and reaching more pool pros1:15:00 – Sponsor break1:20:00 – JJ’s netting skills and pool service pet peeves1:22:00 – Finding purpose in teaching and giving back1:25:00 – Setting up the next conversation: Where is the industry headed?1:27:00 – Thank you, Pool Nation, and the mission moving forward

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