Episode 257 of the Pool Nation Podcast. This week on the Pool Nation Podcast, we bring you a Best Of episode packed with the most inspiring, entertaining, and educational moments from our recent interviews with pool pros, innovators, and industry leaders. From entrepreneurial journeys and product launches to wild industry stories and lessons on overcoming adversity, this episode is your all-access pass to the people, products, and personalities shaping the pool industry.

Listen in for:

• Entrepreneurial stories from the trenches

• Industry-changing product launches

• Candid conversations about success, setbacks, and comebacks

• Audience questions answered, and more!

Whether you’re a pool technician, business owner, or just love a good story, you won’t want to miss this one!

[00:00] Welcome & Show Intro Kicking off with the Pool Nation crew: Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zach “The Pool Boy” Nicholas. What’s in store on this special best-of episode.

[04:12] Family, Fatherhood & Pool Pro Life Hilarious parenting confessions, colicky baby survival tips, and the reality of working late-night podcasts at home.

[12:08] Guest: Chris Galvan of Blu-Ray XL Chris shares his journey from waterpark pool pro to creating Blu-Ray XL, and the story behind his breakthrough mineral-based water treatment product.

[23:45] Facing Adversity: Lawsuits, the EPA, and Not Giving Up Chris details the intense legal and regulatory battles that nearly ended his business—and how perseverance, family, and belief in his product kept him going.

[36:11] Announcement: Pool Nation Awards Nominations Celebrate excellence! Nominate your favorite pool pros, trainers, sales reps, and game-changing products at PoolNationAwards.com. Nominations close August 6th!

[38:02] Pool Nation Conference Promo The only business-focused conference in the pool industry returns Oct 24-25 at the PSP Expo, Las Vegas. Hands-on business, technical, and financial training—plus live demos and networking. Register at PoolNation.com.

[39:37] Guest: Josh Sherwood of Sherwood’s Outdoors Josh’s incredible story: from rodeo to landscaping to pool building—and giving away a full backyard and pool to a deserving family.

[47:15] Learning by Failing: Soldering Disaster & The Value of Resilience Josh recalls his first big mistake in landscaping, what went wrong, and how learning from failure (instead of quitting) changed his business.

[52:30] Guest: Todd Pierre & Jamie Novak, AquaStar Pool Products Meet the people behind some of the industry’s most innovative new products and hear about their accidental (but life-changing) entry into the pool business.

[01:06:22] Why Disruption Matters: The Pipeline Filter Story A candid look at what it takes to innovate in an industry that can sometimes resist change.

[01:12:08] Guest: Mike Farley, Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge Mike shares what it’s like designing the “crazy” pools of Texas, tackling difficult projects, and the evolution of the backyard resort trend.

[01:25:10] From Failure to Fame: Social Media, Swim-Up Bars & Pool Industry Trends How viral pool designs are influencing backyard builds nationwide.

[01:33:30] Guest: Paul Sim, Ariel (Solar Skimming Robot) From firefighting equipment to robotic pool cleaners—Paul’s journey into pool tech, product innovation, and surviving the challenges of manufacturing.

[01:45:20] The Power of Community: Listener Shoutouts & Live Q&A Edgar, John, and Zach answer audience questions, share stories, and highlight the supportive Pool Nation community.

[01:52:41] Pool Nation Announcements & Closing Conference details, shoutouts, and how to connect with the Pool Nation team for future episodes and live events.

• Listen live every Friday at 9am PST / 11am CST / 12pm EST

• On all major podcast platforms, PoolNation.com, and Pool Nation Podcast

• Follow on Instagram and Facebook @PoolNation

Episode 256 of the Pool Nation Podcast. Ready to build a pool service business that doesn’t just keep pools blue, but also pays you what you’re worth? This week, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “the Pool Boy” Nicholas get real about what it actually takes to succeed—and stay profitable—in the pool industry.

Join us for a candid, behind-the-scenes roundtable as we break down the Pool Nation Roadmap to Profitability, from rookie mistakes to seasoned strategies.You’ll hear how most pool pros start out obsessed with water chemistry and “splash and dash” service, only to realize—sometimes after years of burnout and struggle—that real success requires learning the business side. The team shares their personal journeys: seven-day workweeks, long hours, undercharging, and near-burnout, plus the exact turning points that helped them finally build thriving, profitable companies.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why most pool pros focus on cleaning and chemistry first, but ignore business basics

• The actual progression from service to repairs—and why so many get stuck

• The hidden dangers of chasing account numbers instead of profit

• Real talk on burnout: what it feels like, and how to pivot before it’s too late

• Why knowing your numbers—from cost per pool to true take-home pay—changes everything

• The “Profit Crossroads:” that critical moment every owner faces (and how to survive it)

• How top pool companies achieve more with fewer pools and fewer headaches

• Why quality of service—and quality of customers—beats quantity every time

• How a shift in mindset, confidence, and education leads to a more enjoyable, sustainable business

• Exclusive preview: Upcoming Pool Nation Boot Camps, Women’s Summit, and the business-focused Pool Nation Conference at the PSP Expo

[00:00:00] — Welcome & July 4th stories: The team shares family time, fireworks, and what it’s like juggling business during the summer rush. [00:03:00] — Deepfakes, AI, and Pool Myths: How fake news (and viral pool “hacks”) are impacting the industry, and why learning to separate fact from fiction matters for pool pros. [00:08:00] — Event Rundown: Key dates and reasons not to miss the hands-on Boot Camp, Pool Nation Awards nominations, Women’s Summit, $10K Pool Pro Challenge, and the only business-focused conference in the industry. [00:16:00] — Why Most Pool Pros Start with Service: Edgar and Zac explain the overwhelming pull toward water chemistry and service basics, and why business training often comes last. [00:23:00] — From Cleaner to Water Manager: John and Zac talk about changing the customer perception from “pool boy” to water management expert, and why it’s crucial for long-term success. [00:26:00] — Graduating to Repairs: The team gets honest about the messy, expensive, and sometimes humbling transition into equipment repairs—and how most pros learn the hard way. [00:31:00] — Where Most Pros Go Wrong: The dangers of underpricing, not paying yourself first, and letting cash flow dictate your business. [00:34:00] — Burnout & The Profit Crossroads: Candid stories of working seven days a week, living on cash flow, and the exact moment each host realized they needed to change. [00:38:00] — How to Build a Profitable Company: Why focusing on fewer, better accounts (and charging what you’re worth) creates freedom, growth, and a healthier work-life balance. [00:49:00] — Quality Over Quantity: A look at how great customers, higher service standards, and business systems can supercharge your income—and enjoyment—without scaling up your headaches. [00:52:00] — What’s Next? A sneak peek at the upcoming “Profit Killers” episode, plus the basic math every pool pro should know to calculate cost of service and profit margin.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Start with your numbers: Knowing your true cost per pool and setting profit targets is the fastest way to build a business that pays you back.

• Don’t chase every account: Not all growth is good growth—sometimes less is more.

• Profit is freedom: When you’re profitable, you can take time off, invest in your team, and actually enjoy your business.

• Mindset matters: The right education and support turns a “pool boy” into a respected business owner.

Don’t forget: 👉 Register for upcoming Pool Nation Boot Camps and the only business-focused Pool Nation Conference at poolnation.com 👉 Nominate your favorite pool pros, trainers, and products at poolnationawards.com (nominations close August 6!) 👉 Download the Pool Man University app for exclusive business and finance courses

In this heartfelt and powerful episode #255 of the Pool Nation Podcast, hosts Edgar De Jesus, John "JJ Flawless," and Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas welcome Jay Laughrey, an inspiring figure in the pool industry. Jay opens up about his incredible journey, sharing how his brother Jeff's mentorship shaped him, the devastating loss he faced, and how he turned tragedy into purpose, becoming a beacon of positivity and leadership.

Jay's story is a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and community within the pool industry, offering valuable lessons on mental health awareness, communication, and business leadership. This conversation is emotional, impactful, and filled with practical insights for both new and veteran pool professionals.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

• 0:00 - Intro & Welcome: Meet your hosts and special guest, Jay Laughrey.

• 10:25 - Jay’s Early Life: From auto shop dreams to computer networking.

• 18:40 - Board Shorts & Checks: How Jay’s brother Jeff entered the pool industry.

• 27:30 - Taking the Plunge: Jay’s first experiences and anxieties as a new pool professional.

• 38:55 - Tragedy Strikes: Jay shares the painful story of losing his brother to suicide and how it reshaped his life.

• 55:50 - Grieving and Healing: Jay discusses the ongoing journey of grief, acceptance, and how he found purpose.

• 1:05:15 - Honoring Jeff’s Legacy: How Jay continues his brother's passion for helping others in the industry.

• 1:15:20 - Embracing Leadership: Jay’s unexpected journey into leadership with IPSA.

• 1:25:40 - Advice for New Pool Pros: Communication tips and taking on challenges confidently.

• 1:35:00 - Final Thoughts & Reflections: The hosts share heartfelt takeaways and gratitude.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: SPPA, Blu-Ray XL, Aquastar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry, Raypak, Heritage Pool Supply, Hayward Pool Products, Poolside Tech, Pool Brain, and Nidec

Mental Health Resource: If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988.