E-213 Pool Nation Podcast - Breaking Down the 2024 Pool Nation Awards Nominees & Industry Insights

In episode 213 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John, and Zac return to break down the nominees for the 2024 Pool Nation Awards. The team dives into key categories and shares excitement for the upcoming event. They also touch on Zach’s recent adventures in Idaho, John's fitness journey, and the latest news on the Heritage Pool Pro Appreciation Event, which will feature hands-on training and the new Apple Bar concept for pool professionals. Join the fun as they share personal stories, industry insights, and a whole lot of laughter.

Episode Breakdown:

[00:00:00] - Intro:
The hosts return to discuss life updates, pool industry trends, and the start of the podcast episode. Zach is still out in the wilderness, and Edgar welcomes everyone back.

[00:03:00] - Zach’s Wilderness Adventure:
The team checks in on Zach, who’s currently hunting in Idaho, while joking about his outdoor challenges and sharing some light-hearted banter.

[00:10:00] - Pool Nation Awards Nominees Discussion:
Edgar, John, and Zach dive into the exciting 2024 Pool Nation Awards, highlighting some of the top nominations and what the awards mean for the industry.

• [00:12:00] - Heater of the Year:
  Nominees include: Hayward Universal H-Series, Jandy JXI with VersaFlow, Pentair MasterTemp, Raypak Avia.
• [00:14:00] - Automation of the Year:
  Nominees include: Hayward OmniLogic, Jandy AquaLink RS, Pentair IntelliCenter, Poolside Tech – The Attendant.
• [00:16:00] - Pool Cleaner of the Year:
  Nominees include: Apier Scuba N1 Pro, BWT RC60, Dolphin Explorer E70, Hayward TrackVac, Pentair Rebel, Polaris Atlas, Polaris Freedom Plus, PowerVac 3600.
• [00:18:00] - Variable Speed Pump of the Year:
  Nominees include: Aquastar Pipeline Pump, Hayward TriStar VS, Jandy VS FloPro, Pentair IntelliFlo 3, Waterway Power Defender.
• [00:20:00] - Heat Pump of the Year:
  Nominees include: AquaComfort Heat Cool, Crosswind V, Gulfstream HE, Hayward HeatPro, Jandy VersaTemp Heat Chill, Pentair UltraTemp, AquaCal HeatWave.
• [00:22:00] - Filter of the Year:
  Nominees include: Aquastar Pipeline Filter, Hayward SwimClear, Jandy DEV, Pentair FullFlow XF, Waterway Crystal Water.
• [00:24:00] - Innovative Product of the Year:
  Nominees include: Beta SE Plus Pro Pool Skimmer, Ultimate Pool Tools Hypervalve, Poolside Tech – The Attendant.
• [00:26:00] - Distributor of the Year:
  Nominees include: Heritage Pool Supply, Horner Express, SCP, PWP.
• [00:28:00] - Salt System of the Year:
  Nominees include: AutoPilot ChlorSync, Hayward AquaRite, Estuary Salt System, Jandy TruClear, Pentair IntelliChlor, Resilience E-Series.

[00:30:00] - People Categories:

• [00:30:30] - Trainer of the Year:
  Nominees include: Brad Duncan (Raypak), Eric Knight (HASAA), Ken Kaufman (Raypak), Lauren Broom (Space Coast Pool School), Rob Stewart, Terry Arko, Ronnie James.
• [00:32:00] - Builder of the Year:
  Nominees include: Anthony & Sylvan Pools, Clappy Pools, Endless Summer Pools, Gold Medal Pools, Living Stone Pools, Master Touch Pools, Oasis Pools, OC Poolscapes, Southern Wind Pools, Lucas Lagoons, Envy Pools Arizona.
• [00:34:00] - Retailer of the Year:
  Nominees include: Central Iowa Pool & Spa (Des Moines, Iowa), Griffin Pool & Spa (Lexington, Kentucky), Taylor Pools (Waycross, Georgia), The Pool Doctor of Rhode Island (Coventry, Rhode Island), The Pool Place (West Monroe, Louisiana), Townley Pool & Spa (Little Rock, Arkansas).
• [00:36:00] - Sales Rep Group of the Year:
  Nominees include: Alpha West Marketing Group, Blake Sales Associates, Devin Con Malarkey Associates, Performance Link Rep Group, The Grit Game, Thornburg Enterprises, WECC & Associates.
• [00:38:00] - 30 Under 40 Female of the Year:
  Nominees include: Debra Martin, Mackenzie Kinder, Molly Snyder, Nicole Geisberger.
• [00:39:00] - 30 Under 40 Male of the Year:
  Nominees include: Aiden Dunn, Jack Speronez, James Broderick, Nick LaPuente.
• [00:40:30] - Sales Rep of the Year:
  Nominees include: AJ Grucky, Andrew Raglin, Brian Croissant, Carlene Viboch, Daniel Nicholas, Johnny Davis, Matt Greenfell, Russ Kennedy, Sean Linderman, Tyler Topp, Brian Sadler.
• [00:42:00] - Best Truck Wrap of the Year:
  Nominees include: Panther City Pools, Pool Guardians, Pool Tile Rescue, Sea Dog Pools, Superior Pool Solutions.
• [00:43:30] - Women’s Trailblazer of the Year:
  Nominees include: Akshaya Sekhar, Bonnie Chong, Crystal Lengua Rowell, Elizabeth McMurray, Gina Harris, Jamie Novak, Lacey Davis, Natalie Portillo, Sabina Hickman, Shelley Morris, Stephanie Gardner, Taryn Springsteen.
• [00:45:00] - Pool Company of the Year (250 Pools or Less):
  Nominees include: Big Family Pools, Blue Oasis Pool Care, Family Pool 360, First Response Pools, Times Pool & Spa, Logan’s Pool Service, Pool Guardians, Preserve Pools.
• [00:47:00] - Pool Guy of the Year:
  Nominees include: Alex Moran, Benny Romero, Brian Gallick, Daniel Sarda, Francisco Mascorro, Jay Lardy, Joel Forrester, Jordan Orr, Michael Kraus, Miguel Cabello, Omar Falcón, Ray Da Rosa.
• [00:49:00] - Pool Girl of the Year:
  Nominees include: Alicia Rowe, Deidre Bedford, Devin Spacey, Jennifer Mele, Kristen Mello, Lauren Vance, Lindy Sharp, Maria Castellanos, Megan Hightower Noor, Sabrina Salem, Sarah Barrow.

[00:50:00] - Heritage Pool Pro Appreciation Event Preview:
Edgar previews the upcoming Heritage Pool Pro Appreciation Event, discussing the hands-on training and introducing the new Apple Bar concept where pool professionals can seek advice on scaling, HR, training, and business development.

[00:58:00] - Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up:
The hosts give a final shout-out to the Pool Nation community, encouraging everyone to vote for the awards and sharing plans for upcoming podcast episodes, which will feature some of the nominees.