E-278 Pool Nation Podcast - The Motor That Drives Successful Pool Pros: A Deep Dive with Michelle Wa

Описание: Source:
https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-695ze-...

In Episode 278 of Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar and Todd broadcast straight from the AquaStar Studio in Ventura, California, where they sit down with two incredible industry leaders: Michelle Watson (Shell’s Pool & Spa) and Max O’Brien (Ventura Pool Pro & IPSA Region 2 Officer).
In this powerful, conversation-driven episode, Michelle and Max open up about their journey as pool professionals, navigating growth, scaling challenges, commercial vs. residential service, hiring, California compliance, and the moment every pool pro faces — letting go and trusting a team.
Michelle shares how she built a thriving business, her passion for doing things the right way, and how she balances entrepreneurship with surfing three times a week. Max dives into his 24-year pool career, commercial expertise, IPSA leadership, and his unbelievable work with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Underwater Search & Rescue Team, including helicopter deployment training and real recovery missions.
This episode is full of leadership, inspiration, business insight, and a deep look at the people elevating the swimming pool industry every single day.
Perfect for pool pros who want to grow, lead, and take their business to the next level.

Timestamps / Chapters
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation PodcastKickoff from AquaStar’s studio; Todd, Edgar & crew set the tone for the night.
01:00 – Golden Ticket Event & First LaughsBehind the scenes, late-night jokes, and studio vibes.
03:00 – Edgar Discovers AquaStar’s Hidden DetailA deep reflection on culture, quality, and details inside AquaStar HQ.
05:00 – Shoutouts & Getting StartedCelebrating the Instagram Live audience and diving into the episode.
05:30 – Introducing Michelle WatsonPool Girl of the Year 2022, the creator behind the legendary Awards Afterparty, and a powerhouse entrepreneur.
07:00 – Michelle’s Journey: From Solo Operator to Scaling a TeamTrusting employees, handling growth, onboarding, preparing for W-2s, and running a business in California.
10:00 – Residential vs. Commercial PoolsWhy Michelle prefers commercial service and how she navigates health department regulations.
13:00 – Surfing, Balance & Burnout PreventionHow Michelle stays grounded and energized while growing her business.
16:00 – Family, Business & Raising Hard WorkersHer son’s journey, firefighting dreams, and working alongside family.
18:00 – The Psychology of Scaling a Pool BusinessLetting go, employee mistakes, customer expectations, and the fear every owner faces.
20:00 – Building a Model That Works AnywhereCharging correctly, doing things legally, and proving success is possible even in tough markets.
23:00 – Introducing Max O’BrienCommercial specialist, remodel expert, and long-time Ventura pool pro.
24:00 – How Max Got Into the IndustryFrom hotel maintenance → equipment installs → building pools → launching his own company.
26:00 – Operating a 130-Pool Service CompanyCommercial routes, 5-day-a-week accounts, and running teams.
28:00 – Max on Education, IPSA & Training the Next GenerationWhy he teaches, how he trains, and preparing techs to become future entrepreneurs.
31:00 – Inside IPSA Ventura: The Most Active Chapter in CaliforniaEducation, manuals, sick-route/tech-for-tech coverage, outreach, and 64-member collaboration.
34:00 – Tech-for-Tech Stories That Define the IndustryReal examples of chapters covering full routes during illness, injury, and tragedy.
39:00 – Max’s Second Life: Underwater Search & RescueHis 20-year role with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Dive Team — car recoveries, searches, evidence retrieval, and blind-water operations.
41:00 – Jumping Out of HelicoptersWhat helicopter deployments are really like (spoiler: full scuba gear and 35-foot drops).
43:00 – Recoveries, Emotions & Mental ResilienceHow divers process tough calls and why closure for families matters.
47:00 – Final Thoughts from Michelle & MaxBusiness advice, industry inspiration, and the motor that pushes great pros forward.
50:00 – Closing Words from Edgar & ToddCelebrating leadership, professionalism, and elevating the pool service industry.
🙏 Sponsors
A huge thank you to our amazing sponsors who make the Pool Nation Podcast possible and continue supporting education, innovation, and professionalism within the pool industry:


AquaStar Pool Products


Blu-Ray XL


Raypak


Poolside Tech – The Attendant


Heritage Pool Supply Group


Biolab


SPPA –


Pool Brain


Nidec

Hayward

Your support helps us bring powerful stories and industry-changing conversations to pool pros everywhere.