Special episode 60 of season 4, Lauren interviewed Johnny & Laci Davis of The Gritt Game. They share how they can help pool pros with their businesses! We speak about the upcoming International Pool show in Dallas, TX and how they and their staff are nominated for many 2024 Pool Nation Awards!

Podcast Sponsor:  Skimmer

In season 3 episode 59, I spoke with Rob Stewart, CPO Instructor and pool company owner. We spoke about his nominations for awards, one among them being for Trainer of the Year for the 2024 Pool Nation Awards. Please listen in and see how awesome of a person and trainer that he is and please go vote for all the awesome categories for the Pool Nation Awards!!  

Podcast Sponsor:  Skimmer

In season 3 episode 58, Lauren interviewed Ryan Flannery of Pool Monopoly. We discussed how they can help our pool pros succeed in business. We spoke to their successes and how their experience have helped them build Pool Monopoly to educate and assist pool pros grow and scale their business! You don’t want to miss this episode!

Podcast Sponsor:  https://www.getskimmer.com

In season 3 episode 57, I spoke with Shane Kearney about their new technology to help the pool industry professionals. If you are looking for something to help grow your business among many other features, definitely listen into this episode!

Podcast Guest:  Shane Kearney
PoolTechy is a pool service marketplace founded in 2023 and is led by its CEO Shane Kearney. Shane has built software for General Motors, UnitedHealthcare, and City National Bank. Shane is now focused on the pool service industry and determined to improve the experience for customers, contractors, and technicians. PoolTechy launched its beta app in May of 2024 and is now accepting invites for beta testers. 

In Season 3 episode 56, I interviewed Michael Wagner, President of Pool Scouts. We discussed how their company has grown over the past year and what they have in store for the upcoming year. This episode is very insightful for those thinking of entering into the pool industry and deciding on purchasing a franchise or not.

Podcast Sponsor:  Skimmer

in Season 3, Episode 55,  Lauren sat down with Niki Acosta and Justine Rae with Skimmer to talk about Skimmer’s new online community for our pool pros, called The Pool Deck. This is a fun and interactive community that will host online webinars and where pool pros can talk with each other about everyday problems. Join all of us on “The Pool Deck.”

Podcast Guests: Niki Acosta, Skimmer
                                     Justine Rae, Skimmer

Podcast Sponsor:  https://www.getskimmer.com

In season 3 episode 54, I spoke with Tal Milican, owner of Multi-Tork Pool Tools. He lets pool pros know how his tools can help them with everyday tasks so that it is easier and hurts less. Pool pro turned inventor helping our pool pros. You don’t want to miss this episode. Proves to very useful!!

Podcast Sponsor: Skimmer

In Season 4 Episode 53, Lauren Broom spoke with Michelle Kavanaugh regarding business consulting and how she can help pool pros tackle one of the hardest things, running their business. We speak on so many topics that pool pros should think about. This is a must-listen episode if you are thinking of going out on your own to start your own pool business!!

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer: https://www.getskimmer.com
Blue RayXL: https://bluerayxl.com/

In season 4 episode 52, Lauren Broom interviewed Niki Acosta and Jack Nelson of Skimmer about the report that they compiled from surveys and feedback from so many pool pros! We talk about business ideas and practices and awesome revelations in this episode!! You don’t want to miss this one!

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer:  https://www.getskimmer.com
Blue Ray XL: https://bluerayxl.com/

In season 4 , episode 51, host Lauren Broom interview Jordan Thiessen, owner of Cyclone Filter Tools, where he lets pool pros know about their new cartridge filter cleaner that makes it easier for pool pros to clean them!! Check out this episode to learn about yet another useful pool tool!!

Podcast Sponsors:
Basecrete: https://www.basecreteusa.com
Blueray XL: https://bluerayxl.com/

In season 3 episode 50, I interviewed Timothy Cocaro and Candice Bernstein with Canibuild.com and how their technology can benefit pool builders in our industry. Take a listen and dive in with this episode to see what they have to offer to you!

Podcast Guests:  Timothy Cocaro, CEO & Onwer
                                       Candice Berstein, Business Development Exec.

Podcast Sponsors: 
Skimmer:  http://www.getskimmer.com
Blue RayXL:  https://bluerayxl.com/

In season 3 episode 49, I interviewd Scott Trafton, CEO of Pool Shark H2O, where we speak about technology that now can help public pool owners and operators to maintain their required chemical log in an electronic way that makes it better and more accessible to your health inspectors! Listen in and see how his software can make a difference at your facility and with your local health agency too!!

Podcast Guest:
Scott Trafton, CEO, Pool Shark H2O

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer: http://www.getskimmer.com
Blue Ray XL: https://bluerayxl.com/index.html

In season 3 episode 48, Lauren Broom interviewed Joe Trusty, owner of Pool Magazine. Pool Magazine is a new publication available to the pool industry and its professionals. This magazine is for builders, service and even educators!! Check out this interview and then head on over to www.poolmagazine.com to read the publication and subscribe.

Podcast Guest:
Joe Trusty, Owner of Pool Magazine

Podcast Episode Sponsors:
Skimmer: http://www.getskimmer.com
Basecrete: https://www.basecreteusa.com 

In season 3 episode 47, just in time for the month of May and Water Safety Month, I interviewed Alyssa Magrum with Colin’s Hope about water safety month and the importance of drowning safety awareness. This is an awesome episode for everyone to listen to since the leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 4 is drowning. Please take this episode seriously and learn from it. Let’s all also be safe this summer!

Podcast Guest:
Alyssa Magrum, Colin’s Hope

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer:  http://www.getskimmer.com
Blue Ray XL: https://bluerayxl.com/index.html

In Season 3 episode 46…I interviewed Derek Todd with Aquanut Academy to discuss what specialized business consulting is and how it can help pool professionals. Check out this episode to learn more, it may just help you with your business!

Podcast Guest:
Derek Todd, Aquanut Academy

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer:  https://getskimmer.com/
Ray Pak: https://www.raypak.com/ 

In Season 3 episode 45, Lauren Broom, your host is giving the listeners a special roundtable episode with 4 awesome guests that speak about very unique technology that can be used in the pool industry. From helping with water testing, to route management or even drowning prevention technology, we got it all in this episode. Enjoy and jump right in!

Podcast Guests:
Kevin Embree, Skimmer
Ravi Kurani, Sutro
Sai Reddy, Camereye
Mark Caron, WAVE Drowning Detection System

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer: https://getskimmer.com/
Viking Capital: https://poolloan.net/

In Season 3 episode 44, I interviewed Robert Burrows with Surewater Technologies.  This very unique chlorination system made for a great talk! Learn more about this different disinfection system for your large public pools!

Podcast Guest:
Robert Burrows, VP Sales & Marketing, Surewater Technologies

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer:https://getskimmer.com/
Blue Ray XL: https://bluerayxl.com/index.html

In Season 3, Episode 43, I interviewed Greg Powell with Viking Capital. We spoke about what they have to offer to pool builders for financing loans to their customers.
This exciting episode will benefit those that are building pools!! Listen in!!

Podcast Guest: 
Greg Powell, President, Viking Capital

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer:  http://www.getskimmer.com
Blue Ray XL:  https://bluerayxl.com/index.html 

In season 3 episode 42, I interviewed Jeff Alsop with GPS Trackit and it was a great conversation on GPS tracking and more that they have to offer to help pool pros with fleet management and how to save!! You do not want to miss this episode!! Definitely one of the interesting conversations I had on the podcast recently. I learned so much myself!!

Podcast Guest:
Jeff Alsop, Manager Solutions Architect, GPS Trackit

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer: https://getskimmer.com/
Raypak:  https://www.raypak.com/ 

In season 3, yes that right The Let’s Talk  About Pools Podcast started their 3rd season! We are so excited to continue to bring more informative and exciting episodes to our pool professionals out there!  Episode 41 I spoke with Daniel Schonfeld with Pool Parts To Go and what their company has to offer to pool professionals across the country!! Listen in to learn more!!

Podcast Guest: 
Daniel Schonfeld, Owner & CEO
Pool Parts To Go

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer:  http://www.getskimmer.com
Viking Capital:  https://poolloan.net/

In season 2 episode 40, Host Lauren Broom interviewed owner Vito Mariano of Basecrete about concrete pools. Detailed discussion on waterproofing using Basecrete and suspended pools based on Vito’s extensive knowledge on this subject matters more than anyone else in the pool industry!!

Also in this episode learn about how to donate to the Basecrete/Danilo Bonazza Art & Mosaics Hurricane Ian Fundraiser at www.basecretecares.com
Space Coast Pool School is donating a portion of every CPO student to this fundraiser. Please join us to help the pool professionals in SW Florida! 

Podcast Guest:
Vito Mariano, owner Basecrete

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer:  https://getskimmer.com/
BlueRayXL:  https://bluerayxl.com/

In season 2, episode 39, Lauren Broom interviewed Wayne Ivusich regarding water chemistry and proper water testing procedures. He gives great insight in how important these topics are to pool service professionals. This is a must listen to episode for all pool service professionals!!

Podcast Guest:
Wayne Ivusich, PHTA CPO Instructor

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer:  https://getskimmer.com/
Viking Capital:  https://poolloan.net/

In season 2 episode 38:
Lauren Broom interviewed Joel Gray of Jack’s Magic and we had a conversation about pool stain identification and how to treat pool stains. This episode is for you if want want to know how to manage pool stains!!

Podcast Guest:
Joel Gray. Regional Sales Manager
Jack’s Magic

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer:  https://getskimmer.com/
Pool Parts To Go: https://poolpartstogo.com/

In season 2 Episode 37, Lauren Broom hosts a podcast on UV disinfection with guest John Psaroudis with Aquionics. This is an awesome way to add secondary disinfection to any aquatic venue, pool or spa. Listen in about advantages of this type of disinfection, but also other things to think about before choosing this type of disinfection.

Podcast Guest:  John Psaroudis, Aquionics

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer:  https://getskimmer.com/
RayPak: https://www.raypak.com/ 

In season 2, episode 36, Lauren Broom interviewed Michelle Hlavsa and Chris Edens of the Centers for Disease Control(CDC) regarding recreational water illnesses(RWI’s) Cryptosporidium(Crypto) and Legionella. If you love learning about public health, recreational water illnesses or just how to maintain your aquatic venue so that you can reduce the chance of an outbreak then this is the episode for you! People can get sick from the Butt Water! Learn how to maintain it as a pool operator in a safe and healthy condition. Learn from the public health experts themselves!

Podcast Guests:
Michelle Hlavsa, Chief of CDC Healthy Swimming Pool Program 
Chris Edens, Epidemiologist of CDC Legionella section 

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer: http://www.getskimmer.com
RayPak:  https://www.raypak.com/

In Season 2, episode 35, Lauren Broom interviewed Ken Westfall of National Plaster’s Council regarding proper startup water chemistry and procedures for new plaster on pools. This is an awesome episode for those that are doing new startups from pool builders to gain new customers. This episode is even awesome for pool professionals who have been in the industry a long time. Listen In!

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer:http://www.getskimmer.com
Pool Parts to Go: https://poolpartstogo.com/

In season 2, episode 34, Lauren interviewed guests from both sides of the aquatics industry regarding the current employment situation and how it is affecting the pool industry. The effects are discussed from a guest from the parks and recreations aquatic industry and another guest from the pool service industry. Some of the effects have been the same and some are different depending on the side of industry you are in. We discussed how they are trying to handle this current and emerging situation that our current economy has created. Listen in and jump right in!

Podcast Sponsors:
Basecrete:   https://www.basecreteusa.com/
Blue RayXL:  https://bluerayxl.com/index.html

In season 2 episode 33, Lauren Broom spoke with four strong female pool professionals. They spoke about the positives and hardships of being a female in the pool industry. They encourage all of us to continue to professionalize our industry for all professionals!!

Podcast Sponsors:
Basecrete:  https://www.basecreteusa.com/
Blue RayXL:  https://bluerayxl.com/index.html

In season 2, episode 32, Lauren Broom interviewed a roundtable of unique individuals on the pool tools that the modern  pool professional can utilize for their jobs. Listen  to this  episode, you do not want to miss this one!!

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer:  https://getskimmer.com/
Primate Pool Tools:  https://primatepooltools.net/

In season 2, episode 31, Lauren Broom, host, interviewed Sean Assam with AquaCal on salf chlorine generators. Listen in to this episode if you really want to learn about this topic from someone like Sean that I have found to be the most knowledgeable on this topic. He is often the one teaching in Florida at pool trade shows on this topic. He makes understanding it so easy!! Listen in to learn more!! You won’t regret it!!

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer:  https://getskimmer.com/
BlueRay XL:  http://www.bluerayxl.com/

In season 2, episode 30, I spoke with Fred Schweer, VP of Sales, Pool RX.  We spoke about this game changer for the pool industry using minerals to prevent algae in the pool water. The “Less is More Approach” when it comes to saving the “working power” of the chlorine in your pool. 

PoolRx Worldwide, Inc. is a privately held company located in San Clemente California, and has been in business since 1994. They manufacture PoolRx+, an EPA Registered, NSF 50 Certified Algaecide, that eliminates and prevents ALL Algae, Reduces Chemicals and Lasts up to 6 months.  Fred Schweer is the Vice President of Sales, leading all Sales, Support and Marketing efforts.  Fred has been with PoolRx going on 12 years.   

For more information go to www.poolrx.com; call 1-800-3-PoolRx or for a faster response email; cs@poolrx.com
Come see them at the Everything under the Sun at Booth 927 in Orlando, FL on March 4-5, 2022.

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer:  http://www.getskimmer.com
Basecrete:  https://www.basecreteusa.com/

Season 2 Episode 29:  Lauren Broom interviewed representatives of Riptide Pool Vacuum, some of the Modern Pools Tools of Pool Professionals!! It was an awesome conversation about this very important tool for pool professionals. If you are new, learn more about it or if experienced learn about some new upcoming things with this great piece of technology that helps all pool techs!

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer:  https://getskimmer.com/
Basecrete: https://www.basecreteusa.com

Season 2, Episode 28 Laure Broom interviewd Ray Arouesty, on how pool service techs can learn to protect themselves and others in the pool area. His extensive experience makes this episode a must listen for all pool services professionals. 

Ray Arouesty:
President of Arrow Insurance Service, Inc. and is the exclusive insurance broker for the Independent Pool and Spa Service Association (IPSSA) and The Swimming Pool Association of Hawaii (SPAH). He has been involved in over 2000 swimming pool related insurance claims since 1982.

Ray holds a Master of Science degree from Purdue University and a Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School. He was admitted to the California State Bar in 1990 and his legal practice today is limited to members of the swimming pool industry. In 1999 Ray became a licensed swimming pool repair contractor in California and he is water chemistry certified by IPSSA. In 2000, Pool Industry Expo awarded him the Doug Tanner Award for his lifetime contributions to the swimming pool industry. He is a founder of the IPSSA Scholarship Fund, which provides educational grants to self-employed service technicians.

For over three decades, Ray has been a frequent lecturer to the pool service industry. He has presented seminars at the APSP International Pool Show, the Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show, The Orlando Pool Show, The Texas Public Pool Conference, sponsored by the City of College Station, Texas, The Annual Western Pool & Spa Show in Long Beach California, The Desert Pool Show in Phoenix, Arizona, the Southwest Pool Show and Pool Industry Expo in Monterey, California. His seminars focus on the legal and insurance issues facing pool service technicians and he offers practical advice to the pool industry on identifying and reducing risk.

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer:  https://getskimmer.com/
Basecrete:https://www.basecreteusa.com/

In the first episode of the second season, Lauren interviews the Mark Caron and Dave Cutler, both co-founders of the Wave Drowning Detection System. The journey began after a tragedy occurred at a town park where one of the cofounders lived. A nine-year old boy drowned despite five lifeguards and six camp counselors watching the water that day. After learning that drowning is all too common and that most are preventable, cofounders Mark Caron and Dave Cutler assembled a dedicated team of water safety experts, aquatic professionals, engineers and designers and set out to create a reliable, simple to use, and affordable drowning detection system. The result of their collective efforts is WAVE, and it will change aquatic safety forever.

Podcast Spsonsors:
Skimmer: https://getskimmer.com/
Sutro:  https://www.mysutro.com

In the last episode of season 1, and the last episode of 2021….in episode 26, this is a special roundtable episode regarding waterproofing of elevated(suspended) pools and also maintenance and care that should be taken towards community managed pools in regards to health and safety. Be sure not to miss this exciting episode. Everyone from community association managers, pool techs and property managers will learn a lot on this one!!

Podcast Sponsors:
Basecrete:  https://www.basecreteusa.com/
Pool Marketing.com:  https://www.poolmarketing.com/

In the last episode of season 1, and the last episode of 2021….in episode 26, this is a special roundtable episode regarding waterproofing of elevated(suspended) pools and also maintenance and care that should be taken towards community managed pools in regards to health and safety. Be sure not to miss this exciting episode. Everyone from community association managers, pool techs and property managers will learn a lot on this one!!

Podcast Sponsors:
Basecrete:  https://www.basecreteusa.com/
Pool Marketing.com:  https://www.poolmarketing.com/

In episode 25, Lauren interviews Eric Lupton, President of Lifesaver Pool Fence about how pool fencing as a layer of protection can help in drowning prevention. This is definitely another great episode in the drowning prevention series that you do not want to miss.

Podcast Sponsors:
Skimmer:   https://getskimmer.com/
Pool Marketing.com:   https://www.poolmarketing.com/

In Episode 24, Lauren interviews the owner and creator of The Skimmie, a simple but unique tool that allows the cleaning and removal of skimmer baskets to become an easier task for homeowners and all pool service professionals.  Ever wonder what critter may be in all those leaves inside of the skimmer basket and you have to put your hand in there. Well, not anymore! Listen in to this short episode and see if this invention can help your business and keep you safer at your job!

Podcast Sponsor:
Skimmer:  https://www.getskimmer.com

In Episode 23, Lauren Broom interviews Sai Reddy, Founder & CEO of Camereye. In this episode, we will discuss how new technology like artificial intelligence(AI) can help with one of the many layers of protection in drowning prevention!

Podcast Sponsor:  https://camereye.ai/

In episode 22: Lauren Broom, host interviews Hal Denbar with National Pool Partners to see what they have offered and their uniqueness in the pool industry. We speak about the professionalizing of the pool industry and how National Pool Partners is being a integral part of this idea.

Podcast Sponsors:
Pool Marketing.com—https://www.poolmarketing.com/
Wave Drowning Detection System–https://www.wavedds.com/

In Episode 21, Lauren Broom interviews David Hawes and Jennifer Farwell with Pool & Spa Apprenticeship Training Committee about the first Nationally approved pool and spa apprenticeship program in the United States! Listen in and hear about how they are helping to professionalize our pool industry!

Podcast Guests:

David Hawes – President & Chairman

David Hawes is the President and CEO of H & H Pool Services, Inc. He started his company at age 10 in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has been operating continuously for over 50 years. David is a licensed contractor, and his company currently services approximately 600 accounts weekly. He graduated with honors from Menlo School of Business Administration, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration majoring in Finance and Accounting. He is currently serving as the Region 1 Director & Chief Financial Officer of the Independent Pool and Spa Service Association (IPSSA). He is also on the Board of Directors for Pool Industry Expo. David is a nationally recognized speaker and has been teaching business seminars for pool service company owners over the last 30+ years, to help the industry improve profits and professionalism. He is a frequent contributor to articles for several trade. 

Jennifer Farwell, Program Director & Coordinator 

Jennifer has 30 years of operations management experience in highly regulated industries. She spent 10 years in Title & Escrow and worked as a Vice President for a national company, where she led the Southwest Region offices and received the Presidents Circle award several years in a row. Most recently, she worked for the former Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) as Director of the Western Office. With the help and support of industry leaders and volunteers, she established a new Chapter in California, formed a California Coalition for the adoption of the International Swimming Pool & Spa Code (ISPSC), and expanded membership and Association-supported education. She has served on several non-profit committees supporting healthy living and economic growth, including: the Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange (SRBX), the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC), the American Cancer Society, and Women’s Empowerment. She feels privileged to work in support of programs and issues that improve the quality of lives.

Podcast Sponsors:

Skimmer:  https://getskimmer.com

Wave Drowning Detection System: https://www.wavedds.com

In episode 20: Josepha Dianna Sr. & Joseph Dianna Jr. talk about their carbon fiber pole that is used by many pool professionals across the world!! They tells us how this great product came about and how it has changed the life of many pool professionals. They will even gives us some hints about new things coming in the near future!! Listen in!

Podcast sponsors:
Primate Pool Tools: https://primatepooltools.net/
Skimmer:  http://www.getskimmer.com

In Episode 19, Ravi Kurani and Jim Conti are interviewed about smart technology used to test pool water called Sutro.  Sutro is a water testing and data analytics company. It is a sensor-driven, connected, learning device to right-size your water chemistry. It automates testing – keeping you and your family safe, and saving you time and money. Let’s Learn More About Sutro!!

Podcast Guests:
Ravi Kurani, Founder and President of Sutro,

Jim Conti, Fractional Chief Sales Officer of Sutro

Podcast Episode Sponsors:
Sutro:  www.mysutro.com
Wave Drowning Detection System:  https://www.wavedds.com/ 

In Epsisode 18, Lauren Broom interviews Terry Arko of HASA Pool about the current state of the industry over the past summer in terms of chemical shortages and what he thinks is on the horizon as we enter Fall 2021. He also talk about the HASA chemical liquid chlorine feeder.

Terry Arko has more than 40 years’ experience in the recreational water industry, working in service, repair, retail sales, chemical manufacturing, technical service, commercial sales, and product development. He has written over 100 published articles on water chemistry including regular features in the IPSSAN National Newsletter. He is a member on the board of the Recreational Water Quality Committee (RWQC) and the California Pool and Spa Association (CPSA).  He is also a Certified Pool Operator instructor with the Pool Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA). Terry is currently working as Technical Content and Product Training Manager for HASA Pool, makers of HASA Sani-Clor. He can be reached at terryarko@hasapool.com.

Podcast sponsors:
Skimmer:   https://www.getskimmer.com
Wave Drowning Detection System:  https://www.wavedds.com/

Episode 17 highlights the 2021 Virginia Graham Baker VGB Pool & Spa Safety Act Updates for main drain covers. This episode will get the pool industry members educated on this topic as we will see it affecting us during the year.

Podcast Guest:
Steve Barnes is the Director of Science and Compliance for Aquastar Pool Products. He is the Co-Chairman of PHTA Technical Committee, is Chairman of ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017 the Federal VGB Pool & Spa Safety Act drain cover standard, and past Chairman of the ANSI/APSP/ICC-15 Standard for Residential Swimming Pool Energy Efficiency. A voting member on the ICC Swimming Pool and Spa Code Committee and all versions ANSI/APSP/ICC-7 Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance. Steve has 37 years of experience in the pool industry, dating back to 1984 where he began as a hydraulics research and development lab technician, moving into lab management, new product development and risk management. Steve’s career focus is on helping pool contractors make pool ownership more convenient, cost effective, and safe.

Podcast Sponsors:
Aquastar Pool Products     https://www.aquastarpoolproducts.com/
Pool Marketing.com    https://www.poolmarketing.com/

In this episode, guest Dr. Bill Kent discusses Florida legislative bills in regards to drowning prevention. Yes, politics can come into play and is very important in drowning prevention. He discusses the bill that has local school districts ask parents of incoming Kindergartners if they can swim or not and if not then the parents are given information on local resources on swim lessons. We also talk about the International Swimming Hall of Fame and their part in this over the years. 

More about the guest:
Dr. Bill Kent has been a leader in the professional swimming pool industry since the 1970’s.  Bill holds a degree in Physics, an M.B.A., and a 2015 Doctorate in Global Business.  During the past decades, Bill has served as National President of Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (1996), as well as President of Florida Swimming Pool Association (1975-78), the National Swimming Pool Foundation (2003-6), and is currently Chairman of the Board of the International Swimming Hall of Fame (2017-2023).

Bill’s company, Team Horner Group, evolved from just three to around 600 employees over the past decades; company activities include manufacturing, wholesale distribution, importing, and global exporting.  In 2016, the company was converted to an employee-owned business (ESOP).  Team Horner was the 2016 winner of the national “Psychologically Healthy Workplace” award given by the American Psychological Association.   Bill’s favorite saying is “The BEST is yet to come”. 

Podcast sponsors:
Camereye     www.camereye.ai
Skimmer        http://www.getskimmer.com

In Episode 15, Host Lauren Broom discusses the use of Stenner Pumps with Cindy Schieber for liquid chemical feed. This is a great episode to listen in to for the pool service tech with the given state of the industry with shortages in Tri-chlor tablets.

For over 13 years, Cindy Schieber has been working with water and pool professionals around the United States with the Stenner Pump Company. Her current role is Channel Partner Sales Manager, but you may know her from Certified Stenner Technician Training events or from local and national pool industry trade shows. She is a Master Water Specialist with the Water Quality Association and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Florida Water Quality Association. Cindy resides in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

Stenner Pumps is  a manufacturer of peristaltic metering pumps for reliable performance in commercial pools, spas, splash pads, waterparks and aquatic centers. Made in the USA since 1957, the Stenner Pump Company maintains a 3-day lead time. Stenner supports pool professionals providing free Certified Stenner Technician Training or customized training to fit their needs. Contact Stenner today, 800.683.2378 or at stenner.com”.

Podcast sponsors: 
Stenner Pump Company   www.stenner.com
Skimmer          http://www.getskimmer.com

Episode 14 has the host Lauren Broom interview Stacey Hoaglund on the topic of Special Needs Children & Water Safety so that aquatic professionals can better understand how to help the ASD group in regards to water safety to help with drowning prevention.

Stacey Hoaglund is a mediator, disability consultant, advocate, and trainer. She is the coordinator of the Florida Partners in Policymaking program, advocate with Family Network on Disabilities and president of the Autism Society of Florida. But above all else, Stacey is the proud parent of a young man with autism.

Podcast sponsor:  www.poolmarketing.com

Episode 13 Lauren Broom interviews Amanda Throndsen.
Summer Series Continues…..
Topic: Florida Drowning Stats & Layers of Protection when it comes to childhood drowning and prevention, our special podcast summer series.
 
Amanda currently works for the Florida Dept. of Health in Tallahassee as the Safe Kids Florida State Coordinator in the Violence and Injury Prevention Section (VIPS). She was working on the US Consumer Product Safety Commissions Pool Safely Grant fulltime until her promotion in January 2020. The Pool Safely grant was given to the state to combat unintentional drownings through education of Code/ Statute Enforcement Personnel and Community Outreach. Over the last year, Ms. Throndsen has assisted with the other topics for VIPS, including mental health, suicide prevention, human trafficking, domestic and sexual violence creating and delivering content for media use. Previously, Amanda was in the aquatics industry for more than 20 years teaching, training, running programs and facilities. She holds training certifications from the American Red Cross along with being a Certified Pool Operator and achieving a Master’s Degree in management and public relations.

This episode is sponsored by PoolMarketing.com
https://www.poolmarketing.com/

In episode 12, Lauren Broom interviews Richard Kauffman on childhood drowning & prevention.  This is the start of the summer series on Childhood Drowning & Prevention.

Richard Kauffman is the founder of Save 185K LLC The Kels Group aka The Drowning Warriors Podcast and Kels Marketing with over 30 years’ experience in business and marketing along with 26 years of personal real-life experience in regard to water safety and drowning prevention.

 Richard has had personal conversations with aquatic professionals and leaders from around the world. Those on the front lines of water safety and drowning prevention. After speaking with many of these leaders and over 30 years in business experience he recognized some of the problems that face water safety and drowning prevention. He developed a leading water safety and drowning prevention podcast that goes out to over 100,000 aquatic professionals across the globe. Richard has interview over 1,000 aquatic professional and families that have lost a loved one due to drowning and non-fatal drowning who share their story to give a voice to those who no longer have a voice.

 Richard’s mission is to save 185,000 lives from drowning each year worldwide and over 1 million lives from nonfatal drowning by June 15, 2029. His message and story has been recognized all over the globe as he speaks directly to the problem and looks at the solutions to provide the outcome that those on the frontlines desire.

 Richard has built very successfully multiple businesses in the sports and recreation industry as well as several internet businesses. He currently runs and operates a successful social media marketing company that caters to the aquatics industry, Kels Marketing.

 Richard attended Ohio State University and studied business and marketing in 1980 and following the period at The Ohio State and playing soccer he then went to Columbia South American to further his sports interest in soccer as he played 2 years professional soccer in Cali Columbia 1981 & 82  before returning to the United States where he then entered the U.S. Air Force in the fall of 1982.

 Richard is married to his wife Lori and has combined 8 children with 11 grandchildren and is living his dream to make a difference and spread his mission and message plus his story of his daughter Kelsey about water safety and drowning prevention.

 In Episode 11,   Lauren Broom discusses all about pool heating with Tom Soukup , owner of Patriot Pool Heating.

Tom Soukup, the founder and President of Patriot Pool Heating, began this journey over 12 years ago as a boiler expert.  Over the years, Tom has been brought into the pool heating industry as a consultant and designer for hydronic pool heating.  This consulting led to Patriot Pool Heating being formed in 2017, which focuses on High-Efficient Pool Heating Solutions.  Tom has since designed a high-efficiency indirect system that has won several awards and articles.  Tom is recognized by NESPA, The Propane counsel, Architect Firms, and Pool Designers as the go-to expert for pool heating for any size project.

 In Episode 10, Lauren Broom interviews Tom Schaefer, Technical Sales Director with Clear Comfort on alternative sanitization using AOP.

Enjoy this episode as we are heading into chemical shortages and their system could be beneficial to look at.

 In Episode 9 a roundtable speaks about the future of pools in 2021.
We speak about chemical shortages, materials shortage, COVID 19 and the economy and much more.
Special Podcast Guests:
Tom Soupkup, Owner of Patriot Pool Heating, Inc.
Eric Knight, Vice President of Business Development, Orenda
Ward Chace, General Manager, Conely Company
Tom Schaefer, Technical Sales Director, Clear Comfort

 In episode 8, Eric Knight is the guest to speak about winterization of pools the Orenda way.

Eric Knight is the Vice President of Business Development at Orenda Technologies.
He is a former competitive swimmer who got into the aquatics business to improve indoor air quality in indoor swimming pools. Eventually this led to water chemistry, and now Eric focuses most of his time on research and educating the industry on water chemistry and best practices.

Episode 7 is all about the 2021 Texas Winter and how it affected the pool industry.

Podcast Guest: Chris Bowen
Owner of Bowen’s Pools, been in business for 4 years. They service around 165 pools a month, renovate close to 150 pools this year and build 20-25 pools. They have won Best of Denton County and have been named Living Magazines Best Pool Company 2 years in a row for both. He is a member of the Tributary revelation, member of Genesis 3 Inc. and was named to PoolPro Magazine’s Top 30 under 40 last year. 

Podcast guests: Jack Nelson, CEO & Ryan Hash, Director of Customer Support

Founded in 2017, Skimmer is the leading pool service software in the market – and it’s the most intuitive and easiest to use pool service app available! 

 We have known many pool guys (and gals) over the years, and all of them loved providing pool services for their customers, but they were tired of trying to run their businesses with stacks of paper or hard to use software. All of them tried finding a better solution and were frustrated with their options as nothing was built for the modern pool professional. 

 So we decided to build the pool service app our pool guys wished existed, for pool guys & gals everywhere – Skimmer!  We now have a lot of happy customers with over 6,000 users servicing over 150,000 pools per month – and we are growing quickly!

 Skimmer is an online-based app built for both back office professionals and pool techs and is available on the desktop (web app admin), iPad and iPhone & Android devices (for pool techs).  
Skimmer makes running a pool service company completely paperless by managing contact and service information for all of your customers, mapping & optimizing daily service routes for all technicians and listing items required for the day’s routes. 

Episode 5 is about the Pool Trader App
Pool Trader is a free app made by a fellow pool pro. A place everyone in the industry can go to buy, sell and trade pools. The mission is to help all my fellow pros to get as tight a route as possible, maximizing profit, and giving you more time each week.

You can also advertise your company for free to alert other pros you are looking for more work. Free app, free leads, everyone working together in one place, Pool Trader!

In this episode, Aaron Trapp, Marketing & Sales ManagerACID Magic | Certol International, LLC  was interviewed regarding the product Acid Magic, a non-fuming muriatic acid. 

Company/Product bio:

Certol International has been manufacturing chemicals for the healthcare industry since 1979; detergents, disinfectants, sterilant and others. In 2001 ACID Magic was introduced as a safer alternative to traditional muriatic acid with added safety, storage and shipping benefits all without compromising performance and strength. ACID Magic recently won the Best Service Industry Product at the 2019 International Pool | Spa | Patio meeting. 

Episode 3 features podcast guest, Jennifer Amato, Owner of Piranha Pool Service based in Tucson, Arizona. This episode details how her and her husband started a pool service company from training to equipment etc.She worked as a corrections officer in…

Episode 3 features podcast guest, Jennifer Amato, Owner of Piranha Pool Service based in Tucson, Arizona. This episode details how her and her husband started a pool service company from training to equipment etc.

She worked as a corrections officer in Ohio and decided that just wasn’t for her. Her future husband and Lead Tech, Nicholas Foulk, came up with the idea to start a pool company. They moved in August 2020 to Tucson and began their journey. It has been an amazing experience so far. Piranha Pool Service is a small, family owned business that cares about making sure our customers receive quality service and look forward to networking and building friendships within the community we live as well as the pool service industry. 

Episode 2 of Let’s Talk About Pools Podcast is the latest information regarding COVID-19 and pools as we enter into a period of time with increased cases across the country. Listeners can learn how to minimize infection by methods and other practices…

Episode 2 of Let’s Talk About Pools Podcast is the latest information regarding COVID-19 and pools as we enter into a period of time with increased cases across the country. Listeners can learn how to minimize infection by methods and other practices that they can follow in their facilities. This topic is conducted with host Lauren Broom and guest speaker Craig Sears.

Guest Speaker: Craig Sears

Craig Sears is President and Owner of Sears Pool Management Consultants, a 23-year old firm specializing in the operation and management of commercial swimming pool facilities in the Metro Atlanta area.  Growing up in Atlanta, Craig swam competitively year-round from the age of 9 through college. Craig received a degree in Biology from Washington and Lee University and an MBA in Management from Georgia State University. With over 25 years experience in the aquatics industry, Craig has been a lifeguard, a swim coach, swim lesson instructor, pool manager, sales manager, and even a bartender before founding Sears Pool Management in 1997. Craig served as President of the GA Chapter…..

Episode 1 of Let’s Talk About Pools features guest Harold Evans from Orenda Technologies. He speaks candidly about the pool industry and the contributions his company has brought to it with Podcast host Lauren Broom.

A little bit about Orenda……

An Orenda pool is one you would happily let your kids and grandkids play in.  It is a pool full of water without long-term byproducts. A pool managed with proactive pool care, more deliberate practices, and minimal chemical use, treated with mindfulness, preventing common problems that pool operators fight every day.

Our line of natural pool chemicals are formulated with a solid foundation in science and meet the strictest standards of quality and purity in the industry: Certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 50.