Pool Nation Podcast
Pool Nation Podcast
Pool Nation
E-269 Pool Nation Podcast - How 4 Women Are Rewriting the Rules of the Pool Industry
1 hour 7 minutes Posted Oct 13, 2025 at 6:00 am.
– Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast
– Introducing Megan Kendrick & the Queen of Marco Polo
– Shoutout to sponsors and audience
– Meet the 30 Under 40 Female Nominees
– How Nelly transitioned from hospitality to the pool industry
– The evolution and impact of Amenity Collective
– Customer service lessons from hospitality to pool service
– Building communication and customer trust
– Katie’s journey from Happy Pools to Aquastar
– Surviving California wildfires and rebuilding a business
– Wiring pumps and the $10K Pool Pro Challenge
– Maddy’s journey from lifeguard to industry trainer
– Leadership through teaching and empowering technicians
– Managing large teams and running a thriving Atlanta company
– Sarah’s story: from swim instructor to GM in Arizona
– Leading a 700-pool operation under Arizona’s heat
– Running marathons and pushing limits
– The importance of education and community in the pool industry
– Closing thoughts and invitation to the Pool Nation Awards
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1:07:18
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Show notes
In Episode 269 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus sits down with Megan Kendrick from Pool Pro Magazine and the incredible female nominees from the Pool Nation Awards 30 Under 40 — Nelly Allen, Katie Morrissey, Maddy Vandiver, and Sarah Hoopes.
These powerhouse women share their journeys, challenges, and the lessons they’ve learned while shaping the pool industry’s future. From leadership and training to innovation and resilience, each story highlights the strength and passion behind the next generation of pool pros.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
How each nominee built their career and broke through barriers
Leadership lessons from women redefining success in the pool industry
Balancing personal growth, mentorship, and career in a demanding trade
Behind-the-scenes stories from Pool Pro Magazine’s 30 Under 40
What to expect at the Pool Nation Awards in Las Vegas
🎧 A must-listen for anyone passionate about growth, recognition, and empowering women in the pool industry.
 
🕒 Timestamps
25:00 – Katie’s journey from Happy Pools to Aquastar
💙 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
This episode is brought to you by our Visionary Partners, who help make the Pool Nation Podcast possible:
🌟 The SPPA – The premier insurance provider for pool pros
🌟 Blu-Ray XL
🌟 AquaStar Pool Products
🌟 Natural Chemistry
🌟 Raypak
🌟 Heritage Pool Supply
🌟 Hayward Pool Products
🌟 Poolside Tech
🌟 Pool Brain
🌟 Nidec
Thank you for your continued support in driving education, recognition, and excellence across the pool industry.