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 / ChaptersKickoff from AquaStar’s studio; Todd, Edgar & crew set the tone for the night.Behind the scenes, late-night jokes, and studio vibes.A deep reflection on culture, quality, and details inside AquaStar HQ.Celebrating the Instagram Live audience and diving into the episode.Pool Girl of the Year 2022, the creator behind the legendary Awards Afterparty, and a powerhouse entrepreneur.Trusting employees, handling growth, onboarding, preparing for W-2s, and running a business in California.Why Michelle prefers commercial service and how she navigates health department regulations.How Michelle stays grounded and energized while growing her business.Her son’s journey, firefighting dreams, and working alongside family.Letting go, employee mistakes, customer expectations, and the fear every owner faces.Charging correctly, doing things legally, and proving success is possible even in tough markets.Commercial specialist, remodel expert, and long-time Ventura pool pro.From hotel maintenance → equipment installs → building pools → launching his own company.Commercial routes, 5-day-a-week accounts, and running teams.Why he teaches, how he trains, and preparing techs to become future entrepreneurs.Education, manuals, sick-route/tech-for-tech coverage, outreach, and 64-member collaboration.Real examples of chapters covering full routes during illness, injury, and tragedy.His 20-year role with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Dive Team — car recoveries, searches, evidence retrieval, and blind-water operations.What helicopter deployments are really like (spoiler: full scuba gear and 35-foot drops).How divers process tough calls and why closure for families matters.Business advice, industry inspiration, and the motor that pushes great pros forward.Celebrating leadership, professionalism, and elevating the pool service industry.🙏 SponsorsA 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 ProductsBlu-Ray XLRaypakPoolside Tech – The AttendantHeritage Pool Supply GroupBiolabSPPA –Pool BrainNidecHaywardYour support helps us bring powerful stories and industry-changing conversations to pool pros everywhere.