Join me, Dalton Pence, on The Mast Podcast as I sit down with Scott Wheeler, President of Pools Plus, to discuss the intricacies of business expansion. In this episode titled "Navigating Business Expansion with Scott Wheeler of Pools Plus," Scott shares his journey from working in a garage-based business to leading a successful company in its 60th year. We delve into the strategic decisions behind expanding Pools Plus, including the importance of focusing on profitable core offerings and the role of satellite stores. Scott offers valuable insights into overcoming challenges posed by big box stores and online shopping, while emphasizing the significance of building a strong team and maintaining profitability. Whether you're an entrepreneur or simply curious about business growth, this episode provides practical advice and inspiration for navigating expansion in today's competitive market.

In this episode, we shift our focus to an often-overlooked aspect of the pool industry—service. With nearly four decades of experience, Matthew dives into everything from the evolution of pool maintenance to practical advice for businesses looking to expand their service divisions. Starting his career at 17, hustling to pay bills, Matthew has grown CPC Pools from five openings to servicing over 22,000 pools. He shares the importance of having a solid plan, the value of follow-up, and how innovations like his invention, the VAC Daddy, have revolutionized the industry. For those thinking about pivoting to or growing their service operations, Matthew sheds light on why service can be a reliable revenue stream, especially during economic fluctuations. We also tackle listener questions, providing expert insights into common mistakes and how to maintain consistent water quality. Join us for invaluable lessons from a true industry veteran. Remember, a rising tide raises all ships. Let’s elevate yours on this week's episode of the Mast Sales Group podcast! Key Moments 06:04 Vac Daddy: Game-Changing Invention 09:00 Pool Cleaning: Quality vs. Speed 13:33 Word-of-Mouth's Lasting Impact 14:34 Commitment in Pool Business Strategy 18:57 Community Referrals Over Ads 21:17 Chlorinator Issues with 2-Inch Lines Connect with Matthew D’Aguanno LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-d-aguanno-070769142/ Website: www.thevacdaddy.com

Dive into this week's episode of The Mast Podcast, where I, Dalton Fence, explore the intricacies of pool water chemistry with Eric Knight, VP of Orenda/HASA. As we navigate the evolving landscape of eco-friendly pool maintenance, Eric sheds light on the growing awareness among homeowners and pool professionals about the importance of understanding water chemistry. We discuss the traditional versus innovative approaches to maintaining balanced and safe pool water, emphasizing the role of physics and natural laws. Eric shares insights on common challenges like chlorine retention and offers practical advice for both retail and service sectors. Whether you're a pool owner or a business professional, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you master the art of pool water chemistry. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that could transform how you approach pool maintenance.

In this episode of The Mast Podcast, I sit down with Jim Pollard from Environmental Pools to explore his innovative strategies for employee retention and service excellence. Jim shares insights into how his company, a leading Gunnite pool builder in New England, manages to scale operations without compromising quality. We delve into the importance of hiring and training, emphasizing the value of looking outside the traditional pool industry for talent. Jim also discusses how Environmental Pools invests in its employees' well-being through competitive pay, bonuses, and unique perks like mental health days and life skills training. Tune in to discover how these practices not only enhance employee satisfaction but also ensure top-notch service for their exquisite clientele. Key Moments: [03:43]: Scaling service operations with 26 trucks and 35 field workers. [09:16]: Building trust and retaining employees through servant leadership. [12:31]: Launching life skills programs, from financial literacy to mental health support. [16:06]: Boosting morale with bonuses, events, and recognition programs. [18:18]: Hiring from outside the industry to bring fresh perspectives and strong customer focus. Connect with Jim Pollard LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-pollard-551bb5192 Website: https://environmentalpools.com/ Follow Mast Sales: Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalton-pence-40a371143/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mastsalesgroup/ Podcast Website: https://mastsalesgroup.com Enjoyed this episode? Don’t miss an opportunity to gain insights from the brightest minds in the pool and outdoor living industry. Subscribe to the Mast Sales Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who loves innovation and inspiration. As always, remember: a rising tide raises all ships.

Welcome to this week’s episode of the Mast Sales Podcast! Host Dalton Pence, territory manager for Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and Southern Ohio, the art of outdoor living with Mike Peterson, President of Sunco Pools in Northern Illinois. From his humble beginnings building a family pool as a child to becoming a leader in the pool industry, Mike shares decades of wisdom on creating stunning backyard experiences beyond the water. In this engaging conversation, Mike reveals how Sunco Pools embraces cutting-edge 3D design and technology to bring client’s visions to life while maintaining a strong focus on trust and craftsmanship. He also emphasizes the importance of finding your "secret sauce"—the unique value that sets your business apart—and staying laser-focused to achieve success. Whether incorporating fire features, automation, or turning a simple pool into a full-fledged backyard resort, Mike’s philosophy revolves around creating lasting memories for families. Perfect for pool builders, industry professionals, and homeowners looking for inspiration, this episode is full of actionable insights, industry trends, and a bit of humor. Key Moments: [01:57] – Mike’s start in the pool industry: From a childhood project to Sunco Pools. [04:33] – Finding your niche: Why every business needs its “secret sauce.” [06:30] – How 3D design technology revolutionizes the sales process. [10:50] – Building trust first: Why Sunco Pools holds off on design work until clients commit. [13:41] – Transforming backyards into resorts: Elevating the outdoor living experience. [17:11] – Why automation and fire features are non-negotiables for modern pools. [21:58] – The white-glove difference: Elevating the ownership experience with trusted partners. Connect with Mike Peterson: Website: https://www.suncopools.com Follow Mast Sales: Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalton-pence-40a371143/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mastsalesgroup/ Podcast Website: https://mastsalesgroup.com Enjoyed this episode? Don’t miss an opportunity to gain insights from the brightest minds in the pool and outdoor living industry. Subscribe to the Mast Sales Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who loves innovation and inspiration. As always, remember: a rising tide raises all ships.