Podcasts about nation podcast

We’re wrapping up the offseason, one in which we’ve now dropped 11 podcasts for you, including 24 coach and/or student athlete interviews, a commissioner and a collector of college football helmets. And we are here to get you into preseason camp, into your full pads and helmets and much more with Podcast 414. This edition of the D3football.com Podcast is sponsored by GameStrat, the most reliable & fastest in-game video replay system on the market. Find out more at GameStrat.com. Johns Hopkins is the preseason No. 4 team in our Top 25 poll, and coach Dan Wodicka was glad to talk to us during the middle of the Blue Jays’ preseason camp. Find out who the new JHU starting quarterback will be, where he came from, what else he does at Johns Hopkins, and what made his teammates vote him a captain before he has ever started a single football game for the program. Why do the Blue Jays carry just 100 players this year, and how does that compare to previous seasons? Who is wearing the honored No. 3 for Johns Hopkins this season? How well will the team reload at offensive line, where they lose four starters. And how well has JHU transitioned to new quarterbacks in the recent past? We also chat with Wes Dodson, head coach at LaGrange. The Panthers had a breakthrough season, going 10-2 and winning a first-round playoff game, and are looking to continue to push the program forward, just a few years after Dodson inherited a team which would go 0-9. The football team is a huge part of the campus culture at LaGrange, which is growing but still had under 650 full-time undergraduates last year. Secondary is the biggest spot to fill for the Panthers, while Henry Broadnax is a veteran returning at quarterback for LaGrange, coming back after playing hurt last season. Plus, how will the Top 25 poll react to the big games in the first two weeks of the season? Which Week 1 games between unranked teams do we have a particular eye on? That and more in this edition of the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast. The D3football.com Around the Nation podcast is a weekly conversation during the season, twice monthly in the offseason, about NCAA Division III football, and has been running since 2007. Hit play, or subscribe to get this podcast on your mobile device. You can subscribe to the Around the Nation Podcast in Apple Podcasts, and many other places. You can also get this and any of our future Around the Nation podcasts automatically by subscribing to this RSS feed: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3football/?feed=podcast Here’s how to find us on some of the major podcasting apps: Apple Podcasts: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Podcast Addict: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast iHeart Radio: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Spotify: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Photos: David Hilbert, d3photography.com; Marty Corcoran, Johns Hopkins; Rachel Staub, Washington & Jefferson

The discussion of 5-for-5, which is to say, a five-year window in which to play up to five years of sports, has been rampant at the Division III level in recent weeks, especially since Division II went in on the concept which was pioneered at the Division I level. Plus, we get you ready for Week 1 by talking with Mike McElroy and Cooper Drews at Bethel, and Jesse Scott at Wheaton. And we pay a visit to the Helmet Guy. This edition of the D3football.com Podcast is sponsored by GameStrat, the most reliable & fastest in-game video replay system on the market. Find out more at GameStrat.com. Division II jumped in quickly on adopting 5-for-5. Can Division III do the same? Should Division III do the same? And is 5-for-5 really what it sounds like? Patrick and Greg dive into the process, the survey of athletic directors and conference commissioners and whether such a concept aligns with the Division III mission and philosophy. Additional content: Division III working group survey summary Goals of the Division III working group We are also joined by McElroy and Drews, whose No. 2-ranked Bethel Royals have a bunch of attention on them this year. First off, they’re looking for a name for their offense — can it be as good as Top Gun at UW-River Falls last year? The circumstances are pretty different for Bethel in 2026 compared to 2025, as the offense is returning essentially everyone who ran the ball or caught a pass, so the Royals hope to hit the ground running, or passing, when facing D3football.com preseason No. 1 North Central. Wheaton is hitting the field in Week 1 with a tough game once again, as the Thunder host Mount Union. Jesse Scott tells us how the game came about, what sort of extra lore could be added to the matchup, talks about quarterback Mark Forcucci and how to replace a tough defender in Peter Johanik, who graduated. Also, the Thunder program and alumni had a moment of tragedy this offseason, and Scott talks about the loss of Jalen Shaffer and Philip LoChirco over the summer. Plus, who are the potential Week 1 upsets? Which conferences might be looking to join the HCAC and OAC and declare some sort of cooperative working agreement? That and more in this edition of the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast. The D3football.com Around the Nation podcast is a weekly conversation during the season, twice monthly in the offseason, about NCAA Division III football, and has been running since 2007. Hit play, or subscribe to get this podcast on your mobile device. You can subscribe to the Around the Nation Podcast in Apple Podcasts, and many other places. You can also get this and any of our future Around the Nation podcasts automatically by subscribing to this RSS feed: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3football/?feed=podcast Here’s how to find us on some of the major podcasting apps: Apple Podcasts: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Podcast Addict: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast iHeart Radio: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Spotify: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Photos: Caleb Williams, d3photography.com; Patrick Coleman, D3sports.com; Kodiak Creative

Is your pool service business making money this summer, or is the summer running your business? In Episode #313 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar and John "JJ Flawless" break down the 5 mid-season checks every pool professional should be making right now to protect their customers, employees, equipment, routes, and most importantly, their profits. August is one of the toughest months in the swimming pool industry. Water temperatures are climbing, chlorine demand is increasing, equipment is working harder, technicians are battling extreme heat, customers are using their pools more, and chemical, fuel, labor, and operating costs can quietly destroy your margins. This episode is a mid-season business checkup for pool service companies. Edgar and John break down five critical areas: • Water & Chemistry → Why the chemistry strategy that worked in May may not work in August, how higher water temperatures accelerate demand, and why pool pros have to stay ahead of problems instead of reacting to them. • Pool Equipment & Filtration → Pumps, filters, salt systems, automation, plumbing, seals, circulation, and other equipment are under maximum stress during the summer. Learn what you should be watching before a small issue becomes an emergency call. • Route Efficiency → Driving all over town costs more than time. Poor route density, unnecessary drive time, fuel costs, and inefficient scheduling can quietly destroy the profitability of your pool route. • Your Team → Your technicians are dealing with the same summer heat and pressure you are. Edgar and John discuss workload, heat, burnout, employee retention, leadership, and why taking care of your team becomes even more important during peak season. • The Profit Check → The check almost nobody wants to do. Are your pools actually profitable? Increased chemical usage, overtime, fuel, callbacks, filter neglect, equipment issues, and extra service time can turn what looks like a profitable account into a pool that is quietly costing you money every week. They also dive deep into one of the most overlooked parts of summer pool maintenance: filtration. Putting off filter cleanings doesn't just create water problems. It can lead to increased chemical consumption, algae, callbacks, unhappy customers, longer service stops, lost filter-cleaning revenue, employee frustration, and ultimately lost customers. John shares a real-world example of how his company has prioritized filter cleanings during peak season and how properly maintaining filtration can create additional revenue while making the route easier to manage. The bigger lesson? Summer exposes the weaknesses in your pool service business. Your systems. Your pricing. Your routes. Your equipment. Your leadership. Your customer service. And your profitability. If you own or operate a pool service company, pool cleaning business, pool repair company, pool maintenance route, or swimming pool business, this episode will help you identify the problems that could be costing you money before the season is over. Edgar and John also share a personal Pool Nation update as Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas steps away from Pool Nation to focus on the continued growth of The Pool Boys, his family, employees, and business. The guys reflect on Zac's contribution to Pool Nation and why sometimes business growth requires making difficult decisions and focusing on the opportunity directly in front of you. Plus, Pool Nation gives an update on upcoming industry training and a major announcement coming August 14 at 4:00 PM Central Time. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 → Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:00 → The 5 Mid-Season Checks Every Pool Pro Should Make 02:00 → Surviving Extreme Summer Heat 05:00 → Pool Nation's August 14 Major Announcement 06:00 → Pool Nation Women's Summit & Upcoming Events 07:00 → Upcoming Hands-On Pool Industry Training 11:00 → A Personal Update About Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas 16:00 → The Pool Nation Mission Moving Forward 17:00 → Is Your Business Running You This Summer? 20:00 → Protecting Pool Technicians During Extreme Heat 22:00 → Growth, Experience & Surviving Peak Pool Season 23:00 → Why Summer Is the Best Time to Grow Your Pool Route 27:00 → The 5-Part Mid-Season Pool Business Checkup 30:00 → The Profit Check Every Pool Company Needs to Make 33:00 → What August Heat Does to Pool Water Chemistry 36:00 → Why Summer Pool Chemistry Is Harder 38:00 → Sponsor Break 43:00 → Summer Pool Equipment Problems 46:00 → Circulation, Pumps & Equipment Stress 47:00 → Why Filter Cleaning Matters More in Summer 49:00 → The Expensive Mistake Pool Pros Make With Filters 52:00 → How Filter Neglect Costs Your Pool Business Money 54:00 → The Hidden Revenue Opportunity in Filter Cleaning 57:00 → Sponsor Break 1:02:00 → Mid-Season Checkup Recap & What's Coming Next 1:03:00 → The August 14 Pool Nation Announcement 1:04:00 → Final Thoughts 1:06:00 → Closing THANK YOU TO OUR VISIONARY PARTNERS The Pool Nation Podcast would not be possible without the companies that continue to support Pool Nation, professional education, and the swimming pool industry. Thank you to: SPPA BluRay XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply Hayward Pool Products OnCore Filtration Poolside Tech Pool Brain Nidec / U.S. Motors Encore Brands Your continued support helps Pool Nation provide education, training, resources, events, and conversations designed to help pool professionals Master the Business and Perfect the Craft. ABOUT THE POOL NATION PODCAST The Pool Nation Podcast is built for swimming pool professionals who want to build better businesses, become stronger leaders, improve their technical knowledge, and become more profitable. From pool service and repair, water chemistry, filtration, pumps, heaters, automation, and equipment to pricing, leadership, employees, route efficiency, customer retention, business growth, and profitability, Pool Nation is committed to helping pool pros build businesses and lives they are proud of. It's all pool talk, and we ain't talking about netting and jetting or splashing and dashing. We're talking about becoming a Nation of Pool Pros. Master the Business. Perfect the Craft.

Episode # 312 of the Pool Nation Podcast. What if one simple conversation could increase your average ticket by 30-40%? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and John "JJ Flawless" sit down with Joe Garcia of Lyon Financial to break down one of the most overlooked opportunities in the swimming pool industry: financing. Whether you're a pool builder, service company, repair technician, remodeler, or equipment installer, financing isn't just for new pool construction anymore. Joe shares how successful pool companies are using financing to help homeowners upgrade pumps, filters, heaters, automation systems, sanitization equipment, complete equipment pads, backyard projects, outdoor living spaces, and much more. The conversation goes far beyond loans. You'll learn how financing can increase customer trust, improve your closing percentage, raise your average invoice, and help homeowners invest in better equipment without putting unnecessary pressure on their budget. The episode also dives into: • The biggest financing myths in the pool industry • Why every pool professional should offer financing • The difference between secured and unsecured loans • Questions every contractor should ask a financing partner • Hidden fees and fine print many contractors never discuss • Why acceptance rate matters more than approval rate • How financing can increase equipment upgrades and overall profitability Joe also shares his unique career journey from Verizon and Bank of America to entrepreneurship, running a successful formal wear business, and ultimately becoming one of the industry's leading educators in pool financing. If you're looking to grow your pool business, increase average ticket size, improve customer experience, and sell more premium equipment, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Topics Covered Pool financing for service companies Pool builder financing Equipment pad upgrades Variable speed pumps Pool automation Pool heaters Heat pumps Pool filters Outdoor living financing Sales training for pool companies Growing a pool service business Pool business marketing Leadership Customer communication Homeowner financing Lyon Financial Episode Timeline 00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 02:00 Summer service stories and life in the field 11:45 Upcoming events 17:00 Hayward Training preview 24:00 Meet Joe Garcia 29:45 From Verizon and dark fiber to banking leadership 34:30 Entrepreneurship, leadership and the quinceañera business 44:00 Leadership vs. management 46:00 Sponsor Break 50:00 What Lyon Financial actually does 57:00 Financing beyond pool construction 1:00:00 Secured vs. unsecured financing explained 1:04:00 Hidden financing fees every contractor should understand 1:10:00 Why financing matters for pool service companies 1:15:00 How financing increases average ticket size 1:23:00 Final business lessons and closing thoughts Sponsors A huge thank you to our partners for supporting Pool Nation and helping us educate the swimming pool industry. SPPA BlueRay XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply Group Hayward Pool Products Poolside Tech Pool Brain Nidec / US Motors Encore Coatings Pool Invoice OnCore

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer discuss the upcoming Rutgers camp season. 

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer discuss the latest developments from Big Ten Media Day.

The wait is almost over, and the 2026 Division III football season is kicking off with an absolute bang. On this episode of the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast, we are breaking down our newly released Preseason Top 25 poll and looking ahead to a schedule that is already shaping up to be, well, we used the term “gobsmacking.” This edition of the D3football.com Podcast is sponsored by GameStrat, the most reliable & fastest in-game video replay system on the market. Find out more at GameStrat.com. For the very first time in the 23-year history of the poll, the season opens with a monumental clash between the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the country. It's an unprecedented Week 1 blockbuster that breaks the mold of the usual Mount Union, Whitewater, or Mary Hardin-Baylor early-season math. We dive into what this historic matchup, between North Central and Bethel, means for the landscape of D-III football, how the poll numbers set up the early schedule, and highlight the games you absolutely cannot miss. Plus, we are bringing you newsmakers directly from the sidelines to get you ready for the fall: Coach Brad Spencer and senior safety Brayden Garrigan from North Central join us. Spencer chats about the mindset in Naperville heading into 2026, how the coaching staff is managing the continued sky-high expectations, and the benefits of playing Bethel once again. We also get Garrigan’s perspective on his busy offseason and what it actually feels like in the North Central locker room in terms of bringing new starters and freshmen into the mix. Mary Hardin-Baylor head coach Larry Harmon drops in to discuss how the Cru are hoping to improve on offense in their second year since the return of offensive coordinator Steven Lee. While the quarterback situation is a little up in the air, we hear a little about the position, plus what UMHB needs to do to elevate the offense. We also talk about the Cru’s schedule, especially key games against Endicott and Rowan which are sure to help the NPI of the winner. Mentioned in the podcast: ATN Podcast 383, A new year awaits Plus we answer mailbag questions about the preseason Top 25, share our sleeper picks for the 2026 season, talk about how we go about making our preseason votes, and give a brief prediction for the game between No. 1 North Central and No. 2 Bethel. And … what of UW-River Falls? The Falcons lost key personnel to graduation, more to the transfer portal, and their head coach and offensive coordinator. We know, not everyone has heard. Patrick and Greg do not agree as to where UW-River Falls should be ranked in the preseason, but we’ll offer hope for where they might find success in 2026. That and more in this edition of the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast. The D3football.com Around the Nation podcast is a weekly conversation during the season, twice monthly in the offseason, about NCAA Division III football, and has been running since 2007. Hit play, or subscribe to get this podcast on your mobile device. You can subscribe to the Around the Nation Podcast in Apple Podcasts, and many other places. You can also get this and any of our future Around the Nation podcasts automatically by subscribing to this RSS feed: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3football/?feed=podcast Here’s how to find us on some of the major podcasting apps: Apple Podcasts: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Podcast Addict: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast iHeart Radio: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Spotify: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Photos: Mathieu Starke, d3photography.com; Mary Hardin-Baylor athletics; Ryan Coleman, d3photography.com

Episode #311 Pool Nation Podcast What really makes one pool filter better than another? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and John "JJ Flawless" sit down with Rich Medina, Engineering Leader at OnCore Filtration, to take one of the deepest dives we've ever done into pool filtration. Rich brings over 34 years of engineering and pool industry experience, sharing how cartridge filters are designed, how filtration media actually works, why point-bonded media outperforms traditional materials, and how proper filtration directly impacts water chemistry, customer satisfaction, equipment longevity, and profitability. Whether you're a pool service company, builder, retailer, manufacturer, or simply want to better understand what separates premium filters from inexpensive alternatives, this episode is packed with practical knowledge that will immediately improve the way you think about water quality. In this episode you'll learn: • Why filtration is the foundation of crystal-clear water • How cartridge filters actually work • What "point bonded" filter media means • Why cheap cartridge filters often fail • Injection molded cores vs. PVC cores • Why filter bands matter more than you think • Proper cartridge cleaning techniques • Common mistakes pool professionals make • When filters should actually be replaced • Why turnover rate may be more important than PSI • How engineering decisions impact your customer's pool If you've ever wondered why some pools stay crystal clear while others constantly struggle, this episode explains the science behind it. Episode Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:00 Meet Rich Medina from OnCore Filtration 05:45 Rich's engineering background and military experience 12:00 How Rich entered the swimming pool industry 27:00 Building filtration technology through engineering 36:30 Why filtration is the foundation of water quality 44:00 How cartridge filtration actually works 50:00 Filter media explained: point bonded vs. flat bonded 59:45 Injection molded cores vs. PVC cores 1:07:00 Why filter bands matter 1:12:30 The correct way to clean cartridge filters 1:17:00 When should pool filters be replaced? 1:20:00 Creating a maintenance schedule that saves customers money 1:22:00 Why turnover rate matters more than pressure 1:25:00 Final thoughts and takeaways Thank You to Our Visionary Partners A huge thank you to the incredible companies helping us educate and elevate the swimming pool industry. • SPPA • Blue Ray XL • AquaStar Pool Products • Natural Chemistry • Raypak • Heritage Pool Supply • Hayward Pool Products • Encore Brands • Poolside Tech • Pool Brain • Nidec / U.S. Motors • OnCore Filtration Your continued support allows Pool Nation to bring free education to pool professionals across the world.

Episode 310 Pool Nation Podcast What does it take to build a pool company that lasts nearly six decades? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus is joined by Ryan Morson from Hayward along with Ken and Sandy Barthman of Dunrite Pools, a second-generation family business that has been building swimming pools on Long Island for over 58 years. From starting in the business as a teenager to now constructing more than 125 pools every year, Ken and Sandy share what it takes to build a lasting reputation, work together as husband and wife, and prepare the next generation to carry the company forward. The conversation dives deep into the unique challenges of vinyl liner pools, high water table construction, dewatering systems, custom liner measurements, heat pumps, customer service, online reviews, company culture, and why reputation remains the most valuable asset any pool company can have. Whether you're a pool builder, service professional, business owner, or simply passionate about the swimming pool industry, this episode is packed with practical lessons on leadership, craftsmanship, family business, and building a legacy that lasts. In This Episode You'll Learn • How Dunrite Pools has remained successful for over 58 years • What it's really like running a pool company as husband and wife • Building approximately 125 vinyl liner pools each year • How dewatering works in high water table construction • Why accurate liner measurements are critical • Heat pumps vs. gas heaters in northern markets • Preparing your business for multi-generational leadership • Managing customer expectations and protecting your online reputation • Why family businesses continue to thrive in the pool industry • The importance of building trust one customer at a time Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Meet Ken & Sandy Barthman of Dunrite Pools 05:45 Pool construction on Long Island 08:45 Hayward's "Power of Us" initiative 10:00 How Ken & Sandy met and built a life together 15:00 The history of DunritePools 18:00 Dewatering explained 23:00 Building 125 vinyl liner pools every year 26:00 Heat pumps vs. gas heaters 30:00 Custom vinyl liner measurements 33:00 The complete vinyl liner installation process 40:00 Running a family business together 43:00 Building a multi-generation company 47:00 Protecting your reputation through customer service 49:00 Life outside the pool industry 52:00 Final thoughts and legacy Thank You to Our Sponsors A huge thank you to our visionary partners for helping us educate and elevate the swimming pool industry: • SPPA • BluRay XL • AquaStar Pool Products • Natural Chemistry • Raypak • Heritage Pool Supply • Hayward Pool Products • Poolside Tech • Pool Brain • Nidec / US Motors • OnCore Filtration • Encore Brands Your continued support allows us to provide free education to pool professionals across the industry. Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode: ✔ Subscribe to Pool Nation ✔ Leave us a 5-star review ✔ Share this episode with another pool professional ✔ Join thousands of pool pros who are committed to mastering the business and perfecting the craft.

The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference has made a lot of waves since last we talked, what with Millsaps and then Southwestern electing to rejoin the SCAC starting in 2027. So, at the risk of there perhaps being a third member of the Southern Athletic Association returning to the SCAC before we could get the podcast out, we sat down with Dwayne Hanberry, commissioner of the SCAC, to discuss the changes, the status of Gallaudet in the conference, and more. This edition of the D3football.com Podcast is sponsored by GameStrat, the most reliable & fastest in-game video replay system on the market. Find out more at GameStrat.com. In addition to that breaking news, we also discuss the recent announcement that the Monon Bell game will be played at Ball State University, in Muncie, Indiana, at a price of $50 a ticket plus Ticketmaster fees. There will be words, for sure. We also talk too early about the preseason Top 25 poll, which should come out within the next week. Our coach interviews in this edition of the podcast each represent opposite ends of the experience spectrum. That includes Tyler Hopperton, who has been the head coach at Mount St. Joseph going on a decade and has been at MSJ as either a coach or player for half the lifetime of the program. Hopperton talks about his team going to a bowl game last year after a string of three consecutive NCAA playoff trips, the high points in Cincinnati’s Division III program and the benefits of Skyline Chili. We also have Jacob Donohoe, the new head coach at Nebraska Wesleyan, coming over after spending time as an offensive coordinator at Coe. He takes over a program which was coached by Brian Keller for the past 30 years, was a longtime member of the NAIA and in a whole different conference.  Donohoe talks about reconnecting with alumni, changing the terminology within the program, what he learned at Coe and more, including the famous Runza sandwich. Mentioned in the podcast: ATN Podcast 378, The Texas two-swap Full interview with Dwayne Hanberry Plus we answer mailbag questions about the future of Trinity (Texas), and about the best quarterback performances we’ve seen in covering Division III. That and more in this edition of the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast. The D3football.com Around the Nation podcast is a weekly conversation during the season, twice monthly in the offseason, about NCAA Division III football, and has been running since 2007. Hit play, or subscribe to get this podcast on your mobile device. You can subscribe to the Around the Nation Podcast in Apple Podcasts, and many other places. You can also get this and any of our future Around the Nation podcasts automatically by subscribing to this RSS feed: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3football/?feed=podcast Here’s how to find us on some of the major podcasting apps: Apple Podcasts: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast iHeart Radio: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Spotify: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Photos: Nebraska Wesleyan athletics; Eduardo Moll, Southwestern Athletics; Millsaps athletics; Mount St. Joseph athletics

Episode # 309 of the Pool Nation Podcast - What does a true partnership between manufacturers and pool professionals actually look like? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John "JJ Flawless," and Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas sit down with Todd Pieri of AquaStar Pool Products for one of the most honest conversations we've had about the future of the swimming pool industry. From pricing strategies and manufacturer transparency to product innovation, warranties, and building trust with pool professionals, this episode dives into the issues that affect every builder, service company, retailer, and distributor. Todd explains why AquaStar believes consistency matters more than promotions, why they reduced prices on multiple products in 2026 instead of raising them, and how listening to pool pros has driven some of their biggest product innovations. The team also tackles one of the industry's hottest topics—constant manufacturer price increases—and discusses how those decisions impact builders, service companies, homeowners, and the long-term health of the pool industry. If you're serious about growing your business, protecting your profits, and staying ahead of where our industry is headed, this is an episode you don't want to miss. In This Episode You'll Learn: • Why consistency builds stronger partnerships than rebates and promotions • AquaStar's philosophy on transparent pricing • Why AquaStar lowered prices on multiple products • How pool professionals directly influence new product development • The real cost of warranty programs—and a different way to handle them • How innovation can make service companies more profitable • Why "Run Your Freaking Pump" is more than just a slogan • What manufacturers can do to better support pool professionals • The future vision for AquaStar and the swimming pool industry Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 02:00 – Meet Todd Pieri from AquaStar Pool Products 10:00 – The AquaStar story: From startup to industry leader 14:00 – What real manufacturer partnerships should look like 18:00 – How pool pros inspire AquaStar product innovation 24:00 – The truth about pricing, inflation, and manufacturers 34:00 – Why AquaStar reduced prices instead of increasing them 41:00 – Why rebates don't always benefit pool professionals 50:00 – Net pricing vs. rebate programs explained 57:00 – Warranty philosophy and improving products through feedback 1:07:00 – AquaStar's vision for becoming the "Pros' Pro Brand" 1:16:00 – The "Run Your Freaking Pump" movement 1:18:00 – Final thoughts and closing Special Thanks To Our Visionary Partners A huge thank you to our incredible Visionary Partners for helping us continue to educate, inspire, and elevate the swimming pool industry: • The SPPA • BluRay XL • AquaStar Pool Products • Natural Chemistry • Raypak • Heritage Pool Supply Group • Hayward Pool Products • EnCore Brands • Poolside Tech – The Attendant • Pool Brain • Nidec / U.S. Motors • OnCore Filtration Your support allows us to continue providing free education and resources to thousands of pool professionals around the world. Subscribe & Connect If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another pool professional. For more education, events, certifications, and business training, visit Pool Nation and become part of the fastest-growing community in the swimming pool industry. Master the Business. Perfect the Craft.

Episode 308 Pool Nation Podcast - What does it take to grow from a few referrals into a company with 50 employees, three locations, hundreds of service accounts, retail stores, remodels, and new construction? In this special Hayward Spotlight episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus is joined by Ryan Morson from Hayward and special guests Kyle and Stephanie Burns, owners of Emerald Custom Pools and Emerald Pool Care in Fort Worth, Texas. Kyle shares how his career as a firefighter shaped the way he plans for the future, manages risk, builds systems, and prepares his company for challenges before they happen. Stephanie explains how disciplined financial management, detailed job costing, and accountability have helped them build a profitable business while raising four children together. This conversation is packed with practical advice for pool builders, service companies, retailers, and anyone looking to build a stronger business in the swimming pool industry. In this episode you'll learn: • How Emerald Custom Pools grew from a home-based startup into a multi-division company. • Why forecasting and preparation create a competitive advantage. • The lessons learned from the Texas freeze and how planning paid off. • Why service, remodels and retail are becoming the future of the industry. • How to successfully run a family business as husband and wife. • The importance of hiring for character instead of experience. • Why company culture and training outperform talent alone. • The future of pool automation, affordable pool ownership, and industry growth. • How Emerald's Safe2Swim nonprofit is helping prevent childhood drownings. Whether you're a pool builder, service professional, retailer, business owner, or industry leader, this episode is filled with real-world strategies you can immediately apply to your business. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Meet Kyle and Stephanie Burns 02:00 – Emerald Custom Pools' incredible growth story 05:45 – Pool Nation Awards, Women's Summit & Hayward Training Hub announcements 10:00 – From firefighter to pool company owner 16:45 – Building multiple divisions and scaling a business 21:00 – Lessons learned from the Texas freeze and preparing for the unexpected 26:30 – Launching the service division and investing in training 28:00 – The future of pool construction and affordable pool ownership 31:00 – Sponsor Break 36:00 – Hayward's "Power of Us" initiative 41:30 – Running a successful husband-and-wife business 44:00 – Job costing, profitability and accountability 47:00 – Leadership lessons from managing family in business 49:00 – Creating a wellness-focused retail experience 52:00 – Why remodels are the future of the pool industry 54:30 – Sponsor Break 59:30 – Safe2Swim Foundation and drowning prevention 1:03:00 – Advice for entrepreneurs entering the pool industry 1:06:00 – Final thoughts A huge thank you to our incredible Pool Nation partners for making this episode possible: The SPPA • BluRay XL • AquaStar Pool Products • Natural Chemistry • Raypak • Heritage Pool Supply Group • Hayward Pool Products • EnCore Brands • Poolside Tech • Pool Brain • Nidec / US Motors • OnCore Filtration Because of your continued commitment to education, innovation, and supporting pool professionals, we're able to continue delivering conversations that help elevate the swimming pool industry. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another pool professional. Every share helps us continue our mission of improving the financial well-being of pool pros through education. Pool Nation — Master the Business. Perfect the Craft.

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer discuss the new look Scarlet Knights. 

How a Former SWAT Officer Built One of California's Most Successful Pool Companies | Featuring Obie Rodriguez What happens when a 30-year law enforcement veteran and 15-year SWAT officer decides to build swimming pools instead of chasing criminals? In episode # 307 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and Ryan Morse from Hayward sit down with Obie Rodriguez, owner of Majestic Pool Construction, to share one of the most inspiring business stories in the swimming pool industry. After two frustrating experiences hiring pool contractors, Obie decided to learn the trade himself. He earned his contractor's license, built his own company from the ground up, and today completes more than 200 custom swimming pool and remodeling projects every year across multiple locations. This conversation goes far beyond swimming pool construction. It's about leadership, building systems, growing a company, creating a culture that thrives without the owner, using social media to generate qualified leads, and believing in yourself enough to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Whether you're a pool builder, pool service professional, swimming pool contractor, retailer, distributor, manufacturer, or business owner, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately to grow your business. In This Episode: • How two bad pool-building experiences changed Obie's life forever • Transitioning from SWAT officer to successful pool builder • Building a swimming pool company that completes more than 200 projects per year • Creating business systems that allow your company to grow without you • Leadership lessons from law enforcement that apply to every business • Why delegation is one of the hardest skills for business owners • Expanding into multiple locations • Surviving COVID without sacrificing profits • The social media strategy that doubled qualified leads • Why transparency creates better customers • The future of pool automation and smart technology • Advice every entrepreneur needs to hear before starting a business Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Pool Nation 01:30 – Meet Obie Rodriguez 04:00 – Family, RV life, and fishing stories 08:45 – Becoming a police officer at 19 10:00 – Fifteen years on SWAT 15:00 – Two terrible pool-building experiences that changed everything 18:00 – Learning the pool industry by working for free 20:00 – Building pools while serving as a police officer 22:30 – Retiring early and betting on himself 24:00 – COVID, supply shortages, and protecting profits 32:30 – Expanding to multiple locations 35:00 – Building systems that allow the business to run without you 41:00 – What today's pool buyers really want 46:00 – The social media strategy that doubled qualified leads 49:00 – Why transparency creates better customers 55:00 – Final advice for entrepreneurs Special Thanks to Our Sponsors Thank you to our incredible partners for helping Pool Nation educate, inspire, and elevate the swimming pool industry: • OnCore Filtration • Hayward Pool Products • Heritage Pool Supply Group • The SPPA • BluRay XL • AquaStar Pool Products • Natural Chemistry • Raypak • Poolside Tech Encore Brands • Pool Brain • Nidec / US Motors The Pool Nation Podcast is the premier podcast for the swimming pool industry, delivering weekly conversations with the industry's top pool builders, service professionals, manufacturers, distributors, educators, and business leaders. Master the Business. Perfect the Craft. Subscribe today and join thousands of pool professionals who are growing stronger businesses through education, leadership, and community.

Kristian Dyer and Bobby Deren discuss the latest in Rutgers football recruiting.

The Four Horsemen are back. Tonight, Angery American, Bob "T" Toombs, Seaux Larreau, and Imri Morgenstern gather once again for an evening of unfiltered conversation, strong opinions, laughter, stories, and whatever rabbit holes happen to appear along the way. If you've watched these guys before, you already know what happens when they get together. If you haven't, you're about to find out. No script. No agenda. No guarantees. Just four friends having the conversations most people only have behind closed doors. Grab your favorite beverage, pull up a chair, and join us for another edition of The Four Horsemen of Unsolicited Opinions.

We’re just 72 days away from the start of the Division III football season, and in that time, there’s a bunch of work to get done, including getting ready for the D3football.com preseason Top 25. We’re hungry for football to get started! And we’re getting you there with a couple of great conversations with coaches and Division III schools putting in that offseason work. That includes at Ohio Northern, which was stung at the last second in the NPI calculation and just missed the NCAA playoffs. Then the Polar Bears were stung at the last second in their bowl game, as Wabash scored at the end of the game, plus connected on a two-point conversion to get the win. That’s a lot of stinging, but the Polar Bears have worked away from that, including going as far as Ireland to find a summer opponent and get themselves ready for the 2026 Division III football season. ONU coach Andy Fries talks with us about that trip, the beautiful Cliffs of Moher which you see on the podcast thumbnail image, breaking in a new quarterback and so much more in our conversation in Podcast 410. Patrick Coleman also dropped by his alma mater, Catholic U., to chat with the Cardinals’ new coach, Kory David. Of course, things look a little different around CUA these days, and the new coach is a longtime defensive coach who played and coached at Cortland, while also driving defenses at Hobart, Muhlenberg and Eastern. In addition to answering the long-debated question of Wawa vs. Sheetz, David also talks about his two young coordinators, who he hired away from Mike Sirianni at Washington & Jefferson, as well as recruiting the northeast corridor, bringing a startup mentality to a CUA program which was 3-7 last year, and much more. Mentioned in the podcast: ATN Podcast 370, Much to be thankful for, featuring Mike Gutelius Plus we answer mailbag questions about Rowan and Hardin-Simmons, and discuss the latest coaching change at Hilbert. That and more in this edition of the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast. The D3football.com Around the Nation podcast is a weekly conversation during the season, twice monthly in the offseason, about NCAA Division III football, and has been running since 2007. Hit play, or subscribe to get this podcast on your mobile device. You can subscribe to the Around the Nation Podcast in Apple Podcasts, and many other places. You can also get this and any of our future Around the Nation podcasts automatically by subscribing to this RSS feed: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3football/?feed=podcast Here’s how to find us on some of the major podcasting apps: Apple Podcasts: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast iHeart Radio: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Spotify: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Photos: Mike Atherton, d3photography.com; Ohio Northern Athletics; Rowan athletics; Patrick Coleman, D3sports.com

Can we stop what's coming? Tonight, Angery American sits down with author Walt Browning to discuss the latest release in the Charlie's Requiem series, Resurgence. The conversation goes far beyond the pages of the book. We'll discuss preparedness, leadership, community resilience, current events, and the lessons fiction can teach us about real-world challenges.

Episode # 305 Pool Nation Podcast - What does it take to build a pool service company that lasts for decades, retains top talent, and serves more than 1,000 pools? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John "JJ Flawless," and Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas sit down with Nick LaPointe and Ray De Rosa of Golden State Pools to discuss two very different journeys that led to one of Southern California's most respected pool service companies. From the days of gas chlorine service and hand-written route books to modern operations, service management, technician training, inventory systems, and company leadership, this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to build a sustainable pool business. Nick shares the story of growing up in the family business, while Ray discusses building his own company before merging with Golden State Pools. Together they reveal the systems, leadership philosophies, employee development programs, and business lessons that have fueled their success. Most importantly, they share two lessons every pool professional needs to hear: set boundaries and know your value. Whether you're a solo operator, building your first route, managing technicians, or scaling toward your own pool empire, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience from pool pros who have lived it. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:00 Meet Nick LaPointe and Ray DeRosa of Golden State Pools 06:00 Steak dinner bets, pool industry friendships, and Western Show stories 17:00 Nick's family history in the pool industry 23:00 The early days of gas chlorine pool service 28:00 How 9/11 changed pool sanitation operations forever 31:00 Transitioning from gas chlorine to liquid chlorine systems 34:00 Growing up in the family business and earning a business degree 40:00 How Ray got started in pools and launched his own company 42:00 Merging two companies into Golden State Pools 46:00 From DOS systems and paper invoices to modern software 49:00 Building company culture and leadership partnerships 57:00 Why training matters and Golden State's 8-week technician training program 1:05:00 Employee development, career paths, and retention strategies 1:17:00 Managing repairs, service teams, and operational structure 1:24:00 Inventory management, purchasing power, and warehouse operations 1:33:00 The importance of boundaries as a business owner 1:37:00 Knowing your value and pricing with confidence 1:41:00 Final advice for pool professionals and closing thoughts Thank You To Our Sponsors A huge thank you to our Pool Nation partners and sponsors who continue supporting pool professionals across the industry: The SPPA BluRay XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply Group Hayward Pool Products Poolside Tech Pool Brain Nidec / US Motors OnCore Filtration Your support helps us continue educating, elevating, and empowering pool professionals everywhere.

Tonight on the Angery American Nation Podcast, Angery American welcomes author John Michael Layne, creator of Seasons of Ash, for a conversation about survival fiction, resilience, community, and why stories of collapse and rebuilding continue to resonate during uncertain times. Why do readers connect so strongly with these stories? What do they reveal about human nature? And why do themes of preparedness, sacrifice, leadership, and community seem more relevant than ever? Join us live as we explore the enduring appeal of survival stories and discuss the lessons they can teach us about facing adversity in both fiction and the real world.

It’s been a big year for the Denison Big Red, and although that hasn’t completely trickled down to the Denison football team, we thought we’d check in with coach Jack Hatem. The North Coast Athletic Conference has definitely been in transition of late, with John Carroll joining the league in all sports, and WashU in football specifically, and Denison lost its rising junior quarterback, Tyler Green who elected to transfer. More about that in a moment. Hatem talks about how his team has to raise the level of its game to compete in a much stronger conference, what the quarterback situation will look like at Denison, what he’s learned from the national championship coaches at his school, why he stays in the game and why he loves recruiting when, in fact, he is pretty near retirement age. Plus, his taste in music. There’s also been a bunch of change at Susquehanna, where new coach Chris Pincince is a Division III head football coach for the first time, and is coaching in D-III for the first time in nearly a quarter-century. It’s a good thing he and former coach Tom Perkovich are old friends, because Pincince talks about the hole they were left, with eight players having transferred out and so far, the transfer portal only having brought one person in. But a number of assistant coaches stayed to help the program have continuity, giving Pincince a leg up on the D-III learning curve, and Region 2 Defensive Player of the Year Galen Limantour is back as well, which is a huge boost for Susquehanna. About Tyler Green — his transfer to John Carroll means Denison will still have to face him in conference the next two years, and JCU was in sore need of a quarterback for 2026. We’ll talk about that, plus answer your mailbag questions. That and more in this edition of the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast. The D3football.com Around the Nation podcast is a weekly conversation about NCAA Division III football, and has been running since 2007. Hit play, or subscribe to get this podcast on your mobile device. You can subscribe to the Around the Nation Podcast in Apple Podcasts, and many other places. You can also get this and any of our future Around the Nation podcasts automatically by subscribing to this RSS feed: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3football/?feed=podcast Here’s how to find us on some of the major podcasting apps: Apple Podcasts: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast iHeart Radio: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Spotify: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Photos: Denison athletics photos by Jace Delgado, Susquehanna athletics photo by Kim Howes

In episode # 304 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas sit down with Jeremy Young and Orlando Gadea from Fluidra to reveal one of the biggest pool industry technology launches in years: the all-new AquaLink Edge platform. This isn't just another automation panel. Fluidra shares how AquaLink Edge is built around edge computing, smarter equipment communication, local processing, enhanced homeowner experiences, and a future ecosystem designed to help pool professionals run more efficient and profitable businesses. The conversation dives deep into automation, connected equipment, wireless communication, AI-driven pool management, smarter service operations, and how Tracker IO is helping transform the way pool companies manage routes, inventory, service calls, and customer experiences. Whether you're a pool service professional, builder, repair technician, retailer, or industry leader, this episode provides an exclusive first look at where pool technology is heading and how it will impact your business over the next decade. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction & Welcome 02:00 Meet Fluidra's Jeremy Young & Orlando Gadella 06:00 Heritage Pro Service Academy & Pool Pro Challenge Updates 08:00 Jeremy's Journey: From Pool Construction to Fluidra Innovation 15:00 Why Education & Training Matter in the Pool Industry 24:00 Orlando's Background in Digital Technology & Why He Joined Fluidra 27:00 The Official AquaLink Edge Reveal 28:00 Edge Computing vs Cloud Computing Explained 30:00 Creating Better Pool Owner Experiences 32:00 New In-Can Display & Home Display Features 35:00 Why Pool Automation Must Work Without Internet 40:00 Built-In Flow Monitoring & Smarter Equipment Control 43:00 Five Years of Development Behind AquaLink Edge 47:00 Easier Setup, Faster Installation & Wireless Communication 52:00 Personalized Access for Homeowners, Service Pros & Airbnb Properties 56:00 Service Mode Improvements & Smart Notifications 01:03:00 Wireless Equipment Discovery & Future Product Ecosystem 01:08:00 Customer Experience vs Traditional Automation 01:15:00 The Future of Connected Pool Equipment 01:19:00 Tracker IO & The Future of Pool Service Management 01:27:00 How Data Will Transform Pool Businesses 01:32:00 Future Integration Between Pool Builders & Service Companies 01:35:00 AquaLink Edge Release Timeline & Launch Plans 01:37:00 Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks A special thank you to our Visionary Partners for supporting Pool Nation and helping us elevate the pool industry through education, training, and community: The SPPA BluRay XL AquaStar Pool Products Natural Chemistry Raypak Heritage Pool Supply Group Hayward Pool Products Poolside Tech Pool Brain Nidec / US Motors Encore Brands OnCore Filtration Your commitment to pool professionals helps us continue delivering world-class education and content to the industry.  

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer discuss the latest in Rutgers football recruiting. 

Episode 303 Pool Nation Podcast is a Best of Episodes. This is a packed three-hour-plus episode with three segments (the Raypak heat pump deep dive, the Women's Summit podcast, and the Pool Nation Awards crew show) Pool heat pumps are the future of pool heating, and in this episode the Pool Nation crew breaks down exactly how they work, why they beat gas heaters on cost, and how to sell them without scaring off your customers. Host Edgar De Jesus sits down with Raypak's Brad Duncan and Akshaya Shekhar for a no-nonsense heat pump deep dive built for working pool service pros. Learn how heat pumps work, why they are becoming increasingly important across the industry, and how to position them as a long-term solution that delivers real value for your customers. Then we hand the microphone over to the women of Pool Nation for a powerful recap of the Third Annual Pool Nation Women's Summit. Hear firsthand stories about leadership, authenticity, confidence, mentorship, and what it takes to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry. We also take a deep dive into the Pool Nation Awards, discuss why nominations matter, spotlight some of the industry's rising stars, and share inspiring stories from pool pros who are making an impact every day. Whether you're a one-person operation, a growing service company, a repair technician, or a business owner looking to scale, this episode is packed with practical takeaways, business lessons, and industry insights. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Pool Nation: Meet the Hosts & Guests 02:00 Why Heat Pumps Are the Future of Pool Heating 05:00 Meet Brad Duncan & Akshaya Shekhar from Raypak 08:00 Heat Pump Deep Dive Begins 09:00 How a Pool Heat Pump Actually Works 10:30 Heat Pump Performance by Climate & the 80/80/80 Rule 13:00 Can a Heat Pump Heat a Spa? 14:30 COP vs Gas Heater Efficiency Explained 17:00 Why Combining Heat Pumps & Gas Heaters Changes Everything 19:30 Heat/Cool Models: Turning Hot Pools Into Profit Centers 21:00 Initial Investment vs Long-Term Savings 24:00 Selling Heat Pumps Without Scaring Customers 25:00 The Maserati vs Beetle Explanation Every Pool Pro Should Know 26:00 Pool Nation Women's Summit Special Begins 27:30 Women's Summit Recap & Industry Updates 32:00 Meet Janie Flawless & Jeanette Horn 39:00 The Growth of the Women's Summit 46:00 Finding Your Voice & Being Your Authentic Self 53:00 Leadership Lessons & Personal Growth 59:00 Sponsor Break 1:04:00 Pool Nation Live Returns 1:11:00 Pool Nation Awards Nominations Recap 1:18:00 Why Pool Nation Awards Matter 1:24:00 Recognizing Pool Pros Who Make a Difference 1:33:00 Pool Nation Conference & Heritage Event Updates 1:36:00 Education Funds & Industry Opportunities 1:43:00 30 Under 40 Spotlight: James Broderick 1:52:00 Customer Education & Building Trust 2:03:00 30 Under 40 Spotlight: Aiden Dunn 2:08:00 Growing a Business & Right-Sizing Your Route 2:16:00 30 Under 40 Spotlight: Nick LaPoint 2:25:00 Competition vs Community in the Pool Industry 2:33:00 Using Data to Build a Better Pool Company 2:40:00 Final Thoughts & Sponsor Break 2:46:00 Lessons From the Next Generation of Pool Pros 2:51:00 Inside the New Training Headquarters 2:54:00 Gold Medal Pools: The Origin Story 2:59:00 Surviving the 2008 Economic Crash 3:02:00 Building Massive Commercial Water Features 3:11:00 The Dallas Cowboys Connection 3:13:00 Closing Thoughts

3 NEW AUTHORS. NO SAFE CONVERSATIONS. Angery American is joined LIVE by newly published authors Russ Sawyer, Dave Haddock, and Nick Meacher for an unfiltered conversation about survival fiction, preparedness, publishing, storytelling, and the realities of the world today.

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer discuss the latest in Rutgers football recruiting. 

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer discuss the latest in Rutgers football and hoops. 

In Episode 2 of the Dealer Nation Podcast, David Villa and Tommy sit down with Brad Wise, US Marine, Stephen Jones, and Matt Lewis for a real conversation about the current state of the car business.They discuss dealership leadership, culture, customer behavior, lead handling, employee pricing, the future of automotive retail, and what separates winning stores from struggling stores in today's market.Real operators. Real conversations. Real dealership insight.

Episode 302 of the Pool Nation Podcast What if your pool business has been warning you about bigger problems... and you just haven't been listening? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” Nicholas dive deep into one of the most important business conversations pool pros can have: the signals your business sends you every single day. From burnout and busy work to growth plateaus, employee problems, customer issues, and financial blind spots, the guys break down why so many pool companies mistake movement for progress. This episode sets the stage for a powerful multi-part conversation on how to recognize the warning signs before they become major business problems. They also discuss: → The illusion of success in the pool industry → Why growth without systems creates chaos → The importance of listening to your numbers and team → How experienced business owners identify patterns before disasters happen → Why “one pool at a time” thinking can limit long-term growth → Pool Nation Boot Camps and the $25,000 Pool Pro Challenge → Encore Filtration's Dirty Filter Contest → The Heritage Pro Service Academy in Van Nuys, California If you're a pool service professional trying to scale your company, improve profitability, build a stronger team, or simply avoid burnout, this episode is packed with real talk and business insight from three pool pros who have lived it. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Pool Nation Podcast Intro 01:00 – Zac gets Edgar sick 03:00 – John talks family, graduation season & podcast studio plans 07:30 – International Swimming Hall of Fame experience 12:00 – The hidden importance of pool pros in the swimming industry 16:30 – Heritage Pro Service Academy announcement 18:00 – $25,000 Pool Pro Challenge qualifiers 20:00 – Pool Nation Awards updates & category changes 21:00 – Encore Filtration Dirty Filter Contest 24:00 – Edgar's AI-generated “Smokey and the Bandit” John photo 29:30 – Sponsor break 34:30 – Zac discusses rebuilding and refining The Pool Boys brand 36:30 – Why successful businesses never stop evolving 39:00 – Your business is talking to you every day 41:00 – Listening to the warning signs in your company 44:00 – Fixing problems vs solving root causes 49:00 – The illusion of success in pool service businesses 52:00 – Why busy does not equal productive 54:00 – The danger of comparing your business to others 56:00 – Scaling too fast and losing control 57:00 – Final thoughts on business growth and self-awareness 01:07:00 – Closing remarks Special Thanks to Our Valued Sponsors & Visionary Partners A huge thank you to our sponsors and partners who continue supporting the pool industry and Pool Nation: → SPPA → BlueRay XL → AquaStar Pool Products → Natural Chemistry → Raypak → Heritage Pool Supply → Hayward Pool Products → Poolside Tech → Pool Brain → Nidec / US Motors → OnCore Filtration → Encore Brands Your continued support helps us educate, inspire, and elevate pool professionals everywhere. Heritage Pro Service Academy Join us in Van Nuys, California for the Heritage Pro Service Academy powered by Pool Nation. Hands-on training includes: → Heater installation & troubleshooting → Automation setup → Variable speed motor training → Pump installation → Cool deck application → Live Pool Pro Challenge qualifiers Registration is FREE thanks to the Heritage Education Fund. Visit PoolNation.com to register today. Encore Filtration Dirty Filter Contest Think you've found the dirtiest pool filter in the industry? Submit your worst filter photos and videos for a chance to win cash and prizes from Encore Filtration.   #PoolBusiness #PoolService #PoolNation #PoolPro #PoolServiceBusiness #PoolIndustry #Entrepreneurship #PoolCleaning #PoolRepair #BusinessGrowth #PoolRoute #SwimmingPoolIndustry #PoolTech #ServiceBusiness #PoolNationPodcast

Join Angery American as he welcomes Paul Christopher Co-Founder of Lostways Survival and Homesteading to the podcast. Paul Christopher, co-founder of Lostways Survival and Homestead, grew up in Aberdeen, North Carolina, learning to live off the land through hunting, fishing, building, and preserving food. His upbringing instilled in him the self-reliant skills he now calls “the lost ways.” After 22 years as a fireman on specialized rescue teams, his passion for teaching led him to share these skills through courses in bushcraft, homesteading, and survival across the country, encouraging others to preserve traditions before they disappear.

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer talk Rutgers basketball and football.

The mailbag is pretty active in this podcast, with listeners chiming in with questions about how Concordia (Wis.) will do in transitioning from the NACC to the CCIW, whether this year’s new technology in Division III will be added more smoothly than last year, what Trinity (Texas) was leaving behind in leaving its long-time conference home, and which mascot matchup would be our favorite. We’ll also talk about the new quarterback transferring into UW-Oshkosh, and finally get Coe and UW-Oshkosh schedules finalized. Plus, we have two guests: Trinity (Conn.) head coach Jeff Devanney and Ithaca coach Brandon Maguire. At Trinity, the day we’ve all been waiting for is arriving, where the NESCAC is finally allowed to go to the playoffs. The Bantams are all smiles. If you missed it, the conference presidents have been holding NESCAC football teams back for about 30 years while all other sports have been permitted to play on past Week 11. Devanney talks about how that changes the recruiting pitch, both for incoming student-athletes and a handful of key players who have an extra year of eligibility to be used. At Ithaca, Maguire gets promoted from within and talks about how many of the 96 players on the roster they managed to get to stick around after the previous coach left right before Christmas. Why did they players who stayed, stay? What does Ithaca need to get back to the very top of the Liberty League standings and get to the playoffs? What are the Bomber alumni most concerned about? That and more in this conversation. That and more in this edition of the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast. The D3football.com Around the Nation podcast is a weekly conversation about NCAA Division III football, and has been running since 2007. Hit play, or subscribe to get this podcast on your mobile device. You can subscribe to the Around the Nation Podcast in Apple Podcasts, and many other places. You can also get this and any of our future Around the Nation podcasts automatically by subscribing to this RSS feed: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3football/?feed=podcast Here’s how to find us on some of the major podcasting apps: Apple Podcasts: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast iHeart Radio: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Spotify: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Photos: Trinity (Conn.) athletics photo by Isabella Calagna; Ithaca athletics photo; North Central athletics photo by Mark Black; 

In Episode 301 of the Pool Nation Podcast, we bring you a special “Best Of Pool Nation” compilation featuring some of the most impactful conversations, emotional moments, business lessons, and industry insights from the podcast. From pool business growth strategies and operational efficiency to powerful conversations about water safety, leadership, and industry innovation, this episode highlights why Pool Nation continues to be the leading voice for pool professionals across the country. You'll hear incredible discussions with industry leaders from Heritage Pool Supply, AquaStar Pool Products, Terry Arko, Steve Barnes, and more as we dive into topics that every pool pro, service company owner, repair technician, and industry professional can relate to. This episode covers: → Pool route efficiency and operational growth → Building stronger pool businesses → Leadership and mentorship in the pool industry → Water safety awareness and Every Child A Swimmer → Pool industry innovation and training → Pool Nation Hall of Fame stories → Business systems, scaling, and profitability → The future of pool industry education If you're a pool service company owner, pool technician, builder, retailer, or manufacturer looking to grow your business and stay connected to the pulse of the swimming pool industry, this episode is packed with valuable insight and inspiration. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:00 – Heritage Pool Supply leadership and behind-the-counter perspectives 10:00 – Transitioning into the pool industry and learning the business 18:00 – Retail management, distribution, and customer relationships 24:00 – AquaStar partnership and Every Child A Swimmer initiative 42:00 – Casey's emotional water safety story and drowning prevention awareness 52:00 – AquaStar's mission and pool safety innovation 58:00 – Pool Nation Hall of Fame special segment with Terry Arko & Steve Barnes 1:10:00 – Industry recognition, education, and legacy building 1:24:00 – Pool business operational efficiency discussion 1:33:00 – Route optimization and maximizing profitability 1:41:00 – Time management and scaling a pool service business 1:44:00 – Closing thoughts and Pool Nation community updates Special Thanks To Our Visionary Partners & Sponsors A huge thank you to all of our incredible sponsors and visionary partners who continue to support Pool Nation, pool industry education, and the growth of pool professionals across the country. Your partnership helps us continue building the #1 platform for swimming pool service, repair, business, and leadership education. Thank You To: → Heritage Pool Supply Group → AquaStar Pool Products → Raypak → Natural Chemistry → BlueRay XL → Hayward Pool Products → US Motors → SPPA → Poolside Tech → Pool Brain → OnCore Filtration → Encore Brands  

What does it actually take to turn an underperforming rooftop into a market leader?In this episode of Dealer Nation, powered by iPD Agency, four top operators break down the real blueprint behind their biggest store turnarounds — from “ground zero” to President's Award, Ford Elite, #1 Kia in the state, and top‑3 Nissan in the U.S.You'll hear from:Bill Vueleman – General Manager, Crain Ford (Little Rock, AR)Matt Lasco – Owner, Lasco Ford & Grand Blanc Mitsubishi (Fenton, MI)Roland Lynn – General Manager, Clay Cooley Nissan & Don Davis Nissan (Dallas, TX)Mark Lowe – General Manager, Don Franklin Kia & Hyundai Somerset (Somerset, KY)They unpack how they:Took stores from ~20–40 units a month to #1 in their state or regionRebuilt culture, pace, and energy so customers feel the difference the moment they walk inUsed math and targets (inventory, headcount, traffic, closing ratios) to reverse-engineer growthBalanced lead volume vs. lead value and when to cut low-performing vendorsTurned used cars into a growth engine using non-traditional acquisition (service drive, equity mining, social buying centers, KBB/ICO, OEM channels)Approached EV and hybrid demand realistically by market (rural, metro, big-city)Structured daily training, sales meetings, and “Power Hour” style sessions to lift underperformersPromoted from within and built leaders, not just salespeople, to sustain the turnaroundIf you're sitting on a store that's capable of more—or trying to scale from “good” to “top 10 in the nation”—this is a tactical, numbers-driven conversation you can take straight back to your rooftop.

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer discuss the latest in Rutgers basketball and football. 

In Episode 300 of the Pool Nation Podcast Edgar and John sit down with Mike from Quick Shop Pools and Bellafina Outdoors to talk about the future of pool construction, pool design, and pool business mentorship. If you are a pool service pro, pool builder, or pool business owner looking to grow, this is the pool podcast episode you cannot miss. Mike spent 20 years in law enforcement working federal fugitive task forces, including the team that helped apprehend Whitey Bulger, before going all in on the pool industry. Today, he runs one of the most innovative pool construction companies and pool design showrooms in the country out of Huntington Beach, California. Pool pros who have walked through Bellafina Outdoors are calling it the Disneyland of pool design. We also welcome Luz, Director of Operations at Bellafina, who brings over 20 years of brand and marketing experience into the pool industry, plus Thomas from PAL Lighting and Michelle from Heritage Pool Supply for a full Pool Nation studio conversation on pool builder education, customer experience, and elevating the pool trade for the next generation of pool pros. IN THIS POOL NATION PODCAST EPISODE: - How Mike built a pool construction business from the ground up - The real story behind the Whitey Bulger fugitive apprehension - How the 2008 crash shaped a new vision for the pool industry - Why pool builder mentorship is the missing piece in pool construction - The Bellafina Pro Academy and the future of pool builder education - How to deliver a true pool design experience to homeowners - Why collaboration beats competition in the pool industry - Heritage Pool Supply's quarterly open house partnership with Bellafina POOL NATION PODCAST TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 02:00 Thank you to our Pool Nation sponsors and partners 08:30 Meet Mike from Quick Shop Pools and Bellafina Outdoors 10:30 Heritage Pro Service Academy pool boot camp June 6 in Van Nuys 14:30 From law enforcement to the pool industry 16:30 The Whitey Bulger story behind one of America's biggest fugitive captures 21:30 Surviving the 2008 crash and launching a new pool design model 25:00 Why mentorship for younger pool builders matters 30:00 Inside the Disneyland of pool design showrooms 38:00 Why healthy competition makes the entire pool industry stronger 46:00 Industry tea: big changes coming to the pool industry 47:30 Luz on bringing fresh marketing talent into the pool world 58:00 Thomas from PAL Lighting on pool and landscape lighting design 01:08:00 The Outdoor Plus partnership and the tower of fire bowls 01:13:00 Introducing the Bellafina Pro Academy for pool builders 01:17:30 Heritage Pool Supply quarterly open house at Bellafina 01:24:30 Final thoughts for pool pros THANK YOU TO OUR POOL NATION PODCAST SPONSORS: SPPA, Blueray XL, AquaStar Pool Products, Natural Chemistry,   Raypak, Hayward Pool Products, EnCore Brands Heritage Pool Supply Group, Pool Brain, Poolside Tech, Nidec OnCore Filtration

On Episode 208 of the Fish House Nation Podcast presented by Catch Cover, co-hosts Chris Larsen and Al Escobedo break down what to do when the fish just aren't biting in your wheelhouse. From making subtle location adjustments to changing presentations, lure profiles, colors, noise, and bait positioning, the guys share practical strategies to turn a slow day on the ice into a productive one. Chris and Al discuss how electronics, underwater cameras, tip-ups, and sonar can help you confirm whether you're actually on fish, while also explaining when too much technology—or even too much light and noise inside the fish house—might actually hurt your bite. They also dive into the importance of scouting, hole placement, generator noise, live sonar pressure, and how small changes like getting baits higher in the water column can trigger more strikes. If you've ever set up on what looked like the perfect spot only to struggle getting bites, this episode is packed with real-world ice fishing adjustments that can help salvage your next trip and put more fish on the ice. For more information, visit https://catchcover.com/read-blog-articles/

In Episode 299 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar, John “JJ Flawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” break down one of the most important conversations every pool pro needs to hear — the signals your business is sending you every single day. From pricing mistakes and route inefficiencies to hiring too late and chasing the wrong growth, this episode dives deep into the real challenges pool service companies face — and how to fix them. But that's not all…

The biggest news for Division III football coming out of the NFL draft was, as usual, not about a player getting drafted. We are accustomed to that by now, sadly, and no amount of tweeting is going to convince the NFL to draft D-III players. But for Tyren Montgomery, the contract offer came. And for four additional players so far, the rookie minicamp invite arrived. And on this podcast, we talk to Montgomery, the former John Carroll wide receiver, now a member of the Tennessee Titans, about his route to the NFL. If you read our feature on Montgomery last September, you already know the back story. He talks about what he’s been working on since the season ended, how many calls his agent got on his behalf, what he likes about the Titans and why he chose them out of the number of offers he received. We also chat with Bethany coach David Blake, who joins the Bison this year and brings a number of new ideas to the sideline after a wide variety of past experiences, including flying jets in the Navy and then working for the Judge Advocate General’s office. How that experience plays out as a first-time head coach is really fascinating, and is worth a listen. This includes some interesting uses of music during practice and workouts, and a really unique title for one of his assistant coaches. Other topics of discussion include, of course, the demise of Anna Maria College and the Anna Maria football program, the future arrival of St. Anselm from NCAA Division II, the St. Francis schedule, the new WIAC commissioner and the intriguing Week 1 matchup between UW-River Falls and Southern Virginia. In addition, we take your questions on the following topics: What is our opinion on D-III schools scheduling teams? Who has set themselves up for a playoff bid? And how many games and teams are we able to watch per week? Links: Tyren Montgomery feature, September 2025, Trading in his high tops That and more in this edition of the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast. The D3football.com Around the Nation podcast is a weekly conversation about NCAA Division III football, and has been running since 2007. Hit play, or subscribe to get this podcast on your mobile device. You can subscribe to the Around the Nation Podcast in Apple Podcasts, and many other places. You can also get this and any of our future Around the Nation podcasts automatically by subscribing to this RSS feed: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3football/?feed=podcast Here’s how to find us on some of the major podcasting apps: Apple Podcasts: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast iHeart Radio: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Spotify: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Photos: John Carroll athletics; Bethany athletics; Saint Anselm athletics

Former Louisville HC Karen Ferguson joins the coaches to talk her career arc, the NCAA soccer environment and a little pickleball. The coaches then discuss current portal news and the five year eligibility situation. Give a listen, tell a friend.

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer highlight the latest in Rutgers Football. 

In Episode 298 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar and Zac are joined by industry experts Robbie Walker and Michael Viegas from Solenis to break down one of the most misunderstood areas in the pool industry — spa, hot tub, and cold plunge water chemistry. If you've ever treated a spa like a pool… this episode will change everything. We dive deep into: Why hot water chemistry behaves completely differently The truth about biofilm, bacteria, and “human juice” in spas The real differences between chlorine, bromine, and biguanide systems How aeration, temperature, and bather load destroy your chemistry Why your sanitizer disappears overnight The rise of cold plunges and wellness systems And how pool pros can turn spas into a profitable service category This is a must-listen for pool service pros, repair techs, and anyone looking to level up their understanding of water chemistry — especially in smaller bodies of water like spas and hot tubs.

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer discuss the latest in Rutgers basketball and football. 

One Nation, hosted by Brian Kilmeade, airs on the Fox News Channel on Sunday nights at 10 PM ET. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NFL Draft is coming up this week, and Division III has had only three players drafted since 2012, all of them offensive linemen who were thought of quite highly and drafted quite highly: Ali Marpet of Hobart, Ben Bartch of St. John’s and Quinn Meinerz of UW-Whitewater. If Division III has a player drafted from any position other than O-line, it’s probably most likely to be Ty Montgomery of John Carroll, who we talked about back in Podcast 404. Why has it been so hard for D-III guys to get drafted lately? We bring in a player agent to talk about what he’s seen in two decades of representing Division III football talent, what NFL teams are looking for and what the prerequisite is before one ever even gets to a Pro Day. John Perez, who played D-III ball at William Paterson, talks us through it. It’s a new day at Loras, as the Duhawks have a new head coach in former St. John’s defensive coordinator Brandon Novak, are hoping to generate some buzz of their own in Dubuque, Iowa, and looking to take a step forward for a program which hasn’t won more than five games in a season since 2008. Novak has filled his key assistant coaching slots with some young guys, he inherits a non-conference schedule already laid out for him, and he has to adjust from wearing red for more than a quarter-century to purple. We also talk with Mike Phelan, whose first year as head coach at Franklin & Marshall was incredibly successful, as the Diplomats won their rivalry game and won the Centennial Conference’s automatic bid. He talks about NFL hopeful Gary Lewis, a wide receiver for F&M last year, plus Phelan talks about who his mentors are as a coach and who he gets advice from when needed. In addition, we take your questions on the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference managing to snag an automatic bid, and on Anna Maria College getting essentially a vote of no-confidence from the state of Massachusetts. Where might podcast co-host Patrick Coleman end up going for a game in Week 1 of this season? We discuss the story of Ithaca’s Derek Slywka and his pro football journey. And Patrick and fellow co-host Greg Thomas have some news about the immediate future of this podcast. Our guests on this podcast: Loras coach Brandon Novak, Franklin & Marshall coach Mike Phelan, John Perez of Perez Sports Associates. Links: A look at the old Loras Fieldhouse, from 2018 on D3hoops.com That and more in this edition of the D3football.com Around the Nation podcast. The D3football.com Around the Nation podcast is a weekly conversation about NCAA Division III football, and has been running since 2007. Hit play, or subscribe to get this podcast on your mobile device. You can subscribe to the Around the Nation Podcast in Apple Podcasts, and many other places. You can also get this and any of our future Around the Nation podcasts automatically by subscribing to this RSS feed: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3football/?feed=podcast Here’s how to find us on some of the major podcasting apps: Apple Podcasts: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast iHeart Radio: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Spotify: D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast Photos: Loras athletics; Franklin & Marshall athletics

In Episode 297 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John “JJFlawless,” and Zac “The Pool Boy” sit down with Jose Perez, founder of Encore Filtration also now officially known as The Duke of Dirty Filters. This episode goes deep into one of the most overlooked yet critical components of pool service: filtration  and why it directly impacts water quality, efficiency, customer trust, and profitability. Jose shares his journey from air filtration into the pool industry, why most pool pros are losing money on filters without realizing it, and how innovation, pricing strategy, and protecting the service professional are reshaping the industry. This isn't just a product conversation it's a business conversation about margins, competition from online retailers, and what it really takes to build a sustainable pool service company. If you're a pool pro, service company owner, or industry professional this episode will change how you think about filtration, pricing, and long-term growth. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:30 – Introducing Jose Perez (Encore Filtration) 04:15 – Why filtration is overlooked in the pool industry 08:20 – Jose's background: From air filtration to pool innovation 13:45 – Taking the leap into entrepreneurship (no customers, no guarantees) 18:30 – The biggest gaps in the pool filtration market 23:10 – The real problem: Online pricing vs. service profitability 29:40 – Why protecting pool pros matters (and why most manufacturers don't) 36:15 – The truth about margins, pricing, and customer trust 42:00 – Innovation beyond the product: thinking differently 48:20 – The FIT Kit concept (solving real field problems) 54:10 – How to build loyalty through customer experience 59:30 – The future of filtration & industry standards 1:05:20 – Technology center & raising the bar in testing 1:10:45 – Why “good is not good enough” in business 1:15:30 – Final thoughts & lessons for pool pros 1:18:00 – The birth of “The Duke of Dirty Filters”

Bobby Deren and Kristian Dyer discuss the latest in Rutgers Basketball. 

One Nation, hosted by Brian Kilmeade, airs on the Fox News Channel on Sunday nights at 10 PM ET. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former NFL All-Pro safety Kerry Rhodes is in for Rob, and he and Kelvin explain why LeBron James spending so much of his career playing in the ‘Leastern Conference’. Plus, Lakers Nation podcast host Trevor Lane swings by to discuss all the biggest headlines around the Los Angeles Lakers heading into the second half of the NBA regular season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.