E-305 Pool Nation Podcast - How Golden State Pools Built a 1,000+ Pool Empire: Training, Leadership, Boundaries & Knowing Your Worth
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 Podcast01:00 Meet Nick LaPointe and Ray DeRosa of Golden State Pools06:00 Steak dinner bets, pool industry friendships, and Western Show stories17:00 Nick's family history in the pool industry23:00 The early days of gas chlorine pool service28:00 How 9/11 changed pool sanitation operations forever31:00 Transitioning from gas chlorine to liquid chlorine systems34:00 Growing up in the family business and earning a business degree40:00 How Ray got started in pools and launched his own company42:00 Merging two companies into Golden State Pools46:00 From DOS systems and paper invoices to modern software49:00 Building company culture and leadership partnerships57:00 Why training matters and Golden State's 8-week technician training program1:05:00 Employee development, career paths, and retention strategies1:17:00 Managing repairs, service teams, and operational structure1:24:00 Inventory management, purchasing power, and warehouse operations1:33:00 The importance of boundaries as a business owner1:37:00 Knowing your value and pricing with confidence1:41:00 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.
