E-321 Pool Nation Podcast - The Next Generation of Pool Industry Leaders | 30 Under 40

Episode 321 Pool Nation Podcast. The next generation of pool industry leaders is already here. In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus sits down with Meagan Kendrick, owner of Pool Pro Magazine, and four of the women nominated for the 2026 Pool Nation Awards 30 Under 40. Their paths into the swimming pool industry couldn't be more different. From pool renovations and plaster to commercial pool management, lifeguarding, pool design, landscaping, customer service and leadership, these women show just how many opportunities exist inside the pool and spa industry. Chelsea shares how she went from receptionist to helping lead an operation completing hundreds of pool renovations each year, and why creating a “Disney-level” customer experience has become part of how she approaches the business. Julia takes us inside a side of the pool industry that doesn't get talked about nearly enough: commercial aquatics. She explains what it takes to manage HOA and country club pools, recruit and train hundreds of seasonal lifeguards, maintain safety standards and manage the responsibility that comes with keeping swimmers safe. Courtney shares her journey from studying agricultural science to helping grow Texas Outdoor Oasis from a four-person company into a full-service outdoor living business. She also explains how design, permitting, landscaping and construction all have to work together to deliver a better customer experience. Amanda takes us inside the massive operation behind seasonal commercial pools, including lifeguard recruiting, international staffing, pool openings and closings, inspections, maintenance, customer relationships and overseeing dozens of aquatic facilities. The conversation also gets into something bigger: where the swimming pool industry is headed. Meagan and Edgar discuss how much the industry has changed, the growth of education and collaboration among pool professionals, the opportunities available to the next generation, and why there truly is a place for almost anyone to build a career in the pool industry. If you're a pool service professional, pool business owner, builder, designer, technician, manufacturer, distributor or someone considering a career in the swimming pool industry, this episode gives you a look at just how big this industry really is. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 01:20 - Meet Meagan Kendrick and the 30 Under 40 nominees 02:00 - New Orleans and the upcoming pool industry expo 10:00 - Getting ready for the PSP Expo 12:00 - $25,000 Pool Pro Challenge and Pool Nation Awards 14:00 - Chelsea's journey into the pool industry 17:00 - Completing hundreds of pool renovations each year 18:00 - Creating a Disney-level customer experience 23:00 - From receptionist to industry leader 28:00 - Julia's journey from competitive swimming to aquatics leadership 30:00 - How commercial pool management actually works 32:00 - Recruiting hundreds of seasonal employees and lifeguards 34:00 - Lifeguard training, safety and liability 39:00 - Swim lessons, water safety and the post-COVID swimming gap 42:00 - Pool codes, compliance and keeping commercial pools safe 46:00 - Sponsor break 51:00 - Back with the 30 Under 40 nominees 57:00 - Courtney's journey into pool design and construction 59:00 - Building a one-stop outdoor living company 1:00:00 - Design, permitting and improving operational efficiency 1:04:00 - Finding your role as a company grows 1:09:00 - Amanda's journey from lifeguard to regional manager 1:11:00 - Managing 80 commercial pool facilities 1:14:00 - Customer service, problem-solving and leadership 1:16:00 - Training the next generation of pool professionals 1:17:00 - The lifeguard shortage and international recruiting 1:19:00 - What seasonal pool operations really look like 1:21:00 - Pool openings, inspections and the spring rush 1:23:00 - Leadership, family and relying on your team 1:25:00 - The side of the pool industry nobody talks about 1:27:00 - Why there is a career for everyone in aquatics 1:29:00 - Sponsor break 1:34:00 - Has the pool industry changed for the better? 1:36:00 - Technology, collaboration and building industry community 1:38:00 - A new idea for the future of 30 Under 40 1:42:00 - Could a 30 Under 40 industry event be next? 1:44:00 - Final thoughts and congratulations to the nominees THANK YOU TO OUR VISIONARY PARTNERS A huge thank you to the companies that continue to support Pool Nation and our mission to elevate, educate and help pool pros succeed: SPPA -  BluRay XL -  AquaStar Pool Products -  Natural Chemistry -  Raypak -  Heritage Pool Supply -  Hayward Pool Products -  Poolside Tech -  Pool Brain -  US Motors -  OnCore Filtration -  Encore Brands   Thank you to every one of our partners for continuing to invest in pool professionals and the future of the swimming pool industry. Subscribe to the Pool Nation Podcast for conversations about pool service, pool business, swimming pool maintenance, pool construction, leadership, training, technology and the people shaping the future of the pool and spa industry. Master the Business. Perfect the Craft.