In Episode 269 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus sits down with Megan Kendrick from Pool Pro Magazine and the incredible female nominees from the Pool Nation Awards 30 Under 40 — Nelly Allen, Katie Morrissey, Maddy Vandiver, and Sarah Hoopes.

These powerhouse women share their journeys, challenges, and the lessons they’ve learned while shaping the pool industry’s future. From leadership and training to innovation and resilience, each story highlights the strength and passion behind the next generation of pool pros.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• 
  

  How each nominee built their career and broke through barriers

  
  


• 
  

  Leadership lessons from women redefining success in the pool industry

  
  


• 
  

  Balancing personal growth, mentorship, and career in a demanding trade

  
  


• 
  

  Behind-the-scenes stories from Pool Pro Magazine’s 30 Under 40

  
  


• 
  

  What to expect at the Pool Nation Awards in Las Vegas

  
  

🎧 A must-listen for anyone passionate about growth, recognition, and empowering women in the pool industry.

 

🕒 Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast

01:00 – Introducing Megan Kendrick & the Queen of Marco Polo

02:00 – Shoutout to sponsors and audience

04:00 – Meet the 30 Under 40 Female Nominees

06:00 – How Nelly transitioned from hospitality to the pool industry

10:00 – The evolution and impact of Amenity Collective

15:00 – Customer service lessons from hospitality to pool service

20:00 – Building communication and customer trust

25:00 – Katie’s journey from Happy Pools to Aquastar

28:00 – Surviving California wildfires and rebuilding a business

35:00 – Wiring pumps and the $10K Pool Pro Challenge

40:00 – Maddy’s journey from lifeguard to industry trainer

45:00 – Leadership through teaching and empowering technicians

50:00 – Managing large teams and running a thriving Atlanta company

55:00 – Sarah’s story: from swim instructor to GM in Arizona

58:00 – Leading a 700-pool operation under Arizona’s heat

01:02:00 – Running marathons and pushing limits

01:05:00 – The importance of education and community in the pool industry

01:07:00 – Closing thoughts and invitation to the Pool Nation Awards

💙 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

This episode is brought to you by our Visionary Partners, who help make the Pool Nation Podcast possible:

🌟 The SPPA – The premier insurance provider for pool pros

🌟 Blu-Ray XL

🌟 AquaStar Pool Products

🌟 Natural Chemistry

🌟 Raypak

🌟 Heritage Pool Supply

🌟 Hayward Pool Products

🌟 Poolside Tech

🌟 Pool Brain

🌟 Nidec

Thank you for your continued support in driving education, recognition, and excellence across the pool industry.