Text Rudy Now! Welcome to another episode of the Talking Pools Podcast! It’s Mondays Down Under, and today’s hosts are Lee and Shane, holding the fort while Peter is “under the pump” and unable to join. This episode dives into the festive season madness, the importance of family time, and the evolving role of technology in the pool industry. Highlights: A Festive Kickoff: Shane shares his experience of being transformed into Rudolph at his kids’ kindergarten Christmas party and reminds us why taking time out for loved ones is so important, especially during the holiday season. The Evolution o ..read more

Text Rudy Now! In this episode of the Flockit Friday podcast, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the challenges faced in the pool service industry, emphasizing the importance of recognizing toxic customers and the need for resilience. He shares insights on pool discoloration, the science behind filtration, and personal challenges he has faced. The conversation also covers effective team building strategies, highlighting the significance of hiring, onboarding, and creating a positive company culture. takeaways Recognize your achievements and progress, no matter how small. It's essential to fire toxic c ..read more

Text Rudy Now! Introduction: Host welcomes listeners and introduces special guest, Richard LaMotte.  Richard LaMotte is an author and marketing executive based in Chestertown, Maryland. He is renowned for his expertise on sea glass, having authored the award-winning book "Pure Sea Glass: Discovering Nature's Vanishing Gems," which earned first place in Writer's Digest's thirteenth annual Self-Publishing Book Awards. This work has been featured in publications such as Parade magazine, Coastal Living, and The Washington Post.  Koehler Books In addition to his contributions to litera ..read more

Text Rudy Now! In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, hosts Andrea and Paulette dive into the latest headlines shaping the swimming pool industry. With their signature mix of wit and insight, they tackle a variety of trending topics, offering their perspectives as seasoned professionals. Here’s a snapshot of what’s covered: Breaking News and Hot Topics: Andrea brings stories from around the globe, from the unusual to the controversial, shedding light on how these developments may impact pool service professionals. Paulette chimes in with her candid opinions, sparking lively discussions ..read more

Text Rudy Now! Introduction: Peter welcomes back Lee and Shane, ribbing them for leaving him to go solo last week. Shane shares the Australian Phrase of the Day: "Running around like a blue ass fly," symbolizing the frantic pace of the busy season. The trio discusses the approach of "Hell Month," the peak of summer madness for pool service professionals. Key Topics Discussed: 1. Preparing for the Holiday Rush Advice for Regional Listeners: Order Christmas stock early as suppliers and freighters often shut down over the holidays. Lee emphasizes the importance of having all “ducks in a row ..read more

Text Rudy Now! In this episode, Rudy Stankowitz discusses the latest trends in the pool industry, including stock updates and the impact of Warren Buffett's investment in Pool Corporation. He emphasizes the importance of standing your ground as a business owner, particularly in customer service scenarios. The conversation also delves into the complexities of ionic strength in saltwater pools and concludes with a discussion on the necessity of contracts in the pool service industry to protect both service providers and clients. takeaways The pool industry is experiencing significant changes an ..read more

Text Rudy Now! In the episode where Peter, Lee, and Shane discuss watching costs and hidden fees, they likely emphasize the importance of closely monitoring expenses in a pool service business. They might talk about how costs can quickly add up in unexpected ways, such as through hidden fees for parts, equipment, or services, like increased shipping charges, vendor markups, or fuel surcharges. These fees can chip away at profits if not carefully accounted for. The trio would probably suggest strategies like negotiating better terms with suppliers, being transparent with customers about any nec ..read more

Text Rudy Now! Special Announcement: Hey everyone! Just a quick heads-up: Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, we're bringing you this week's episode of the "Talking Pools" podcast a day early. Instead of our usual Thursday slot, you'll be able to catch Wayne and Steve on Wednesday this week. We hope you enjoy the episode and have a fantastic Thanksgiving! In this episode of the "Talking Pools" podcast, Wayne and Steve dive into the essential role trade shows play in the pool industry. They explore educational opportunities that these events provide, highlighting seminars like the instructor’s co ..read more

Text Rudy Now! In this splashy episode, Andrea and Paulette dive into the age-old debate: should you clean a pool while people are still doggy-paddling around? Paulette takes a hard line, declaring, “If they’re not out in five minutes, I’m turning the vacuum into a torpedo!” Meanwhile, Andrea claims she’s perfected the art of precision vacuuming, confidently maneuvering around cannonballs and floating inflatables like a poolside ninja. IT IS THE FIRM BELIEF OF THE TALKING POOLS PODCAST THAT A POOL SERVICE TECH SHOULD NEVER DO ANYTHING TO THE POOL OR ITS EQUIPMENT WITH BATHERS IN THE POOL. The ..read more

Text Rudy Now! Host: Lee (solo episode) Episode Summary: Lee takes the reins solo this week as Peter and Shane are busy dealing with the southern hemisphere’s pre-summer chaos. The episode focuses on critical topics that surfaced during Lee’s consultation with a pool business client: accountability, communication, and fostering team unity. Lee dives deep into strategies for maintaining a productive and cohesive workplace, even during the busiest times of the year. Listeners are treated to practical advice for managing staff, implementing processes, and fostering a strong team culture that can ..read more