Leadership, Growth & Trust in Pool Service Businesses
In Episode 278 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar and Todd broadcast live from the AquaStar Studio in Ventura, California, sitting down with two respected industry leaders: Michelle Watson of Shell’s Pool & Spa and Max O’Brien, owner of Ventura Pool Pro and IPSA Region 2 Officer.
This conversation goes far beyond pool service tactics. It dives into leadership, trust, scaling challenges, commercial versus residential service, California compliance, and the moment every business owner eventually faces — letting go and trusting a team.
Michelle shares her journey from solo operator to building a thriving business, her commitment to doing things the right way, and how she balances entrepreneurship with life outside of work (including surfing three times a week). Max reflects on his 24-year career in the pool industry, operating a large commercial service business, his leadership within IPSA, and his extraordinary work with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Underwater Search & Rescue Team.
This episode is packed with real stories, hard-earned lessons, and inspiration from professionals who are actively elevating the swimming pool industry every single day.
Perfect for pool pros who want to grow, lead, and take their business to the next level.
🎧 Listen to the Episode
[EMBED PODCAST PLAYER HERE]
🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- What leadership really looks like as a pool business scales
- Commercial vs. residential pool service realities
- Hiring, onboarding, and trusting employees in California
- The psychology of letting go as an owner
- How strong industry communities support growth and resilience
- Why professionalism and education matter more than ever
⏱️ Episode Breakdown & Chapter Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast
Live kickoff from AquaStar’s studio in Ventura.
01:00 – Golden Ticket Event & First Laughs
Behind-the-scenes stories and studio energy.
03:00 – Edgar Discovers AquaStar’s Hidden Detail
A reflection on culture, quality, and attention to detail.
05:00 – Shoutouts & Getting Started
Engaging the live audience and setting the tone.
05:30 – Introducing Michelle Watson
Pool Girl of the Year 2022 and powerhouse entrepreneur.
07:00 – Michelle’s Journey: From Solo Operator to Scaling a Team
Trust, onboarding, W-2s, and growth in California.
10:00 – Residential vs. Commercial Pools
Why Michelle prefers commercial service and regulatory realities.
13:00 – Surfing, Balance & Burnout Prevention
Staying grounded while running a business.
16:00 – Family, Business & Raising Hard Workers
Working alongside family and long-term values.
18:00 – The Psychology of Scaling
Letting go, employee mistakes, and owner mindset.
20:00 – Building a Model That Works Anywhere
Pricing correctly and proving success is possible in tough markets.
23:00 – Introducing Max O’Brien
Commercial expert and long-time Ventura pool pro.
24:00 – How Max Got Into the Industry
From maintenance to building a company.
26:00 – Operating a 130-Pool Service Company
Commercial routes, teams, and structure.
28:00 – Education, IPSA & Training the Next Generation
Why teaching matters for the future of the industry.
31:00 – Inside IPSA Ventura
Collaboration, education, and community support.
34:00 – Tech-for-Tech Stories
Real examples of pros helping pros.
39:00 – Underwater Search & Rescue Work
Diving operations with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.
41:00 – Helicopter Deployments
What those missions really look like.
43:00 – Recoveries, Emotions & Mental Resilience
Why closure matters for families.
47:00 – Final Thoughts from Michelle & Max
Leadership advice and industry inspiration.
50:00 – Closing Words from Edgar & Todd
Elevating professionalism in the pool industry.
🙏 Thank You to Our Sponsors
A huge thank you to our partners who make the Pool Nation Podcast possible:
AquaStar Pool Products
Blu-Ray XL
Raypak
Poolside Tech – The Attendant
Heritage Pool Supply Group
Biolab
SPPA
Pool Brain
Nidec
Hayward
Your support helps us bring powerful conversations and education to pool pros everywhere.