Pool Professionals Podcast

Episode 62: Robert Blanda on Building Pools Where Others Can't

Brian Van Bower sits down with Robert Blanda, Master CBP, CSP, and CPO, president of Mill Bergen Pools, to discuss his journey in the pool industry, the value of continuo

Episode 61: Evan Baard on Selling the Experience, Not Just the Pool

Brian Van Bower sits down with Evan Baard, Master CBP, Senior Landscape Designer and Sales Consultant at Gib-San Pool & Landscape Creations, to discuss how a holistic app

Episode 60: Neil Tarallo on Purposeful Leadership and Business Growth

In this episode of the Pool Professionals Podcast, Neil Tarallo, Senior Lecturer at Cornell University and author of The Purposeful Leader, shares practical strategies fo

Episode 59: Jeanne Mendelson on Leadership, Growth, and the Future of the Pool Industry

Brian Van Bower sits down with Jeanne Mendelson, Vice President of Education at PHTA, to discuss the evolution of professional education in the pool, spa, and hot tub ind

Episode 58: Sam Pizzo on What Separates Great Pool Builders

Sam Pizzo, owner of Avree Custom Pools, shares his journey from designer to leading one of the nation's fastest-growing pool companies. He discusses how the Houston marke

Episode 57: Colton Gustin on Turning Design into a Competitive Advantage

Brian sits down with Colton Gustin, Vice President of AquaTek Pools, to explore how a commitment to education, design, and technical excellence has fueled the company's g

Episode 56: Lance DiBona on Waterproofing Pools the Right Way

Brian talks with Lance DiBona, president of Roman Builders, about the importance of proper waterproofing and concrete repair in pool construction. Lance shares practical

Episode: 55: Alvaro Mendoza on the Future of Pool Monitoring and Smart Water Management

Brian Van Bower sits down with Alvaro Mendoza, Founder & Executive Chairman of Aquafinity, to explore the evolution of pool technology and the growing role of remote moni

Episode 54: Marina Mentzel on Why Water Safety Starts with Us

Brian sits down with Marina, CEO of urSwim, to discuss the critical importance of water safety and swim education, especially in recognition of National Water Safety Mont

Episode 53: Dragan Kostadinovic & Robert Moore on Raising the Standard in Pool Construction

Brian Van Bower sits down with Dragan Kostadinovic, Master CBP and owner of Beltway Pools, and Robert Moore, Master CBP and Vice President of Beltway Pools, to discuss th

Episode 52: Andy Kaner on Finding Qualified Pool Design Talent

Brian Van Bower speaks with Andy Kaner, MLA, Master CBP, about the challenges of recruiting and training talent in the aquatic design field. They discuss the importance o

Episode 51: Amanda Annis on the Rise of Wellness in the Hot Tub Industry

Brian Van Bower is joined by Amanda Annis, president of Ohio Hot Tub and Sauna, to discuss the evolution of the hot tub and swim spa industry and its growing connection t

Episode 50: What Conversations with Pool Industry Leaders Taught Us

What happens when you bring together some of the most experienced builders, designers, engineers, and innovators in the pool and spa industry? Over the past 50 episodes

Episode 49: Hub International on Building a Proper Insurance Program for your Business

Brian Van Bower sits down with Jeff Henriksen, PHTA Vice President of Industry Affairs and Research, along with Craig Dedrick and Chase Kress of HUB International, to unp

Episode 48: Mark Dorsey on Engineering Smarter Pool Systems

Brian talks with Mark Dorsey, P.E. about his unexpected path into the pool industry and how engineering-driven problem solving led him to create Primology, a system desig

Episode 47: Denise Canchola de Tournillon on Water as Therapy

Brian is joined by Denise Canchola de Tournillon, Vice President of River Flow Pools for a wide-ranging conversation on the powerful intersection of water, wellness, and

Episode 46: Matthew Ryther on Smarter Service for a Changing Industry

Brian sits down with Matthew Ryther, Service Manager at Aqua Pura Pool Service Inc. in California, to explore his 25-year journey in the industry and his recent achieveme

Episode 45: Hunter Gary on The Power of Thoughtful Pre-Construction Planning

Brian sits down with Hunter Gary, Master CBP and owner of H2 Outdoor Living, to explore his journey as a design-only pool professional in Middle Tennessee. They discuss t

Episode 44: Scott Frost on the Evolution and Future of the Swimming Pool Industry

Brian Van Bower sits down with Scott Frost, President of Heritage Pool Supply Group and 2026 PHTA Chairman of the Board, to discuss the evolution and future of the swimmi

Episode 43: Chris Trevathan on the Art and Engineering of Underwater Pool Windows

Brian Van Bower talks with Chris Trevathan, Operations Manager at Aquatic Glazing International, about the fascinating world of underwater pool windows. Chris shares his