What does it take to build a thriving company in a competitive industry—and keep it growing for more than a decade? In this episode of Small Business Matters, host Tim Fulton and co-host Taylor Fulton sit down with Zac Nicklas, President & CEO of The Pool Boys in League City, Texas. Zac shares how he turned a small family-run pool service into a trusted, 15-employee operation that’s earned a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and integrity.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Zac’s story is packed with insights about scaling smart, leading well, and finding balance between growth and personal priorities.
Episode Highlights:
• What Matters to Small Business? [03:36]
• Leading Like a CEO [06:32]
• Sustaining a Long-term Business Partnership [10:53]
• A Big Mistake Changes Everything [15:09]
• Building a Loyal, Low-turnover Team [15:36]
• Industry Involvement As a Growth Accelerator [18:37]
• Hiring a Second-in-command [23:09]
• Rapid-fire [25:55]
• Takeaways [29:06]
• Contact Information [30:58]
• SBM News [31:15]
About the Guest
Zac Nicholas is the President & CEO of The Pool Boys, a full-service pool maintenance and repair company based in League City, Texas. Founded in 2011, the company has grown from a two-man operation into a respected local brand known for its commitment to customer care and continuous improvement. Zac’s leadership philosophy centers on integrity, teamwork, and investing in people—principles that have helped him build a sustainable business with strong community roots. Tune in to hear how one small business owner built not just a company, but a culture of professionalism, trust, and purpose.
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What does it take to build a thriving company in a competitive industry—and keep it growing for more than a decade? In this episode of Small Business Matters, host Tim Fulton and co-host Taylor Fulton sit down with Zac Nicklas, President & CEO of The Pool Boys in League City, Texas. Zac shares how he turned a small family-run pool service into a trusted, 15-employee operation that’s earned a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and integrity.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Zac’s story is packed with insights about scaling smart, leading well, and finding balance between growth and personal priorities.
Episode Highlights:
• What Matters to Small Business? [03:36]
• Leading Like a CEO [06:32]
• Sustaining a Long-term Business Partnership [10:53]
• A Big Mistake Changes Everything [15:09]
• Building a Loyal, Low-turnover Team [15:36]
• Industry Involvement As a Growth Accelerator [18:37]
• Hiring a Second-in-command [23:09]
• Rapid-fire [25:55]
• Takeaways [29:06]
• Contact Information [30:58]
• SBM News [31:15]
About the Guest
Zac Nicholas is the President & CEO of The Pool Boys, a full-service pool maintenance and repair company based in League City, Texas. Founded in 2011, the company has grown from a two-man operation into a respected local brand known for its commitment to customer care and continuous improvement. Zac’s leadership philosophy centers on integrity, teamwork, and investing in people—principles that have helped him build a sustainable business with strong community roots. Tune in to hear how one small business owner built not just a company, but a culture of professionalism, trust, and purpose.
Leading in Both Good Times & Bad Times with Jay McDonald
Small Business Matters
38 minutes 33 seconds
2 years ago
Leading in Both Good Times & Bad Times with Jay McDonald
Jay McDonald is a successful Executive Coach to CEOs, business owners, and leaders in multiple industries, helping folks become their best while enjoying great personal lives, and improving results. He’s also an experienced board member, having served on dozens of boards, chairing every board committee during his career.
Jay is the author of Strategic Jaywalking: The Secret Sauce to Life & Leadership Excellence, and Co-Author of Corporate Banking: A Practical Approach to Lending. A Vistage Master Chair, currently leading five Vistage groups, Jay is a graduate and facilitator of the prestigious Stanford Vistage Executive Leadership Program.
Show Notes:
Tim and Taylor recently welcomed Tim’s friend Jay McDonald to the podcast. Jay shares the lessons he’s learned over a 40-year career that began in a bank mailroom. Tune in to learn why leaders must be willing to ask the difficult questions, the key to leading successfully in good times and in bad times, and why Jay keeps failing at retirement.
Episode Highlights:
• What Matters to Small Business [0:02:23]
• The Journey [0:03:30]
• Today’s Most Difficult HR Issue [0:07:57]
• Writing Strategic Jaywalking [0:11:30]
• Best Mistake Made So Far [0:16:52]
• Role of the Leader [0:20:17]
• Leading in Good Times Verses Bad [0:22:35]
• Rapid Fire [0:29:03]
• Contact Information [0:35:26]
• Takeaways [0:37:04]
• SBM Announcements [0:37:37]
Small Business Matters
What does it take to build a thriving company in a competitive industry—and keep it growing for more than a decade? In this episode of Small Business Matters, host Tim Fulton and co-host Taylor Fulton sit down with Zac Nicklas, President & CEO of The Pool Boys in League City, Texas. Zac shares how he turned a small family-run pool service into a trusted, 15-employee operation that’s earned a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and integrity.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Zac’s story is packed with insights about scaling smart, leading well, and finding balance between growth and personal priorities.
Episode Highlights:
• What Matters to Small Business? [03:36]
• Leading Like a CEO [06:32]
• Sustaining a Long-term Business Partnership [10:53]
• A Big Mistake Changes Everything [15:09]
• Building a Loyal, Low-turnover Team [15:36]
• Industry Involvement As a Growth Accelerator [18:37]
• Hiring a Second-in-command [23:09]
• Rapid-fire [25:55]
• Takeaways [29:06]
• Contact Information [30:58]
• SBM News [31:15]
About the Guest
Zac Nicholas is the President & CEO of The Pool Boys, a full-service pool maintenance and repair company based in League City, Texas. Founded in 2011, the company has grown from a two-man operation into a respected local brand known for its commitment to customer care and continuous improvement. Zac’s leadership philosophy centers on integrity, teamwork, and investing in people—principles that have helped him build a sustainable business with strong community roots. Tune in to hear how one small business owner built not just a company, but a culture of professionalism, trust, and purpose.
