In this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, host Megan Kendrick, owner of SpaRetailer Magazine, chats with Craig Selvidge, who retired from Bullfrog Spas in 2024. Selvidge shares his extensive experience in the hot tub industry, starting in the 1970s following a fire that destroyed his marine business. He discusses the evolution from wooden hot tubs to fiberglass and acrylic spas, and his role in developing and popularizing swim spas. Selvidge details the challenges of early swim spa designs and innovations, […]

In this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, hosted by Megan Kendrick, Dustin Hutcheson, a wellness consultant at Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and Minnesota, shares his journey in the hot tub industry. Hutcheson discusses the origins of the company, originally started by Paul Schaben in 1968 as an agricultural business, and how it evolved into a successful hot tub dealership with seven stores. He details his transition from car sales to selling hot tubs, accents the importance of personal branding […]

Join host Megan as she welcomes back Ravi Kurani, founder and president of Sutro, for an in depth conversation on innovation in the pool and spa industry. Kurani shares updates on Sutro’s journey, including new product integrations, company growth, and personal milestones. The discussion covers the evolution of water chemistry technology, the impact of industry changes, and practical advice for both professionals and consumers. Show Notes with Timestamps:

In this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, host Megan interviews Kayla Hagan, associate product marketing manager at King Technology. Kayla shares her journey into the pool and spa industry, discusses her role in new product development, and provides insights into King Technology’s latest innovations, including the Balancing Basics Kit and the FROG VIP program. The conversation covers the importance of water care, the challenges faced by new hot tub owners and how King Technology supports both consumers and pro dealers. […]

In this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, host Megan Kendrick talks with Travis Hogan, owner of Fiesta Pools and Spas in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They discuss how Travis got into the hot tub and pool business, starting from his humble beginnings in pool maintenance to eventually purchasing and expanding Fiesta Pools. Travis shares insights on business challenges, including transitioning into a well-established company at a young age, learning servant leadership, and implementing strategic planning to expand and adapt the business. They […]

In this episode of the SpaRetailer Podcast, host Megan Kendrick interviews Scott Gettings, co-owner of Hot Tub Superstore, which has locations in Reno, Vegas, and Scottsdale, Arizona. Scott shares his background coming from the car business and how he transitioned into the hot tub industry through a partnership with his roommate and now business partner, Dan. They discuss the importance of consistent sales training, strategic planning around economic and political climates, and the challenges of expanding into new markets. Scott […]

In this episode of the Spa Retailer Podcast, hosted by Megan Kendrick, the owner of SpaRetailer Magazine, Jim Parker, CEO of Ahh!some Water Care, discusses his journey into the hot tub industry, the development and expansion of his family’s business, and the importance of proper water care. Jim shares insights into the origins of Ahh!some Water Care, initially developed by his father and business partner in 1996, emphasizing its core product for eliminating biofilm in pools and hot tubs. Megan […]

In this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, host Megan Kendrick converses with Tom Vaughn, the president of Water’s Choice. Vaughn shares insights about the development and benefits of enzyme-based water care products, the startup challenges with them and the company’s evolution. They also talk about Water’s Choice’s new Buzz Off product for repelling insects around pools and hot tubs using ion technology. Vaughn provides anecdotes from his diverse career, confesses his hardest lessons learned and his penchant for golf and […]

This episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast features an insightful conversation between host Megan Kendrick and AJ Cada from Cada Pools and Spas in St. Charles, Illinois. AJ discusses his journey into the pool and spa industry, which began in 2012, as well as the evolution and growth of his family’s business over 45 years. The discussion covers the challenges and benefits of working in a family-run business, the importance of staying updated with industry trends and technologies, and the strategic […]

In this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, host Megan Kendrick welcomes back Alex Granlund from King Technology, where they delve into his experiences and observations from recent industry trade shows. They discuss the unique challenges faced at the Western Pool and Spa show and the Atlantic City show, sharing funny and insightful anecdotes. Alex highlights King Technology’s commitment to innovation, detailing the advances made possible by their new state-of-the-art facility and innovation center. He explains the benefits of their at […]

In this episode of the Spa Retailer podcast, host Megan Kendrick interviews Steve Hammack, former president of Watkins Wellness. Steve discusses his upbringing as a ‘military brat,’ attending 14 schools, and eventually settling in Southern California. He recounts his entry into the hot tub industry in 1982, his early relationships and travel to find dealers, and the challenges Watkins faced including the Great Recession and a critical material supply issue in the 1990s. The conversation covers the company’s marketing strategies, […]

In this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, host Megan Kendrick interviews Edie Bukenya, owner of Crested Crane Interiors, about her work in store design, specifically for hot tub retail spaces. Bukenya shares her journey from an architecture design firm to launching her business during the COVID pandemic, largely influenced by her work with Don Riling of Olympic Hot Tub. Edie discusses essential elements that enhance customer experience in hot tub showrooms, such as good lighting, decluttering, and using natural elements […]

In this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, host Megan Kendrick, owner of SpaRetailer magazine, brings back Shawna Mesher, director of sales and marketing at Evosus, to discuss strategies for planning and executing successful sales events in the hot tub industry. Shawna shares her insights on the importance of events, drawing from her experience with Oregon Hot Tub and Nordstrom. She emphasizes the need for creating urgency and building excitement among both salespeople and consumers. Shawna offers specific tips on running […]

In this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, host Megan Kendrick interviews Shandi Evertsen, the General Manager of Tropical Spas in St. George, Utah. Shandi shares her background in hospitality management and how the pandemic led her to transition into the hot tub industry. She details the rapid growth and sale of Tropical Spas, as well as the challenges faced, including a devastating fire that occurred shortly after the business changed hands. The fire destroyed 70 hot tubs and the showroom, […]

In this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, host Megan Kendrick speaks with Jerome Landry, a product manager at Gecko Alliance. They discuss Gecko’s latest innovation, the waterlab — an inline water testing device for hot tubs. Jerome shares insights into the product’s development, how it simplifies water chemistry for users and its impact on the hot tub industry. He also delves into his background in the tech industry and the collaborative approach taken by Gecko for product development. The conversation […]

In this episode, guests Larry Ovalle, vice president of innovation and technology, and Erica Moir, senior vice president of design, engineering and product marketing at Jacuzzi, discuss the development and features of True Water, a revolutionary water care system. The True Water System utilizes nanobubble technology to maintain cleaner water with significantly less chemical usage and effort from the consumer. Over a three-year development period, the team conducted extensive testing, including partnering with the University of Maine and external labs, […]

Oops — missed last weeks release due to the Pool | Spa | Patio Expo. Paul Madden Sr. and Paul Madden Jr. of Water By Design join the podcast to talk about their company’s 40th anniversary. The father-son duo bring an admirable respect and deference to the family business.

Don Elkington, the now retired founder of Coast Spas, joins the podcast to tell his hot tub history. Elkington shares how he got the business started and the unique challenges he faced being a hot tub manufacturer in Canada.

Patio Pleasures in Madison, Wisconsin, is the latest hot tub retailer to convert to an employee stock ownership plan. One of the former owners, Rene Huston, joins us on the podcast to talk through their ESOP process.

As the managing partner and successor president at REGENERATION, Elle Hansen has worked with 100s of companies as they work through their succession plans. Hansen joins the podcast to talk about her experiences and some of the common pitfalls she sees. Hansen joined us on several succession planning webinars, which you can watch here. Join Hansen in Dallas November 11, 2024, for an in-person succession planning workshop.