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Talking Pools Podcast
If you’ve ever stared at a test kit like it personally insulted your family… welcome home.
Talking Pools Podcast is the pool industry’s “pull up a chair” show—part shop talk, part field manual, part therapy session—built for people who actually live on pool decks: commercial operators, service techs, builders, facility managers, and anyone responsible for water that can’t afford to go sideways. The network was created to level up the pool industry with real-world conversations on water chemistry, filtration, troubleshooting, construction, safety, and the business side of keeping pools open and budgets intact.
Here’s the hook: it’s not theory-first. It’s experience-first—a roster of seasoned pros (with 250+ years of combined “been there, fixed that” wisdom) turning complicated problems into practical moves you can use the same day. And it’s not one voice, one vibe, one corner of the industry: it’s a network of shows designed to reflect how diverse this work really is—different regions, different specialties, different personalities.
Also worth saying out loud: women aren’t “special guests” here—they’re on the mic as hosts, from the beginning, with an intentionally balanced roster. That matters, because the best ideas in this industry don’t come from one lane—they come from the whole road.
If you want a podcast that can make you laugh and make you better at what you do—without pretending the job is easier than it is—Talking Pools is the one you queue up before the first stop, and keep on when the day starts getting weird.
Talking Pools Podcast
BONUS WEDNESDAY: Mastering Goal Setting and Strategic Planning with Michelle Kavanaugh
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In this intriguing episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, listeners are treated to a pre-recorded meeting of the Virtual Chapter of IPSSA, presided over by Rudy Stankowitz. As the chapter president, Rudy kicks off the session by extending a warm invitation to everyone to join this innovative virtual trade association chapter. The real highlight of the meeting, however, is the guest speaker, Michelle Kavanaugh, the esteemed president of M.K. Consulting.
Michelle leads an enlightening hour-long session centered on goal setting and strategic planning, specifically tailored for pool service company entrepreneurs. Her expertise and insights provide invaluable guidance on how to effectively set achievable goals and develop strategic plans that can propel businesses to new heights. Entrepreneurs in the pool service industry will find her session particularly beneficial as she delves into practical strategies, actionable steps, and the importance of a well-thought-out plan for long-term success.
Tune in to gain inspiration and practical knowledge from Michelle Kavanaugh, and learn how to set your pool service business on a path to growth and success under the expert moderation of Rudy Stankowitz.
Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com
[Intro Music Playing]
Rudy Stankowitz: Welcome, everyone, to this special episode of the Talking Pools Podcast. I'm Rudy Stankowitz, president of the Virtual Chapter of IPSSA, and today, we have something truly special lined up for you. But before we dive in, I want to extend an invitation to all our listeners to join our virtual trade association chapter. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with fellow pool service professionals.
Rudy Stankowitz: Now, let's get to the main event. I'm thrilled to introduce our guest speaker, Michelle Kavanaugh, the president of M.K. Consulting. Michelle is an expert in goal setting and strategic planning, and she's here to share her wealth of knowledge with us. Michelle, thank you for being here.
Michelle Kavanaugh: Thank you, Rudy. I'm excited to be here and share some insights with everyone. Goal setting and strategic planning are crucial for any business, and pool service companies are no exception. So, let's dive right in.
Rudy Stankowitz: Absolutely, Michelle. The floor is yours.
Michelle Kavanaugh: Thank you, Rudy. So, let's start with goal setting. The first step is understanding the importance of having clear, measurable goals. Without them, it's easy to lose direction and momentum. For pool service entrepreneurs, this means setting both short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals might include increasing customer retention rates or reducing response times, while long-term goals could focus on expanding your service area or launching new services.
Michelle Kavanaugh: Next, let's talk about strategic planning. This involves creating a roadmap to achieve your goals. It's about understanding where you are now, where you want to be, and how you're going to get there. One effective approach is the SWOT analysis—assessing your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This helps you identify areas for improvement and potential growth.
Rudy Stankowitz: Great points, Michelle. Could you give us an example of how a pool service company might apply these concepts?
Michelle Kavanaugh: Of course, Rudy. Let's say your goal is to increase your customer base by 20% over the next year. Your strategic plan might include steps like enhancing your online presence, offering promotions, and improving customer service. You'll need to set specific, measurable actions for each step and regularly review your progress. It's also essential to be flexible and adapt your plan as needed.
Michelle Kavanaugh: Another key aspect is involving your team in the planning process. When your employees understand and buy into the goals, they're more motivated to help achieve them. Regular meetings to discuss progress and challenges can keep everyone aligned and focused.
Rudy Stankowitz: Excellent advice, Michelle. I think our listeners are going to find this incredibly valuable. Any final thoughts?
Michelle Kavanaugh: Just remember that goal setting and strategic planning are ongoing processes. Keep reviewing and adjusting your goals and plans to stay on track and respond to changes in the market. With dedication and a clear roadmap, your pool service business can achieve great success.
Rudy Stankowitz: Thank you so much, Michelle. This has been an enlightening session. And to our listeners, if you're not already a member of the Virtual Chapter of IPSSA, now's the perfect time to join. Until next time, keep your pools clean and your business thriving.
[Outro Music Playing]
