WEBVTT
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Welcome, pool guys, and gals to the Let's Talk About Pools podcast, where your host, Lauren Broom, will take a splash into many topics in the pool industry to educate all aquatic professionals.
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Listen in, and you just might be surprised what to learn.
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So let's jump right in.
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Welcome everybody today to the Let's Talk About Pools podcast, episode 86, where we talk about unlocking the Blue Wave advantage for how pool companies can benefit from it.
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And my guest was Tom Patterson, VP of Blue Wave and procurement at SPS Pool Care.
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So I really want you to enjoy this episode and learn more about what you can get from Blue Wave Advantage and check them out at Blue WaveAdvantage.com, their website.
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I also want to say thank you to our strategic podcast sponsor, Pool Brain, for sponsoring the podcast since the beginning of 2026.
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And please check out after before we head right into the episode more about Pool Brain.
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And thank you for supporting podcast education throughout the industry.
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Let's jump right in.
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I talked to so many customers that are using this app for this feature, this app for this, and this app for this, and said, Well, why don't you just use Fool Brain?
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Because we can do it all.
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I absolutely love Pool Brain.
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There's not a better app on the market.
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We've tested a ton of different ones and we landed on Fool Brain for a reason.
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We have well over 6,000 pools on Fool Brain.
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We've been on a few other platforms in the past, and this one's been by far the best one we've been on.
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Just very intuitive and easy to use for full professionals and very obviously made for pool professionals.
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And I really love it.
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I love we love full brain, baby.
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We love full brain.
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And quite literally what I believe the future of the industry is going to be when you have a tier hand focused for our industry for the service professionals.
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I believe that everybody wins.
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Yeah.
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And I see you have a shirt from Revved Up Apparel as well.
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I do, yes.
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Revved Up is actually one of our uh suppliers.
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We have a uh program with them and they do a great job.
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Of course, we use their apparel at uh at SPS.
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This is the logo right uh right there.
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Yeah, awesome.
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So we both use the same apparel sponsor because this shirt for the podcast, and he also did my Space Coast Pool School.
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He's my official strategic uh apparel sponsor for Space Coast Pool School and the Let's Talk About Post Podcast.
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So let's say thank thank you to Revved Up Apparel.
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Yeah, thank you.
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We really like their shirts, they hold up really well, um, really protect against chlorine and acid, and we've been very happy with them.
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And the sun, too.
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Yeah, yeah.
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And the built-in sunscreen protection and that dry fit material as well.
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So everybody check out Revved Up Apparel.
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All right, let's get right back into this episode.
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So tell us a little bit about yourself, Tom, and your role with SPS Pool Care and Blue Wave Advantage.
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Yes.
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Uh so I live in Dripping Springs, Texas, uh, just outside of Austin.
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Uh SPS has our corporate headquarters in Austin.
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And I'm sort of a dual role with SPS.
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I'm the vice president of procurement, and then I also lead our Blue Wave Business Advantage Unit.
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Uh, most of my career has actually been in procurement and supply chain roles in the life science industry.
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And my introduction to the pool industry was uh a little bit different.
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Uh, about five years ago, I bought a house with a pool and I knew absolutely nothing about how to take care of it.
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And so I did what like a lot of homeowners would, I took uh some samples of my water to a local pool store and then just started learning as I went, utilizing YouTube videos and uh certainly made plenty of mistakes along the way, but I really enjoyed just sort of learning how everything worked and uh the water chemistry and sort of troubleshooting some of the more minor things with some of my uh equipment on the pad, and um just really enjoyed that.
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And so this opportunity came along with SPS.
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It uh combined procurement, which was something I knew very well, and with an industry that I really started to enjoy.
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And SPS was a rapidly growing company with a great group of people, and it just seemed like it could be a lot of fun.
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And fortunately, they hired me and I joined SPS in February of 2024.
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Oh, so you've been here a couple of years now.
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Yeah, yeah, about uh two and a half years.
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Yeah, that's awesome.
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And SPS Pool Care, if I remember right, they are like the biggest pool company nationwide now, right?
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With all their recent uh acquisitions and stuff like that with pool troopers and and stuff like that.
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Yeah, uh pool troopers joined us in uh in January, and we are the uh largest pool service uh company in the US.
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We uh currently in five states and growing from there.
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Which which five states are you guys located in now?
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Uh so we are in Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Georgia.
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I know I've seen the growth of uh even just on social media, so it's amazing what you guys have done over there.
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Yeah, it's really been exciting to be a part of.
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So, what inspired SPS Pool Care to create Blue Wave Advantage?
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Uh well in 2025, we started looking at ways SPS could better partner with the broader pool service community.
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Um, so as the largest pool service company in the country, we were we were developing significant purchasing leverage, but we've also developed relationships with some really great suppliers, and we started asking ourselves, how can we share some of those advantages with the independent pool companies?
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And when we looked at the industry, we felt there was an underserved segment, in particular small and mid-sized service and repair companies, and that ultimately became Blue Wave Advantage.
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The idea wasn't just to negotiate some discounts.
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We wanted to take relationships, programs, training, resources that have worked well for SPS and make those available for independent pool companies.
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Wow, that's that's very cool.
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That's a good idea.
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Yeah, and and this this that's also you know why we're careful about the suppliers that we're bringing into Blue Wave.
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In almost every case, these are companies that SPS already has a strong history of working with.
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Um, we're not simply adding suppliers because they're willing to offer a discount.
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We want partners we know, we trust, we really believe can bring value to our members.
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That that I can understand that.
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That's very I think that would be important to the members themselves as well, that you guys take care in that.
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So that's awesome.
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So for someone hearing about Blue Wave for like the first time, how would you describe it to them in simple terms?
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Um, I would describe Blue Wave around really three things.
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Uh, save money, earn money, strengthen your business.
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Uh, first, members can tap into the SPS purchasing leverage and receive preferred pricing through our distribution partnership with Heritage.
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Uh, secondly, they have access to rebate and discount programs with some outstanding suppliers.
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Um, that includes companies like Pantia, Fluidra on the whole goods side.
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Um, we have Hasa on the Chemicals, and then we have other partners.
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We have Pull RX, Encore, King Technology.
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And third, we're providing training and business resources designed to help members become stronger operators and to really help them grow their business.
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Um, so I'd say the blue wave isn't just about getting a better price on a bucket of chlorine or a piece of equipment.
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We're really trying to create value across the entire business.
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Wow, that's awesome.
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And just mentioning the different, I recognize a lot of those companies like Encore and Heritage of Cores, they've done a lot for our industry.
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I mean, that their large part while we have the Pool Nation Women's Summit.
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I'm going to coming up.
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That's right.
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They're going to be hosting that.
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Yeah, they're hosting it, and it fits in their room is amazing for training last year.
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So just hosting that for all of us, women from the pool industry and all the great speakers that are coming to that and everything, including one of uh the ladies from SPS Pool Care is gonna be there and doing like a mentor group uh that when we break out into groups and stuff.
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So I'm really excited about meeting everybody and hopefully I'll meet her while I'm there.
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That's the big part is networking and stuff.
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So I look forward to meeting a lot of people there.
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But you guys are even involved with that, and she's mentoring, which I mean, you guys are big pool company, she works there.
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It makes sense to have a mentor from some somebody from a company that's been so um, you know, positive in the industry and growing and can give those of us that need to be looking.
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How do we do that with our own business?
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And having a mentor that gives us some guidance that helps, you know, I found it helpful last year.
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So can't wait to meet her there.
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And you said there was another uh woman that's coming as well from SPS or from Blue Wave.
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Yeah, so so Kayla Dalma, um, she is part of the procurement group, and like myself, she has a dual role where she also uh works with our Blue Wave suppliers and members as well.
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So she's gonna be at the event.
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And uh we also have, I think, some maybe one or two others on our business development team are going to be at the end.
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Awesome.
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Tell them to find Lauren Broom over there because I'll be there.
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I'll be by myself, but I should be wearing my Space Coast shirt that kind of looks like this, but it'll say Space Coast instead of the podcast.
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All right, so let's get back right on track here.
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I know I sidetracked on the I'm I'm excited about the Women's Summit, that's why.
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All right, most people uh you know assume that a buying group is just about, you know, like discounts and stuff like that.
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How is Blue Wave different from that?
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Yeah, so so so good question.
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Um, so discounts are certainly part, an important part of Blue Wave, and but we do think that the value goes well beyond discounts.
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So one difference is how members access these savings.
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We don't want members to have to make large bulk purchases just to get a better price.
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And through our partnership with Heritage, a member's heritage account is associated with Blue Wave, and so they continue uh purchasing through distribution much the way they normally would, but then they can access the applicable Blue Wave pricing at the register.
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Um, but another difference is in the partners themselves.
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We're again very deliberate about who we're bringing into Blue Wave, and um, in most cases, SPS has a strong history with these companies, and we've worked with them, we really know their organizations, and we really understand how they can provide value.
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Uh, and then we're layering the manufacturer rebates with education, training, and additional business services.
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So we're there really benefits that are being offered on an everyday basis to our members.
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So it's it's really about creating multiple layers of values for the member.
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That's awesome.
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And you brought up education right there.
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So that's kind of kind of leading me into our next question.
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How important is education to your vision at Blue Wave?
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Yeah, so so it's extremely important.
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Our philosophy is pretty simple.
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If our members become stronger businesses, then everybody's gonna win.
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Uh, member who becomes more profitable, they're gonna grow their customer base, they're gonna run a better operation.
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Um, it's gonna be stronger, they're gonna be a stronger partner for Blue Wave and for our suppliers.
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And we're fortunate at SPS, we've developed uh expertise in a lot of areas beyond simply servicing pools.
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We have people who understand sales, operations, HR procurement, uh, technology, and other parts of running businesses.
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And we have supplier partners with tremendous product knowledge and industry expertise.
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And we want to happen to both of these resources and really make that knowledge available to our members.
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And that's why we don't view education just as an advantage, but we really see it as a fundamental part of the Blue Wave model.
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Yeah, it's very, very important.
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But you know, I work in education, so I'm gonna be kind of uh, you know, on that side a little bit.
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All right, so some owners may worry about like losing their independence.
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Um, does joining Blue Wave change the way they run their businesses?
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Um no, not not not not at all.
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And and that's something that's really important to us.
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Uh, these are independent businesses, and we want them to remain independent if that's their goal.
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Um, Blue Wave doesn't tell members what products they have to buy, where they have to make every purchase.
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You know, many of our pool industry benefits are accessed through heritage, uh, but members are remain free to purchase from whatever channels that makes most sense for their business.
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Um we're also expanding beyond traditional pool distribution with partners in areas like office supplies, technology, cell phones, GPS, um, payments, apparel we talked about revived up a little bit earlier, and uh and other businesses.
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Um it's uh the idea behind is that Blue Wave is giving independent companies more options and more advantages and not more restrictions.
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Especially if they're a small company and they may not know about some of those particular companies.
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And so you guys are able to introduce them to that and they get a better deal.
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They know where they can get things.
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And I I thought it was very important that you mentioned that it's not just pool-related stuff.
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I mean, everybody has a an office, so the office supplies is kind of cool.
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I, you know, that's important.
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Savings there.
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It's not just the chemicals and the vehicle, and you hit on a lot of stuff there of other categories that are really important in running a business as well.
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So that's that's so how does Blue Wave work with the heritage with Heritage Pool Supply and why is that partnership so important?
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Yeah, so so Heritage has been a tremendous partner and very supportive of what we're trying to build with Blue Wave.
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They've really they're really the distribution engine behind the program.
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They handle the warehousing, logistics accounting, local distribution support that really makes the purchasing side of Blue Wave work.
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If someone joins Blue Wave and they already have a heritage account, the process is really simple.
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Heritage just associates that account with that account being a Blue Wave member.
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And so that that member can begin assessing the applicable program benefits right away.
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If they don't already have a heritage account, heritage helps establish one, and then they connect that member with both their national support team with heritage as well as their local heritage team.
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And that local relationship, I think, is really what's important.
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We don't want Blue Wave to replace relationships, we want Blue Wave to help create and really strengthen that relationship between our members' heritage and our supplier partners.
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You're like a bridge between the two groups.
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That's awesome.
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Uh bringing people together.
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I love it when an industry works together instead of against each other, right?
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Uh so what is the Blue Wave pricing model?
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So our listeners know.
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Yeah, we we've tried to make the model extremely simple and low risk.
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We've waived the membership fee through the end of 2026 so companies can come, they can experience Blue Wave without an upfront membership cost or obligation.
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Uh beginning in 2027, the annual membership fee is just$499.
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And our intent is that that comes from the value members are already generating through the program rather than being another check they have to write.
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So if a member earns enough rebates to cover the membership fee, the fee is simply deducted from those rebates.
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We want the value proposition to be very straightforward.
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The financial benefit is the Blue Wave members should substantially exceed that cost of membership.
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Yeah, especially if they're doing repairs and all the equipment and different things they have to purchase across the board.
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I can I can see that benefit that you're talking about.
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And one thing I want to mention as well is that with the membership fee in 2027, if for some reason the the member is not able to get rebates that are uh$499 um or above, they simply would not be charged a membership fee for that year.
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We're we're confident with the programs we set up that they'll be able to uh get some type of rebate at the end of the year if they're you know utilizing the programs.
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That's awesome.
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So Blue Wave is expanding well beyond chemicals and equipment, as you said.
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What's the strategy behind that?
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Um When we started Blue Wave, chemicals and equipment, naturally, they were a big part of the value proposition.
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Um, but you know, as we talked about when you're running a pool company, there's uh they're only those are only some of your expenses.
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Uh you're gonna have cell phones, uh, GPS for your vehicles, you're gonna have office supplies, uniform, you're gonna have to have systems for customer payments, you know, technology, and all those other expenses that are required to operate business.
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So, you know, we started asking, where else is a pool company spending money and how can Blue Wave help?
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And that's really led to some interesting partnerships.
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So we have uh Staples Business Advantage that uh we've currently been working with and very successfully with SPS.
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And so that's um a partner that we have available now to Blue Wave members.
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Um, we're partnering with a company called Nuvo.
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Uh, Nuvo can help members with uh cell phones, getting some really good deals on cell phones and uh with some of the GPS systems that vehicles require.
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There is a uh new supplier member called Alternative Payments who's recently joined and they provide solutions around facilitating customer payments.
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And then we've talked about Revdup before with the apparel side has been a you know really great partner for us.
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That's awesome.
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I love that it's a big Morgia sport of different types of companies there.
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Yeah, yeah, it really is growing into that.
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And so it's something that we're trying to build that really just goes beyond you know pool products.
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So you know, our goal is to help members save money, operate more effectively across their entire business.
00:20:33.359 --> 00:20:37.519
So, what's been the biggest surprise since the launching of Blue Wave?
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Um, I would probably say the the number of referrals that we receive from existing Blue Wave members.
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Uh, I've had numerous conversations from prospective members who essentially say, hey, another pool company told me that uh need to check out Blue Wave.
00:20:53.599 --> 00:21:06.079
And then, you know, really going into this, I sort of wondered whether pool companies they might see Blue Wave as more of a competitive advantage for themselves and you know might keep it a little bit close to the vest.
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But um, we're actually seeing the opposite.
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There seems like there's a real culture of collaboration in the pool industry where owners generally seem interested in helping other owners become better businesses.
00:21:18.400 --> 00:21:32.799
And I've seen that attitude from our suppliers as well, where they've been really to willing to invest their time and resources into helping us build something for the segment of the industry, more the small, the mid-sized pool companies.
00:21:32.880 --> 00:21:38.720
And I think for me, that's been one of the coolest things uh to see since watch since launching Blue Wave.
00:21:39.359 --> 00:21:39.920
Wow.
00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:40.799
All right.
00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:48.880
So what's one misconception, Tom, that people have about buying groups in general?
00:21:49.599 --> 00:21:59.519
I think there's sometimes the concern that the savings might look great on paper, but once you factor in service fees, uh minimums, or other charges.
00:22:00.160 --> 00:22:02.480
That value starts to disappear.
00:22:02.640 --> 00:22:05.920
And so we've tried to make Blue Wave extremely transparent.
00:22:06.240 --> 00:22:11.759
Members see their preferred pricing when they make their purchase.
00:22:11.920 --> 00:22:17.039
And then the eligible rebates create some additional value for them on the back end.
00:22:18.640 --> 00:22:22.160
We're also building some tools that allow members to see that value.
00:22:22.480 --> 00:22:31.279
We have a rebate dashboard that's going to allow customers to track their eligible purchases and rebates.
00:22:31.440 --> 00:22:35.839
And then see their cost savings, right?
00:22:36.319 --> 00:22:36.559
Right.
00:22:36.799 --> 00:22:41.119
Yeah, see their cost savings and see how it can be projected out through the end of the year.
00:22:41.759 --> 00:22:48.799
We're not trying to create a complicated formula where members have to figure out what their actual how they're actually saving money.
00:22:48.880 --> 00:22:57.039
We want to be very transparent with where that savings is coming from, both the savings to the register and then those rebates there accruing throughout the year.
00:22:57.359 --> 00:22:58.480
Awesome.
00:22:58.799 --> 00:23:04.000
Where do you see Blue Wave in like say the next three to five years?
00:23:04.960 --> 00:23:08.720
I think there's really three areas that I see us growing.
00:23:09.279 --> 00:23:15.200
I think the first is a resource for our members that we're launching our member website.
00:23:15.440 --> 00:23:18.880
We'll have that up and running for our members by the end of August.
00:23:19.119 --> 00:23:23.680
Maybe by the time they've actually heard of this podcast, we'll have this up and running for them.
00:23:23.920 --> 00:23:32.240
And so that's going to include a library of some of the on-demand trainings that we've we've done and will continue to add as we do more and more trainings.
00:23:32.720 --> 00:23:39.680
And that's going to have access to the rebate reporting, the dashboards that I spoke about just a moment ago.
00:23:39.920 --> 00:23:48.319
And then it's going to have detailed information about the suppliers we have, the rebate or discounts programs that they have available to our members.
00:23:48.559 --> 00:23:51.759
And then the second is going to be about community education.
00:23:52.000 --> 00:24:05.440
We're planning more in-person opportunities, including some regional events beginning in 2027 where members can learn from SPS, our supplier partners, and just as importantly from one another.
00:24:05.680 --> 00:24:09.599
And then the third is continuing to expand our supplier network.
00:24:12.400 --> 00:24:24.480
We want to get feedback of what our members are looking for, and we'll be sending some surveys out to our members so we really can start to learn from them about where are there some areas that we can try to add to that can provide them with the most value.
00:24:24.799 --> 00:24:28.319
That's the best thing to do is find out from the members themselves.
00:24:28.480 --> 00:24:35.519
That's a smart way to go because you don't want to be creating things and it's not what they're looking for or what they want, right?
00:24:35.680 --> 00:24:45.920
So if you ask them, then you're giving them what they say they want in whatever member benefits or suppliers that they want as part of the network or anything like that.
00:24:46.079 --> 00:24:47.920
So that's an awesome idea.
00:24:49.200 --> 00:24:55.759
If someone wants to join Blue Wave Advantage, what is the best next step, Tom?
00:24:57.279 --> 00:25:04.240
Yeah, um, so the easiest way is to visit Blue Wave Advantage, um Blue Wave Advantage dot com.
00:25:04.480 --> 00:25:10.480
Um, and there is an area where you can click on become a Blue Wave Advantage member.
00:25:10.559 --> 00:25:18.880
Um, they can also reach out to us at Blue Wave at I'm sorry, they can also reach out to us at membership at BlueWaveAdvantage.com.
00:25:19.119 --> 00:25:21.519
And then you know, we certainly want to meet people in person.
00:25:21.680 --> 00:25:35.440
We're gonna be at the uh several of the major industry shows over the next coming months, including the um International Show in New Orleans, the Southwest Show in San Antonio, uh the Western Show in Long Beach, and then Everything Under the Sun in Orlando.
00:25:35.599 --> 00:25:40.160
And so we really look forward to spending time with some of our existing members of these events.
00:25:40.240 --> 00:25:44.880
Um, but we'd also love to meet pool companies if they're curious about Blue Wave and want to learn more.
00:25:45.119 --> 00:26:00.799
And you know, as we were talking about before, it gives us the opportunity to learn more from our members about what they're looking for and as Blue Wave evolves, also for us to meet some suppliers out there that could be potential good fits for uh for Blue Wave.
00:26:00.880 --> 00:26:02.880
So we're really excited about those events.
00:26:03.039 --> 00:26:15.759
Um, you know, ultimately, we want Blue Wave to help independent pool companies become stronger and more successful businesses, and we just love the opportunity to show them what we're what we're building.
00:26:16.319 --> 00:26:16.799
Awesome.
00:26:17.039 --> 00:26:31.119
Um I'm glad to highlight you guys on my podcast and actually through a different way to let people know what is Blue Wave Advantage and what what it was about.
00:26:31.359 --> 00:26:36.960
You know, some people like to listen to podcasts while they're driving around that the independent companies.
00:26:37.119 --> 00:26:41.839
So this gives a different medium to for them to hear about you guys.
00:26:42.000 --> 00:26:45.839
So I'm very honored to have you on the podcast today, Tom.
00:26:46.240 --> 00:26:51.599
No, well, well, thank you so much for for having me and really appreciate uh being able to talk about Blue Wave.
00:26:51.680 --> 00:26:58.720
I I think one thing maybe that I could um you know leave you with here is is one advantage we have with Blue Wave is that SPS is a is a customer too.
00:26:58.799 --> 00:27:03.039
So we're not just sitting in an office trying to figure out what a pool company might need.
00:27:03.519 --> 00:27:15.359
Uh SPS, we we operate pool service businesses every day, and we work with many of these suppliers ourselves, and we've used their products, their services, and we've developed those relationships over time.
00:27:15.599 --> 00:27:23.200
And Blue Wave really gives us an opportunity to take some of what has worked at SPS and make it available to independent pool companies.
00:27:23.519 --> 00:27:24.240
That's awesome.
00:27:24.480 --> 00:27:25.440
Thank you so much.
00:27:25.599 --> 00:27:28.240
I I hope the listeners really check you guys out.
00:27:28.400 --> 00:27:33.119
Let's say the website, the last it's blue, is it blue waveadvantage.com?
00:27:33.359 --> 00:27:42.160
Yeah, blue waveadvantage.com, and and they can reach us through the website, um, also through email at membership at blue waveadvantage.com.
00:27:42.400 --> 00:27:42.880
Awesome.
00:27:43.039 --> 00:27:44.160
Check them out, guys.
00:27:44.240 --> 00:27:47.200
And thank you for listening to today's podcast episode.
00:27:47.279 --> 00:27:49.039
And thanks for being on today, Tom.
00:27:49.359 --> 00:27:50.720
Oh, thank you so much, Lauren.
00:27:52.319 --> 00:27:56.160
Thanks for diving in today with the Let's Talk About Pools Podcast.
00:27:56.319 --> 00:27:59.359
Be sure to follow us on our YouTube channel or our Facebook page.
00:27:59.519 --> 00:28:07.119
And feel free to rate, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcast so more aquatic professionals like you can learn about the show.
00:28:07.359 --> 00:28:12.000
We appreciate it, and we'll catch you in the next episode of the Let's Talk About Pools Podcast.
00:00:05.919 --> 00:00:17.120
Welcome, pool guys, and gals to the Let's Talk About Pools podcast, where your host, Lauren Broom, will take a splash into many topics in the pool industry to educate all aquatic professionals.
00:00:17.280 --> 00:00:20.399
Listen in, and you just might be surprised what to learn.
00:00:20.640 --> 00:00:22.640
So let's jump right in.
00:00:28.320 --> 00:00:42.799
Welcome everybody today to the Let's Talk About Pools podcast, episode 86, where we talk about unlocking the Blue Wave advantage for how pool companies can benefit from it.
00:00:43.039 --> 00:00:50.320
And my guest was Tom Patterson, VP of Blue Wave and procurement at SPS Pool Care.
00:00:51.039 --> 00:01:04.159
So I really want you to enjoy this episode and learn more about what you can get from Blue Wave Advantage and check them out at Blue WaveAdvantage.com, their website.
00:01:04.400 --> 00:01:14.319
I also want to say thank you to our strategic podcast sponsor, Pool Brain, for sponsoring the podcast since the beginning of 2026.
00:01:15.120 --> 00:01:23.120
And please check out after before we head right into the episode more about Pool Brain.
00:01:23.280 --> 00:01:28.000
And thank you for supporting podcast education throughout the industry.
00:01:29.120 --> 00:01:30.879
Let's jump right in.
00:01:32.000 --> 00:01:38.799
I talked to so many customers that are using this app for this feature, this app for this, and this app for this, and said, Well, why don't you just use Fool Brain?
00:01:38.959 --> 00:01:39.599
Because we can do it all.
00:01:39.760 --> 00:01:41.280
I absolutely love Pool Brain.
00:01:41.359 --> 00:01:43.200
There's not a better app on the market.
00:01:43.359 --> 00:01:46.719
We've tested a ton of different ones and we landed on Fool Brain for a reason.
00:01:46.879 --> 00:01:49.359
We have well over 6,000 pools on Fool Brain.
00:01:49.439 --> 00:01:53.439
We've been on a few other platforms in the past, and this one's been by far the best one we've been on.
00:01:53.680 --> 00:02:00.239
Just very intuitive and easy to use for full professionals and very obviously made for pool professionals.
00:02:00.319 --> 00:02:01.439
And I really love it.
00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:04.719
I love we love full brain, baby.
00:02:05.280 --> 00:02:06.239
We love full brain.
00:02:06.879 --> 00:02:15.120
And quite literally what I believe the future of the industry is going to be when you have a tier hand focused for our industry for the service professionals.
00:02:15.280 --> 00:02:16.879
I believe that everybody wins.
00:02:52.560 --> 00:02:52.960
Yeah.
00:02:53.199 --> 00:02:57.759
And I see you have a shirt from Revved Up Apparel as well.
00:02:58.159 --> 00:02:58.960
I do, yes.
00:02:59.199 --> 00:03:02.479
Revved Up is actually one of our uh suppliers.
00:03:02.639 --> 00:03:05.120
We have a uh program with them and they do a great job.
00:03:05.360 --> 00:03:07.919
Of course, we use their apparel at uh at SPS.
00:03:08.400 --> 00:03:10.960
This is the logo right uh right there.
00:03:11.439 --> 00:03:12.479
Yeah, awesome.
00:03:12.639 --> 00:03:20.159
So we both use the same apparel sponsor because this shirt for the podcast, and he also did my Space Coast Pool School.
00:03:20.319 --> 00:03:28.080
He's my official strategic uh apparel sponsor for Space Coast Pool School and the Let's Talk About Post Podcast.
00:03:28.240 --> 00:03:31.759
So let's say thank thank you to Revved Up Apparel.
00:03:32.080 --> 00:03:32.800
Yeah, thank you.
00:03:33.199 --> 00:03:40.240
We really like their shirts, they hold up really well, um, really protect against chlorine and acid, and we've been very happy with them.
00:03:40.479 --> 00:03:41.840
And the sun, too.
00:03:42.319 --> 00:03:42.800
Yeah, yeah.
00:03:43.120 --> 00:03:47.120
And the built-in sunscreen protection and that dry fit material as well.
00:03:47.280 --> 00:03:49.520
So everybody check out Revved Up Apparel.
00:03:49.680 --> 00:03:51.599
All right, let's get right back into this episode.
00:03:51.759 --> 00:03:57.840
So tell us a little bit about yourself, Tom, and your role with SPS Pool Care and Blue Wave Advantage.
00:03:58.159 --> 00:03:58.479
Yes.
00:03:58.639 --> 00:04:02.800
Uh so I live in Dripping Springs, Texas, uh, just outside of Austin.
00:04:02.879 --> 00:04:06.319
Uh SPS has our corporate headquarters in Austin.
00:04:06.400 --> 00:04:08.800
And I'm sort of a dual role with SPS.
00:04:08.879 --> 00:04:14.240
I'm the vice president of procurement, and then I also lead our Blue Wave Business Advantage Unit.
00:04:14.400 --> 00:04:19.680
Uh, most of my career has actually been in procurement and supply chain roles in the life science industry.
00:04:19.920 --> 00:04:23.920
And my introduction to the pool industry was uh a little bit different.
00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:29.759
Uh, about five years ago, I bought a house with a pool and I knew absolutely nothing about how to take care of it.
00:04:29.920 --> 00:04:58.000
And so I did what like a lot of homeowners would, I took uh some samples of my water to a local pool store and then just started learning as I went, utilizing YouTube videos and uh certainly made plenty of mistakes along the way, but I really enjoyed just sort of learning how everything worked and uh the water chemistry and sort of troubleshooting some of the more minor things with some of my uh equipment on the pad, and um just really enjoyed that.
00:04:58.079 --> 00:05:00.720
And so this opportunity came along with SPS.
00:05:00.959 --> 00:05:08.000
It uh combined procurement, which was something I knew very well, and with an industry that I really started to enjoy.
00:05:08.160 --> 00:05:14.800
And SPS was a rapidly growing company with a great group of people, and it just seemed like it could be a lot of fun.
00:05:15.040 --> 00:05:20.800
And fortunately, they hired me and I joined SPS in February of 2024.
00:05:21.120 --> 00:05:23.759
Oh, so you've been here a couple of years now.
00:05:24.639 --> 00:05:26.800
Yeah, yeah, about uh two and a half years.
00:05:26.959 --> 00:05:28.160
Yeah, that's awesome.
00:05:28.399 --> 00:05:34.800
And SPS Pool Care, if I remember right, they are like the biggest pool company nationwide now, right?
00:05:34.959 --> 00:05:42.800
With all their recent uh acquisitions and stuff like that with pool troopers and and stuff like that.
00:05:43.199 --> 00:05:50.240
Yeah, uh pool troopers joined us in uh in January, and we are the uh largest pool service uh company in the US.
00:05:50.399 --> 00:05:53.839
We uh currently in five states and growing from there.
00:05:54.480 --> 00:05:57.279
Which which five states are you guys located in now?
00:05:57.519 --> 00:06:02.959
Uh so we are in Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Georgia.
00:06:03.279 --> 00:06:09.199
I know I've seen the growth of uh even just on social media, so it's amazing what you guys have done over there.
00:06:09.600 --> 00:06:11.759
Yeah, it's really been exciting to be a part of.
00:06:12.079 --> 00:06:17.040
So, what inspired SPS Pool Care to create Blue Wave Advantage?
00:06:17.519 --> 00:06:25.839
Uh well in 2025, we started looking at ways SPS could better partner with the broader pool service community.
00:06:26.000 --> 00:06:42.399
Um, so as the largest pool service company in the country, we were we were developing significant purchasing leverage, but we've also developed relationships with some really great suppliers, and we started asking ourselves, how can we share some of those advantages with the independent pool companies?
00:06:42.720 --> 00:06:56.000
And when we looked at the industry, we felt there was an underserved segment, in particular small and mid-sized service and repair companies, and that ultimately became Blue Wave Advantage.
00:06:56.079 --> 00:06:59.920
The idea wasn't just to negotiate some discounts.
00:07:00.079 --> 00:07:10.720
We wanted to take relationships, programs, training, resources that have worked well for SPS and make those available for independent pool companies.
00:07:11.279 --> 00:07:12.800
Wow, that's that's very cool.
00:07:12.959 --> 00:07:14.240
That's a good idea.
00:07:14.639 --> 00:07:22.639
Yeah, and and this this that's also you know why we're careful about the suppliers that we're bringing into Blue Wave.
00:07:22.959 --> 00:07:29.199
In almost every case, these are companies that SPS already has a strong history of working with.
00:07:29.360 --> 00:07:34.480
Um, we're not simply adding suppliers because they're willing to offer a discount.
00:07:34.639 --> 00:07:40.319
We want partners we know, we trust, we really believe can bring value to our members.
00:07:40.720 --> 00:07:42.639
That that I can understand that.
00:07:42.800 --> 00:07:47.759
That's very I think that would be important to the members themselves as well, that you guys take care in that.
00:07:47.839 --> 00:07:48.959
So that's awesome.
00:07:50.000 --> 00:07:59.360
So for someone hearing about Blue Wave for like the first time, how would you describe it to them in simple terms?
00:08:00.240 --> 00:08:03.439
Um, I would describe Blue Wave around really three things.
00:08:03.519 --> 00:08:07.439
Uh, save money, earn money, strengthen your business.
00:08:07.680 --> 00:08:17.199
Uh, first, members can tap into the SPS purchasing leverage and receive preferred pricing through our distribution partnership with Heritage.
00:08:17.600 --> 00:08:24.639
Uh, secondly, they have access to rebate and discount programs with some outstanding suppliers.
00:08:24.720 --> 00:08:29.600
Um, that includes companies like Pantia, Fluidra on the whole goods side.
00:08:29.680 --> 00:08:33.759
Um, we have Hasa on the Chemicals, and then we have other partners.
00:08:33.840 --> 00:08:37.840
We have Pull RX, Encore, King Technology.
00:08:38.240 --> 00:08:47.759
And third, we're providing training and business resources designed to help members become stronger operators and to really help them grow their business.
00:08:47.919 --> 00:08:53.679
Um, so I'd say the blue wave isn't just about getting a better price on a bucket of chlorine or a piece of equipment.
00:08:53.759 --> 00:08:57.200
We're really trying to create value across the entire business.
00:08:57.600 --> 00:08:59.519
Wow, that's awesome.
00:08:59.679 --> 00:09:09.120
And just mentioning the different, I recognize a lot of those companies like Encore and Heritage of Cores, they've done a lot for our industry.
00:09:09.279 --> 00:09:13.440
I mean, that their large part while we have the Pool Nation Women's Summit.
00:09:13.519 --> 00:09:15.679
I'm going to coming up.
00:09:16.000 --> 00:09:16.399
That's right.
00:09:16.480 --> 00:09:17.519
They're going to be hosting that.
00:09:17.679 --> 00:09:22.960
Yeah, they're hosting it, and it fits in their room is amazing for training last year.
00:09:23.120 --> 00:09:40.240
So just hosting that for all of us, women from the pool industry and all the great speakers that are coming to that and everything, including one of uh the ladies from SPS Pool Care is gonna be there and doing like a mentor group uh that when we break out into groups and stuff.
00:09:40.320 --> 00:09:45.200
So I'm really excited about meeting everybody and hopefully I'll meet her while I'm there.
00:09:45.360 --> 00:09:47.840
That's the big part is networking and stuff.
00:09:47.919 --> 00:09:50.639
So I look forward to meeting a lot of people there.
00:09:50.799 --> 00:09:57.840
But you guys are even involved with that, and she's mentoring, which I mean, you guys are big pool company, she works there.
00:09:58.000 --> 00:10:11.840
It makes sense to have a mentor from some somebody from a company that's been so um, you know, positive in the industry and growing and can give those of us that need to be looking.
00:10:12.000 --> 00:10:14.240
How do we do that with our own business?
00:10:14.480 --> 00:10:20.000
And having a mentor that gives us some guidance that helps, you know, I found it helpful last year.
00:10:20.080 --> 00:10:21.840
So can't wait to meet her there.
00:10:22.000 --> 00:10:27.600
And you said there was another uh woman that's coming as well from SPS or from Blue Wave.
00:10:28.000 --> 00:10:37.600
Yeah, so so Kayla Dalma, um, she is part of the procurement group, and like myself, she has a dual role where she also uh works with our Blue Wave suppliers and members as well.
00:10:37.679 --> 00:10:39.200
So she's gonna be at the event.
00:10:39.440 --> 00:10:45.200
And uh we also have, I think, some maybe one or two others on our business development team are going to be at the end.
00:10:45.360 --> 00:10:45.759
Awesome.
00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:49.600
Tell them to find Lauren Broom over there because I'll be there.
00:10:49.679 --> 00:10:57.039
I'll be by myself, but I should be wearing my Space Coast shirt that kind of looks like this, but it'll say Space Coast instead of the podcast.
00:10:57.360 --> 00:10:59.519
All right, so let's get back right on track here.
00:10:59.600 --> 00:11:03.919
I know I sidetracked on the I'm I'm excited about the Women's Summit, that's why.
00:11:05.039 --> 00:11:12.720
All right, most people uh you know assume that a buying group is just about, you know, like discounts and stuff like that.
00:11:13.039 --> 00:11:16.000
How is Blue Wave different from that?
00:11:16.799 --> 00:11:18.480
Yeah, so so so good question.
00:11:18.559 --> 00:11:26.559
Um, so discounts are certainly part, an important part of Blue Wave, and but we do think that the value goes well beyond discounts.
00:11:26.799 --> 00:11:31.759
So one difference is how members access these savings.
00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:37.600
We don't want members to have to make large bulk purchases just to get a better price.
00:11:37.840 --> 00:11:56.879
And through our partnership with Heritage, a member's heritage account is associated with Blue Wave, and so they continue uh purchasing through distribution much the way they normally would, but then they can access the applicable Blue Wave pricing at the register.
00:11:57.360 --> 00:12:00.399
Um, but another difference is in the partners themselves.
00:12:00.559 --> 00:12:15.120
We're again very deliberate about who we're bringing into Blue Wave, and um, in most cases, SPS has a strong history with these companies, and we've worked with them, we really know their organizations, and we really understand how they can provide value.
00:12:15.440 --> 00:12:24.240
Uh, and then we're layering the manufacturer rebates with education, training, and additional business services.
00:12:24.559 --> 00:12:29.919
So we're there really benefits that are being offered on an everyday basis to our members.
00:12:30.080 --> 00:12:34.080
So it's it's really about creating multiple layers of values for the member.
00:12:34.639 --> 00:12:35.360
That's awesome.
00:12:35.440 --> 00:12:37.840
And you brought up education right there.
00:12:37.919 --> 00:12:41.519
So that's kind of kind of leading me into our next question.
00:12:41.840 --> 00:12:45.919
How important is education to your vision at Blue Wave?
00:12:46.399 --> 00:12:48.480
Yeah, so so it's extremely important.
00:12:48.639 --> 00:12:50.559
Our philosophy is pretty simple.
00:12:50.799 --> 00:12:54.559
If our members become stronger businesses, then everybody's gonna win.
00:12:54.720 --> 00:13:01.759
Uh, member who becomes more profitable, they're gonna grow their customer base, they're gonna run a better operation.
00:13:01.840 --> 00:13:07.279
Um, it's gonna be stronger, they're gonna be a stronger partner for Blue Wave and for our suppliers.
00:13:07.519 --> 00:13:15.200
And we're fortunate at SPS, we've developed uh expertise in a lot of areas beyond simply servicing pools.
00:13:15.679 --> 00:13:24.159
We have people who understand sales, operations, HR procurement, uh, technology, and other parts of running businesses.
00:13:24.399 --> 00:13:29.600
And we have supplier partners with tremendous product knowledge and industry expertise.
00:13:29.919 --> 00:13:37.440
And we want to happen to both of these resources and really make that knowledge available to our members.
00:13:37.679 --> 00:13:45.200
And that's why we don't view education just as an advantage, but we really see it as a fundamental part of the Blue Wave model.
00:13:45.759 --> 00:13:48.720
Yeah, it's very, very important.
00:13:48.960 --> 00:13:55.759
But you know, I work in education, so I'm gonna be kind of uh, you know, on that side a little bit.
00:13:56.080 --> 00:14:01.039
All right, so some owners may worry about like losing their independence.
00:14:01.279 --> 00:14:06.559
Um, does joining Blue Wave change the way they run their businesses?
00:14:07.200 --> 00:14:10.799
Um no, not not not not at all.
00:14:10.879 --> 00:14:13.039
And and that's something that's really important to us.
00:14:13.200 --> 00:14:19.759
Uh, these are independent businesses, and we want them to remain independent if that's their goal.
00:14:19.919 --> 00:14:26.480
Um, Blue Wave doesn't tell members what products they have to buy, where they have to make every purchase.
00:14:26.639 --> 00:14:37.600
You know, many of our pool industry benefits are accessed through heritage, uh, but members are remain free to purchase from whatever channels that makes most sense for their business.
00:14:37.840 --> 00:14:54.399
Um we're also expanding beyond traditional pool distribution with partners in areas like office supplies, technology, cell phones, GPS, um, payments, apparel we talked about revived up a little bit earlier, and uh and other businesses.
00:14:54.720 --> 00:15:04.799
Um it's uh the idea behind is that Blue Wave is giving independent companies more options and more advantages and not more restrictions.
00:15:05.200 --> 00:15:11.519
Especially if they're a small company and they may not know about some of those particular companies.
00:15:11.679 --> 00:15:16.879
And so you guys are able to introduce them to that and they get a better deal.
00:15:17.120 --> 00:15:18.960
They know where they can get things.
00:15:19.120 --> 00:15:25.120
And I I thought it was very important that you mentioned that it's not just pool-related stuff.
00:15:25.279 --> 00:15:29.679
I mean, everybody has a an office, so the office supplies is kind of cool.
00:15:29.840 --> 00:15:31.440
I, you know, that's important.
00:15:31.679 --> 00:15:32.559
Savings there.
00:15:32.639 --> 00:15:42.000
It's not just the chemicals and the vehicle, and you hit on a lot of stuff there of other categories that are really important in running a business as well.
00:15:42.240 --> 00:15:54.080
So that's that's so how does Blue Wave work with the heritage with Heritage Pool Supply and why is that partnership so important?
00:15:55.039 --> 00:16:01.840
Yeah, so so Heritage has been a tremendous partner and very supportive of what we're trying to build with Blue Wave.
00:16:02.159 --> 00:16:06.799
They've really they're really the distribution engine behind the program.
00:16:06.879 --> 00:16:14.559
They handle the warehousing, logistics accounting, local distribution support that really makes the purchasing side of Blue Wave work.
00:16:14.879 --> 00:16:20.240
If someone joins Blue Wave and they already have a heritage account, the process is really simple.
00:16:20.399 --> 00:16:27.519
Heritage just associates that account with that account being a Blue Wave member.
00:16:27.840 --> 00:16:33.840
And so that that member can begin assessing the applicable program benefits right away.
00:16:34.159 --> 00:16:46.639
If they don't already have a heritage account, heritage helps establish one, and then they connect that member with both their national support team with heritage as well as their local heritage team.
00:16:46.799 --> 00:16:49.679
And that local relationship, I think, is really what's important.
00:16:49.840 --> 00:17:02.000
We don't want Blue Wave to replace relationships, we want Blue Wave to help create and really strengthen that relationship between our members' heritage and our supplier partners.
00:17:02.639 --> 00:17:05.519
You're like a bridge between the two groups.
00:17:06.240 --> 00:17:06.960
That's awesome.
00:17:07.599 --> 00:17:09.519
Uh bringing people together.
00:17:09.680 --> 00:17:13.599
I love it when an industry works together instead of against each other, right?
00:17:14.880 --> 00:17:18.720
Uh so what is the Blue Wave pricing model?
00:17:19.839 --> 00:17:21.200
So our listeners know.
00:17:21.519 --> 00:17:25.519
Yeah, we we've tried to make the model extremely simple and low risk.
00:17:25.680 --> 00:17:35.599
We've waived the membership fee through the end of 2026 so companies can come, they can experience Blue Wave without an upfront membership cost or obligation.
00:17:35.759 --> 00:17:40.480
Uh beginning in 2027, the annual membership fee is just$499.
00:17:41.119 --> 00:17:49.039
And our intent is that that comes from the value members are already generating through the program rather than being another check they have to write.
00:17:49.200 --> 00:17:56.640
So if a member earns enough rebates to cover the membership fee, the fee is simply deducted from those rebates.
00:17:56.880 --> 00:18:00.640
We want the value proposition to be very straightforward.
00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:10.240
The financial benefit is the Blue Wave members should substantially exceed that cost of membership.
00:18:10.640 --> 00:18:17.359
Yeah, especially if they're doing repairs and all the equipment and different things they have to purchase across the board.
00:18:17.599 --> 00:18:20.960
I can I can see that benefit that you're talking about.
00:18:22.079 --> 00:18:39.119
And one thing I want to mention as well is that with the membership fee in 2027, if for some reason the the member is not able to get rebates that are uh$499 um or above, they simply would not be charged a membership fee for that year.
00:18:39.200 --> 00:18:48.000
We're we're confident with the programs we set up that they'll be able to uh get some type of rebate at the end of the year if they're you know utilizing the programs.
00:18:48.319 --> 00:18:49.119
That's awesome.
00:18:49.680 --> 00:18:54.880
So Blue Wave is expanding well beyond chemicals and equipment, as you said.
00:18:55.039 --> 00:18:57.039
What's the strategy behind that?
00:18:58.400 --> 00:19:03.759
Um When we started Blue Wave, chemicals and equipment, naturally, they were a big part of the value proposition.
00:19:03.920 --> 00:19:10.240
Um, but you know, as we talked about when you're running a pool company, there's uh they're only those are only some of your expenses.
00:19:10.400 --> 00:19:22.720
Uh you're gonna have cell phones, uh, GPS for your vehicles, you're gonna have office supplies, uniform, you're gonna have to have systems for customer payments, you know, technology, and all those other expenses that are required to operate business.
00:19:22.880 --> 00:19:29.920
So, you know, we started asking, where else is a pool company spending money and how can Blue Wave help?
00:19:30.079 --> 00:19:32.880
And that's really led to some interesting partnerships.
00:19:33.039 --> 00:19:40.079
So we have uh Staples Business Advantage that uh we've currently been working with and very successfully with SPS.
00:19:40.400 --> 00:19:45.440
And so that's um a partner that we have available now to Blue Wave members.
00:19:45.599 --> 00:19:47.839
Um, we're partnering with a company called Nuvo.
00:19:48.079 --> 00:19:56.880
Uh, Nuvo can help members with uh cell phones, getting some really good deals on cell phones and uh with some of the GPS systems that vehicles require.
00:19:57.119 --> 00:20:05.359
There is a uh new supplier member called Alternative Payments who's recently joined and they provide solutions around facilitating customer payments.
00:20:05.519 --> 00:20:10.720
And then we've talked about Revdup before with the apparel side has been a you know really great partner for us.
00:20:10.960 --> 00:20:11.920
That's awesome.
00:20:13.359 --> 00:20:19.119
I love that it's a big Morgia sport of different types of companies there.
00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:22.559
Yeah, yeah, it really is growing into that.
00:20:22.640 --> 00:20:27.200
And so it's something that we're trying to build that really just goes beyond you know pool products.
00:20:27.279 --> 00:20:32.880
So you know, our goal is to help members save money, operate more effectively across their entire business.
00:20:33.359 --> 00:20:37.519
So, what's been the biggest surprise since the launching of Blue Wave?
00:20:38.400 --> 00:20:44.640
Um, I would probably say the the number of referrals that we receive from existing Blue Wave members.
00:20:44.799 --> 00:20:53.440
Uh, I've had numerous conversations from prospective members who essentially say, hey, another pool company told me that uh need to check out Blue Wave.
00:20:53.599 --> 00:21:06.079
And then, you know, really going into this, I sort of wondered whether pool companies they might see Blue Wave as more of a competitive advantage for themselves and you know might keep it a little bit close to the vest.
00:21:06.480 --> 00:21:08.640
But um, we're actually seeing the opposite.
00:21:08.720 --> 00:21:18.079
There seems like there's a real culture of collaboration in the pool industry where owners generally seem interested in helping other owners become better businesses.
00:21:18.400 --> 00:21:32.799
And I've seen that attitude from our suppliers as well, where they've been really to willing to invest their time and resources into helping us build something for the segment of the industry, more the small, the mid-sized pool companies.
00:21:32.880 --> 00:21:38.720
And I think for me, that's been one of the coolest things uh to see since watch since launching Blue Wave.
00:21:39.359 --> 00:21:39.920
Wow.
00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:40.799
All right.
00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:48.880
So what's one misconception, Tom, that people have about buying groups in general?
00:21:49.599 --> 00:21:59.519
I think there's sometimes the concern that the savings might look great on paper, but once you factor in service fees, uh minimums, or other charges.
00:22:00.160 --> 00:22:02.480
That value starts to disappear.
00:22:02.640 --> 00:22:05.920
And so we've tried to make Blue Wave extremely transparent.
00:22:06.240 --> 00:22:11.759
Members see their preferred pricing when they make their purchase.
00:22:11.920 --> 00:22:17.039
And then the eligible rebates create some additional value for them on the back end.
00:22:18.640 --> 00:22:22.160
We're also building some tools that allow members to see that value.
00:22:22.480 --> 00:22:31.279
We have a rebate dashboard that's going to allow customers to track their eligible purchases and rebates.
00:22:31.440 --> 00:22:35.839
And then see their cost savings, right?
00:22:36.319 --> 00:22:36.559
Right.
00:22:36.799 --> 00:22:41.119
Yeah, see their cost savings and see how it can be projected out through the end of the year.
00:22:41.759 --> 00:22:48.799
We're not trying to create a complicated formula where members have to figure out what their actual how they're actually saving money.
00:22:48.880 --> 00:22:57.039
We want to be very transparent with where that savings is coming from, both the savings to the register and then those rebates there accruing throughout the year.
00:22:57.359 --> 00:22:58.480
Awesome.
00:22:58.799 --> 00:23:04.000
Where do you see Blue Wave in like say the next three to five years?
00:23:04.960 --> 00:23:08.720
I think there's really three areas that I see us growing.
00:23:09.279 --> 00:23:15.200
I think the first is a resource for our members that we're launching our member website.
00:23:15.440 --> 00:23:18.880
We'll have that up and running for our members by the end of August.
00:23:19.119 --> 00:23:23.680
Maybe by the time they've actually heard of this podcast, we'll have this up and running for them.
00:23:23.920 --> 00:23:32.240
And so that's going to include a library of some of the on-demand trainings that we've we've done and will continue to add as we do more and more trainings.
00:23:32.720 --> 00:23:39.680
And that's going to have access to the rebate reporting, the dashboards that I spoke about just a moment ago.
00:23:39.920 --> 00:23:48.319
And then it's going to have detailed information about the suppliers we have, the rebate or discounts programs that they have available to our members.
00:23:48.559 --> 00:23:51.759
And then the second is going to be about community education.
00:23:52.000 --> 00:24:05.440
We're planning more in-person opportunities, including some regional events beginning in 2027 where members can learn from SPS, our supplier partners, and just as importantly from one another.
00:24:05.680 --> 00:24:09.599
And then the third is continuing to expand our supplier network.
00:24:12.400 --> 00:24:24.480
We want to get feedback of what our members are looking for, and we'll be sending some surveys out to our members so we really can start to learn from them about where are there some areas that we can try to add to that can provide them with the most value.
00:24:24.799 --> 00:24:28.319
That's the best thing to do is find out from the members themselves.
00:24:28.480 --> 00:24:35.519
That's a smart way to go because you don't want to be creating things and it's not what they're looking for or what they want, right?
00:24:35.680 --> 00:24:45.920
So if you ask them, then you're giving them what they say they want in whatever member benefits or suppliers that they want as part of the network or anything like that.
00:24:46.079 --> 00:24:47.920
So that's an awesome idea.
00:24:49.200 --> 00:24:55.759
If someone wants to join Blue Wave Advantage, what is the best next step, Tom?
00:24:57.279 --> 00:25:04.240
Yeah, um, so the easiest way is to visit Blue Wave Advantage, um Blue Wave Advantage dot com.
00:25:04.480 --> 00:25:10.480
Um, and there is an area where you can click on become a Blue Wave Advantage member.
00:25:10.559 --> 00:25:18.880
Um, they can also reach out to us at Blue Wave at I'm sorry, they can also reach out to us at membership at BlueWaveAdvantage.com.
00:25:19.119 --> 00:25:21.519
And then you know, we certainly want to meet people in person.
00:25:21.680 --> 00:25:35.440
We're gonna be at the uh several of the major industry shows over the next coming months, including the um International Show in New Orleans, the Southwest Show in San Antonio, uh the Western Show in Long Beach, and then Everything Under the Sun in Orlando.
00:25:35.599 --> 00:25:40.160
And so we really look forward to spending time with some of our existing members of these events.
00:25:40.240 --> 00:25:44.880
Um, but we'd also love to meet pool companies if they're curious about Blue Wave and want to learn more.
00:25:45.119 --> 00:26:00.799
And you know, as we were talking about before, it gives us the opportunity to learn more from our members about what they're looking for and as Blue Wave evolves, also for us to meet some suppliers out there that could be potential good fits for uh for Blue Wave.
00:26:00.880 --> 00:26:02.880
So we're really excited about those events.
00:26:03.039 --> 00:26:15.759
Um, you know, ultimately, we want Blue Wave to help independent pool companies become stronger and more successful businesses, and we just love the opportunity to show them what we're what we're building.
00:26:16.319 --> 00:26:16.799
Awesome.
00:26:17.039 --> 00:26:31.119
Um I'm glad to highlight you guys on my podcast and actually through a different way to let people know what is Blue Wave Advantage and what what it was about.
00:26:31.359 --> 00:26:36.960
You know, some people like to listen to podcasts while they're driving around that the independent companies.
00:26:37.119 --> 00:26:41.839
So this gives a different medium to for them to hear about you guys.
00:26:42.000 --> 00:26:45.839
So I'm very honored to have you on the podcast today, Tom.
00:26:46.240 --> 00:26:51.599
No, well, well, thank you so much for for having me and really appreciate uh being able to talk about Blue Wave.
00:26:51.680 --> 00:26:58.720
I I think one thing maybe that I could um you know leave you with here is is one advantage we have with Blue Wave is that SPS is a is a customer too.
00:26:58.799 --> 00:27:03.039
So we're not just sitting in an office trying to figure out what a pool company might need.
00:27:03.519 --> 00:27:15.359
Uh SPS, we we operate pool service businesses every day, and we work with many of these suppliers ourselves, and we've used their products, their services, and we've developed those relationships over time.
00:27:15.599 --> 00:27:23.200
And Blue Wave really gives us an opportunity to take some of what has worked at SPS and make it available to independent pool companies.
00:27:23.519 --> 00:27:24.240
That's awesome.
00:27:24.480 --> 00:27:25.440
Thank you so much.
00:27:25.599 --> 00:27:28.240
I I hope the listeners really check you guys out.
00:27:28.400 --> 00:27:33.119
Let's say the website, the last it's blue, is it blue waveadvantage.com?
00:27:33.359 --> 00:27:42.160
Yeah, blue waveadvantage.com, and and they can reach us through the website, um, also through email at membership at blue waveadvantage.com.
00:27:42.400 --> 00:27:42.880
Awesome.
00:27:43.039 --> 00:27:44.160
Check them out, guys.
00:27:44.240 --> 00:27:47.200
And thank you for listening to today's podcast episode.
00:27:47.279 --> 00:27:49.039
And thanks for being on today, Tom.
00:27:49.359 --> 00:27:50.720
Oh, thank you so much, Lauren.
00:27:52.319 --> 00:27:56.160
Thanks for diving in today with the Let's Talk About Pools Podcast.
00:27:56.319 --> 00:27:59.359
Be sure to follow us on our YouTube channel or our Facebook page.
00:27:59.519 --> 00:28:07.119
And feel free to rate, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcast so more aquatic professionals like you can learn about the show.
00:28:07.359 --> 00:28:12.000
We appreciate it, and we'll catch you in the next episode of the Let's Talk About Pools Podcast.
