Recently, I had the pleasure of helping to launch a new event called PSN Connections. Its purpose is to connect pool builders with sponsors, or pool industry manufacturers, giving each 15 minutes of one-on-one time.
The event was modeled after similar conferences put on by our parent company, Hanley Wood. It’s meant to facilitate lasting business relationships between pool builders and manufacturers. Meal times provided a wonderful setting to network, and our keynote was Scot Hunsaker, from Ardent Group.
We intentionally had only a small group of builders attend — in this instance, 18. Many of them are familiar names and friends of PSN; all were invited based on their standing as Top 50 Builders, Masters of Design winners or by recommendation.
The setting was the enchanting Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz., a suburb of Phoenix. The relaxing tone set by the resort was infectious — everyone enjoyed the opening reception and relished the mouthwatering food and cocktails as we watched a lightning storm roll in.
The next morning, I officially welcomed everyone at breakfast, and introduced Scot Hunsaker, our keynote speaker. Some of you may recognize his name from the aquatics world — he was the owner and president of Counsilman-Hunsaker, a prominent aquatics engineering firm. He successfully sold his company to his employees in 2012, after having led it for 12 years and worked there for 20. In addition, he has served as leader for eight other firms. Now he works with CEOs to figure out a path to succession — how to ensure that their companies and employees have promising futures. The keynote was enthusiastically received, with many builders expressing appreciation and interest.
But the highlight for me was being able to meet builders, some of whom, for one reason or another, I hadn’t had the chance to meet face-to-face. With others, it was a time to reconnect. Many have been valuable sources for us over the years, and to thank them in person for their generosity in sharing their expertise was an honor.
It was also a golden opportunity to get a reading on the pulse of the industry. For the most part, our builders reported that it’s healthy and steady. The majority are as busy as they can stand to be, with customers clamoring for their work.
All in all, it was a highly successful event. Thank you to all the builders who joined us, and thanks to all of the manufacturers who sponsored the event. A little extra love to Concrete Countertop Solutions for sponsoring the opening reception, Hayward for the delicious breakfast, and HFS Financial for our keynote session.
