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Passing the Baton: The Future of the Pool Industry with WAVE Young Professionals

Passing the Baton: The Future of the Pool Industry with WAVE Young Professionals

The Mast Podcast
• 51 min
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In this episode of the Mast Sales Podcast, host Dalton Pence sits down with a dynamic trio of rising stars from the WAVE Young Professionals Network: Allen Jerabeck, Melanie Brzozowski, and Alex Jacobs. Together, they dive into the changing tides of the pool and spa industry, discussing what it means to be a young professional in a space traditionally led by an older generation. The panel explores topics ranging from embracing technology and certifications, to navigating adversity, redefining leadership, and laying out a blueprint for succession planning and industry transformation. With a shared passion for progress and a commitment to lifting others up, these industry leaders bring both energy and insight into how the next generation can—and will—reshape the future. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a newcomer looking to make waves, this conversation offers actionable advice, real-world experiences, and plenty of motivation to keep swimming forward. Key Moments: 00:02 – Meet the guests: Allen, Alex & Melanie from the WAVE Network. 01:24 – Allen on leading WAVE and supporting young pros. 02:09 – Alex’s journey from MLB scouting to pool sales. 03:07 – Melanie on mentorship, leadership, and winning Young Pro of the Year. 04:30 – What is WAVE and how to get involved. 07:41 – Why certifications and training matter. 09:24 – Shifting the stigma around trade careers. 13:14 – Allen on finding community and purpose in the industry. 15:25 – The succession gap—and how young leaders can step up. 19:10 – Tech adoption and why it's changing everything. 22:10 – AI, automation, and smarter service tools. 32:25 – Real stories of overcoming early-career adversity. 40:56 – What the next-gen looks for in an employer. 44:27 – Why collaboration beats competition. 45:56 – Final takeaways: grow, lead, and trust the process. 48:20 – Melanie’s message to women in the pool industry. Connect with Melanie Brzozowski LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-brzozowski-09218795/ Website: https://www.aspools.com/ Connect with Alex Jacobs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobsalexander/ Website: https://www.heritagepoolsupplygroup.com/en/ Connect with Allen Jerabeck LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allen-j-6372983b/ Website: https://byrdmoreton.com/ Follow Mast Sales: Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalton-pence-40a371143/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mastsalesgroup/ Podcast Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mastsalesgroup/ Enjoyed this episode? Don’t miss an opportunity to gain insights from the brightest minds in the pool and outdoor living industry. Subscribe to the Mast Sales Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who loves innovation and inspiration. As always, remember: a rising tide raises all ships.