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In this episode, Steve breaks down what the 2025 Canadian Federal Election means for Canadian pool professionals. With Mark Carney now leading a Liberal minority government, we look at what this could mean for housing policy, energy efficiency programs, and the broader pool and spa supply chain.

We’ll dive into how trade tensions with the U.S. and China are influencing prices and availability of key materials like steel, vinyl, fiberglass, and plastics—and what Canadian retailers can do to stay competitive. Plus, I share insights on the growing popularity of heat pumps and smart pool tech, and why products like Hayward’s HeatPro® VS Series are worth paying attention to right now.

Key Takeaways:
✔ What Carney’s housing and trade agenda could mean for pool builders
✔ Why heat pumps and smart tech are gaining ground across Canada
✔ How to use tariffs as a talking point—not a setback
✔ What to do now to position yourself for a stronger 2025 season

Let’s connect:
💻 www.highburypools.com
📧 promominds@gmail.com

If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe and share it with someone in the pool and spa industry who needs to hear it.

#Canadavotes #CanadianElection #SwimmingPools #Hayward #HousingPlan #Affordability #Opportunity #Pools #Construction

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In this episode of the PromoMinds Podcast, Steve Leslie returns after a chaotic couple of weeks—ice storms, power outages, and laptop breakdowns—to deliver a much-needed economic update and roadmap for Canadian pool professionals heading into the 2025 season.

With rising mortgage defaults, shifting trade tariffs, and a bear market that’s been quietly unfolding since the pandemic boom, this episode is your no-fluff wake-up call. But it's not doom and gloom. It's about recognizing the opportunity in the chaos.

Drawing from real economic cycles, Steve breaks down how pool companies thrived through the 2008 recession and how you can apply those lessons today. Whether you're a builder, dealer, or service pro, this is your blueprint for staying relevant—and profitable—during uncertain times.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Economic reality check: Canada is entering a rocky economic cycle with paused interest rates, rising mortgage defaults, and growing tension in the real estate and trade sectors.
• History repeats: Pool companies that succeeded in 2008 didn't wait—they marketed smarter, streamlined operations, and leaned into renovation and service.
• Personal brand is key: People don't follow companies—they follow people. Trust is built online before you ever get the call.
• Shift to services and renovations: Homeowners may not be building new pools, but they'll pay for liner replacements, automation upgrades, and reliable service.
• Niche down or get drowned: Specialize in one core service area to attract higher-quality leads and increase perceived expertise.
• Slow season = content season: Use downtime to create helpful online content, answer real customer questions, and improve discoverability through SEO and social media.
• Local supply matters: Highbury Pools' Canadian-sourced materials and local production offer stability during global trade uncertainty.
• Your mindset matters: “What you seek, you shall find.” Focus on opportunity—not fear—to come out ahead.

📣 Call to Action:
If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a fellow pool professional, follow Steve on LinkedIn, and reach out to promominds@gmail.com. Looking to work with a Canadian manufacturer? Visit www.highburypools.com.

#swimmingpools #highburypools #hayward #pentair #jandy #omnilogic #poolconstruction #linerreplacement #marketing

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In this episode of the PromoMinds Podcast, host Steve Leslie sits down with Chris Rowan from Winnipeg, Manitoba, to dive deep into the transition from being an employee to becoming a successful business owner. Chris shares his inspiring story of starting out in pool maintenance, moving into the building side of the industry, and eventually taking the leap to build his own brand in a highly competitive market.

✅ Key Highlights:

• Chris’s transition from employee to business owner
• The challenges he faced while establishing his business
• How he and his business partner built a strong brand in the pool industry
• Insights on navigating competition and staying ahead in the market

Whether you're a pool professional considering starting your own business or looking for tips to thrive in a competitive landscape, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Tune in to hear Chris's firsthand experience and learn from his journey.

👉 Connect with Steve:

• Instagram: @steve.leslie.91
• LinkedIn: The Steve Leslie
• Facebook: Steve Leslie

📚 Recommended Resource:

• Book: Scale or Fail by Allison Maslan – A practical guide to growing and scaling your business successfully, perfect for entrepreneurs looking to take their business to the next level.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to the PromoMinds Podcast for more interviews with top industry leaders and professionals!