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The PromoMinds Podcast

The PromoMinds Podcast

By: Steve Leslie
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About this listen

The PromoMinds Podcast is a candid look at business, marketing, and leadership through the lens of the Canadian pool & spa industry. Hosted by Steve Leslie, the show features real conversations with builders, suppliers, and business owners about what’s actually happening on the ground — from sales and branding to economic pressure, burnout, and long-term opportunity.

This isn’t hype or theory. It’s practical insight, honest discussion, and big-picture thinking for professionals who want to build stronger businesses, adapt to changing markets, and stay mentally sharp in an industry that never slows down.

About the Evolution of the Show

The PromoMinds Podcast originally launched as a broader exploration of marketing, entrepreneurship, and personal growth for solopreneurs and small business owners. As the show evolved — and as real conversations with builders, suppliers, and business owners deepened — its focus naturally sharpened around the Canadian pool & spa industry.

Earlier episodes reflect the foundational themes of branding, mindset, and selling yourself, while newer episodes apply those lessons directly to the realities of today’s industry. Together, they tell the full story of what it takes to build a business that lasts.

Let's Connect:

Facebook: The PromoMinds Podcast
YouTube: @PromoMinds
LinkedIn: the-steve-leslie

2026 Steve Leslie
Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • Meet Your Contractor | E35: Passion, Purpose, Entrepreneurship w/ John Riehl | Passion Pools & Ponds
    Mar 28 2024

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    Join host Steve Leslie in a candid conversation with Jonathan Riehl, founder of Passion Pools and Ponds, as they delve into the intricacies of entrepreneurship. Jonathan shares insights into how passion and purpose drive every aspect of his business design, the challenges he faces in scaling his company while maintaining excellence, and the importance of personal well-being in preventing burnout. Discover valuable lessons on business management, staffing, and self-care from Jonathan's journey as a dedicated entrepreneur.

    Show Notes:

    • Passion and Purpose in Business:
      • Jonathan emphasizes the significance of purpose-driven design in every aspect of his business, where aesthetics and functionality converge to create cohesive outdoor settings.
      • He discusses the challenges of maintaining high standards and finding employees who share his passion and commitment, making it difficult to scale the business and duplicate his model effectively.
    • Challenges in Scaling and Delegating:
      • Jonathan shares his struggles with delegating tasks and finding individuals who align with his vision and level of excellence, reflecting common dilemmas faced by entrepreneurs in relinquishing control as their businesses grow.
      • The conversation explores the complexities of staffing challenges and the toll it takes on personal well-being, highlighting the need for adaptability and sustainable solutions.
    • Personal Well-Being and Burnout:
      • Jonathan opens up about his experiences with burnout and the importance of self-care in navigating the demands of entrepreneurship.
      • He shares insights into dietary choices and lifestyle adjustments aimed at maintaining a healthy work-life balance amidst the unpredictability of business ownership.
    • Book Recommendations and Contact Information:
      • Jonathan recommends two books by Michael Stone: "Markup and Profit" and "Profitable Sales," which have been instrumental in shaping his business strategies.
      • Connect with Jonathan Reel and Passion Pools and Ponds:
        • Website: www.PassionPoolAndPond.com
        • Email: passionpooloffice@gmail.com
        • Instagram: @passionpool_pond

    Tune in to The PromoMinds Podcast for more conversations on entrepreneurship, business management, and personal growth.

    PromoMinds Email: promominds@gmail.com

    #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessSuccess #PassionDriven #SmallBusinessChallenges #WorkLifeBalance #ScalingStruggles #BusinessMindset #ContractorTips

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    59 mins
  • Meet Your Contractor | Ep 43: Community, Rosco The Dog, and Swimming Pools | Cory Eagles
    May 23 2024

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    In this episode of the PromoMinds Podcast, we sit down with Canada's only recipient of the Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy Award - Cory Eagles of Eagles Pool Service in Riverview, New Brunswick. in 2015, Cory also won Pleatco's Big Heart Award after constructing an indoor pool to help save a young dog's life. Cory shares the journey of what led to this heartwarming story and how it revolutionized his business. He provides an inside look at the challenges presented and triumphs of leveraging business connections, highlighting the importance of community involvement and persistent effort.

    Cory also dives into the intricacies of the pool and spa industry, recounting horror stories of inexperienced and fraudulent contractors, and offering valuable advice on how homeowners can protect themselves. From the importance of hiring reputable professionals to the need for continued education and industry improvements, Cory provides a wealth of knowledge and practical insights. Whether you're a homeowner looking to hire a swimming pool contractor, or a fellow contractor, this episode is packed with essential information and expert advice.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Community Revitalization: Leveraging business connections and strategic fundraising can significantly impact community projects.
    2. Contractor Vetting: Always check the reputation and experience of contractors to avoid costly mistakes.
    3. Pleatco Awards: At the time of recording, Cory Eagles is the ONLY Canadian recipient of the Pleatco Big Heart Award (2015).
    4. Economic Adaptation: The pool industry is experiencing shifts post-pandemic, with a current focus on smaller jobs and repairs, but a positive outlook for future growth.

    Contact Information:

    • Email: EaglesPoolServices@hotmail.com
    • Phone: 506-854-3287
    • Facebook: Eagles Pool Services

    #RoscoTheDog #PoolIndustry #Pleatco #BigHeart #Awards #CommunityRevitalization #HomeImprovement #ContractorTips #PoolConstruction #BusinessPodcast #Construction #NewBrunswick #Riverview #PoolLiner #Liners #SwimmingPool #CustomerService #Community #Experience #Hydrotherapy #PetLovers #NatureLovers #Dogs #AnimalLovers #HipPain #Eagles #PoolService #HighburyPools #PromoMinds

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    51 mins
  • Ep 59: The Fallout of Canada's Federal Election For The Pool Industry | The PromoMinds Podcast
    May 1 2025

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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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    33 mins
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