Por Jessica Bravo.  

Una colaboración icónica: OutdoorCoffeeShop y Heritage Para Latinos 

En una entrevista en vivo desde la PSP + Deck Expo con Heritage Para Latinos, Julissa Chavez compartió los avances del programa, el cual fue lanzado durante el mismo evento el año anterior. Durante la conversación, destacó la positiva respuesta que recibió la iniciativa en su primer año.  

Julissa compartió el feedback que escuchó durante el primer año del programa,“El año pasado nos fue súper bien. Recibimos mucho feedback de la gente latina que decía: ‘Ay, qué padre que hay un espacio para nosotros. Nunca habíamos visto algo así.’ Ese tipo de comentarios sirve como un gran motivador para seguir adelante y continuar expandiendo los recursos.” 

Pero Heritage va más allá. El sitio web de Heritage ofrece una experiencia completamente en español. Todos los segmentos del mercado y el contenido de esta sección están disponibles en este idioma, lo que facilita el acceso a información clave para los hispanohablantes de la industria. 

La página también cuenta con una sección dedicada a Heritage Para Latinos, donde se presenta la misión del programa y el propósito de esta comunidad. 

A continuación, algunos de los elementos principales que se encuentran dentro de esta sección: 

Para Latinos 

“Nuestra visión es ser el distribuidor y empleador preferido para los latinos en la industria del paisajismo. Inspirándonos en el exitoso enfoque de SRS, proporcionamos herramientas esenciales, desarrollo profesional continuo y conexiones vitales con la industria.” 

Para el contratista latino 

El programa ofrece servicio especializado, recursos y mejores prácticas de negocio a través de su serie de talleres titulada, “El sueño americano vive aquí”, diseñada para apoyar el crecimiento profesional de contratistas latinos en la industria. 

Recursos en español 

Heritage también ha puesto en marcha una línea telefónica de atención en español y participa en ferias nacionales y regionales para conectar con profesionales latinos del sector del paisajismo. 

Línea de servicio en español: 

866-YARDAS5 

Horario: lunes a viernes, de 7:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m. (EST) 

Comunicaciones 

El programa Heritage Family of Companies Para Latinos continuará creciendo y evolucionando a medida que se desarrollen nuevas formas de apoyar y celebrar las contribuciones de la comunidad latina dentro de la industria del paisajismo. 

Facebook y Instagram 

Talento latino 

Heritage Family of Companies Para Latinos busca posicionarse como el empleador preferido para los profesionales latinos dentro del sector del paisajismo, fomentando oportunidades laborales, capacitación y desarrollo profesional. 

Se invita a la comunidad a mantenerse atenta a las próximas actualizaciones y eventos del programa, los cuales brindan oportunidades para establecer contactos, compartir experiencias y ampliar conocimientos dentro de la industria. 

Escuche la entrevista completa para conocer más sobre cómo formar parte de esta iniciativa.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how IPSSA supports pool and spa professionals through education, networking and more. 

While at the 2025 Pool Spa Patio (PSP) Expo, our team had the chance to talk to Marc Cannon, the regional director for the Nevada and Arizona operations of the Independent Pool and Spa Service Association (IPSSA). Marc has been a member of IPSSA for over three decades, making him the perfect person to talk to about their mission and work.  

IPSSA was founded in 1988 as an industry nonprofit dedicated to community education and support. Today, they have approximately 104 chapters across the country. Marc shared, “We do monthly chapter meetings that are great for community-building and networking. Education is another huge pillar for us. In this industry, there’s so much to stay on top of it constantly and we have a lot of opportunities to do that.”  

These opportunities include classes led by IPSSA members, guest vendor visits, trade show sessions and more. Marc elaborated, “We're the facilitator to get classes together. We do some classes, but in general we try to bring the professionals in to present classes. Even in our meetings, we always will have different manufacturers and vendors that come in and we give them time to talk to our members and then our members to ask some questions.” As for what topics are covered in these different education sessions, IPSSA has learning opportunities for every level of pool professional. Whether you’re learning how to use a test strip or wanting an update on the newest technologies that have hit the market, IPSSA can help you stay up to speed.  

Watch the full interview to learn more about IPSSA.

[Add IPSSA about in the backend] 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Highlighting robotics, installation and service as revenue-driving opportunities for independent pool retailers. 

At the Pool Spa Patio and Decking Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, MAMMOTION used its booth and media presence to speak directly to independent pool retailers about long-term opportunities in a changing market. During a live From the Ground Up interview, James Lauria outlined how the company is thinking beyond products and toward helping dealers build more resilient, service-driven businesses. 

James said his primary goal at the show was gaining perspective on where the pool industry is headed and how retailers can prepare. “What I want to get out of the show is getting a better understanding of where the pool industry is going to be in the next five or six years.” That forward-looking view sets the stage for how MAMMOTION is approaching expansion and dealer support beyond its established product lines. 

Best known for its robotic lawnmowers, MAMMOTION entered the pool space with its first pool robot, but James was quick to move the conversation away from technical specifications. Rather than focusing on features, he emphasized how robotics can open new revenue channels for pool retailers, particularly at the independent level. He noted, “The reason why we came to the show is because I wanted to show pool retailers, especially the independent level, another revenue stream.” 

That need is often shaped by geography and seasonality. Pool retailers in colder climates may see business slow during winter months, making diversification increasingly important. James pointed to installation and service as key opportunities, expressing that customers purchasing high-end robotic equipment often expect professional setup. “The installation is where they can make money on,” he said, comparing the model to consumer electronics where expert installation is part of the value proposition. 

Trust is already in place, James added. Independent pool retailers have existing relationships with homeowners and ongoing access to their properties, positioning them well to introduce additional product lines and services. He shared, “These pool retailers already have a connection to the customer.” 

To support that shift, MAMMOTION provides training, regional support and education aimed squarely at independent dealers. James described those smaller retailers as the company’s foundation and stressed the importance of matching customers with the right equipment. “I’m not going to overcharge you, sell you an overkill robot,” he said. “I’m going to show you the appropriate robot for what you need.” 

Learn more about MAMMOTION and how its dealer-focused approach supports new revenue opportunities!

By Jenny Yu.  

At the 2025 PSP Deck Expo, Builder Prime leaders shared how AI, automation and integrated systems are reshaping contractor operations. 

The International Pool Spa Patio + Deck Expo brought steady traffic and strong engagement for Builder Prime as the company showcased its all-in-one business management platform for contractors. Host Karol Weyman sat down with Lindsey Hulet, vice president of operations, and Jess Ourand, senior product manager, to discuss their solutions for customers and what the company has planned for 2026. 

Builder Prime offers a single platform that supports contractors from the first incoming lead through production, invoicing and payment. “We’re an all-in-one business management tool for specialty and replacement contractors,” Lindsey said. “From the very beginning of the project when that lead comes in all the way through production, invoicing, payments and hopefully that satisfied customer referral, we do it all.” 

The Builder Prime team also emphasized how valuable the show has been for meeting customers and understanding emerging challenges. “We’ve connected with a couple of our existing customers, so it’s nice to build those relationships,” Jess said. He added that the team has been learning more about the specific needs of deck and pool builders, which will help guide product decisions. One prospect even confirmed an upcoming purchase after several demos. “They told us in person, ‘You’re it. We’re going to purchase,’” Lindsey added. 

Looking toward 2026, Builder Prime is preparing significant upgrades centered on AI, automation and data accessibility. “Our whole business is built on the power of our data,” Lindsey said. “2026 is the year we put the power of data into the hands of our customers. We are on the cusp of cutting-edge innovation with AI reporting, like the ability for our customers to ask questions in our product, pull the information out and immediately make changes in their business that will drive revenue.” 

Both leaders stressed that consolidation remains a central industry need. Jess said many contractors juggle multiple tools that do not integrate well. “The beauty of Builder Prime is it’s all in one central location,” he said. Eliminating double entry and reducing time spent on administrative work are major benefits. “Nobody wants to spend their whole day on a tool,” Lindsey added. “They want to be in front of customers. They want to build that beautiful deck or fence and get a referral from it. We try to be the system that enables people to do exactly what they love.” 

Watch the full webinar to learn more about how Builder Prime is engaging with the industry’s ongoing trends.

By Jenny Yu.  

Heritage and Noble Tile leaders discuss product innovation, strategic growth and family-oriented culture. 

At the 2025 International Pool Spa Patio and Decking Expo in Las Vegas, Karol Weyman sat down with Dan Shevitski, territory manager for Heritage Pool Supply in Mohave County, and Shane Fry, director of Noble Tile Supply, to discuss how brands are preparing for a strong year ahead. 

Noble Tile, a pool industry distributor since 1987, was acquired by Heritage in 2021 as part of a move to expand its footprint across the United States. “The pool industry is always evolving, right? It’s an exciting future,” Shane shared. “We've got a lot of plans to build the brand, expand across the country, bring innovative products to the consumer and stay on top of the latest trends.” 

One trend Shane pointed to is the rise of consumers transforming backyard spaces into cohesive, indoor-outdoor designs. “We are constantly looking for new products, bringing them to market and just trying to create that outdoor environment that people can enjoy,” Shane said. “As a gathering space for families to spend time, it should be a fun environment.” 

Dan shared Shane’s enthusiasm when discussing what 2026 has in store for his territory. “The communities that I do sales in are growing rapidly,” he said. “We’ve taken on a lot of new customers, and it excites me.” 

Both leaders credited Heritage’s culture for fueling that excitement. “We just want to be seen as the go-to for everything outdoors,” Shane said. “We have great teams. We have great support at the top, and they make it fun. We look forward to a great 2026 and beyond.” 

Dan echoed the sentiment. “They’re bringing a lot of energy to the company, which excites me because I bring a lot of energy,” he said. “It’s fun to work with people that have the same kind of goals. Heritage is a great company to work with and very supportive. It's very family-oriented, which I really enjoy.” 

Watch the full webinar to learn more about what's next for Heritage and Noble Tile.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about how eBility’s team uses their time tracking software to set you and your business up for success.  

While at the 2025 Pool Spa Patio Expo, The Coffee Shops™ crew hosted a live soundstage sponsored by Heritage. At the soundstage we got the chance to talk to professionals from across the outdoors industry about the innovative products and trends they are seeing. One such professional was Nick Young, the director of business development at eBility.  

Originally founded in 2009, eBility’s time tracking technology has now been integrated across the business management market. Nick gave some examples of where you can find eBility, saying, “We integrate with 24 different companies. Some big names include QuickBooks, Sage and Xero.” So what has made eBility the go-to partner for these big name accounting programs? One of their strengths is their consultative approach. Nick explained, “Everything we do is about your process. We take a consultative approach when working with a new client. Our team is trained to figure out where people are and where they want to be.” 

Once the eBility team has an idea of their client’s goal. They can jump into the set-up period. This is another strength of eBility, as the initial set up takes an hour or less! Nick shared some about that process: 

“We've been doing this for a while and that initial setup meeting with us will take about an hour. In it, we will set up your settings and get everything connected. You can invite as many people as you want to that and we’ll get them established and into an account in that hour. After that hour meeting, you’ll be given an account manager who will answer any questions that come up as your team integrated eBility into their processes.” 

The result of this client-focused take on business management software? A powerful time tracking solution that does everything from track expenses to clear up timecards  

Watch the full interview to learn more about eBility and how it can help your business.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how Syllent is helping people save on lower stress and maintenance while saving money.  

While at the International Pool Spa Patio Expo last month, The Coffee Shops™ crew got the chance to host a soundstage in the show’s brand-new media village! With that soundstage, we got to meet and interview a variety of outdoor professionals, from manufacturers to contractors and beyond. One such interview we held was with Luiz Schmidt of Syllent. 

Syllent is a part of the larger Brazilian company Mundial, which is over 120 years old. They produce water pumps for bathtubs, spas and swimming pools. Luiz shared a bit about what sets their pumps apart from the competition, saying, “We had an engineer who developed a new pump technology – magnetic motors. These don’t use the mechanical bearings, seals or shafts that traditional pumps use. In fact, no metallic part touches the water, meaning that the corrosion is prevented and the pump lasts far longer with less maintenance.”  

Additionally, these pumps actually manage water better! Luiz explained, “As a bonus, since the rotor of this motor is floating in the water that's being pumped, it does not make any noise, hence the name Syllent. And another advantage of our pump, especially for spas and bathtubs, is that it helps to maintain the water temperature. Basically, when the water goes through the pump it cools the electric motor, which naturally heats the water. This doesn’t replace a water heater at all, but it does make a difference!” 

Ultimately, Syllent’s water pumps are leading the way into the future of bath, spa and pool management. Their longer lifespan means less money spent on maintenance and less stress related to replacing products.  

Learn more about Syllent’s pumps by watching the entire interview with Luiz from PSP 2026.

By Jenny Yu. 

This live demo reveals a new water-soluble formula designed to remove harsh stains without damaging surfaces. 

At the 2025 Pool Spa Patio and Deck Expo, Paul Watts of Watts Removal Products debuted a new cleaning solution at The Coffee Shops™ From the Ground Up™ soundstage. Paul, who also owns Graffiti Removal Services in Portland, discussed how his company creates specialized cleaning products across multiple industries. 

Paul said his team focuses on chemistry-based solutions tailored to metal, concrete, masonry and pool surfaces. “We manufacture, design and distribute industry-specific cleaning products,” he said. Some formulations, he noted, are engineered to remove overspray or stubborn stains without harming the underlying material. “We can remove paint on paint, which is crazy, right? It’s not magic. It’s just chemistry.” 

The “revolutionary product” Paul introduced is a blue buffered acid developed based on customer feedback. Designed to clean pool scum lines, boat hulls and other mineral-based stains, this product offers the cleaning power of traditional acids without the hazards. “Not a lot of people have heard of a buffered acid,” he said. “It’s 100% water soluble. It’s not going to hurt the dog, it’s not going to hurt the cat, it’s not going to hurt any landscape or anything organic.” 

During a live demonstration, Paul showed how the solution removes rust stains within seconds. He said the product works without scrubbing or harsh tools and is designed to prevent damage to surfaces. “We don’t want any harsh steel wool or wire brushes to ruin anything,” Paul stated. “Our company is about non-damaging. What’s the point of cleaning it if you’re damaging it, right?” 

The new formula took more than two years to develop; a process Paul compared to crafting the right cocktail. “You just have to have the right recipe,” he said. “I dare you to send me something that we can't clean!” 

Watch the full interview to see the live demonstration and listen to the complete conversation.

By Emma Peterson. 

How educational opportunities, expert keynotes and a new media village made the 2025 PSP Expo unforgettable. 

With the launch of OutdoorCoffeeShop™ this year, the Coffee Shops crew got the chance to go to the International Pool Spa Patio Expo (PSP) for the first time! They had a great time exploring the expo floor, making friends in the outdoor industry and attending countless events and education sessions. To learn more about the event, since it was our first year attending, we hosted Megan Magana, the show manager for the PSP Expo, for an episode of From the Ground Up!  

This year, like all the previous PSP Expos, there was a huge focus on education. Megan explained, “Education is so fun and we really made it so there’s something for everyone... We can break it down into two general categories. We have the pre-conference classes thanks to our association partners, Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) and Genesis. Those were intense, high-level two- and three-day classes that you get certifications. And then we also had our core conference pass sessions which are your usual classroom-style learning.”  

And beyond the education sessions, both during and before the conference, the PSP Expo also always features new speakers for keynote presentations every year! This year the keynote speakers were Scott Hackworth (president of Industry Insights for PHTA), Darren Woodson (five-time Pro Bowl safety and three-time NFL Super Bowl Champion) and Heather Whelpley (award-winning author and coach).  

In addition to welcoming new speakers, the 2026 PSP Expo had a new section this year – the media village! Megan shared her thoughts about it, saying, “It was a really cool feature that we were excited to see come to life this year. It’s an example of what makes this show so cool. Not only do we have the education, but you get this opportunity to have organic experiences meeting up with fellow professionals and seeing the newest products on the market.” That’s where our crew was, hosting a soundstage and interviewing professionals live. If you’re interested in catching up on what happened at the show, we have an on-demand version of all those videos!  

To get more behind the scenes insights on the 2025 PSP Expo, listen to the whole conversation between Karol and Megan. 

By Jenny Yu.  

The annual event continues to draw crowds and find loving homes for dogs. 

The Kentucky Humane Society, the largest animal shelter in Kentucky, returned to the 2025 Equip Expo with its popular Mutt Madness adoption event, bringing 19 furry friends to meet attendees and, ideally, find their new forever homes. Alisa Gray, president and CEO of the Kentucky Humane Society, and Jupiter, one of the dogs up for adoption, spoke with The Coffee Shops™ about the partnership that began eight years ago when TurfMutt and Equip Expo leaders looked for ways to give back to the community.  

“They approached us to see if we'd be willing to do something, and we came up with this great idea and it's grown every year,” Alisa said. Each year, the Kentucky Humane Society brings around 20 dogs of all sizes and ages to offer a moment for attendees to recharge and play in the middle of the busy trade show. “It’s chaos. Madness, but in a good way,” Alisa added.  

One special adoptee, Mulligan, became the “spokesdog” for the TurfMutt Foundation in 2019. Mulligan is an active presence at the Equip Expo and is the face of Mulligan’s 5K and Fun Run, an opportunity in which 300 participants raise between $5,000-$6,000 for the shelter.  

Support from Equip Expo and the TurfMutt Foundation goes beyond the run. Alisa said the groups also donate $10,000 during Mutt Madness. “They’ve given over $100,000 through the foundation and through Equip, and we’ve adopted over 70 dogs over the eight years,” Alisa shared. “It’s a great partnership. We couldn’t be more grateful to Kris Kiser and the TurfMutt Foundation.” 

In less than an hour of being at the show, nine dogs had already been adopted. The event has become such a popular and beloved tradition that expo attendees often plan ahead by driving, hoping they return home with a new family member. “We’ve never had any brought back,” Alisa stated. “Great people, great homes.”  

Alisa encouraged viewers to consider adopting or supporting their local shelter. “If you can’t adopt, you can foster, volunteer or donate.” 

Watch the full interview and learn more about the Kentucky Humane Society.