On this episode of the Pool Magazine Podcast, Joe Trusty sits down with Sean Gadd, President and CEO of Latham Group, for a candid conversation about the current state of the pool industry, fiberglass pool growth, shifting homeowner trends, and where the company is headed next as it celebrates its 70th anniversary.

Fresh off ringing the NASDAQ opening bell, Gadd discusses stepping into the CEO role during one of the most challenging consumer environments the industry has faced in years. The conversation explores how Latham continues gaining market share despite economic headwinds, why fiberglass pools are steadily taking share from concrete and vinyl, and how homeowners are rethinking the value of investing in their own backyard.

Joe and Sean also dive into:

• The similarities between selling pools and selling premium home improvement products
• Why the “kitchen table” sales process matters more than ever
• The growing opportunity in Southern U.S. markets dominated by gunite pools
• How Latham plans to expand awareness of fiberglass pools in sand-state markets like Florida and Texas
• The company’s acquisition of Freedom Pools in Australia and what it means for global growth
• Why automatic pool covers remain a major strategic focus moving forward
• The emotional side of pool ownership and how builders can better “sell the dream” to homeowners

It’s a deep dive into strategy, market development, consumer behavior, and the future of fiberglass pools from one of the most influential executives in the swimming pool industry today.

Read more in Pool Magazine: Inside Latham’s Playbook To Keep Winning In A Tough Pool Market

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