Episode 223: DIY Pools & Spas: Design, Construction Plans, Marketing & Business Management for Industry Professionals with Brandon Stephenson
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Episode Summary
Today, we sit down with Brandon Stephenson, Co-Founder and Program Director at DIY Pools and Spas, a family-run company founded over four decades ago by Brandon’s father Mike Stephenson.
DIY was created to give families a better and more affordable alternative to hiring a pool company. They offer 3D design, plans, step-by-step coaching, and all the resources you need for “Do It Yourself” pool construction.
Brandon has studied online business development with a focus in the E-Learning industry. His experience in course development, alongside his marketing expertise, have been instrumental in creating the DIY Homeowner Builder Program.
Listen in as Brandon shares how DIY has revolutionized the pool industry, both for homeowners and subcontractors, through the company’s ability to set appointments remotely. He explains how potential clients should prepare to work with DIY, including the benefits of having a plot map or site survey ready to present, and setting realistic expectations when settling on a preliminary yard design.
Finally, Brandon gives his marketing and project management tips to take your business to the next level, whether you are a pool salesman or a subcontractor.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn
02:04 - The story behind DIY Pools and Spas
05:04 - What clients can expect from working with DIY
12:00 - What DIY does not do
14:17 - How DIY designs and consults with pool businesses remotely
19:28 - How subcontractors can work with DIY pools to find leads
20:27 - DIY’s community, pool of resources, and how they filter subcontractors
22:25 - Why DIY partnered with Hayward
25:03 - Pool professional success stories from working with DIY
27:16 - DIY’s white-labeling services and 3D video walkthroughs
32:54 - How to best prepare to work with DIY
37:27 - How DIY builds project management boards for owner builders
42:05 - The biggest challenges faced by homeowners and pool professionals
44:17 - Becoming a better pool salesman or subcontractor
48:08 - The power of before-and-after photos
Sponsors
Connect with DIY Pools & Spas
Resources Mentioned
Key Quotes From Episode
People who are doing owner builders are probably the worst customers for a pool company.
While we do want to help people get their dream yard, we also have to regulate their dreams and bring them down to Earth.
The biggest thing I teach as a pool salesman is making sure that the customer is heard and that they do most of the talking.