Episode 167: AquaStar - Vertical Integration, State of The Art Research Facility & VGBA Updates with Todd Pieri & Steve Barnes
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Episode Summary:\\xa0
Today we do a deep dive into\\xa0AquaStar\\xa0Pool Products. Founded in 2000,\\xa0AquaStar\\xa0grew to become a vertically integrated company that offers a variety of products such as spa jets and fittings, skimmers,\\xa0ozonators, chlorinators, cleaners, and\\u2014as we talk about at length in today\\u2019s episode\\u2014VGBA drains.\\xa0
In this conversation, we sit down with\\xa0AquaStar\\xa0Pool Products COO Todd Pieri and Director of Science and Compliance Steve Barnes. Listen in as Todd and Steve illustrate the importance of referring back to the fundamentals through the lens of sports (leading Todd to tell the story of how he won a bet with Michael Jordan on the golf course).\\xa0
Steve goes in-depth on the history and function of the main drain and what pool professionals must be ready to explain to owners with regard to staying safe around their pool\\u2019s main drain. Steve also shares how\\xa0AquaStar\\xa0built their state-of-the-art facility and explains how the main drains are tested as well as how they must meet NSF standards.\\xa0
The two also discuss the story of\\xa0AquaStar\\xa0and how it grew to be the multifaceted company it is today. They speak on\\xa0AquaStar\\u2019s\\xa0meticulous attention to detail and push for cutting-edge design, particularly when it comes to their drains and drain covers.\\xa0
Topics Discussed:\\xa0
- 02:40\\xa0- An introduction to Steve\\xa0
- 06:09\\xa0- Steve\\u2019s personal entrapment experience\\xa0
- 17:35\\xa0- An introduction to Todd\\xa0
- 21:43\\xa0- Athletics helped Todd appreciate business fundamentals\\xa0
- 28:28\\xa0- Todd\\u2019s experience winning money from Michael Jordan\\xa0<