Episode # 312 of the Pool Nation Podcast. What if one simple conversation could increase your average ticket by 30-40%?

In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and John "JJ Flawless" sit down with Joe Garcia of Lion Financial to break down one of the most overlooked opportunities in the swimming pool industry: financing.

Whether you're a pool builder, service company, repair technician, remodeler, or equipment installer, financing isn't just for new pool construction anymore.

Joe shares how successful pool companies are using financing to help homeowners upgrade pumps, filters, heaters, automation systems, sanitization equipment, complete equipment pads, backyard projects, outdoor living spaces, and much more.

The conversation goes far beyond loans. You'll learn how financing can increase customer trust, improve your closing percentage, raise your average invoice, and help homeowners invest in better equipment without putting unnecessary pressure on their budget.

The episode also dives into:

• The biggest financing myths in the pool industry

• Why every pool professional should offer financing

• The difference between secured and unsecured loans

• Questions every contractor should ask a financing partner

• Hidden fees and fine print many contractors never discuss

• Why acceptance rate matters more than approval rate

• How financing can increase equipment upgrades and overall profitability

Joe also shares his unique career journey from Verizon and Bank of America to entrepreneurship, running a successful formal wear business, and ultimately becoming one of the industry's leading educators in pool financing.

If you're looking to grow your pool business, increase average ticket size, improve customer experience, and sell more premium equipment, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

• Pool financing for service companies
• Pool builder financing
• Equipment pad upgrades
• Variable speed pumps
• Pool automation
• Pool heaters
• Heat pumps
• Pool filters
• Outdoor living financing
• Sales training for pool companies
• Growing a pool service business
• Pool business marketing
• Leadership
• Customer communication
• Homeowner financing
• Lion Financial

00:00 Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast

02:00 Summer service stories and life in the field

11:45 Pool Nation HQ opening announcement and upcoming events

17:00 Hayward Hands-On Boot Camp preview

24:00 Meet Joe Garcia

29:45 From Verizon and dark fiber to banking leadership

34:30 Entrepreneurship, leadership and the quinceañera business

44:00 Leadership vs. management

46:00 Sponsor Break

50:00 What Lion Financial actually does

57:00 Financing beyond pool construction

1:00:00 Secured vs. unsecured financing explained

1:04:00 Hidden financing fees every contractor should understand

1:10:00 Why financing matters for pool service companies

1:15:00 How financing increases average ticket size

1:23:00 Final business lessons and closing thoughts

A huge thank you to our partners for supporting Pool Nation and helping us educate the swimming pool industry.

• SPPA
• BlueRay XL
• AquaStar Pool Products
• Natural Chemistry
• Raypak
• Heritage Pool Supply Group
• Hayward Pool Products
• Poolside Tech
• Pool Brain
• Nidec / US Motors
• Encore Coatings
• Pool Invoice
• OnCore