Episode 151: How Leslie’s is Committing to Trade Professionals Through their Pro Partner Program

Episode Summary:  Leslie’s was founded in March 1963 as a one-man pool supply operation working out of a backyard shed in North Hollywood, California. 54 years later, the company had grown to become “The World’s Largest Retailer of Swimming Pool Supplies”.  We speak with Leslie’s Brian Agnew and Chad Christensen. Brian has been with the company for almost two decades and currently serves as Senior Vice President of Commercial and Wholesale. Chad joined Leslie’s in late 2016 and today is the company’s Group Vice President of Commercial Sales and Operations.  Listen in as Brian and Chad discuss what Leslie’s has learned from its acquisitions of NPS and Warehouse Pool Supplies and how they are committing to the pool trade professional through various new initiatives, including a push for more wholesale partners and its new enhanced PRO Partner Program.  Topics Discussed:  01:06 - An introduction to Brian Agnew and Chad Christensen  04:45 - Chad’s ASU quarterback days  09:47 - How Leslie’s got started  15:42 - Everybody plays a role in order on a successful team  17:44 - Leslie’s emphasis on customer experience  20:23 - Leslie’s has not aggressively gone after wholesale customers