Podcasts

Episode #142 Hot Tub History: The Early Days of Caldera with David Ingram

ByMegan Kendrick April 8, 2026April 6, 2026

In this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, early Caldera Spas owner David Ingram shares his background leaving home at 16, working at Fed Mart/Price Club (later Costco), and moving into spa manufacturing through Custom Fiber Engineering. He describes gaining control of a near-bankrupt Caldera in the late 1970s, building early gel-coat/FRP spas, improving blister resistance through multi-layer resin processes and later transitioning toward acrylic thermoforming as the portable spa market grew. Ingram recounts personally selling shells via delivery routes to dealers and pool builders, emphasizing Caldera’s “pure comfort” positioning, navigating financing challenges (including the 1980s crash), and streamlining operations after hiring a high-level CFO/COO. A major growth driver was launching Costco hot tub roadshows. He discusses selling Caldera to Watkins/Masco, his continued industry involvement, family considerations and product areas he’d still improve (equipment presentation, base details, and covers).

Show Notes with Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
01:04 David’s Early Work Life
02:40 Spa Molds and Job Shops
05:47 Taking Control of Caldera
09:23 Materials Shift and Blister Fixes
13:02 Hustling Sales on the Road
18:45 Dealers, Pool Builders, and Portable Boom
25:18 Reputation, Family, and Real Estate
33:16 Pure Comfort and Profit Machine
38:26 Early Crises and Hard Lessons
38:42 Financing for Growth
39:31 Costco Partnership Breakthrough
41:00 Roadshows and Volume Strategy
42:22 Costco Program Economics
45:51 Family Loss and Motivation
47:21 Why Sell to Watkins
50:57 Masco Resources and PE Contrast
54:46 Life After the Sale
57:43 Back to Retail Expansion
01:00:56 Partnership Rules of Thumb
01:01:24 Durango Connections and Roots
01:03:44 Caldera Legacy and Next 50
01:07:15 Product Improvements Wish List
01:09:05 Cover Problems and Warranty
01:11:39 Wrap Up and Farewell