In this episode of the Spa Retailer podcast, host Megan Kendrick interviews Steve Hammack, former president of Watkins Wellness. Steve discusses his upbringing as a ‘military brat,’ attending 14 schools, and eventually settling in Southern California. He recounts his entry into the hot tub industry in 1982, his early relationships and travel to find dealers, and the challenges Watkins faced including the Great Recession and a critical material supply issue in the 1990s. The conversation covers the company’s marketing strategies, acquisitions, and the importance of training and customer loyalty. Steve also reflects on his and Watkins Wellness’s milestones, including reaching $100 million in sales and maintaining a decades-long partnership with Masco Corporation. The podcast concludes with Steve sharing insights on his retirement life, maintaining industry relationships, and the future of the hot tub industry focusing on wellness benefits.
Show Notes:
00:00 Introduction to the Spa Retailer Podcast
00:47 Meet Steve Hammack: From Military Brat to Hot Tub Hall of Fame
01:09 Early Life and Career Beginnings
04:19 Entering the Hot Tub Industry
05:40 Building Watkins Wellness: The Early Days
07:56 Challenges and Strategies in Marketing Hot Tubs
10:05 The Road to Success: Dealer Recruitment and Expansion
21:49 Innovations and Engineering in Hot Tub Design
38:33 Embracing Naivety in Business
39:34 The Importance of Customer Loyalty
43:40 The Sale to Masco
54:27 Navigating Industry Challenges
01:10:10 Reflections on a Career in the Hot Tub Industry
01:13:01 Retirement and Personal Insights
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