Episode #141 Spa Parts Plus: Navigating Change and Growth with Stephen Reed
In this episode of The SpaRetailer Podcast, host Megan Kendrick interviews Stephen Reed, COO of Spa Parts Plus, about his career from pool service work to Hayward, Beachcomber Hot Tubs, and wholesale distribution before acquiring Spa Parts Plus’ wholesale business in 2024. Reed recounts Spa Parts Plus’ 40+ year history: founded in 1986 by Barry and Paulette Knickerbocker, moved to Arizona in 1991, became employee-owned in 2001, returned to Barry in 2008, acquired California Specialty Distributors in 2012, joined Allied Innovations in 2019, and was later bought by private equity in 2022 pursuing vertical integration. Reed explains the company’s renewed focus on wholesale-only support for retailers and service techs, emphasizing fast, accurate shipping from its Memphis-area warehouse, partnerships with OEMs including warranty fulfillment, and using technology (including AI as “augmented” intelligence) to improve service and parts identification amid ongoing challenges from pandemic-era supply chain and mixed-component tubs.
Episode #141 Spa Parts Plus: Navigating Change and Growth with Stephen Reed – SpaRetailer
Show Notes with Timestamps:
00:00 Podcast Welcome
01:27 Stephen Reed Background
03:28 Origins of Spa Parts Plus
06:55 Ownership Timeline Explained
09:41 Back to Wholesale Focus
11:46 Why Acquire the Business
12:57 Dealers React and Service Margins
14:51 OEM Partnerships and Genuine Parts
18:27 Service Demand and Tech Expertise
21:32 Dealers Servicing All Brands
24:00 COVID Era Parts Puzzle
25:06 Supply Chain Crunch
26:31 Industry Lessons Learned
28:03 Next Chapter Strategy
28:37 Warranty Fulfillment Logistics
29:45 AI And Technology Plans
30:28 How We Choose Stock
31:45 Sourcing Missing Parts
32:50 Warehouse And Shipping Reach
34:03 Spa Retailer Five
35:22 Career Flops And Wins
38:25 AR Tools And QR Comeback
42:02 Favorite Reads And Wrap Up
45:01 Where To Find Us
45:32 Podcast Closing Credits
