New leaders, fresh ideas and the next chapter for an industry built on relationships

One of my favorite things about putting together our 30 Under 40 issue is seeing just how many ways there are to build a career in this industry.

This year’s group includes people who grew up in family businesses and others who found the hot tub industry almost by accident. We have retailers, service professionals, manufacturers, marketers and technology providers. Some are preparing to take over businesses that have been around for generations, while others are building something entirely new.

What struck me most as I read through their stories was how much they’re already thinking about what comes next. They want to make businesses easier to operate, improve training and service, modernize the buying experience and find better ways to communicate with customers. At the same time, many of them are fiercely protective of what they believe should remain at the heart of the industry: relationships, service and taking care of people.

That combination feels especially important right now. There’s plenty changing in our industry, but progress doesn’t have to mean abandoning what got us here. This year’s 30 Under 40 honorees seem to understand that instinctively. I hope you’ll spend some time getting to know them in this issue — and congratulate them when you see them at upcoming shows and conferences.

That same idea of honoring what works while being willing to evolve came up during another highlight for me this year.

In the spring, I visited PDC Spas in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, toured the factory and spent time in its new showroom. PDC has been manufacturing hot tubs since the early 1980s, and it was fascinating to see a company with that much history entering a new chapter under owner Marshall Welch.

There’s a lot happening there, from new products and a broader focus on wellness to renewed investment in dealers and getting the PDC name in front of more people. One thing that stood out to me during my visit was the respect for what had already been built. The manufacturing knowledge, employees and quality that gave PDC its reputation aren’t being discarded in the pursuit of something new. They’re the foundation for it. You can read more about PDC and what’s ahead for the company on Page 56.

Between PDC’s next chapter and the 30 people we’re introducing in this issue, there’s a lot here that makes me excited about where this industry is headed.

Enjoy the issue, and I’ll see many of you soon at the coming shows and conferences.

Best,

Megan Kendrick, publisher

megan@kendrickcontent.com