Greg Beard: Pioneering Excellence in Pool Service
In the demanding environment of pool service, where maintaining perfect pH balance is crucial, few stand out like Greg Beard. Known as “The Beardman,” Greg is a pivotal figure whose influence spans backyards and troubleshooting sessions across the nation. As President of Greg Beard’s Pool Service in Garden Grove, California, his reputation earned him a spot as a Top 10 Finalist for the 2025 Talking Pools Podcast Mentor of the Year. For Greg, this recognition is about more than the title—it’s a testament to his commitment to nurturing talent and driving the industry forward through mentorship.
A Career Fueled by Passion and Precision
With 35 years of experience in pool service, Greg Beard wakes up every day motivated by the joy his work brings to families. “Seeing kids grow up happy around their pools and hearing parents say it’s never looked better keeps me going,” he shares. For aspiring professionals in the pool industry, Greg emphasizes three key traits: passion, dedication, and attention to detail. Despite the demanding nature of the job, which often requires one to juggle multiple roles, Greg attributes his success to a strong support system, particularly his wife’s role behind the scenes.
Facing Industry Challenges Head-On
Greg Beard candidly addresses the evolving challenges in the pool industry, particularly concerning online pricing. He recounts a situation where a client found a salt cell for $1,600 online, significantly less than his quoted rate of $2,800. This discrepancy underscores a broader issue affecting trades: the risk of do-it-yourself solutions. While Greg appreciates manufacturers pulling products from online marketplaces, he warns the industry must adapt to safeguard the livelihoods of professionals.
Mentorship from Scouts to Pool Solutions
Greg’s mentorship journey began long before his pool industry success—it started with the Boy Scouts, guiding a group to achieve 12 Eagle Scout ranks. These experiences shaped his ability to give back, a trait evident in his willingness to guide colleagues through complex troubleshooting. Greg believes in allowing individuals to learn through experience, providing support while ensuring they grasp solutions through their efforts.
Safety: The Core of Pool Management
A tragedy early in Greg’s career, where a child drowned after climbing a fence for a ball, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of pool safety. This event deeply impacts Greg’s unwavering commitment to uphold the highest safety standards, from proper bonding and grounding to ensuring compliance with local regulations. His emphasis on safety is a core principle he consistently upholds in his work.
The Tough Grind of a Single-Pole Operator
Operating solo, Greg manages 175 pools weekly and even tackles additional tile blasting jobs on weekends. His success hinges on high route density—servicing up to nine pools in a single street ensures efficiency. Despite a heart attack at 50, Greg’s tenacity remains unshaken. His relentless work ethic—eschewing breaks and air-conditioned drives for continuous pool stops—exemplifies the dedication of a true industry professional.
Forging a Legacy in Pool Repair
Influenced by industry giants like Alan Smith and Greg Garrett, Greg Beard attributes his development as a professional to their guidance. Mentorship for him extends beyond technical skills; it’s about building relationships and setting new standards for pool service excellence. Greg’s journey exemplifies the potential for giving back to the industry that’s given him so much.
Enduring Gratitude and Unyielding Grit
Greg Beard’s career is marked by gratitude—to clients, colleagues, and an industry that has been his life’s work. Realistic about the challenges of career growth, he recognizes that success often comes with criticism. Yet, Greg remains focused on his mission: advancing pool repair and maintenance practices by sharing his wealth of knowledge with the next generation. His philosophy blends humor with honest advice, making him a respected figure in the field.
Whether or not Greg wins the 2025 Mentor of the Year, his contributions to mentorship, professionalism, and craft pride are undeniable. Through his efforts, countless pool technicians now perform their roles with greater competence and confidence, striving to emulate the high standards he sets.
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