Get to know fellow NESPA members and leaders in a new light! Each month we will put the spotlight on a member of the NESPA community. Know someone we should profile or interested in taking part in a profile yourself? Email Kelly McKelvey at kmckelvey@nespapool.org.
Julie Kazdin
Kazdin Pools & Spas
How long have you worked in the pool & spa industry?
Off and on since I was a teenager. It is a family business, so I grew up playing under the desk. I have been working full time back at the company for 15 or so years.
When you aren’t working, you are…?
Most importantly I’m a mom to a beautiful and smart young lady. I am a Rotarian. Lover of dogs and all things sports.
How has being a part of NESPA impacted your career?
The absolute best part of NESPA is the people. The people you meet, they all have so much to share about the industry, their experiences and who they are and how they have become who they have become. Every person, every story, every detail makes this organization so special. I have met people that have influenced me as a business owner, as a pool professional, as an educator. I have been given the opportunity to learn, teach and grow as an individual and as a team member.
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Funny we talk about this in my office often. I think it would be soup.
What are the key skills or traits a person needs to be successful in our industry?
That is an interesting question. Every person is so unique. But I think the biggest thing is to be open to new ideas. We are in an idea revolution, keep your mind open to possibilities for retail, service, and building. We learned during COVID that you can rethink any way of doing business drastically and quickly.
What’s one thing - either industry-related or not - you learned in the last month?
In this environment I feel like I learn something new daily. I read about a spy ring in the Long Island area that helped George Washington and the colonists win the Revolutionary War. I also read about a conspiracy in the government to cover up existence of UFO crashes dating back to the 1940’s. The government hierarchy is incredible, and it gives a glimpse into the many layers of government at play today. I cannot resist a good conspiracy theory.