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. https://sparetailer.com/feed/podcast/ Show Notes with Timestamps: 00:00 Podcast Welcome01:27 Stephen Reed Background03:28 Origins of Spa Parts Plus06:55 Ownership Timeline Explained09:41 Back to Wholesale Focus11:46 Why Acquire the Business12:57 Dealers React and Service Margins14:51 OEM Partnerships and Genuine Parts18:27 Service Demand and Tech Expertise21:32 Dealers Servicing All Brands24:00 COVID Era Parts Puzzle25:06 Supply Chain Crunch26:31 Industry Lessons Learned28:03 Next Chapter Strategy28:37 Warranty Fulfillment Logistics29:45 AI And Technology Plans30:28 How We Choose Stock31:45 Sourcing Missing Parts32:50 Warehouse And Shipping Reach34:03 Spa Retailer Five35:22 Career Flops And Wins38:25 AR Tools And QR Comeback42:02 Favorite Reads And Wrap Up45:01 Where To Find Us45:32 Podcast Closing Credits