243: From Water Polo, POOLCORP, Educator, to Passionate Sales Representative: A Sober Man’s Journey

Greg and Justin sit down with AJ Grucky, Manufacturer Representative of Blake Sales Associates, which offers pool and spa manufacturers a multi-level, multi-dimensional sales and marketing program.

AJ got his start in the swimming pool and spa industry in January 2010 as a Manager for POOL Corporation. He left wholesale distribution in 2017 to pursue a sales and education career with NC Brands until he joined Blake Sales in early 2021.

Listen in as AJ takes us down memory lane, reflecting not only on his career in the pool and spa industry, but other major milestones, including his long road to sobriety and his time as a college athlete playing water polo for the Sun Devils.

AJ discusses his keys to success as a representative at BSA. Offering his thoughts on communicating effectively in times of conflict, he suggests that the most important thing to think about is that nobody is immune to making mistakes—that our focus as leaders should be on our response to those mistakes.

To AJ, this principle applies equally to discussions with team members as it does to discussions with customers. For every employee in an organization, and particularly for sales reps like himself, the top priority should be around maximizing the human connection between the product or service to the end user.

*Topics Discussed:*

About AJ Grucky
Journey to sobriety
Growing up around water
Water polo overview
How AJ got involved in the pool industry
Justin and AJ meet at SCP 512A Mesa
Effective communication when dealing with issues in business
Leaving POOLCORP
Products represented by BSA
BSA’s ideal client
Ideal communication
Products that AJ is most excited about
What BSA doesn’t do
How sales reps add value to pool companies
Favorite pool
Favorite outrageous pool

*Connect with Guest:*

AJ on LinkedIn - [  / aj-grucky-86707280  ](  / aj-grucky-86707280  )
Website - [https://blakesales.net/](https://blakesales.net/)
Instagram - [  / blakesalesassociates  ](  / blakesalesassociates  )

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