Power Women: Julie Kazdin

Julie Kazdin has never known a life without pools. Born into a family business on the East End of Long Island, she grew up surrounded by the rhythms of the industry her parents helped build. Her mother and father founded Kazdin Pools & Spas in 1974, years before she was born, and from the start, it was a true family operation. “They joked that the accountant used to feed me peas while he was doing his work,” Kazdin says. 

Kazdin worked in the business during high school and college, learning the fundamentals and seeing firsthand what it took to keep the company running. Still, like many second-generation leaders, she felt the pull of something different. She envisioned a future in the corporate world — “one of our customers,” as she puts it — with a Fortune 500 career and the lifestyle that comes with it.

That vision didn’t last long. After spending a few years in a corporate role, Kazdin realized she was uncomfortable with the lack of autonomy and ethical flexibility. “I realized you’re working on somebody else’s dream, and you’re making decisions for somebody else,” she says. 

More troubling was the inability to fix mistakes in a way that aligned with her values. “If we did something wrong [at Kazdin Pools & Spas], I could make it right,” she says. “There was no question that you could just make it right. But when you’re in somebody else’s company or a publicly traded company, you [don’t always] have those options.”

At 23, she returned to the family business, starting as inventory manager and steadily taking on new roles. “I’ve done everything here,” she says. “I’ve worked retail, I’ve gone on the trucks. I still empty garbage.” That hands-on experience became the foundation of her leadership style and built her respect for every job in the company.

Today, Kazdin is vice president and partner at Kazdin Pools & Spas, with ownership officially transferring to her this spring. Her leadership philosophy centers on accountability without fear. 

“It’s not a big deal that people make mistakes because that’s just who we are,” she says. “But let’s fix them and move on.” Creating an environment where employees can leave work with a clear conscience is a core priority. “I want people to have some sense of ownership, and that they know they did the best they could and have no regret when they leave here at the end of the day. Then that’s one less thing on their mind.”

Beyond the company, Kazdin works with Watershape University, where she serves as vice president of operations. She taught the organization’s very first class — a business course — drawing on her formal business education and operational expertise. What started as a teaching opportunity quickly became a deeper commitment. “The people that are part of that organization and what they stand for completely sold me on [the idea] that there’s a better way,” she says. Watershape University also affirmed her role as a leader. “They’ve given me confidence that it’s OK to have a voice.”

Mentorship and community have been central to Kazdin’s career. She credits longtime mentor Sheryl Heather — former president of Spring & Summer Activities and now vice president of The Chaikin Ultimate Group — with helping her navigate professional growth and leadership beyond the pool industry, including her involvement in Rotary. 

“Success is everybody else getting where they want to go,” she says. Watching her team earn certifications, improve their skills and grow into leaders is what motivates her most. Personally, success means raising “a happy, healthy daughter” — something she says wouldn’t be possible without a supportive workplace culture that recognizes real life doesn’t stop at the office door.

Her advice to others entering the industry is simple but powerful: Get involved. “The biggest thing that helped me was volunteering and meeting people,” she says. 

Looking back, Kazdin is clear about what the industry has given her. “I’m grateful for having been brought up in this industry,” she says. “It was a great life for me to grow up in. I think it’s a great life for my daughter to grow up in.” 

Julie’s Toolbox

A must-have tool: A pencil and pad

Best on-the-job time-saving tip: For me, it’s taking notes. Another is finding one actionable item to accomplish and building on that.

A habit that helps you reset: Music and the beach

A mentor or peer who shaped how you work: Sheryl Heather, former president, Spring & Summer Activities

Your go-to caffeine order: Anything with caramel. Hampton’s Coffee is the best.

Music to get you through the day: I start every morning with music. It ranges from Fleetwood Mac, Dave Matthews and Billy Joel to Snoop Dogg and Ginuwine — every teenager’s worst nightmare coming from their mom’s car.