For many, we’ve never looked forward to a new year as much as 2021. The problems of 2020 did not magically go away upon the Times Square ball drop, but a new year represents a clean slate. Even if it’s just symbolic, I’ll take it.
That being said, I think most anticipate 2021 looking quite different than 2019 or 2020. There will be new leadership in the White House, the uncertainty of the coronavirus and supply-chain strain we’ve never experienced before. There are so many unknowns.
For instance, what is going to be COVID’s long-term effect on employment? On the one hand, there would seem to be more people looking for work. But for the most part, people in the industry say hiring is as hard now as ever. Unemployment benefits certainly play a part in that, but are people afraid to go back to work because of the virus? Are they unable to work because they’re without childcare or school? Are they hoping their old job will become available again? I’m not sure we’ll know for quite some time.
If you haven’t heard, we’ve launched a new partnership with the Independent Pool and Spa Service Association. PoolPro is now the official magazine of IPSSA, with free issues going out to all members. In addition, we’re helping them produce a new podcast and their newsletter, The IPSSAN. We’ve long been a fan of IPSSA — in fact, our very first issue of PoolPro featured then-president and still active volunteer Adam Morley. Our missions of helping pool service professionals run better, more efficient and profitable businesses align, and I could not be more excited to work with them. And if you haven’t seen it pop up on your social media feeds, in January we’re featuring 30 days of mentors; we’ll also highlight a handful of them in the back of the magazine. Last year’s 30 Under 40 recipients are sharing the people who have had the biggest impact on their lives and careers. Nothing like starting the new year off by paying it forward.
Best,
Megan Kendrick, publisher
megan@kendrickcontent.com
