Lessons in Family Business Evolution: Insights from Cindi Heyen of Jed Pool Tools

In this engaging episode of the Growing Up B2B Podcast, host Ed Delia sits down with Cindi Heyen, President and CEO of Jed Pool Tools, to explore the grit and strategic foresight required to scale a family-owned manufacturing powerhouse. Cindi shares a candid look at her journey from watching her father’s initial entrepreneurial leap to leading a vertically integrated operation that balances seasonal demand with industrial diversification. Their conversation serves as a masterclass for B2B leaders on navigating the "messy middle" of growth, implementing enterprise-level systems, and preparing the next generation to carry a legacy of hard work and operational excellence into the future.

Strategic Expansion and Operational Agility in Manufacturing

Managing a vertically integrated manufacturing firm requires a delicate balance between specialized production and broad market stability. Cindi explains that the acquisition of Northeastern Plastics was a pivotal move designed to offset the inherent seasonality of the pool products industry, providing a year-round operational rhythm that keeps her specialized workforce engaged. By bringing injection molding, extrusion, and hose production under one roof, the company has achieved a level of agility that allows them to pivot resources based on real-time demand. This strategy underscores a vital lesson for B2B manufacturers: diversification isn't just about adding products; it is about building a structural "shock absorber" that protects the business from market fluctuations while maintaining total control over quality and lead times.

To support this complexity, the leadership team prioritized the implementation of a robust ERP system, transforming how the company handles forecasting, job creation, and order management across multiple departments. Cindi emphasizes that while the transition to digital systems can be painful, it is the only way to move beyond the manual, "handwritten ledger" era and into a scalable future. This technological backbone is complemented by a rigorous commitment to cross-training employees; by ensuring the team can operate across different product lines, the business minimizes downtime and maximizes human capital. This blend of high-tech infrastructure and a flexible, highly skilled workforce creates a resilient foundation that can withstand the departure of any single individual.

The final piece of the evolution puzzle is the intentional coaching of next-generation leaders through a gradual transition of responsibility. Rather than waiting for a crisis to force a handoff, Cindi and her husband have worked to mentor their sons, John and Rob, in both the technical nuances of operations and the "soft skills" of relationship-driven sales. This process involves formalizing job descriptions, conducting objective employee reviews, and teaching the art of delegation—moving from "doing" to "leading." By focusing on core competencies and streamlining underperforming product lines, the family is not just maintaining a business; they are refining a brand that is built to thrive across generations.

About Cindi Heyen

Cindi Heyen is the President, Owner, and CEO of Jed Pool Tools and Northeastern Plastics. As a second-generation leader, she has successfully overseen the professionalization of her family’s manufacturing operations, blending a deep respect for her father’s legacy with a modern approach to acquisition, systems integration, and leadership development.

About Jed Pool Tools

Jed Pool Tools is a premier manufacturer and distributor of high-quality pool maintenance equipment and accessories. Based in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the company is known for its extensive range of vertically integrated products, including cleaning tools, hoses, and fountains, serving a global B2B market with a focus on durability and domestic manufacturing excellence.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Guest Company: Jed Pool Tools

• Guest LinkedIn: Cindi Heyen on LinkedIn

Key Episode Highlights

• The Transparency Factor: Why being candid about business struggles with family members builds a stronger, more resilient leadership foundation.

• Smoothing Seasonality: How strategic acquisitions can provide year-round stability for businesses traditionally tied to seasonal weather patterns.

• ERP as a Catalyst: The transformative power of moving from manual record-keeping to a centralized digital system for manufacturing efficiency.

• The Cross-Training Matrix: How building a multi-skilled workforce serves as an insurance policy against labor shortages and fluctuating demand.

• The Stewardship Mindset: Transitioning from an "all-hands" startup mentality to a structured organization where delegation is the key to scaling.

Conclusion

Cindi Heyen’s journey proves that the longevity of a family business is found at the intersection of traditional work ethic and modern operational discipline. By professionalizing systems and intentionally mentoring the next generation, Jed Pool Tools has transformed from a localized shop into a resilient, vertically integrated leader in the manufacturing landscape.

Explore Ed Delia’s website to learn more about leadership strategies for family businesses and B2B growth. If you’re a B2B leader with insights to share, apply to be a guest on the Growing Up B2B Podcast here.