Journey Smith
Journey Smith is a results-driven Service Manager at Poolsure, where she leads with a commitment to operational excellence, client satisfaction, and impactful team development. With over a decade of progressive leadership experience in aquatics, facilities management, and business operations, Journey has built a reputation for transforming underperforming departments into strategic assets and guiding high-growth teams across Texas' major metropolitan areas.
Prior to her current role, Journey was the Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Sunny Days Pool Management, where she led the company from inception to industry prominence. Under her direction, the company achieved a flawless safety record, zero drownings, and implemented best-in-class lifeguard training programs. Her innovative leadership style emphasized quality, culture, and accountability—leading to recognition through honors such as the Judah Brown Project’s Hero Award and finalist status for CAI’s Business Partner of the Year.
Journey’s career spans impactful roles in public and private sectors, including serving as Aquatics Operations Manager for the City of Baytown and Director of Operations for TAE Pools. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in service, continuous improvement, and advocacy for water safety. She holds certifications including Aquatic Facility Operator and Aquatic Venue Public Health Inspector and actively contributes to the industry as a board secretary for IPSSA and a board member for the Southwest Pool & Spa Show and local PHTA Chapter. A visionary and compassionate leader, Journey is committed to elevating safety standards, empowering staff, and creating lasting impact in the aquatics industry.
• Aquatic Venue Public Health Inspector
• Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO)
• LGIT
• Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, CPR/AED and First Aid for the professional rescuer
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO)
• Lone Star College-CyFair - Associate of Arts
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the invaluable mentorship and support I’ve received along the way, particularly from Dottie Caudle at IPSSA and PHTA. As well as Mike Flynn during our time together at the City of Baytown. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in my potential played a significant role in shaping my professional journey. They helped open doors, challenged me to grow, and provided the foundation I needed to thrive in my field. Their influence continues to inspire me to lead with integrity and to invest in the success of others, just as they did for me.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to "make yourself replaceable." As a leader, don’t fear talent or questions—embrace them. Encouraging curiosity fosters sharper processes and empowers your team. By mentoring others and sharing knowledge, you drive collective growth and create a stronger, more resilient organization.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To young women entering the industry, or anyone for that matter, dive in with enthusiasm and a hunger for learning. Our industry is filled with passionate experts eager to share their knowledge. Join organizations like IPSSA and PHTA, attend their meetings, and engage at educational trade shows. Ask bold questions, build connections, and seize every opportunity to grow. Your curiosity and initiative will set you apart and open doors to success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the pool and spa industry is attracting and retaining young talent to sustain its future. Many experienced professionals are nearing retirement, and they’re eager to pass on their expertise to ensure safe, healthy, and well-maintained pools. This gap presents a tremendous opportunity. By promoting hands-on training, mentorship programs, and engagement through organizations like IPSSA and PHTA, we can inspire the next generation to join and thrive in this rewarding field. Embracing modern tools like smart pool technology can also make the industry more appealing, blending tradition with innovation to create exciting career paths and uphold our mission of safe, enjoyable aquatic environments
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work and personal life, I’m guided by safety, mentorship, and curiosity. Safety is the cornerstone of the pool and spa industry—ensuring drowning prevention, strict code compliance, and best practices in pool care to create secure, joyful environments for families. Mentorship drives me to inspire and guide the next generation through organizations like IPSSA and PHTA, sharing knowledge to sustain our industry’s mission. Curiosity fuels my passion for learning and innovation, pushing me to explore new technologies, like smart pool systems, and to encourage others to ask questions and drive progress. Together, these values shape my commitment to building a safer, stronger, and more dynamic industry and community.