Former Financial Service Sales Representative Dives Into Pool Service Industry

Samantha Bankmann was in financial services sales her entire career, but after having her son and going through the pandemic, she realized that the corporate world was no longer for her. She wanted a career that would allow her to spend more time with her family and serve other families in the community as well.

Bankmann discovered Pool Scouts*, the pool service and maintenance franchise, and immediately saw the need for the brand in the greater Chicago area. Opening a Pool Scouts allows Bankmann to help families create their own memories at their homes in a safe environment.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Samantha Bankmann: I’ve been in financial services sales my entire career. I had my son three years ago, and it changed my focus. I knew I wanted an income that allowed me to spend more time with him. He started preschool this year, so it seemed like the perfect time to branch out. 

Franchising made sense to me because I worked in large organizations, and I saw success in the systems that they had in place. I appreciated that I would have a framework for a business before even opening. Having made my own success in corporate America, I saw that the learning curve is a lot shorter in a system already laid out.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Bankmann: I didn’t give franchising much thought before getting involved in it myself. I mostly thought of it as fast food. But it feels similar to my previous roles, where I managed my own territory. I had best practices and structures for years. In a way, it was like franchising.

1851: What makes you stand out as business owners in your local community?

Bankmann: I have great interpersonal skills and communication skills. I love meeting new people and being in settings where I can get to know them. I’ve worked for every type of manager as well, and I’ve come to find that people generally don’t quit jobs; they quit managers. I want to be a reliable and fun source of careers for employees and be an accessible home service in my community.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Bankmann: When I was looking at different franchises, I tried to find a franchise system that matched my own values and could translate into a lifestyle. I wanted to have something that felt accessible to my son, and I wanted a service that I could be passionate about.

I’m mostly excited about being outside instead of being at a desk all day. I get to talk to people and be a true part of the community, not just a voice on the phone. I want to be communicative, personable and understanding with my customers. I know that through this business, I can provide a level of trust for my customers.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Bankmann: My main goal is just to enjoy the process. Whatever that entails. I just want to focus on this location and building it.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Bankmann: I value good service providers for my own home. I will go with a higher-cost service provider if I feel like I’m getting a better experience and the communication is better. I want to create a high-value service in my community that people can trust.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Bankmann: I’ve honestly compared opening a franchise to having a baby — you can never be 100% ready. No matter how prepared you think you are, there is always something that can come up. You just have to trust the process and jump.