Pool Scouts

The coronavirus continues to have dire effects on businesses across the country, and the franchise industry is no exception. Franchisors across segments are strategizing new ways to support their franchisees, keep customers satisfied, help local communities and come out stronger on the other side of this crisis.&nbsp;To that end, 1851 Franchise publisher Nick Powills and Charles Internicola, founder and partner of the <a href="https://www.franchiselawsolutions.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=coronavirus-and-franchising-brenda-febbo-of-lightbridge-academy-and-michael-wagner-of-pool-scouts-2712727" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Internicola Law Firm</a>, are covering the coronavirus and its impact on the franchising industry through a <a href="https://mbf6e734.clickfunnels.com/webinar-registration1584137477175?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=coronavirus-and-franchising-brenda-febbo-of-lightbridge-academy-and-michael-wagner-of-pool-scouts-2712727" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">webinar series titled “Coronavirus and Franchising: Mindset + Strategy to Recover and Grow.”</a>In today’s morning webinar, Powills and Internicola spoke with Brenda Febbo, Chief Marketing Officer for <a href="https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=coronavirus-and-franchising-brenda-febbo-of-lightbridge-academy-and-michael-wagner-of-pool-scouts-2712727" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lightbridge Academy</a>, and Michael Wagner, President of <a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=coronavirus-and-franchising-brenda-febbo-of-lightbridge-academy-and-michael-wagner-of-pool-scouts-2712727" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pool Scouts</a>, about how the franchising industry is responding to the crisis.Here are some of the key insights from their discussion.<h4>Looking Past the Crisis&nbsp;</h4>How people are responding to this pandemic depends on their unique circumstances, and there is no one way that brands have reacted. That makes looking to the industry for guidance difficult. Brands should envision what business will look like on the other side of this crisis.&nbsp;There will be tremendous opportunities for brands that are actively engaging with their consumers during this period. It’s not about having a transactional relationship. It’s about a value-added relationship. Those businesses that successfully add value on a human level will be left standing.&nbsp;<h4>Caring for Employees&nbsp;&nbsp;</h4>Franchisors need to be flexible with their franchisees, listen to them and continue to provide quality service. Brands need to care for employees across the system and provide them with protective equipment when applicable.&nbsp;Franchisors need to institute regular messaging with franchisees that includes listening to franchisee feedback and requests. Brands can hold town hall meetings to debrief franchisees and listen to their ideas and concerns.<h4>Keeping Customers in Mind</h4>Franchisors must think about how best to continue their relationships with existing customers and also how to build relationships with new ones. Even if those relationships don’t immediately translate to robust revenue streams, they will pay off when this crisis is behind us.&nbsp;<h4>Leveraging Leadership&nbsp;</h4>Everyone is affected by this issue. This is an opportunity to lead, pour positivity into the situation and support the most vulnerable among us. It’s important to focus on what’s needed and how people can be helped. When brands focus on the needs of their stakeholders, they are focusing on the long-term viability of their businesses. Being a leader is not just about reveling in the good times, it’s also about finding solutions in the bad times. Leaders do not get the option of tapping out at this difficult time. Franchisees are relying on franchisors more than ever.<h4>Celebrating Successes</h4>Brands should make sure to continue celebrating successes, such as when franchisees get several new customers or a positive online review. There are incredible examples of people giving back right now, and those moments should be shared and underlined.&nbsp;<h4>Attracting Tomorrow’s Franchisees</h4>Prospective franchisees are watching. They will want to know how brands are navigating this crisis and how they are helping their franchisees. Leadership needs to demonstrate that they care about franchisees and truly walk the walk. Something as simple as texting franchisees can go a long way in maintaining those long-term relationships. Part of this story will be how franchisors honored their relationships with franchisees.&nbsp;<h4>Providing the Right Environment</h4>Brands must keep business viable now in order to bring people back later. Give franchisees the tools for success.&nbsp;The company culture should encourage franchisees to feel comfortable being vulnerable and asking for help. This is why having a good culture from the beginning is important. Brands cannot just come up with core values right now. If you were not doing the right things to begin with, it will be hard to pivot to a good place.

Coronavirus and Franchising: Brenda Febbo of Lightbridge Academy and Michael Wagner of Pool Scouts 

1851 Franchise

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Nick Powills and Charles Internicola are joined by Pool Scouts President Michael Wagner and Lightbridge Academy Chief Marketing Officer Brenda Febbo to discuss how the franchise industry is tackling the issues brought on by COVID-19.

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Pool Scouts Appoints Mike Hysick as Director of Operations to Deepen Franchisee Support

Pool Scouts' 2025 Conference Sets the Stage for the Brand's Next Phase of Growth

Pool Scouts Trailblazer Tiffiny Consoli Built a $3 Million Franchise on Courage and Connection

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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/">Pool Scouts</a>, the leading pool cleaning, maintenance and repair franchise, has appointed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehysick/">Mike Hysick</a> as its new director of operations. Hysick brings more than two decades of franchise and restaurant industry experience to the role, including seven years with Mosquito Joe, where he most recently served as vice president of systems and training.Hysick began his career in the restaurant industry at age 16, working his way from team member to management and eventually area manager for a McDonald’s franchise. He later served as a franchise business consultant with Tropical Smoothie Cafe, where he coached franchise owners across a multi-state territory on opening new locations, implementing food safety standards and strengthening business performance.“I want to leave a footprint on the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts/info">Pool Scouts</a> brand, leading their operations and helping to build Pool Scouts to be the number one premier pool service company in the country,” Hysick said.During his time with Mosquito Joe, Hysick led several large-scale system initiatives across roughly 200 franchise locations, implementing a new customer relationship management platform, launching an AI chatbot across brand websites and guiding multiple system vendor selection processes for phone and field service management software.“I feel, as a Certified Franchise Executive, I have the background and understanding of the franchising industry,” Hysick said. “I have experience on the franchisor side, but I also have experience working for a franchisee, running budgets and understanding the importance of a sound business where you can take care of your team and build your future.”Pool Scouts’ culture and long-term runway played a big role in Hysick’s decision to join. In his prior leadership role with Mosquito Joe, a brand founded by&nbsp;<a href="https://buzzfranchisebrands.com/">Buzz Franchise Brands</a>, he developed a deep appreciation for franchisee support and gained firsthand experience working within a people-first franchise ecosystem.“My top priority is strengthening franchisee profitability while continually identifying new opportunities to drive revenue and support long-term growth,” Hysick said.Hysick also plans to maintain close, hands-on support for franchisees. He will work alongside a team of coaches who hold recurring conversations with owners, while also remaining personally accessible by phone, email and text to help identify gaps and provide solutions that support franchisee success.Hysick says that he is focused on learning from Pool Scouts’ strongest operators and sharing best practices across the system to strengthen operations at every location.“There is tremendous opportunity in this space,” he said. “The swimming pool market offers meaningful white space for growth. Beyond routine cleaning, there are opportunities in repair, maintenance, and proper seasonal openings and closings.”With Hysick joining the leadership team, Pool Scouts continues to invest in operational infrastructure and franchisee support as the brand expands nationwide.About Buzz Franchise BrandsFounded in 2012 and based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Buzz Franchise Brands is a fast-growing multi-brand franchising organization that builds companies that get people talking. The organization's first brand, Mosquito Joe, was sold to Neighborly in late 2018 after growing to almost 300 locations. Buzz Franchise Brands currently operates pool cleaning and maintenance company Pool Scouts, residential cleaning company Home Clean Heroes, swim lesson company British Swim School and holiday lighting company Wonderly Lights. The company has been named among the Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies as well as Inc's Best Workplaces list for several years in a row. For more information about Buzz Franchise Brands, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.buzzfranchisebrands.com/.">https://www.buzzfranchisebrands.com/.</a>&nbsp;

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<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/">Pool Scouts</a> brought franchisees, partners and leadership together in Dallas, Texas, for its largest convention to date, uniting roughly 75% of the system for a week focused on execution, growth and alignment. Held in conjunction with fellow&nbsp;<a href="https://buzzfranchisebrands.com/">Buzz Franchise Brands</a> concepts British Swim School and Home Clean Heroes, the event welcomed more than 350 total attendees, including 75&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts/info">Pool Scouts</a> franchisees, guests and sponsors.The 2025 conference served as both a milestone moment for the brand and a working session designed to prepare franchisees for what comes next as Pool Scouts approaches its 10th anniversary. A theme of “Saddle Up for Success” served as a rallying call for franchisees to take the reins as the brand looks ahead to 2026.&nbsp;“It reflects our brand’s strategic priorities, including tightening operational consistency, continuing to elevate the customer experience, focusing on our sales process, and doubling down on the tools and resources we provide,” said Director of Marketing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynlea-rudell-9a8b797/">Lynlea Rudell</a>. “The western motif is tied to our Dallas location, but it also represents the resilience and grit required to keep Pool Scouts’ momentum going.”<h2>Industry Alignment and a First-Time Partnership</h2>A key milestone at this year’s conference was the first-ever attendance by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.phta.org/">Pool &amp; Hot Tub Alliance</a>. The organization’s participation reinforced Pool Scouts’ efforts to strengthen its position as a nationally recognized, professionally credentialed service brand.“During their presentation, they outlined to our franchises what enhanced training programs they offer, their certifications, their advocacy for the industry and credibility,” Rudell said. “They also went through all the different industry trends to give our franchises a background of everything going on in our industry.”This alignment positions Pool Scouts not only as a service provider, but as a trusted authority in professional pool care, an increasingly important differentiator in crowded local markets.<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqR1R7UDRZM"><div class="iframely-embed"><div class="iframely-responsive"><iframe src="//cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?app=1&amp;api_key=fd3b6b3731f34f55ba1fe3&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DjqR1R7UDRZM" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></div></figure><h2>Operational and Technical Improvements for the Field</h2>Much of the conference programming focused on helping franchisees work more efficiently while improving service quality and opening the door to new revenue opportunities.Franchisees were introduced to AI-powered tools, including website chatbots and voice-answering technology, designed to streamline customer interactions, reduce administrative workload and improve lead conversion through faster response times.The conference also featured leak-detection training, and franchisees were introduced to an expanded service offering that addresses this homeowner pain point and creates revenue potential. In addition, advanced water chemistry and safety standards sessions provided updated education on maintaining balanced pools, improving testing accuracy, building technician confidence and reinforcing best practices around chemical safety.<h2>Sales Training and Conversion Focus</h2>Sales execution was another major emphasis throughout the conference. Training sessions centered on value-based selling, helping franchisees clearly articulate what sets Pool Scouts apart from competitors.“Consistency and confidence in sales execution will be major drivers of 2026 growth to help drive up our conversion rates,” Rudell said.Additional focus areas included improving speed-to-lead response, strengthening follow-up processes and building more consistent onboarding systems for new sales team members.&nbsp;<h2>Keynote Focused on Mindset and Action</h2>The keynote address was delivered by New York Times bestselling author&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyjomartin/">Amy Jo Martin</a>, known for her framework “The Renegade Way” and her work helping high-profile leaders build authentic brands.Her message encouraged franchisees to challenge old habits, take accountability and turn ideas into action.&nbsp;<h2>Recognizing Performance Across the System</h2>The awards program highlighted the strength and momentum building across the Pool Scouts network, with recognition focused on customer satisfaction, revenue growth and operational excellence.Customer experience is a key differentiator for the brand, demonstrated by a systemwide Net Promoter Score of 81. The highest customer satisfaction scores among both established and rookie locations were recognized with Best Buzz Awards, establishing a clear benchmark for service excellence across the entire system.“Those awards are very important,” Rudell said. “What sets Pool Scouts apart is our service.”Growth milestones were also celebrated, with multiple franchisees entering new revenue tiers. Several locations joined the $1 Million Plus Club, with top-performing operators demonstrating what is possible within the Pool Scouts model at the $2 million and $3 million levels.<h2>Looking Ahead to 2026</h2>Pool Scouts is entering its next phase of growth with a stronger foundation than ever before. Enhanced systems, deeper industry partnerships, expanded training and increased investment in technology and brand support are all designed to help franchisees scale faster and reach profitability sooner.“This year was about tightening up the fundamentals.” Rudell said. “We have solid building blocks in place, so next year we're really focusing on our next phase of growth. Our foundation has never been stronger and we're ready and primed for growth.”<h2>The Core Takeaway: Get Great at the Basics</h2>The most important takeaway from the 2025 conference is a continued focus on perfecting the basics. While new tools and innovations are part of the roadmap, long-term success will come from mastering the fundamentals that drive a strong, scalable Pool Scouts business.As the energy in Dallas made clear, the Pool Scouts network is aligned and ready for what comes next.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts">https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts</a>.

Pool Scouts Franchise - 2025 Annual Convention - Dallas TX - 1851 Franchise

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Pool Scouts: A Business-in-a-Box for First-Time and Seasoned Entrepreneurs

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How Pool Scouts Turns the “Off-Season” Into a Year-Round Advantage

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Building a business from scratch is nothing new for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/john-oldham-pool-scouts-greater-south-fort-worth-2730573#stories">John Oldham</a>. After spending more than two decades running a successful remodeling and cabinet shop, he briefly stepped away to take a management role with a larger corporation. However, the pull of local ownership proved too alluring. According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://fortworthbusiness.com/e-editions/">recent article in The Business Press</a>, Oldham returned to his roots as an entrepreneur by launching his own&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/">Pool Scouts</a> location in late 2025.&nbsp;The transition from construction to pool maintenance was a natural fit, even though Oldham had never personally owned a pool. His background in residential and commercial projects nevertheless equipped him with a sharp eye for quality and an appreciation of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts/info">Pool Scouts’</a> recurring service model. Serving the greater South Fort Worth area, Oldham is focusing on high-growth communities ranging from Waxahachie to Burleson.&nbsp;The timing for such an expansion is ideal. The region is currently seeing a massive influx of residential development, including billion-dollar master-planned communities like Tallgrass in Burleson. These new neighborhoods are designed with a heavy emphasis on lifestyle and outdoor amenities, leading to a surge in residential pools. As more families move into the area from other parts of the country, the demand for professional, reliable maintenance continues to climb.“This area is experiencing rapid residential growth and more pools. There’s a clear need for reliable professional pool service in the community,” Oldham said.For Oldham, the Pool Scouts move is also deeply personal. Having lived in Mansfield for 35 years, he wanted to build something that could involve his family. His daughter, Loren, and son-in-law, Leisin, are set to join him in the business, helping to manage operations as the company scales.“Building this business gives me the opportunity to create something lasting that my daughter and son-in-law can be part of,” Oldham said. “For me, it’s about showing my family the value of hard work, integrity and perseverance. My daughter Loren and son-in-law Leisin plan to join me and help in all aspects of the business as we grow.”By leaning on the established systems and corporate support of the Pool Scouts model, Oldham is moving away from the nature of his previous construction business. He is now focused on creating a marketable brand that’s sustainable while providing neighbors with a high level of professionalism. With a growing team and a family-centered approach, Oldham is well-positioned to become a staple of the South Fort Worth home services market.Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://fortworthbusiness.com/e-editions/">here</a>.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts">https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts</a>.The start-up costs for a Pool Scouts franchise range from $115,445 to $152,920. To learn more about franchising with Pool Scouts, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com">https://poolscoutsfranchise.com</a>.

The Business Press: John Oldham Dives Into Pool Scouts Franchise Ownership in South Fort Worth

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John Oldham has opened a&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/">Pool Scouts</a> pool cleaning and maintenance business serving several communities south of Fort Worth, Texas, including Burleson, Alvarado and Waxahachie,&nbsp;<a href="https://fortworthinc.com/news/new-franchisee-john-oldham-is-getting-ahead-of-pool-season/">according to Fort Worth Inc.</a>Oldham chose to open during the winter instead of waiting for spring. The slower season gave him time to learn the business, understand customer needs and prepare for the increase in service calls that typically begins in March. In Texas, pool service continues year-round, especially for homes with heated pools.Before joining&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts/info">Pool Scouts</a>, Oldham spent more than 20 years working in a family-owned construction business. After leaving that role, he decided he wanted to get back to owning and running something himself. He began exploring franchise options and focused on service-based businesses.Oldham ultimately chose Pool Scouts because of the support structure and clear operating model. The franchise allowed him to step into business ownership without having to build systems from the ground up.The business is family run. Oldham’s daughter and son-in-law are involved in daily operations, helping with scheduling, customer communication and inbound calls. Creating a business his family could be part of was an important factor in his decision.By opening ahead of peak season and keeping operations local and hands-on, Oldham is positioning his Pool Scouts business for steady growth as pool season ramps up.Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://fortworthinc.com/news/new-franchisee-john-oldham-is-getting-ahead-of-pool-season/">here</a>.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts.">https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts.</a>&nbsp;

Fort Worth Inc.: John Oldham Opens Pool Scouts Business in South Fort Worth Area

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On a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is0pmjoAlIg">recent episode of “The Franchise Woman Podcast”</a> with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamonet/">Rebecca Monet</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracykawa/">Tracy Kawa</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/">Pool Scouts</a> franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffiny-consoli-a027114/">Tiffiny Consoli</a> shared the winding path that led her to become the brand’s first franchise owner — and, in 2024, the first in the system to surpass $3 million in annual revenue.Consoli’s entrepreneurial streak started in her 20s, when she left a mutual fund office job in Houston to follow a friend to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and launch a plantscaping business. They grew flowers in her friend’s family greenhouses, then serviced high-end properties in Aspen. The venture gave her an early, hands-on education in ownership. “That was my first taste of owning our own business,” she said. “It was very small, but we made enough to each make a living and kind of enjoy life in our 20s.”When that chapter ended, Consoli returned to Houston and moved into outside sales for a payroll company, knocking on doors and building relationships one cold call at a time. The work was tough, but it built resilience. “I was in charge of my success, responsible for my own success,” she said.A major personal turning point followed. In her early 30s, Consoli came out as gay and sought a life more connected to the outdoors. She joined REI, starting as a footwear specialist making near minimum wage and quickly rising to assistant store manager, then running stores and later working in human resources. REI’s inclusive culture, she said, gave her space to become a more authentic leader. “Being at a company that supports who you are, no matter who you are, that was huge for me,” she said. “You’re leading people and needing them to believe in you, but when you’re not able to fully share yourself, it doesn’t allow you to be everything that you can be as a leader.”Still, the pull toward business ownership never left. When she discovered&nbsp;<a href="https://buzzfranchisebrands.com/">Buzz Franchise Brands</a> and its new Pool Scouts concept, the model — outdoor, service-based, semi-seasonal — clicked. Her wife, a self-described non–risk taker, tried to “poke holes” in the opportunity at Discovery Day, but the couple left confident in the team behind the brand. Consoli became&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts/info">Pool Scouts’</a> very first franchisee in Raleigh, North Carolina.Those early seasons were grueling. She learned pools from the ground up, often coming home soaked and exhausted. Growth came as she added trucks, hired technicians and leaned into her strengths in customer service and relationship-building, while also learning to set boundaries as a recovering people pleaser.Today, with a multimillion-dollar operation and a fleet of vehicles, Consoli has recently hired ageneral manager so she and her wife can reclaim more time and consider what comes next — possibly coaching other franchisees. Her advice to women considering entrepreneurship is simple but hard-earned: listen to the voice that tells you to go. “If you think you have a calling to do something, listen to that, trust it and go after it,” she said.Watch the full podcast&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is0pmjoAlIg">here</a>.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts">https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts</a>.

Image of Tiffiny Consoli pool scouts franchisee Raleigh North Carolina Rebecca Monet women franchise

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Coronavirus and Franchising: Brenda Febbo of Lightbridge Academy and Michael Wagner of Pool Scouts

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