Pool Scouts

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffiny-consoli-a027114/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-tiffiny-consoli-grew-a-thriving-pool-scouts-franchise-in-raleigh-north-carolina-2727912" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tiffiny Consoli</a>, one of the original franchisees for premier pool service brand&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-tiffiny-consoli-grew-a-thriving-pool-scouts-franchise-in-raleigh-north-carolina-2727912" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pool Scouts</a>, has built a successful business from the ground up in the&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscouts.com/triangle/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-tiffiny-consoli-grew-a-thriving-pool-scouts-franchise-in-raleigh-north-carolina-2727912" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Raleigh-Durham Greater Triangle area</a> of North Carolina. With a background in retail management spanning 13 years, she discovered franchising as a way to apply her skills while building something of her own. After initially exploring other opportunities within&nbsp;<a href="https://buzzfranchisebrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-tiffiny-consoli-grew-a-thriving-pool-scouts-franchise-in-raleigh-north-carolina-2727912" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Buzz Franchise Brands</a>, she ultimately decided to take a leap of faith with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts/info">Pool Scouts</a> as its first franchisee. "I knew that I really liked Buzz Franchise Brands and all the people there and I really liked what they had been doing with their other brands,” Consoli said. “So I had a lot of confidence in them, and I just felt like I wanted to work with them.”Over her eight years with Pool Scouts, Consoli’s business has thrived, serving Raleigh and its surrounding cities, where demand for pool services has steadily increased. The area’s growth, along with a significant rise in pool installations during the COVID-19 pandemic, created a steady stream of business for her franchise. Consoli places a high emphasis on customer satisfaction and her efforts have been recognized through her inclusion in the prestigious $1 Million Club in both 2022 and 2023.Achieving this level of success has come with its share of challenges, from maintaining profitability in the early stages to developing the skills necessary for pool repair services. However, Consoli’s focus on growth and customer service has paid off. “If we have to give away an appointment or give away a service so that we can keep that customer for 10 years, then that’s the approach that I want to take,” Consoli said. She believes that building a culture of care among her employees is essential to delivering top-quality service and ensuring customer loyalty.Looking ahead, Consoli aims to continue refining her business operations while scaling her repair services. Her ultimate vision is to create a franchise that can operate seamlessly with or without her direct involvement. "My goal is to continue to make it a successful business with the most efficiency and the most profitability possible,” she said. “That way, we have something that can continue on past us as owners, whether it be with another owner someday or we have great people running the business.”Consoli recently sat down with 1851 Franchise to talk about her journey into franchising, her success with Pool Scouts and her advice for other entrepreneurs looking to follow in her footsteps. Here’s what she had to say:1851 Franchise: Could you start by sharing a bit about your background and what initially attracted you to the Pool Scouts franchise?Tiffiny Consoli: Prior to Pool Scouts, I worked in retail for about 13 years. I started in sales, then moved up to store manager and eventually spent a few years as the rep for the South District stores. In that time, I managed customers, budgets, stock, inventory and other responsibilities. I kept feeling like I wanted to have my own business and felt the skills I’d learned were very transferable. However, to advance, I would have needed to relocate, which I didn’t want to do. I was in a relationship and didn’t want to start over, so I began looking into franchises.I looked at Buzz Franchise Brands and initially considered one of their other brands, but it didn’t work out at first. I kept my eye on them and, about a year or two later, I saw they were starting Pool Scouts. I called immediately, got in right away to speak with them, and ended up being the very first franchisee to sign up. It was a bit of a leap, as it was an unproven franchise, but I took the chance. I knew I really liked Buzz Franchise Brands and the people there, and I was confident in them based on their work with other brands. I felt like I wanted to work with them.1851: How long have you been with Pool Scouts, and what were some key factors in your decision to join the brand specifically?Consoli: I’ve been with Pool Scouts for eight years in August. When I was looking for a business, I wanted something service-oriented, outdoors and somewhat seasonal. Pool Scouts checked all the boxes: it was a service-driven, seasonal business, and definitely outdoors. Even though I spend a lot of time indoors now and I’m not cleaning pools myself, I still like the aspect of running an outdoor business. That was a big part of the attraction for me.With cleaning pools, I felt like it was something I could learn to do and manage. It ended up being a bit more involved than just going in and cleaning — pools are definitely a lot more complex — but it was pretty straightforward in terms of what I thought I was getting into.1851: Being part of the $1 Million Club is an impressive achievement! What do you think has been the biggest contributor to reaching this level?Consoli: I would credit it to a focus on growing the business and doing whatever it takes to make that happen. Customer service is key — if we have to give away an appointment or a service to keep a customer for 10 years, that’s the approach I want to take. It starts with employees: having great employees and creating a culture where they want to work so they go out and do great work. That’s our main thing. Let’s be a great place to work, let’s hire great people and then teach them the job with a set of expectations that everyone follows.This way, we’re not only meeting our customers’ expectations but also Pool Scouts’ expectations. Additionally, when we get customer calls, we don’t miss them. We take on any customer we can as long as we’re qualified to do the work. We’re not going to turn down a customer because we don’t like their pool. We’re going to take every opportunity, whether it’s a pool that has some issues or is harder to maintain. We’re going to go in, help that customer, and make sure their pool is ready to go.1851: Which markets do you currently serve, and how have you seen demand grow or evolve in these areas?Consoli: We serve the Raleigh area, which includes all of the surrounding cities — Wake Forest, Durham, Chapel Hill, Pittsboro, Apex, Clayton. It’s a large territory, and if I go around the whole city, it includes all the nearby towns. From the furthest points, it might be an hour from one end to the other, maybe even a bit more in some areas.Raleigh is a growing area with a strong income demographic, which has really helped fuel growth. We have many people moving into the area, building new homes, and a lot of these new homes are being built with pools. During COVID, people stayed home and invested in their homes, with many choosing to build pools. So, we were super busy with maintenance, and the pool builders were also constructing a lot of new pools, which has helped us continue growing our business. Now we’re cleaning the pools that were built during that time. We haven’t seen a slowdown; we actually continue to grow at a great pace each year. It’s been very consistent.1851: What are some challenges you faced in the early stages of your business, and how did you overcome them?Consoli: I think the hardest part for any new business owner is achieving profitability. It takes time, and you have to make investments to grow. Depending on your vision, that might mean some sacrifices upfront, like putting off profitability for a while. If you’re opening more than one territory, you may need to use the first to support the second, which also delays profitability.Hiring is another challenge. Great employees are essential, but at first, you don’t have benefits or much to offer — just a few pools, one man and a truck. You want to create a great place to work, but it takes a couple of years and steady revenue to provide benefits like time off and health insurance.The repair side was also challenging. We didn’t expect it to be such a large part of the business, but it turned out to be essential. We focused on learning how to clean and maintain pools, then partnered with local providers for repairs until we could handle them ourselves. It was a process and took time, but we’re rolling now.1851: What advice would you give to someone considering franchising, especially in the home services or pool maintenance industry?Consoli: You’ve got to come in with tenacity and conviction to be successful. Have a vision, have a plan. It helps to have some capital behind you to get through the first few years as you’re growing your business. If you need capital, get that loan before you start — don’t wait, because lenders often want to see financials, and at that point, you don’t have anything to show. So, get funding beforehand, and have a clear vision for where you want your business to go.Then, stick to the franchisor’s plan. They’re giving you a template, and if you follow it, you will be successful. But you have to work hard every day. It takes time, energy and a lot of focus, especially in the first few years, but it will pay off if you stick to it.1851: Looking ahead, do you have any specific goals or visions for your Pool Scouts franchise in the coming years?Consoli: We have been meeting our goals every year and we’re excited about the growth we continue to have. We keep bringing on new staff as we can. I can’t say that I don’t have a vision to eventually build pools, but we’re focused on growing our repair side of the business. For me, every year I want to be more efficient and run an even better business.It can be a bit messy in a service and repair business — you may have wasted hours if something is misdiagnosed, or maybe we don’t have all of our customers in the same neighborhood on the same day. There are little challenges we encounter each year that we can keep dialing in and improving. My goal is to continue to make it a successful business with the most efficiency and the most profitability possible. That way, we have something that can continue on past us as owners, whether it be with another owner someday or we have great people running the business. That’s truly what our goal is.The start-up costs for a Pool Scouts franchise range from $87,490 to $109,625. To learn more about franchising with Pool Scouts, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-tiffiny-consoli-grew-a-thriving-pool-scouts-franchise-in-raleigh-north-carolina-2727912" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/</a>.

Pool Scouts - Tiffiny Consoli Franchisee Profile - 1851 Franchise

Pool Scouts Franchisee Builds Thriving Pool Service Business in North Carolina

1851 Franchise

As one of the first franchisees for Pool Scouts, Consoli leveraged her customer service expertise and strategic vision to build a highly successful pool service operation.

This brand page has been paid for by POOL SCOUTS. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

How Tiffiny Consoli Grew a Thriving Pool Scouts Franchise in Raleigh, North Carolina

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On the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANSqsa6uRqU">“Create Wealth Through Franchising” podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjohnbretoniii/">John Breton</a> shared how franchising helped him shift from an unpredictable career in tech startups to building a stable, growing business with&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/">Pool Scouts</a> in McKinney, Texas.After years in the startup world, Breton was tired of the instability that came with it. He started looking at business ownership as a way to build more control into his future, much like his father had.Franchising made sense to him because it offered more structure than going out on his own, without putting him back into the kind of environment he wanted to leave. He was looking for a model with systems and support already in place so he would not have to figure out every step by himself.“I wanted something by the numbers. I wanted some blueprints for success,” Breton said. “And although&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts/info">Pool Scouts</a> was a pretty early franchise at the time, it still made sense to me. They had thought through a lot of things, so they accelerated [the process]. They moved me three or four steps down the line quicker. That's why I decided to franchise rather than start something from scratch. And I'm glad I did because, along the way, every time I needed the next level, they had someone at the franchise [who could help me or connect me with] the help I needed.”&nbsp;Over seven years, Breton has scaled significantly and now operates 16 trucks and has 21 employees. He emphasizes the importance of thinking long term, building a strong foundation and investing in people. Hiring the right team, even through trial and error, has been critical to growth.Watch the full episode&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANSqsa6uRqU&amp;t=13s">here</a>.&nbsp;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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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>.&nbsp;

How a Pool Scouts Owner Built Control and Long-Term Growth

John Breton, a former tech startup professional, shares how franchising provided stability, scalable growth and a path to building a multi-unit service business in North Texas.

Create Wealth Through Franchising Podcast: How a Pool Scouts Owner Built Control and Long-Term Growth

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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 former construction business owner is leveraging 20 years of home service expertise to build a new family legacy through a high-demand recurring service model in the South Fort Worth area.

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

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

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image of john oldham from pool scouts franchise in Greater South Fort Worth

New Franchisee Brings Hard Work and Heart to His New Pool Scouts Business in  Greater South Fort Worth

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BIRMINGHAM, AL–&nbsp;Today, the&nbsp;U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)&nbsp;Alabama District Office&nbsp;announced local honorees for the 2026&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week">National Small Business Week</a> (NSBW), May 3-9, 2026. Each year during&nbsp;NSBW, the SBA recognizes exceptional small businesses across all 50 states, U.S. districts, and territories.&nbsp;<h2>2026 Alabama District Winners</h2><ul><li>Alabama Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year</li></ul><a href="https://poolscouts.com/huntsville/">Pool Scouts of Huntsville</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rontario-hicks/">Rontario Hicks</a>, Huntsville, Alabama<ul><li>Alabama Small Business Person of the Year</li></ul>Lang Sims, Seabrook Solutions, Huntsville, Alabama<ul><li>Alabama Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year</li></ul>Mt. Moriah Farms, Mia Scott, Dothan, Alabama<ul><li>Alabama Small Manufacturer of the Year</li></ul>JIT Industries, Ginger and Matthew McComb, Hartselle, Alabama<ul><li>Alabama Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year</li></ul>Program Management &amp; Technology Services, Ruby Tuck, Montgomery, AlabamaSBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler will recognize the Alabama Small Business Person of the Year, and specialty award winners at a national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 2026.&nbsp;Selected from among a competitive field of nominees from across the state, Lang Sims will represent Alabama&nbsp;at the national event&nbsp;in D.C. SBA’s Alabama District Office staff will also celebrate&nbsp;all&nbsp;the Alabama awardees who exemplify entrepreneurial success, create jobs, drive economic growth, and serve as leaders in their communities&nbsp;at awards ceremonies in Alabama in May.&nbsp;“During National Small Business Week, SBA is honored to recognize the job creators, builders, and innovators who fuel our nation’s economy and anchor communities across America,”&nbsp;said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler.&nbsp;“This year, as we celebrate our nation’s 250th&nbsp;anniversary, we are highlighting the historic America First agenda that is driving growth, opportunity, and strength for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Through tax cuts, fair trade, and deregulation, the Trump Administration is proud to stand with America’s small businesses – and to celebrate the strong comeback of Main Street.”&nbsp;Since 1963, the President of the United States has declared National Small Business Week to recognize small businesses as the job creators, builders, and innovators of America’s economy.&nbsp; “Through the leadership of President Donald Trump and SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler we have witnessed incredible changes, growth and opportunity for the entrepreneurs located across the Southeast Region,” said SBA Regional Administrator Tyler Teresa.&nbsp; “We are excited to celebrate the strength and commitment of this year’s National Small Business Week winners, and we look forward to honoring each of their contributions during celebrations occurring across the region during National Small Business Week. Congratulations to each of the selected winners and thank you for trusting SBA as a collaborator to scale your small business or organization to new heights.”&nbsp;Details on NSBW, award winners, and a Small Business Virtual Summit are featured on www.sba.gov/NSBW and will be updated as additional information and activities are confirmed.&nbsp;During NSBW, local events to connect entrepreneurs with resources, training, and opportunities to start, grow, and succeed will be featured on www.sba.gov/events and are identifiable by&nbsp;searching #SmallBusinessWeek.&nbsp;<h2>Additional Background on the Alabama Winners&nbsp;</h2>Alabama Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year<a href="https://poolscouts.com/huntsville/">Pool Scouts of Huntsville</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rontario-hicks/">Rontario Hicks</a>, Huntsville, AlabamaIn 2022, U.S. Army Veteran Rontario Hicks launched a luxury pool service and maintenance provider committed to customer service excellence. Hicks has also been recognized on television, magazines, and media platforms for sharing guidance on responsible pool ownership, safety practices, and has been recognized nationally within the franchise industry. For the business, Hicks has benefited from SBA resource partner counseling on a range of topics supporting the strategic growth of the business. While the business is still relatively young, Pool Scouts of Huntsville has achieved significant growth in web traffic, increased square footage from 400 to 2000 sq ft, added employees from 2 to 12, and grown sales by 380 percent in three years. Grounded in faith, purpose, and service, Hicks continues to strengthen and expand the company with long term sustainable growth in mind.<h2>Alabama Small Business Person of the Year</h2>Lang Sims, Seabrook Solutions, HuntsvilleSince becoming CEO of the 8(a) government contractor in 2014, Lang Sims has transformed Seabrook Solutions from a startup into a nationwide organization. Utilizing an SBA-backed loan for initial capital, the SBA Emerging Leaders Program for strategy, and the Mentor-Protégé Program to secure a multi-million dollar contract, Sims has led the firm to massive success. Under her guidance, the company grew from four to over 350 employees, saw revenues jump 282%, and expanded into a larger headquarters.<h2>Alabama Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year</h2>Mt. Moriah Farms, Mia Scott, DothanFounded in 2009, this family-owned dairy goat farm evolved when Mia Scott began breeding Nigerian Dwarf goats and producing handcrafted soaps. With support from the University of Troy SBDC and SBA technical assistance for marketing and e-commerce, Scott transitioned the farm into a formal business in 2022. The farm now employs two part-time staff, offers apprenticeships, and supplies 11 local retailers. Scott is currently planning for expansion beyond Alabama.<h2>Alabama Small Manufacturer of the Year</h2>JIT Industries, Inc., Ginger and Matthew McComb, HartselleLaunched in 2001 with a single facility, JIT Industries has grown into a multi-state manufacturer of hydraulic cylinders. Supported by early SBA 504 and 7(a) financing, the company expanded into CNC machining, engineering, and repair services. Today, JIT employs 50 people and serves heavy industries—including aerospace and mining—across the Southeast and in over 15 countries.<h2>Alabama Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year</h2>Program Management &amp; Technology Services, Inc., Ruby Tuck, MontgomeryFounded in 2013, Ruby Tuck has built PMTS into a competitive woman-owned 8(a) business providing IT and medical staffing. After using COVID-19 relief to maintain stability, Tuck utilized the SBA T.H.R.I.V.E. program to develop a strategic growth plan. These efforts allowed PMTS to increase employee capacity by 70%, expand its office space significantly, and leverage SBA certifications to win contracts across nine states. &nbsp; About the U.S. Small Business Administration&nbsp;The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.UpXcrDeHBUH-2Brr-2BNwf-2BDfHa4LFLpTI1jAzfPDXr3tEI-3DMm8k_bf4JG6rVotaFp8XsYJMcbOtd2cgZCsBIXsO2ylmjGoqi-2B4PrtmalICyTcUp-2FD5wb5dopzZ-2FjiqAnfpID0iFO52MmuQqFIrwBVyomYi4ZlMe99eeMDeVMq0DIRqlTSuAC6yLO9XHCZgtEsjNrnuETutgiA-2BxKXkLHqQALVonRjIBgbhG08HY86YdSOljA3O5MtVRxdGc4IXoR4i-2FFDC6AVbJukfR7cIy14xyHaz9jUA2WMgCrYX0HwnpEa2fA7rZZPdIb86p6ehgGrTHTLhbtG73vVIhz8UezulQhnFu0hnBOE08RuWDdKCsTmWhmuJUXyCatJzySSunbHzRE1BZtwKX96Lk4PhlGq76WYmcmMJ0-2BOwm4ClYtD3mPOFqX8AuI&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cdavid.glasgow%40sba.gov%7Cea042e249a1143b8572208de8c3803d5%7C3c89fd8a7f684667aa1541ebf2208961%7C1%7C0%7C639102369392200169%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=DeGj2h%2BulJzN96bg69yP4gKW8LeiIsQbsRrfYiETOYs%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.sba.gov</a>.&nbsp;

image of SBA winner Rontario Hicks, Alabama Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year 2026

Pool Scouts of Huntsville owner, Rontario Hicks, will be recognized during the National Small Business Week as a Honoree for his significant growth and work within the Huntsville business community.

SBA Awards Pool Scouts Owner as Alabama Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year

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<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/">Pool Scouts</a> is adding leak detection as a new service, giving franchisees another way to bring in revenue while helping customers solve a problem that often surfaces during routine maintenance. Because technicians are already keeping a close eye on pool conditions, the service is a natural extension of the work many operators are already doing.“We're in our fifth year this season, and in the past, we’ve started paying attention to just how many pools have leaks,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-hook-a58610a2/">Charlie Hook</a>, owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscouts.com/hartford/">Pool Scouts of Hartford</a> in Connecticut. “In November at our convention in Dallas, it all just clicked. You’re talking about something, and then suddenly the pieces are right in front of you and you make the decision. Within a couple of minutes, I said, ‘I’m interested,’ because I realized all we really needed to do was find where the leak is.”Leak detection fits seamlessly into&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts/info">Pool Scouts’</a> day-to-day operations. Because pools are regularly serviced, the signs of a leak often appear quickly through abnormal water loss or increased chemical use. By adding leak detection, franchisees can respond proactively instead of directing customers to third-party providers.“Chances are if you have a pool and it has water in it, it is going to leak at some point, and our technicians are our first line of defense,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-rountree-504b96256/">Trent Rountree</a>, senior franchise technical coach for Pool Scouts. “They might not be the ones who are going to be performing the other service, but they are trained enough to notice when the water's low or if there's a leak or something going on. We look for all of these things.”<h2>Training, Tools and Confidence From Corporate</h2>To support the rollout, the Pool Scouts corporate team partnered with Anderson Manufacturing to provide hands-on training and access to professional-grade equipment. Franchisees were introduced to the service at the brand’s annual convention before participating in a two-day training session in Raleigh, North Carolina. The training combined technical instruction with real-world application, allowing franchisees to work on active leaks and see immediate results.“We spent two days working on a pool with an active leak, using all the tools,” Hook said. “We can already think of at least a dozen pools where we’ve suspected or confirmed leaks, and now we’ll be able to go in with confidence and have a technician handle it.”The training also focused on helping franchisees understand how to use the equipment, interpret results and follow a consistent process in the field. By pairing manufacturer guidance with hands-on experience on active leaks, the program gave operators the confidence to invest in the service and begin implementing it within their own territories.Pool Scouts is leading with leak detection and diagnosis rather than immediately promising repairs. This positioning allows franchisees to stay within their expertise while still opening the door for additional services when appropriate.“You don't just walk in and say, ‘I'm going to fix your leaks,’” Hook said. “You're committing to diagnose it. That, we can commit to.”The service also requires a meaningful investment in equipment and training. Hook estimated startup costs in the range of $10,000 to $11,000, along with dedicated time to properly train a technician. Still, he believes the return justifies the commitment.&nbsp;<h2>Driving Revenue While Strengthening Customer Relationships</h2>From a business standpoint, leak detection gives franchisees a new way to increase revenue while maintaining control over the customer experience. Instead of outsourcing repairs, operators can keep more services in-house and strengthen their role as a trusted provider.“Anytime we can capitalize on fixing the problem for a customer, keeping it in-house and also bringing in that extra revenue, it just grows the revenue of all of our locations that much faster,” Rountree said. Modern detection tools also help reduce time on the job, which can lower costs for customers and improve margins for franchisees.Beyond revenue, the service reinforces Pool Scouts’ broader strategy of becoming a one-stop solution for backyard care. “When we're back there, we want the customer to know that we have all of their needs under control and they can trust us,” Rountree said.As the brand continues to expand its service offerings, leak detection represents a practical step forward. It allows franchisees to solve a common problem, increase profitability and deepen customer relationships, all while building on the foundation they have already established in the field.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;The startup 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 brand’s newest service offering helps franchisees capture additional revenue while improving customer service and keeping more work in-house.

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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;

With more than two decades in franchising and restaurant operations, Hysick will focus on scalable tools, coaching and best-practice sharing.

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The pool service business is benefiting from a simple reality: There are more pools to maintain, and more homeowners who do not want the hassle of doing it themselves. In many markets, that demand is being amplified by another factor — customers who are unhappy with their current provider and willing to switch for better communication, consistency and trust.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rene-burrows/">Rene Burrows</a>, a&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/">Pool Scouts</a> franchisee in&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscouts.com/southjersey/">South Jersey</a>, said demand in her market reflects both the post-COVID boom in pool construction and a service gap left by less responsive competitors.<h2>New Pool Owners Are Fueling Demand</h2>According to Burrows, the industry is still seeing the effects of the surge in inground pool construction that followed the pandemic. But growth is not just coming from new installations. It is also coming from homeowners who feel underserved.“The biggest thing that I see is the growth from COVID, with so many inground pools put into the system. So many people were building,” Burrows said. “But not only that, there’s also the poor service that people have received from other competitors out there and from some of the pool builder companies that are out there. Those companies are not as personal when it comes to needing things for your pool.”That combination has created a strong opening for pool maintenance and repair companies that can offer a more dependable experience. For many households, pool care has become one more responsibility they would rather hand off, especially in an economy where time feels tight and schedules are packed.<h2>Recurring Maintenance Drives the Model</h2>While repairs and equipment work can add meaningful revenue, Burrows said recurring service is what gives the business its foundation. Ongoing maintenance creates consistency for the operator and often leads to stronger customer relationships over time.“I would have to say that the recurring services are where that revenue is truly coming in,” Burrows said. “Getting that person in the door, having them understand what service we provide, where they’re very content with that service and they just want to continue it because we make it seamless, that’s really the key factor. Yes, there’s a lot of revenue that comes in from doing the repairs, but I feel like you have to have the commitment from the customer first, who feels like they can trust you in the process.”That trust can determine whether a homeowner calls for a one-time fix or stays on for weekly service. In a category built around repeat visits, reliability matters as much as technical skill.<h2>Customers Expect Speed and Transparency</h2>Homeowners are also asking more from service providers than they did a few years ago. They want quick communication, clear pricing and proof of what was done. Burrows said digital tools have become central to meeting those expectations.“A lot of them really do prefer the text messaging process. Sending them those notifications, letting them know, ‘Hey, we’re out here. This is what’s going on,’” Burrows said. “They really appreciate those reports that we send out, the before-and-after photos telling them what we did, so they know and they feel like, ‘Hey, I’m in the loop with this,’ and they don’t feel as though we’re trying to get one over on them. It’s a trust issue.”That kind of visibility helps turn routine service into a more professional, transparent customer experience. It also gives operators another way to stand apart in a fragmented market.<h2>The Winners Will Pair Service With Strong Execution</h2>As the category grows, Burrows said success will depend on more than just demand. Hiring reliable team members, maintaining quality in the field and marketing strategically all play a role in long-term growth.“I think advertising plays a key role,” Burrows said. “If you hit the market and you hit the right people, you’re not going to have a problem getting those customers in because you’re going to be out there in their face. But you have to play that strategically. If you put all your money into, ‘I’m going to advertise on so many different avenues,’ you’re never going to make all that back.”For pool service businesses, the path forward looks less like a race to offer everything and more like a push to do the basics exceptionally well. The companies that communicate clearly, show up consistently and earn trust week after week are the ones most likely to keep growing.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 startup 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>.

Pool Scouts Franchise - The Growth of Pool  Services - 1851 Franchise

Demand for recurring maintenance, faster communication and reliable service is creating new growth opportunities for pool maintenance and repair companies.

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