Pool Scouts

More time at home means more time with family by the pool.&nbsp;At least that’s the trend <a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts">Pool Scouts</a> has been seeing in many of its franchise business markets. <a href="https://www.franchisetimes.com/news/September-2020/Residential-Pool-Service-Franchise-Sees-Spike-During-COVID-19/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=one-pool-cleaning-and-maintenance-business-is-booming-during-covid-19-2713977" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">According to Franchise Times</a>, the pool cleaning and maintenance concept has seen a significant boom in business now that families are being encouraged to stay homes and make the most of their time together.&nbsp;Pool Scouts, which services mostly residential pools, has seen a 74 percent increase in same-store network revenue since the start of the pandemic.“Neighborhood pools are closed now, but people still want to swim and be outside and pools have become a really important part of that,” Michael Wagner, president of <a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts">Pool Scouts</a>, told Franchise Times. “The pool itself is a safe haven for families, and if they don’t have to interact with the people who clean their pools, they can feel safe about having that service done.”Click <a href="https://www.franchisetimes.com/news/September-2020/Residential-Pool-Service-Franchise-Sees-Spike-During-COVID-19/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=one-pool-cleaning-and-maintenance-business-is-booming-during-covid-19-2713977" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a> to read the full article from Franchise Times.

One Pool Cleaning and Maintenance Business is Booming During COVID-19

1851 Franchise

Pool Scouts, a premier pool cleaning service franchise, has seen a 74 percent revenue increase in its same-store network since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns. 

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

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

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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>.

Pool Scouts Launches Leak Detection Service to Help Increase Business for Franchisees

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

The Growth of Pool Services: How Pool Maintenance and Repair Businesses Are Thriving

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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.

One Pool Cleaning and Maintenance Business is Booming During COVID-19

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