When Rene Burrows decided to invest in a Pool Scouts franchise, it wasn’t just a career move — it was a long-term plan for her family’s future. After more than two decades in aviation and over 25 years in the Army National Guard, Burrows wasn’t looking for a way out of her career. She was looking for a way forward. “I decided to make a change in my life by purchasing a franchise with the goal of creating opportunities for my children down the road,” she said. “I have twin boys who just turned 13, and they’re amazing. I wanted to build something meaningful for their future.”
Burrows still works full time managing multiple airports and remains active in the National Guard, so finding the right business model was key. Pool Scouts offered a flexible operating schedule, hands-on support and alignment with her lifestyle, which made it the perfect fit. “Pool Scouts being a seasonal business was a major factor in my decision,” she said. “As a first-time business owner, it was important for me not to feel overwhelmed right out of the gate. Managing a year-round operation might have been too much at this stage — especially while raising kids, working full time and continuing to serve in the military.”
With two territories secured in South Jersey, Burrows plans to launch one this year and the second next year — with more growth likely on the horizon. “My goal is to become a trusted name in our area by delivering professional, reliable pool service,” she said.
1851 Franchise sat down with Burrows to discuss her personal motivation for franchising with Pool Scouts and her plans to grow the business with her family. Here’s what she had to say.
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?
Rene Burrows: I’ve been working in the aviation industry for almost 25 years. That’s kind of been my life. I manage multiple airports from the operations standpoint, focusing on customer service and ramp operations. That’s what I currently do.
In addition to that, I’ve served in the military for over 25 years, currently with the New Jersey Army National Guard. I spent many years working in aviation and now serve at a headquarters unit, where we coordinate responses during state emergencies at the direction of the governor. I’ve been in this role for a long time, and it’s something I truly enjoy.
I attended college, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in biology with studies in biochemistry. During that time I took a part-time job at the local airport and kind of fell in love with the industry. My career began in Atlantic City before I moved to Philadelphia, which I now consider my home airport. Today, I oversee operations at six different airports.
1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
Burrows: I decided to make a change in my life by purchasing a franchise with the goal of creating opportunities for my children down the road. I have twin boys who just turned 13, and they’re amazing. I wanted to build something meaningful for their future. That’s why I bought the franchise with two territories — so that when they come of age, each can manage their own territory and shape their own path.
My husband, a retired police officer, transitioned into franchise consulting about three years ago. That’s what first introduced me to the world of franchising — it sparked my curiosity. I started thinking, “What is this all about?” It truly felt like a whole new world. With my background in managing complex operations at the airport, I knew I had the skills to take it on. I just needed to find the right opportunity — something that would complement our lifestyle and long-term goals.
We’re outdoor people, and we have a pool ourselves — it’s a service we genuinely appreciate. That got me thinking about how limited the pool service options are in our area, especially with the growing demand. It just felt like the perfect opportunity to invest in something we believe in and use ourselves.
1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?
Burrows: Honestly, I had no idea what franchising really involved — it was an entirely unfamiliar world to me. When I used to hear the word "franchise," I thought it just meant you paid into a brand, and someone else at the top was making the real money while you were left running a small piece of it. I didn’t understand the level of support, structure and opportunity that actually comes with being a franchisee. Now that I’m in it, I’ve learned that it’s really about business ownership with a proven system behind you — and that can be incredibly empowering.
It’s really nice to step into something that’s already built and developed. Starting a business from scratch can be overwhelming, especially for someone new to entrepreneurship. There are so many moving parts — it’s easy to feel discouraged or unsure of what to do next. With franchising, you’re not doing it alone. I have a team behind me, guiding me every step of the way — saying, “Here’s what you need to do, here’s how to do it, and we’re here if you need help.” That kind of support brings a sense of ease and confidence. It allows me to focus on actually growing the business instead of getting lost in the backend logistics.
Even with things like marketing — that’s never been my strength. Sure, I have Facebook and Instagram, but I’m not on there all day, and I wouldn’t call myself a marketing expert. Coming up with a strategy, designing ads, timing mailers — that’s not my area. But with the franchise, there are skilled professionals who handle all of that. They know how to present the brand, when and where to promote it, and how to get the word out effectively. That kind of support is priceless.
We already have our first job on the books, and more calls and appointments are coming in. I would never have been able to sign on, open a business and get off the ground this quickly without the support on the backend. That’s one of the most valuable parts of being part of a franchise — you’re in business for yourself, but never by yourself.
1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?
Burrows: I have a full-time job that I really enjoy. I love what I do. That’s why I’ve been doing it for so long. But I wanted to select a franchise that I was interested in and familiar with — something that fits me.
Pool Scouts being a seasonal business was a major factor in my decision. As a first-time business owner, it was important for me not to feel overwhelmed right out of the gate. Managing a year-round operation might have been too much at this stage — especially while raising kids, working full time and continuing to serve in the military. I'm still actively involved in all of that, so finding a business model that offered some balance was key.
1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?
Burrows: My goal is to become a trusted name in our area by delivering professional, reliable pool service. When I look around, I see a gap — on one end, you have the large, established companies that often don’t prioritize the smaller jobs, and on the other, you have independent operators who may not always present themselves as professional. I want to fill that space.
I’m focused on building a company that shows up with professionalism, treats every customer with respect and handles every job — big or small — with the same level of care and attention. We want our community to know that we’re here to serve and that we take pride in doing things the right way.
1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?
Burrows: I’ve shared a bit about my military background, but another big part of my journey is my family. I’m incredibly fortunate to have an amazing support system. My husband has been by my side every step of the way — he’s hands-on, involved and always willing to jump in wherever he’s needed. That kind of partnership means everything. I’m truly blessed, not just by him, but by our extended family as well. They believe in us and want to see this business grow and succeed.
That support has made all the difference. Without it, this would be a much tougher road. I'm especially motivated by what we're building for our two boys — this business is about creating a foundation they can one day step into and feel proud of. I want to teach them the value of hard work and responsibility in a real-world setting. Once they turn 15, they'll be able to start working alongside us, learning not just about the business, but about commitment, discipline and what it takes to succeed. There’s so much opportunity ahead for them, and I’m excited to share that journey with them.
1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?
Burrows: Starting a new business can be overwhelming , but choosing franchising makes it much more manageable. Having a support team takes a lot of the pressure off and helps you move forward with more confidence.
Starting something new — especially when you’ve never gone down that road before — can be nerve-wracking. I know I’m capable when it comes to managing, organizing and making sure things get done right. But launching a full-scale business that’s already proven in other markets and bringing it to our community is a big leap. Still, it’s absolutely possible — and with the right mindset and support, it can be done successfully. I’m just grateful to have the support from Buzz Franchise Brands with Pool Scouts to make that happen.
The start-up costs for a Pool Scouts franchise range from $115,445-$152,920. To learn more about franchising with Pool Scouts, visit https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/.
ABOUT POOL SCOUTS:
Virginia Beach, VA-based Pool Scouts is a premier pool service franchise focused on delivering a quality, consistent brand experience while providing pool cleaning, maintenance and minor repair services at residential properties. Technicians are trained in testing, monitoring, treating and servicing pools and can provide ongoing service as well as help at the beginning and end of the summer season. With nearly 80 territories across 18 states, Pool Scouts offers a great opportunity as a low-cost franchise in the pool services industry with available territories across the United States. For more information or franchising opportunities, visit http://poolscoutsfranchise.com.
ABOUT BUZZ FRANCHISE BRANDS
Founded 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 Grand Illuminations. 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 https://www.buzzfranchisebrands.com/.
Pool Scouts
SPONSORED
As a seasoned airline manager and dedicated National Guard member, Burrows is bringing Pool Scouts to South Jersey — with a vision to build a future of opportunity for herself and her family.
When Rene Burrows decided to invest in a Pool Scouts franchise, it wasn’t just a career move — it was a long-term plan for her family’s future. After more than two decades in aviation and over 25 years in the Army National Guard, Burrows wasn’t looking for a way out of her career. She was looking for a way forward. “I decided to make a change in my life by purchasing a franchise with the goal of creating opportunities for my children down the road,” she said. “I have twin boys who just turned 13, and they’re amazing. I wanted to build something meaningful for their future.”
Burrows still works full time managing multiple airports and remains active in the National Guard, so finding the right business model was key. Pool Scouts offered a flexible operating schedule, hands-on support and alignment with her lifestyle, which made it the perfect fit. “Pool Scouts being a seasonal business was a major factor in my decision,” she said. “As a first-time business owner, it was important for me not to feel overwhelmed right out of the gate. Managing a year-round operation might have been too much at this stage — especially while raising kids, working full time and continuing to serve in the military.”
With two territories secured in South Jersey, Burrows plans to launch one this year and the second next year — with more growth likely on the horizon. “My goal is to become a trusted name in our area by delivering professional, reliable pool service,” she said.
1851 Franchise sat down with Burrows to discuss her personal motivation for franchising with Pool Scouts and her plans to grow the business with her family. Here’s what she had to say.
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?
Rene Burrows: I’ve been working in the aviation industry for almost 25 years. That’s kind of been my life. I manage multiple airports from the operations standpoint, focusing on customer service and ramp operations. That’s what I currently do.
In addition to that, I’ve served in the military for over 25 years, currently with the New Jersey Army National Guard. I spent many years working in aviation and now serve at a headquarters unit, where we coordinate responses during state emergencies at the direction of the governor. I’ve been in this role for a long time, and it’s something I truly enjoy.
I attended college, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in biology with studies in biochemistry. During that time I took a part-time job at the local airport and kind of fell in love with the industry. My career began in Atlantic City before I moved to Philadelphia, which I now consider my home airport. Today, I oversee operations at six different airports.
1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
Burrows: I decided to make a change in my life by purchasing a franchise with the goal of creating opportunities for my children down the road. I have twin boys who just turned 13, and they’re amazing. I wanted to build something meaningful for their future. That’s why I bought the franchise with two territories — so that when they come of age, each can manage their own territory and shape their own path.
My husband, a retired police officer, transitioned into franchise consulting about three years ago. That’s what first introduced me to the world of franchising — it sparked my curiosity. I started thinking, “What is this all about?” It truly felt like a whole new world. With my background in managing complex operations at the airport, I knew I had the skills to take it on. I just needed to find the right opportunity — something that would complement our lifestyle and long-term goals.
We’re outdoor people, and we have a pool ourselves — it’s a service we genuinely appreciate. That got me thinking about how limited the pool service options are in our area, especially with the growing demand. It just felt like the perfect opportunity to invest in something we believe in and use ourselves.
1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?
Burrows: Honestly, I had no idea what franchising really involved — it was an entirely unfamiliar world to me. When I used to hear the word "franchise," I thought it just meant you paid into a brand, and someone else at the top was making the real money while you were left running a small piece of it. I didn’t understand the level of support, structure and opportunity that actually comes with being a franchisee. Now that I’m in it, I’ve learned that it’s really about business ownership with a proven system behind you — and that can be incredibly empowering.
It’s really nice to step into something that’s already built and developed. Starting a business from scratch can be overwhelming, especially for someone new to entrepreneurship. There are so many moving parts — it’s easy to feel discouraged or unsure of what to do next. With franchising, you’re not doing it alone. I have a team behind me, guiding me every step of the way — saying, “Here’s what you need to do, here’s how to do it, and we’re here if you need help.” That kind of support brings a sense of ease and confidence. It allows me to focus on actually growing the business instead of getting lost in the backend logistics.
Even with things like marketing — that’s never been my strength. Sure, I have Facebook and Instagram, but I’m not on there all day, and I wouldn’t call myself a marketing expert. Coming up with a strategy, designing ads, timing mailers — that’s not my area. But with the franchise, there are skilled professionals who handle all of that. They know how to present the brand, when and where to promote it, and how to get the word out effectively. That kind of support is priceless.
We already have our first job on the books, and more calls and appointments are coming in. I would never have been able to sign on, open a business and get off the ground this quickly without the support on the backend. That’s one of the most valuable parts of being part of a franchise — you’re in business for yourself, but never by yourself.
1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?
Burrows: I have a full-time job that I really enjoy. I love what I do. That’s why I’ve been doing it for so long. But I wanted to select a franchise that I was interested in and familiar with — something that fits me.
Pool Scouts being a seasonal business was a major factor in my decision. As a first-time business owner, it was important for me not to feel overwhelmed right out of the gate. Managing a year-round operation might have been too much at this stage — especially while raising kids, working full time and continuing to serve in the military. I'm still actively involved in all of that, so finding a business model that offered some balance was key.
1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?
Burrows: My goal is to become a trusted name in our area by delivering professional, reliable pool service. When I look around, I see a gap — on one end, you have the large, established companies that often don’t prioritize the smaller jobs, and on the other, you have independent operators who may not always present themselves as professional. I want to fill that space.
I’m focused on building a company that shows up with professionalism, treats every customer with respect and handles every job — big or small — with the same level of care and attention. We want our community to know that we’re here to serve and that we take pride in doing things the right way.
1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?
Burrows: I’ve shared a bit about my military background, but another big part of my journey is my family. I’m incredibly fortunate to have an amazing support system. My husband has been by my side every step of the way — he’s hands-on, involved and always willing to jump in wherever he’s needed. That kind of partnership means everything. I’m truly blessed, not just by him, but by our extended family as well. They believe in us and want to see this business grow and succeed.
That support has made all the difference. Without it, this would be a much tougher road. I'm especially motivated by what we're building for our two boys — this business is about creating a foundation they can one day step into and feel proud of. I want to teach them the value of hard work and responsibility in a real-world setting. Once they turn 15, they'll be able to start working alongside us, learning not just about the business, but about commitment, discipline and what it takes to succeed. There’s so much opportunity ahead for them, and I’m excited to share that journey with them.
1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?
Burrows: Starting a new business can be overwhelming , but choosing franchising makes it much more manageable. Having a support team takes a lot of the pressure off and helps you move forward with more confidence.
Starting something new — especially when you’ve never gone down that road before — can be nerve-wracking. I know I’m capable when it comes to managing, organizing and making sure things get done right. But launching a full-scale business that’s already proven in other markets and bringing it to our community is a big leap. Still, it’s absolutely possible — and with the right mindset and support, it can be done successfully. I’m just grateful to have the support from Buzz Franchise Brands with Pool Scouts to make that happen.
The start-up costs for a Pool Scouts franchise range from $115,445-$152,920. To learn more about franchising with Pool Scouts, visit https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/.
ABOUT POOL SCOUTS:
Virginia Beach, VA-based Pool Scouts is a premier pool service franchise focused on delivering a quality, consistent brand experience while providing pool cleaning, maintenance and minor repair services at residential properties. Technicians are trained in testing, monitoring, treating and servicing pools and can provide ongoing service as well as help at the beginning and end of the summer season. With nearly 80 territories across 18 states, Pool Scouts offers a great opportunity as a low-cost franchise in the pool services industry with available territories across the United States. For more information or franchising opportunities, visit http://poolscoutsfranchise.com.
ABOUT BUZZ FRANCHISE BRANDS
Founded 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 Grand Illuminations. 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 https://www.buzzfranchisebrands.com/.
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