Pool Scouts

When you’ve worn as many hats as new&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=pool-scouts-franchise-utah-success-2729786" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pool Scouts</a> owner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-larsen/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=pool-scouts-franchise-utah-success-2729786" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shane Larsen</a> — teacher, banker, landlord, salesperson — you develop a talent for figuring things out. But after years of professional shifts, he wasn’t just seeking a business. He was ready for a full reset.Franchising with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts/info">Pool Scouts</a> offered exactly that: the chance to build something stable and scalable, with systems and support already in place. Larsen had explored franchising in the past, but most opportunities were cost-prohibitive or rigid. Pool Scouts was different, with a lower barrier to entry, essential services and room to grow.What started as a practical decision based on net operating income and business fundamentals quickly turned into something more meaningful. Drawing on his hands-on skills from years as a landlord and his people-first approach honed in teaching and sales, Larsen is already expanding the services offered in his territory. From untapped repair work to long-term plans for hot tubs and year-round staffing, he sees major opportunity ahead.Now, in a completely new industry, he’s not just cleaning pools, Larsen building a future. And for this franchisee, it feels like exactly the right place to be.1851 Franchise sat down with Larsen to discuss his franchising journey with Pool Scouts. Here’s what he had to say.1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Shane Larsen:&nbsp;I've had a lot of different jobs. I've done a lot of different things over the years. I've been a full-time entrepreneur since just before COVID hit. I jumped over into my side hustle six weeks before COVID. It wasn't great, but I learned a lot from that.My last job was working on natural gas fuel systems for vehicles, doing compressed natural gas vehicles. I did that for five or six years. It had kind of run its course, and it was time for something new. I was looking for a business locally that I could buy, something profitable enough to sustain itself and something I could get into, work hard at, learn all about and grow. I found this on BizBuySell, reached out and kind of went from there. I was able to get a good deal on the business, and it already had employees in place. I got in and got started.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?Larsen: I’d looked at franchises before — obviously, they became really popular after World War II, and I understood the history behind all that. But a lot of them were super expensive and kind of out of reach for me, for where I was in my entrepreneurial journey. You know, if you want to open a McDonald's, you’ve got to pay like a million dollars, and that’s just for the rights — it’s just super expensive. So for most of those, it felt kind of out of reach for me. But then this one was a lot more reasonable. The barriers to entry were pretty low.I’ve been really impressed with this Pool Scouts franchise and the model has been great. I’ve been super impressed with the support. They’re not making very much money on me right now, but they’ve still been incredibly responsive and helpful. Everyone there has been great. So far, I’m really happy with it. It’s been a great fit.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Larsen: I was looking for something I thought I could get a decent deal on, looking at NOI [net operating income] versus cost, and that’s what initially drew me to it. But I’ve been really pleased with the brand, the company and what we do. It’s a needed service — people need their pools cleaned and taken care of. There’s also a huge opportunity in this market for repair work. The last owner didn’t touch any of that. They didn’t want to do it and would just pass it off to other companies.But I’ve been pretty handy. I’ve been a landlord for 13 years, so I’m used to fixing things myself. With the support of the brand, I’ve been able to learn a lot, and I’m already able to fix things we couldn’t offer as a service before in this area. So there’s just a ton of opportunity there. It’s been fun to learn something new and different. I’ve really enjoyed it so far.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Larsen:&nbsp;This first year, I’d like to at least beat last year’s numbers. My main goal this year is really to get my sea legs — understand the business, the customers and what needs to happen — while still doing a little better than last year. I think just adding services, like repair work, will help me grow in this first year.Looking ahead, I’d love to get into hot tubs. We’ve already done some hot tub work, and other franchisees in similar seasonal markets have had success with that. There’s a guy in Boise who employs a technician year-round. He’s only doing a couple of jobs a week in the off-season, but it keeps the business running through the winter. So those are a few strategies for growth. Eventually, I’d love to have multiple technicians and trucks, and be able to take care of customers more quickly throughout the area. It’s been a lot of fun.1851:&nbsp;Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Larsen: I would say I’m an interesting guy. I’ve done a lot of different things. I’ve worked in sales, I’ve been a teacher, I taught seminary for my church and even taught at the college level for a year. I rented cars to people, worked as a banker for a while, and I also taught junior high. I’ve got a master’s degree in education, so I’ve had a lot of different jobs and experiences over the years.On a personal level, I’ve been through a lot of change recently. I went through a divorce and then got remarried, so everything in my life is different now. In a way, being in a totally new industry feels really fitting. It’s like a fresh start across the board. It’s been refreshing and really good for me.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Larsen: I’d say, if you’re thinking about it, just look into it and see if it’s really a good fit for you. I think if you’re entrepreneurially minded but a little intimidated by all the details, then franchising could be a great option. For example, Pool Scouts has all these systems set up and most of the systems are really helpful. The reality is, I wouldn’t have been able to build those systems myself or create that kind of operational structure to help customers and make things more efficient. That’s not where my strengths are. I’m good at sales, I’m good with people, but I’m not great at organizing or breaking down complex problems. I’m not a programmer.So for me, it was a great fit because of the value the franchise brings in terms of structure and support. Also, buying an existing franchise with customers already in place was huge for me. That won’t be the case for everyone, especially brand-new franchisees, but even then, having a system to follow can really help you capitalize on opportunities faster.So, if you’re someone who has sales skills or business experience but you’re not a system builder, franchising could be a great option, just like it has been for me. And if you’re seriously considering it, I’d say go for it. A couple of years from now, you’ll either be doing it or regretting that you didn’t.ABOUT POOL SCOUTS: 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 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 <a href="https://www.buzzfranchisebrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=pool-scouts-franchise-utah-success-2729786" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.buzzfranchisebrands.com/.</a>&nbsp;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 <a href="https://www.buzzfranchisebrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=pool-scouts-franchise-utah-success-2729786" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.buzzfranchisebrands.com/.</a>&nbsp;

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Utah Entrepreneur Finds New Opportunity with Pool Scouts Franchise

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After a whirlwind of careers in education, banking and entrepreneurship, Larsen found renewal — and business success — in pool care franchising.

New Chapter, Clean Start: Why Shane Larsen is Diving Head First Into Pool Scouts

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Pool Scouts Owner Named Alabama Veteran Small Business of the Year

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

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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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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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image of bhavya murkundi franchise owner of pool scouts of Cumming, GA

Georgia Mom and IT Professional Adds Entrepreneurship to her Portfolio , Building a Family Legacy with Pool Scouts Franchise  

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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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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/">Pool Scouts</a>, the leading national pool service franchise, is once again partnering with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopefloats.foundation/">Hope Floats Foundation</a>. May is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/may/national-water-safety-month-may">National Water Safety Month</a>, and<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts/info"> Pool Scouts</a> franchise locations will participate in the fundraising campaign, raising money to support Hope Floats’ mission of providing swim lesson scholarships to underserved children nationwide.Since 2021, Pool Scouts has raised $106,000 for Hope Floats. Last year, the campaign helped expand access to swim lessons at a critical time, giving more children access to lessons ahead of summer. This year, the brand is setting a $10,000 goal.<a href="https://www.stepintoswim.org/">Step Into Swim</a>, an initiative of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.phta.org/">Pool &amp; Hot Tub Alliance</a>, an organization dedicated to promoting water safety and making waves in drowning prevention, is once again pledging to match donations up to $20,000 for a second year. Step Into Swim has funded swimming lessons for more than 300,000 children across the country.&nbsp;“Water safety is something our franchisees see firsthand in the communities they serve, so this partnership is a natural extension of what we do every day,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynlea-rudell-9a8b797/">Lynlea Rudell</a>, director of marketing for Pool Scouts. “As our system grows and we celebrate our 10th year, we have an opportunity to make an even bigger impact by helping more families access swim lessons and stay safe around the water.”<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-m-b4558317/">Kristin Mabrouk</a>, executive director for Hope Floats, said the collaboration continues to grow in impact each year as both organizations expand. Through the campaign, funds have been used to support families and provide access to children who may be the first in their families to learn to swim.“Pool Scouts is a very aligned partnership because they're working with people who understand the need for water safety,” she said. “Then we're able to allocate those scholarship funds to those same communities that they're in.”According to the CDC,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0514-vs-drowning.html">drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among children</a>. Formal swim lessons can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/drowning-prevention-starts-with-swim-lessons/">reduce that risk by 88%</a>, and Pool Scouts’ donations help make those lessons available to more families in the communities it serves.Mabrouk said the timing of the campaign matters because it lines up right before summer, when more families are around pools and water. That makes it easier to get kids into lessons right when they need them. She also pointed out that the funding can make a real difference for families with more than one child, since it allows siblings to take lessons at the same time instead of spacing them out or choosing just one.National Water Safety Month highlights the role education plays in keeping families safe around the water. For Pool Scouts, that focus connects directly to its broader effort to support the communities it serves.“The Pool Scouts network keeps expanding and so does ours, so we can help more people everywhere,” Mabrouk said. “We're very grateful for the partnership and excited to be going into our 10th year and beyond.”Those interested in donating to the Pool Scouts/Hope Floats campaign for National Water Safety Month can do so at&nbsp;<a href="https://givebutter.com/poolscouts2026">https://givebutter.com/poolscouts2026</a>.&nbsp;To learn more about franchise opportunities with Pool Scouts, visit:<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts"> https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts</a>.&nbsp;ABOUT POOL SCOUTS:Virginia Beach, Virginia-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 79 territories across 17 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&nbsp;<a href="http://poolscoutsfranchise.com">http://poolscoutsfranchise.com</a>.&nbsp;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;

Pool Scouts Partners With Hope Floats to Raise $10,000 

During National Water Safety Month this May, the entire Pool Scouts system will participate in the campaign, pushing its total donations past the $100,000 milestone.

Pool Scouts Partners With Hope Floats to Raise $10,000 in 2026 as Both Brands Celebrate 10 Years in Business

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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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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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<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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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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