Pool Scouts

It’s true, that most people at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-hook-a58610a2?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-charlie-kusuma-hook-pool-scouts-hartford-ct-2718682" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Charlie Hook</a>’s age are nearing retirement and can’t wait to sit back, relax and enjoy life; however, when Hook retired recently, he found himself looking for something to do. Now opening the first <a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-charlie-kusuma-hook-pool-scouts-hartford-ct-2718682" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pool Scouts</a> location in Hartford, Hook is putting his years of experience in Silicon Valley to work for the community, here’s what he had to say about jumping in with the 110-plus territory franchise, now in 18 states.&nbsp;<h4>1851:&nbsp;What did you do before franchising?&nbsp;</h4>Charlie Hook:&nbsp;I grew up in Oregon and attended college at the Oregon Institute of Technology, earning a degree in engineering. I worked in electronics for 34 years creating flash drives in Silicon Valley, California, including at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seeq.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-charlie-kusuma-hook-pool-scouts-hartford-ct-2718682" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">SEEQ Technologies</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westerndigital.com/brand/sandisk?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-charlie-kusuma-hook-pool-scouts-hartford-ct-2718682" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">SanDisk</a>, now owned by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westerndigital.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-charlie-kusuma-hook-pool-scouts-hartford-ct-2718682" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Western Digital</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.toshiba.com/tai/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-charlie-kusuma-hook-pool-scouts-hartford-ct-2718682" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Toshiba</a>. My career began when a flash drive was one megabyte (1 MB) today that same drive can hold one terabyte (1 TB) of content. It was a career that gave me the opportunity to travel the world, and I retired on February 5th, 2021.<h4>1851: How did you perform your research/due diligence?</h4>Hook: I learned a great deal about franchising through veteran franchise recruiter,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchoice.com/get-to-know-us/franchoice-consultants/joe-white/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-charlie-kusuma-hook-pool-scouts-hartford-ct-2718682" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Joe White of FranChoice.</a> He asked a very pointed question: “What would you like to OWN (not do) with your retirement years.” I spent a lot of time on the phone with White asking questions.<h4>1851: What made you say yes to Pool Scouts?&nbsp;</h4>Hook:&nbsp;I drove down to Virginia Beach and stayed two days to meet the team at <a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts">Pool Scouts</a>. It surprised me that they didn’t ask me to write a check right away, I appreciated that. I realized that&nbsp;my advantage in this industry is my experience working with my hands. Others seemed to excel at the business side of the franchise concept. That was when a lightbulb went off. The other companies I studied did not have a business system in place, but Pool Scouts did. Pool Scouts has wonderful marketing and operations departments, and the company isn’t the first brand for&nbsp;<a href="https://buzzfranchisebrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-charlie-kusuma-hook-pool-scouts-hartford-ct-2718682" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Buzz Franchise Brands</a>, which means the system is tried and true. Leveraging information from their other franchises,&nbsp;<a href="https://britishswimschool.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-charlie-kusuma-hook-pool-scouts-hartford-ct-2718682" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">British Swim School</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://homecleanheroes.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-charlie-kusuma-hook-pool-scouts-hartford-ct-2718682" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Home Clean Heroes</a>, is genius. The other concept I considered couldn’t compare to the network of marketing, sales and billing support.<a href="https://www.billrhodescpa.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-charlie-kusuma-hook-pool-scouts-hartford-ct-2718682" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> The company’s CPA Bill Rhodes</a> handles everything, and it was that fact that really sold me. I’m starting a small business, but I’m also joining a corporation, which gives me the support and peace of mind I need in retirement. The pool portion of the business is the fun part, and I get to enjoy that.<h4>1851: What could have scared you away?&nbsp;</h4>Hook:&nbsp; I live in the Northeastern United States, and questioned whether there were enough pools to clean in Connecticut, but it turns out there are ten thousand pools in the Hartford area alone. The only other concern I had committing to Pool Scouts was with the quality of&nbsp;my service, I questioned how well I could ensure my staff was doing what was expected of them.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h4>1851: What makes you stand out as a unique business owner in the local community?</h4>Hook:&nbsp;I enjoy visiting with people and making sure they are comfortable, so I’m hoping both my phone calls and in-person consultations are comforting and friendly. When community members call me, I hope to be ready to make an appointment then and there. I plan to be organized. Ultimately, my goal is to make sure people return to their backyards and start enjoying them again.&nbsp;<h4>What do you hope to achieve with your business? Plans for growth?&nbsp;</h4>Hook:&nbsp;I would like to own three trucks by next year, and six trucks by the year 2025. I’d really like to build my Pool Scouts business deep, as in with relationships. I want people to know they can depend on me. Ideally, people will have a great experience with our business and referrals will come with consistency.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 over 110 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. &nbsp;

The Great Franchisee: Charlie & Kusuma Hook, Pool Scouts, Hartford, CT

1851 Franchise

They’ve called it The Great Retirement, as nearly 3.3 million more workers retired in 2021 than in 2020. After 34 years as an engineer for some of the world’s largest tech companies, Hartford’s Charlie Hook is pivoting to pools, bringing the first ever Pool Scouts, to Hartford homes this summer with his wife and partner, Kusuma.


the-great-franchisee-charlie-kusuma-hook-pool-scouts-hartford-ct

FRANCHISE INFORMATION

Get Started

Own a Pool Scouts

How Franchisees Find Success Year-Round

Franchisee Highlight

How Pool Scouts Supports Franchisees Every Step of the Way

Understanding the Benefits of Joining a Reputable Brand

Learn

Visit Website

POOL SCOUTS

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

YouTube

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

Why Franchise With Pool Scouts: Understanding the Benefits of Joining a Reputable Brand 

POOL SCOUTS MOST READ STORIES

1851 LOGIN

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

ABOUT POOL SCOUTS

CONTACT POOL SCOUTS

facebook

twitter

linkedin

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

City

State / Province

Zip Code

How did you hear about us?

Comments

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

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

john-oldham-pool-scouts-franchise-texas

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

john-oldham-pool-scouts-greater-south-fort-worth

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Patricia Thierry and Pool Scouts logo

Patricia Thierry Brings Professional Pool Care to Charlotte, North Carolina, With Pool Scouts

pool-scouts-franchisee-charlotte-patricia-thierry

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Lauren & Edson Cruz & Pool Scouts logo

Pool Scouts Makes a Splash in Wesley Chapel With New Local Owners

pool-scouts-wesley-chapel-local-owners

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

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

pool-scouts-2025-conference-recap

<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/">Pool Scouts</a> is designed to give franchisees a running start. From the first day of ownership, the model comes with training, technology, branding and marketing systems already in place. For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rose-white-26b43161/">Rose White</a>, who purchased the&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscouts.com/richmond/">Richmond, Virginia</a> location, that made all the difference.“We purchased an existing&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts">Pool Scouts</a>. It was already making money and doing well,” White said. “After meeting the franchise group and seeing all the ways they support their franchisees, I felt like it would be really hard to fail.”The built-in foundation allows new and experienced entrepreneurs alike to step into a business that has already been tested and refined.<h2>Proven Playbook Backed by Real Results</h2>Pool Scouts gives its owners a playbook to follow in any market. White says the model’s technology and structure were key factors in her decision.“There was a lack of competition here in Richmond, and the competition that we did have wasn’t as technological as Pool Scouts,” she said. “The technology streamlines everything, lets you keep great data and keeps customers well informed.”From scheduling and customer management to billing and quality control, the systems in place allow owners to focus on growing their business rather than building processes from scratch.<h2>Training and Support That Sets You Up To Scale</h2>For White, the support provided during and after launch has been essential. She and her husband received onboarding, field training and corporate coaching that helped them feel prepared.“My husband went to the corporate office in Virginia Beach for a week of training where they did everything from what the techs are doing out in the field to backend office training,” she said. “If we need anything, Pool Scouts University has video training we can go to.”She also points to ServiceMinder, the brand’s main software platform, and the master technicians available for quick answers as vital tools. Together, these resources help franchisees without pool experience build confidence and deliver reliable service.<h2>Brand Power Plus Local Control</h2>While Pool Scouts is part of&nbsp;<a href="https://buzzfranchisebrands.com/">Buzz Franchise Brands</a>, White says the strength of the brand is most evident in its presence in her community.“If you put in anything to do with a pool in Google, we are the brand that pops up first,” she said. “In Richmond, if you have a pool, you’ve heard of us.”The recognition and marketing reach of the brand helps franchisees grow locally while giving them the flexibility to adjust their services based on their staff, skills and customer needs.<h2>Lower Barrier, Higher Potential</h2>With modest startup costs and the recurring revenue model of pool maintenance, Pool Scouts gives owners a path toward sustainable growth. White also appreciates the flexibility to scale at her own pace.“You don’t have to start with five people. You can just start with yourself and go clean pools,” she said. “As you learn and grow, you can add more services. If a staff member leaves and you can’t offer certain services anymore, you can adjust easily.”This combination of lower barriers, strong systems and high potential makes Pool Scouts an attractive business for entrepreneurs who want a proven model with room to grow.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 start-up costs for a Pool Scouts franchise range from $115,445-$152,920. To learn more about franchising with Pool Scouts, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/">https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/</a>.&nbsp;

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

pool-scouts-a-business-in-a-box-for-first-time-and-seasoned-entrepreneurs

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

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

The Great Franchisee: Charlie & Kusuma Hook, Pool Scouts, Hartford, CT

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS