Lazara Ors worked in various administrative and accounting roles for years, but when the pandemic arrived in 2020, she decided to change directions. When she noticed widespread delays for pool services around her community in Tampa, Ors saw a lucrative opportunity. Now, Ors is preparing to meet the increasing unmet demand for pool services in Tampa as one of the newest franchisees with Pool Scouts, the fast-growing pool-service franchise with more than 65 territories in markets across eight states.

1851 Franchise: Tell us your story – what did you do before franchising?

Lazara Ors: My husband has been working in construction while I’ve worked many administrative roles in accounting. When the pandemic hit and the economy shifted, we decided it was time to switch gears and focus on something that was needed in our community. We noticed that there were severe delays on pool services since there were so many pools and not enough companies to service them.

1851: How did you initially find out about franchising and what was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchise owner?

Ors: A good friend of mine, Omar Sanchez, owns a Mosquito Joe franchise and just recently purchased a Pool Scouts franchise as well. I’ve seen his success through the franchising model, and it inspired me to do the same.

1851: How did you decide you wanted to be a franchisee?

Ors: We wanted to focus on something that was a little more steady and not negatively impacted by the pandemic. 

1851: How did you perform your research?

Ors: Omar sold us on Pool Scouts, so we only really focused on that brand.

1851: Why did you pick Pool Scouts? What excited you most about the potential?

Ors: The majority of the homes in Tampa have pools, so there’s definitely a need to get them serviced. I actually experienced firsthand the need for a quality pool service with my swim spa.

I couldn’t find any pool services that could cater to my swim spa that needed to be serviced. I was referred to a business that provided poor customer service. They wouldn’t respond to my texts and calls, and when they showed up, there was no branding or anything on their van so I didn’t even know where they were coming from. With Pool Scouts, my hope is that no one else in the Greater Tampa area will have to deal with that situation.

1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?

Ors: The goal is to continue expanding. We’re focused on providing great service where customers will give us referrals to neighbors/friends. Once we master our customer service, I hope to continue buying more territories.

1851: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?

Ors: I was really hesitant to make this move, but I wish I would have done it years ago. There’s a ton of support from the corporate team. I could never play all the roles if I started my own business from scratch.

1851: What do you do in your personal time?

Ors: We have four kids, and we are nonstop busy with them. We love spending time outdoors boating as well.

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 65 territories across 8 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.