Pool Scouts

<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts/veteran-franchise-owner-brings-first-pool-scouts-to-alabama-2717379#stories">Rontario S. Hicks</a> is a retired Army veteran with 24 years of service under his belt. After retiring from the service, he was keen to take on a new challenge in business ownership, particularly one that could fund his retirement hobby of golfing. He started out by helping his wife start her own photography business and learned a lot about independent business ownership in the process. Ultimately, this led to his decision to franchise with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts/info">Pool Scouts</a> in Huntsville, Alabama.&nbsp;“What I found was that it was extremely daunting, it took a lot of time, we made mistakes, and the one thing I did take away from it is that I didn't want to do that whole process alone again,” explained Hicks. “That led me into franchising.”<h3>Why Franchising</h3>Hicks was drawn to the idea of franchising for the support and the tried-and-true business model it offered franchisees. He knew it was a risk as he was dipping into his retirement fund to get his new business off the ground. After speaking with existing franchisees and meeting the corporate team, Hicks felt confident that this was the right move to provide him with both a fulfilling career that was backed by a supportive team and the funds to be comfortable in retirement afterward.&nbsp;"My wife has jokingly said that when I retire, I need to stop playing golf and spending money every day on the golf course,” said Hicks. “It's our inside running joke because playing golf is enjoyable, but it doesn't bring in any income.”&nbsp;While Hicks enjoys learning new skills through franchising, the challenge of business ownership and the ability to scale, he is most thankful for the opportunity to spend more time with his family.&nbsp;“I've been away from my family for years due to multiple duty assignments, and I owe them some quality time back,” he said. “My wife has been the backbone of our family, keeping us in line. This venture gives me the chance to give back to her, be present for my family and still contribute to the community in a meaningful way."<h3>Selecting Pool Scouts</h3>As franchising was new to Hicks, he sought guidance from the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse, which eventually led to him connecting with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchoice.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=veteran-becomes-a-business-owner-with-pool-scouts-franchise-2724390" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">FranChoice</a>.&nbsp;Ultimately, after some questionnaires and personality tests,&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=veteran-becomes-a-business-owner-with-pool-scouts-franchise-2724390" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pool Scouts</a> emerged as a brand that resonated with Hicks. Once he knew of the brand, he started to notice a gap in his community for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts/why-you-should-consider-investing-in-a-pool-scouts-franchise-2723838#featured">reliable pool services</a>.“You buy a new car and you start to see the same car everywhere; this was the same thing with pools,” he said. “I noticed pools everywhere and realized there are tons of opportunities.”&nbsp;Conversations with Pool Scouts parent company&nbsp;<a href="https://buzzfranchisebrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=veteran-becomes-a-business-owner-with-pool-scouts-franchise-2724390" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Buzz Franchise Brands</a>’ president and chief operating officer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-garrison-8b6ab/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=veteran-becomes-a-business-owner-with-pool-scouts-franchise-2724390" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Brian Garrison</a>, a fellow military&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts/why-a-pool-scouts-franchise-is-a-great-fit-for-veterans-2724197#featured">veteran</a>, and CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwilsonbfb/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=veteran-becomes-a-business-owner-with-pool-scouts-franchise-2724390" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kevin Wilson</a> further solidified Hicks’ confidence in choosing the brand. Now, Hicks loves that he is able to be out and about in his role as franchisee rather than stuck at a desk.“I enjoy being out, talking to people and engaging with the community,” he explained. “This shift allowed me to step away from desk-bound management and strategy roles that I had been doing for years.”&nbsp;<h3>Military Background</h3>Hicks’ experience in the Army has contributed to his success as a business owner. Namely, the values instilled in him still inform his decisions in his new career.&nbsp;??"One thing the Army has taught me is to live by the Army values, and their main values are integrity, honor and courage,” said Hicks. “There are seven values, but these three stand out to me.”Those three values have motivated Hicks to always try to do what is right by people to establish their trust, be brave enough to take a chance on something that can impact his community and to challenge himself. He feels franchising has given him the opportunity to put these values into practice everyday.&nbsp;His military experience has not only shaped his perspectives, but it guides his behavior as well, especially when faced with a challenge.&nbsp;“Drawing from my military background, where things happen on the battlefield that require quick thinking and super vigilance, I approach situations with a calm demeanor,” explained Hicks. “Instead of panicking, I take a moment to sit back, think about it, formulate a plan and then execute it. Every time I do this, it reflects back to my military background."<h3>Finding Success In the Franchising World</h3>Hicks has achieved a great deal already in the franchise world, receiving the Rookie Franchise of the Year award at a recent Pool Scouts conference, but he is competitive and keen to scale.“My personal goal is to reach a million by the third or fourth year, and we're on track to achieve that," he said.In addition to his ambition and work ethic, Hicks also attributes his success to the reliable community of fellow Pool Scouts franchisees. The brand has franchisees in 17 states across the country, and Hicks knows he can reach out for support whenever he needs it.“Considering the scale of Pool Scouts, with an average of about 13,000 pools serviced last year, it's reassuring to know that I always have a friend to call," he said. “Whether it's troubleshooting a problem or discussing the use of certain chemicals, having a network of fellow franchisees allows us to compare notes and make informed decisions that benefit both our bottom line and contribute to our continued growth.”&nbsp;In this way, Hicks and his fellow Pool Scout franchisees contribute to each other’s growth and they all benefit.&nbsp;<h3>Words of Wisdom</h3>Hicks’ only regret is not venturing into franchising sooner. That being said, he advises anyone who is thinking about it to get out and start the education process because there is a lot to learn.“Go out and call a franchise coach and they'll help direct you,” he said. “When I was looking at franchises by myself, it was overwhelming; there were a ton of businesses out there that I didn't even know existed. Do your research and your due diligence to look deep inside the model to make sure it's a fit for you … it's about the culture that you're walking into.”To watch the full interview, click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usBVgehp_Y0&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=veteran-becomes-a-business-owner-with-pool-scouts-franchise-2724390" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here.</a>To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts/info.">https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts/info.</a>&nbsp;

Veteran Becomes a Business Owner With Pool Scouts Franchise

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After 24 years of service, Hicks helped his wife start her own photography business, realizing that the support offered through franchising would be a better option.

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

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

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Building a business from scratch is nothing new for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/john-oldham-pool-scouts-greater-south-fort-worth-2730573#stories">John Oldham</a>. After spending more than two decades running a successful remodeling and cabinet shop, he briefly stepped away to take a management role with a larger corporation. However, the pull of local ownership proved too alluring. According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://fortworthbusiness.com/e-editions/">recent article in The Business Press</a>, Oldham returned to his roots as an entrepreneur by launching his own&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/">Pool Scouts</a> location in late 2025.&nbsp;The transition from construction to pool maintenance was a natural fit, even though Oldham had never personally owned a pool. His background in residential and commercial projects nevertheless equipped him with a sharp eye for quality and an appreciation of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts/info">Pool Scouts’</a> recurring service model. Serving the greater South Fort Worth area, Oldham is focusing on high-growth communities ranging from Waxahachie to Burleson.&nbsp;The timing for such an expansion is ideal. The region is currently seeing a massive influx of residential development, including billion-dollar master-planned communities like Tallgrass in Burleson. These new neighborhoods are designed with a heavy emphasis on lifestyle and outdoor amenities, leading to a surge in residential pools. As more families move into the area from other parts of the country, the demand for professional, reliable maintenance continues to climb.“This area is experiencing rapid residential growth and more pools. There’s a clear need for reliable professional pool service in the community,” Oldham said.For Oldham, the Pool Scouts move is also deeply personal. Having lived in Mansfield for 35 years, he wanted to build something that could involve his family. His daughter, Loren, and son-in-law, Leisin, are set to join him in the business, helping to manage operations as the company scales.“Building this business gives me the opportunity to create something lasting that my daughter and son-in-law can be part of,” Oldham said. “For me, it’s about showing my family the value of hard work, integrity and perseverance. My daughter Loren and son-in-law Leisin plan to join me and help in all aspects of the business as we grow.”By leaning on the established systems and corporate support of the Pool Scouts model, Oldham is moving away from the nature of his previous construction business. He is now focused on creating a marketable brand that’s sustainable while providing neighbors with a high level of professionalism. With a growing team and a family-centered approach, Oldham is well-positioned to become a staple of the South Fort Worth home services market.Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://fortworthbusiness.com/e-editions/">here</a>.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts">https://1851franchise.com/poolscouts</a>.The start-up costs for a Pool Scouts franchise range from $115,445 to $152,920. To learn more about franchising with Pool Scouts, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://poolscoutsfranchise.com">https://poolscoutsfranchise.com</a>.

The former construction business owner is leveraging 20 years of home service expertise to build a new family legacy through a high-demand recurring service model in the South Fort Worth area.

The Business Press: John Oldham Dives Into Pool Scouts Franchise Ownership in South Fort Worth

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How a Pool Scouts Owner Built Control and Long-Term Growth

Create Wealth Through Franchising Podcast: How a Pool Scouts Owner Built Control and Long-Term Growth

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

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New Franchisee Brings Hard Work and Heart to His New Pool Scouts Business in  Greater South Fort Worth

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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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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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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.

Veteran Becomes a Business Owner With Pool Scouts Franchise

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