The Great Franchisee: Brian Seeliger, Pool Scouts, Nashville

Last year, Brian Seeliger, a former game-day producer for the Tennessee Titans, learned the hard way that his career in live sporting events was decidedly not pandemic-proof. Seeliger, who also owns his own sports production company, decided to take his split from the NFL as an opportunity to open another business, and after researching available franchise opportunities, he decided to join Pool Scouts*, the 65-plus unit pool cleaning and repair franchise. Now, Seeliger is opening the first Pool Scouts location in Nashville.

Seeliger says an influx of new residents in the Music City is causing a spike in demand for pool services — a demand that Pool Scouts is well-equipped to meet.

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

Brian Seeliger: I worked for the NFL and the Tennessee Titans for 20 years, and I currently own my own live sports production company. I was the producer for all game-day events, broadcast television and special events at Nissan Stadium. I worked with all departments including; marketing, public relations, stadium operations, community relations, ownership and football operations to activate the all-encompassing game-day plan. I was basically the general contractor of a high-rise building every Sunday, making sure the foundation was strong and the finishing touches were shining bright before kickoff, orchestrating every aspect of the total fan experience. I was the producer for all Tennessee Titans broadcast television shows and special events at Nissan Stadium too! From USA Soccer, Monster Truck Jams, The Music City Bowl and high-octane concerts like Taylor Swift to the CMA Fest. None of it could have been accomplished without the amazing crew I worked with each and every event. We had our own sports team of highly skilled crew members that never strapped on the pads, but played an integral part of each game’s success for the fans and football team.

I currently provide game-day production services for Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It gets in your blood and it’s hard to give up. I feel this opportunity with Pool Scouts has many similarities in the final product we deliver to our clients. We provide a highly detailed and technical service for our customers to enjoy with Pool Scouts, much like the fans at the stadium. I also produced three television shows; two were live and one was a taped show. For 20 years, I was a full-time employee at Nissan Stadium, and I also was a freelancer. My production company followed along with the Titans and produced the game-day production for Middle Tennessee State University. 

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

Seeliger: To be honest, I was searching for a new challenge and career path and then COVID-19 hit us and me like a ton of bricks. For the first time in my production career everything came to a complete halt. It totally shut down my production business. I always felt sports production was recession-proof and major-calamity-proof. I was searching for another way to support my family and I started looking at potential opportunities with my college and close-knit buddies. We kicked around several ideas, but nothing stuck and the timing wasn’t right. This was before the pandemic, but we were so close in starting an entertainment company producing LIVE concerts at smaller venues. I kept getting emails from franchising websites and coaches and started researching what was out there. Many did not fit my lifestyle or passion, but then I ran into Pool Scouts and it clicked with me. Believe me, I was doing some heavy soul searching and just kept asking for guidance and direction from above. COVID-19 owned the airwaves and sporting events were totally shut down…The sea parts and what is on the other side, but Pool Scouts.

I love being outdoors, and this was a franchise that attracted me because it’s a home base and service franchise. In the production world, you are always working, especially in the NFL, and I missed a ton of time with my daughters and wife Traci. This in my opinion, could be a business, I could run from our home and also keep my foot in the production world with MTSU as a great partner and client! What a match being outdoors, doing something physical, wearing shorts, putting smiles on customers' faces and spending more time with my family.

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

Seeliger: The process started with Timothy Holadia, director of franchise development for Pool Scouts, and I felt like we really hit it off. We had several common interests, and both talked about our families and how important they were to us. We had many long conversations about the Pool Scouts business, life and everything in between. I had never cleaned a pool or owned a pool, but that didn’t stop me from pursuing the opportunity. I didn’t ever feel like a number or a hole to fill. I felt valued and respected as a small business owner. I am sure he was checking the boxes just like I was along the way. It became more than boxes though, it felt like family, it felt right especially when I participated in meet the team day. It was a good half day meeting the Buzz Franchise Brands team. They all seemed like they were excited to be at work and actually meet me, as I was to them. Michael is a great leader, he hires energetic and intelligent people and allows them the opportunity to spread their wings and own their departments.  A true sign of a great leader, in my opinion.

I also enjoyed the other successful Buzz Franchise Brands, which have seen a lot of success in the past several years. This was a ground-floor opportunity because they don’t have a ton of franchisees yet. Nashville was open, and that was attractive. I appreciated the team approach of everyone working together.

1851: How did you perform your research? 

Seeliger: Mostly online. I did some vetting with franchisees in different markets, and I talked to my buddies that own pools. I did local research, online and speaking with franchisees across the country. You can feel the sense of family and service from these people.

I wanted to expand my production business, and I couldn’t create 10 more of me. Pool Scouts scaled the business, and with the software systems they use in all phases of the business, it made their product far superior.

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

Seeliger: I was mainly attracted to Pool Scouts because all three territories of Nashville were open. With so many people moving to Nashville and building pools, right now there is an 18 month to 24 month waiting list to have a pool installed. I truly felt the service was needed here. Pool Scouts does it right, from how they treat their customers, scaling the business and making sure the job is done right with a smile. I truly enjoy working with customers, building relationships and understanding people's needs, wants and desires.

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

Seeliger: I’m excited about opening the business in June. I really want to build a strong cohesive team. I want to see technicians grow into managers and then into directors of operations. I have the vertical and horizontal avenues to grow this business throughout Nashville and the surrounding communities. Some day, I would like to pass it on to my girls if they are interested, and if not then I would like to hand it off to someone who has the same mentality and passion as I do for taking care of others. I’ve always enjoyed developing employees and providing an opportunity to connect with the community through school events, sports, church and the Chamber of Commerce in Williamson County. I’m looking forward to providing a service that helps bring families together for fun and experiences that will last a lifetime.

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

Seeliger: I think you have to find something that sparks your interests or taps into your hobbies.  I like the outdoors and have owned a boat for almost all my life, so water has always been a thing for me. I think you have to really vet those who you’ll be working with at corporate. The Pool Scouts/ Buzz Franchise Brand team is second-to-none. Michael has done a great job bringing a team together that knows what they are doing. I think it is important that you mesh with the management team. You have to be in it to win it with them and they have to provide the roadmap and charisma to pump you up along the way.

1851: What do you do in your personal time? 

Seeliger: I am a pretty simple guy when it comes to hobbies. I love to hunt and fish and just be outdoors. My girls are into soccer, basketball, dance and competition cheerleading. My wife and I both like to work out and try to stay in shape.  My wife is better at it than me, but I try!  Our weeks and weekends revolve around our girls, but we love to watch movies and hang out with friends.  My wife loves checking out new places to eat, so when I’m not working, we make our rounds eating at new places and trying new foods! 

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.