The Great Franchisee: Mark Oliver, Pool Scouts, Houston

Mark Oliver worked for more than a quarter-century on well sites and in oil fields as a chemical inventory specialist before he was laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, Oliver says he was already considering a career change before he lost his job, and the layoff provided the kickstart he needed to pursue his dream of business ownership. Now, Oliver is one of the newest franchisees with Pool Scouts*, the 90-unit pool cleaning and maintenance franchise. 

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

Mark Oliver: I was employed by a major oil field service for about 26 and a half years. I started my career in Alice, Texas as an equipment operator driving trucks. After doing that for about a year, I moved to a position where I would load various types of chemicals for the oil rigs and well sites. After a few years I became the supervisor for the oil service plants and I oversaw several loaders, along with the ordering and receiving of the chemicals and the inventory reconciliation. 

I was employed in Alice, Texas for several years until they moved me to San Antonio where they already had someone in my position. Because of the overlap, I was then moved to Sugar Land, Texas where I settled 40-45 minutes outside of the town in Spring, Texas. I was offered a new role as a chemical inventory specialist, where I would travel to different plants around the U.S. and do inventories on a quarterly basis. I had been doing that for the last five years, but the pandemic impacted the oil industry, and I was let go. 

1851: How did you initially find out about franchising? 

Oliver: In 2019, I was already looking into franchising. I spoke to a few people and googled around to see what was out there. I watched the television show “Undercover Boss,” which made me interested in franchising, but at the time I didn't have the funds for it. When I was laid off, I did an IRA rollover and used that money to start my Pool Scouts business.

I always wanted to get out on my own and open a business. I didn’t want to work in an oil field anymore because it was so unstable. I worked through about 10-15 layoff periods and had made it through all of them until the pandemic. I had a feeling that, because I was close to retiring, something was going to happen.

1851: Why did you pick franchising over starting your own business? 

Oliver: I wouldn’t start my own business, because I don’t think there is any way I could have a successful business without professional help. Especially with Buzz Franchise, they provide support through the entire process of opening a franchise. This opportunity came with a detailed step-by-step plan on how to operate a business instead of trying to go on my own.

1851: What types of brands did you look at?

Oliver: I looked into the fitness market. I have a family member that owns an Orange Theory Fitness location, and they gave me some insight on it. It was way out of my budget though — the startup costs were very high, and I didn’t have the money for that. I also investigated other fitness brands which were not as expensive as Orange Theory. 

I came across Buzz Franchise, and I didn’t know there was a professional business that cleaned and maintained swimming pools. I assumed it was mostly mom-and-pop businesses that cleaned pools. I thought this would be a good business to get into because I had a little experience maintaining my own pool.

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

Oliver: I had heard the market was through the roof in Houston, and a lot of people were looking at houses with pools or were building pools in their backyards. In Houston it is very hot during the summer, and I have friends that are building pools right now so that they could relax after work or after finishing chores.

I did some research and spoke with corporate, and they ultimately reeled me in with the organization of the company and their overall professionalism. They have a reputation of reliability to customers, and I want to know my customers are happy and safe with the services I provide.

 I loved the fact that this company will help me through the process to have a successful pool cleaning business.

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

Oliver: I’m so new to all of this. It will take some time and hard work to become successful. I can’t predict the future, but I’m going to do the best I can to build up a successful reputation. 

1851: What value do you see your business providing to North Cypress?

Oliver: In the beginning, it will be tough to offer jobs. I will probably be doing most of the work until I can build it up where I can hire employees like an admin and a couple technicians. Any sponsorships that arise, I will do my best to help them out. I would like to get to know people in the Chamber of Commerce in Cypress to get my foot in the door. 

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

Oliver: Look for a franchise that cares and will lead the way to being successful.

1851: What do you do in your personal time?

Oliver: My wife and I love to travel to different areas of the country and to the Caribbean. I love to play golf and used to play about once a week. I enjoy entertaining family and friends or relaxing at my pool. I enjoy barbecuing, cooking and watching sports