How These Pool Scouts Franchisees Found Success in Texas

With 103 units and growing, Pool Scouts, the pool cleaning and maintenance franchise backed by Buzz Franchise Brands, is taking off in markets nationwide. The franchise has seen strong success in the Lone Star State with few territories remaining in key Texas markets. The Austin market is sold out, there are just six remaining territories in both Houston and Dallas Fort Worth, and only two available territories remain in San Antonio. So, what is driving Pool Scouts’ success in Texas?

“The Texas population continues to boom with more and more people moving to the state,” explained Michael Wagner, brand president. “Many residences have pools that need to be serviced, especially during the hot Texas summers. Our existing territories in the state have created a name for Pool Scouts, and we’re proud of the growth we have achieved with the band as we bring our services to more Texans.”

In addition to the brand’s strong presence in the state, franchisees’ varied backgrounds and passion for serving their community drive success further.

“I have a colorful career history,” explained Hillary Burris, who owns Pool Scouts of Texas Hill Country with her cousin, Phil Benedek. “I was a special education teacher that moved into teacher training. Then I got a job with a tech company implementing their onboarding, learning and development. After that, I transitioned into a partnership manager role at that tech company, so now I'm managing all of our partners. Along with those roles, I started and ran a medical waste disposal business that was sold last year.”

Benedek brought a history in project management to the team, and the pair felt confident launching a business with their combined expertise and the help of Pool Scouts. With a recurring business model that is largely home-based, the pair has been able to maintain low overhead costs and run the business themselves as they work to scale.

Shilpa Patel, the owner of Pool Scouts of North Austin, transitioned from a career in assisted living and memory care communities to business ownership with the franchise. While she was pursuing a better work-life balance, her care for her own community was another key driver.

“I want to develop my territory and provide jobs to the community,” she said. “I also want to grow a team of dependable technicians, both men and women, and provide excellent service to my community. I love customer service, serving others and making sure that they are happy. That’s very important to me.”

Pool Scouts is making a national name for itself with the help of its Texas franchisees. Brent Berridge, the owner of Pool Scouts of Sugar Land, was recognized by the International Franchise Association as Franchisee of the Year “for being an outstanding franchise establishment owner-operator.”

Berridge notes a love for his community and his ability to provide regular, reliable service to his neighbors. As a veteran, he also recognizes his time in the United States Marine Corps and the training he received during his time as a Corporal as a key contributor to his success with the business.

How Pool Scouts Continues to Succeed

In Texas and beyond, Pool Scouts has proven the strength of its business model. In the first half of the year, the franchise saw 60% consumer-facing sales growth year-over-year as it expanded the number of clients served.

With a net promoter score (NPS) of 80 system-wide, far above the NPS average of 32, it is clear that Pool Scouts is partnering with the right franchisees in local communities to bring reliable, highly recommended services to the markets it enters.

As it grows, Pool Scouts is looking forward to closing out 2023 strong with openings in even more key markets nationwide.

The start-up costs for a Pool Scouts franchise range from $87,490 - $109,625. To learn more about franchising with Pool Scouts, visit https://poolscoutsfranchise.com/.