Tiffiny Consoli is prospering within the pool trade. She was the first-ever Pool Scouts franchisee, and now operates a $3 million enterprise with 23 automobiles and 19 routes within the Raleigh, North Carolina, space.
Given her success, individuals are typically stunned to be taught: Initially, she knew nothing about swimming pools.
As a substitute, Consoli got here from a profession in retail administration. She liked customer support, however needed to run her personal enterprise. She began on the lookout for a franchise to purchase, and in 2016, she took the leap and joined Pool Scouts. As she’d uncover, plenty of her outdated expertise proved priceless in her new enterprise — usually in methods she did not essentially count on. Right here, she explains how she realized the ropes, and why she believes the house providers sector is a wonderful match for ladies entrepreneurs.
You have been Pool Scouts’ first franchisee. What gave you the arrogance to dive right into a subject that you simply had no expertise in?
I first checked out a Mosquito Joe franchise, which on the time was owned by [parent company] Buzz Franchise Manufacturers. The timing and what they’d obtainable in my space did not work for me, however once I went in to speak to them, I gained plenty of confidence. They’d nice folks working for them. A couple of 12 months later, they stated they have been beginning Pool Scouts and I referred to as them instantly. I used to be the primary one within the door.
Did your background in retail administration enable you to as a brand new franchisee?
As a retailer supervisor, I had a price range to stick to all year long, and was reporting to a director that held me accountable to these numbers — however I additionally had prospects coming within the door day by day that I needed to fulfill. I realized loads by way of working with folks, understanding the significance of relationship constructing, and managing financials.
Associated: The One Issue the Prime Franchises of 2025 Have in Widespread
What have been a number of the hardest classes you realized within the early years of operating your franchise?
First, you have to get prospects. However you additionally should have workers to assist these prospects. Now you have to rent, however it’s a must to practice these workers and keep them 12 months after 12 months. And if you’re in a seasonal enterprise, it is onerous. At first, I did not notice these issues could be so difficult.
What recommendation do you’ve got for aspiring franchisees when evaluating alternatives?
I believe it is vital for folks to attach very well with their franchisor and imagine within the model itself. There needs to be synergy there. I believe some franchisees miss the truth that you are liable for the success of your small business. The franchisor is just not liable for that. They gives you the template to achieve success, however on the finish of the day, it falls on you to do the whole lot they’ve set out so that you can do.
If somebody was contemplating the pool service trade, what would you inform them?
The trade has plenty of progress potential. There are decrease startup prices with service companies, and it offers you the pliability to be the place it is advisable be day by day. So I believe that makes it extra accessible for ladies and people which are balancing a profession and household.
What’s your greatest piece of recommendation to potential franchisees?
Do not do it simply since you assume you are going to make some huge cash. It requires a lot willpower and tenacity that it higher be one thing you actually take pleasure in doing.
Associated: 6 Intriguing Statistics About Girls within the Franchising Business
