Tiffiny Consoli is flourishing within the pool trade. She was the first-ever Pool Scouts franchisee, and now operates a $3 million enterprise with 23 autos and 19 routes within the Raleigh, North Carolina, space.
Given her success, persons are typically shocked to be taught: Initially, she knew nothing about swimming pools.
As an alternative, Consoli got here from a profession in retail management. She beloved customer support, however wished to run her personal enterprise. She began searching for a franchise to purchase, and in 2016, she took the leap and joined Pool Scouts. As she’d uncover, a whole lot of her outdated abilities proved useful in her new enterprise — typically in methods she did not essentially anticipate. Right here, she explains how she realized the ropes, and why she believes the house companies sector is a wonderful match for women entrepreneurs.
You have been Pool Scouts’ first franchisee. What gave you the boldness to dive right into a subject that you just 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 a whole lot of confidence. That they had nice individuals working for them. A couple of yr later, they mentioned they have been beginning Pool Scouts and I known 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 finances to stick to all year long, and was reporting to a director that held me accountable to these numbers — however I additionally had clients coming within the door each day that I wished to fulfill. I realized so much by way of working with individuals, understanding the significance of relationship building, and managing financials.
Associated: The One Factor the Top Franchises of 2025 Have in Common
What have been a few of the hardest classes you realized within the early years of working your franchise?
First, you have to get clients. However you additionally should have workers to assist these clients. Now you have to rent, however it’s a must to practice these workers and keep them yr after yr. And if you’re in a seasonal enterprise, it is onerous. To start with, I did not notice these issues can be so difficult.
What recommendation do you could have for aspiring franchisees when evaluating alternatives?
I feel it is vital for individuals to attach rather well with their franchisor and imagine within the model itself. There needs to be synergy there. I feel some franchisees miss the truth that you are accountable for the success of your corporation. The franchisor isn’t accountable for that. They will provide you with the template to achieve success, however on the finish of the day, it falls on you to do all the pieces 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 a whole lot of progress potential. There are decrease startup prices with service companies, and it provides you the pliability to be the place it’s essential be each day. So I feel that makes it extra accessible for women and people which can be 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 get pleasure from doing.
Associated: 6 Intriguing Statistics About Women in the Franchising Industry
