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, individuals are generally stunned to study: Initially, she knew nothing about swimming pools.
As a substitute, Consoli got here from a profession in retail administration. She cherished customer support, however needed 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 previous abilities proved beneficial in her new enterprise — usually in methods she did not essentially anticipate. Right here, she explains how she discovered the ropes, and why she believes the house providers sector is a superb match for ladies entrepreneurs.
You have been Pool Scouts’ first franchisee. What gave you the boldness to dive right into a discipline 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 out there in my space did not work for me, however after I went in to speak to them, I gained a whole lot of confidence. They’d nice individuals working for them. A few yr later, they mentioned 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 assist you to as a brand new franchisee?
As a retailer supervisor, I had a funds 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 each day that I needed to fulfill. I discovered lots by way of working with individuals, understanding the significance of relationship constructing, and managing financials.
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What have been a number of the hardest classes you discovered within the early years of working your franchise?
First, you have to get prospects. However you additionally must have staff to help these prospects. Now you have to rent, however it’s important to prepare these staff and preserve them yr after yr. And if you’re in a seasonal enterprise, it is arduous. At first, I did not notice these issues could be so difficult.
What recommendation do you will have for aspiring franchisees when evaluating alternatives?
I believe it is vital for individuals 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 accountable for the success of what you are promoting. 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 every thing 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 development potential. There are decrease startup prices with service companies, and it provides you the flexibleness to be the place you should be each day. So I believe that makes it extra accessible for girls and people which are balancing a profession and household.
What’s your largest 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 dedication and tenacity that it higher be one thing you actually take pleasure in doing.
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