Tiffiny Consoli is prospering within the pool business. 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 generally shocked to study: At the beginning, she knew nothing about swimming pools.
As an alternative, Consoli got here from a profession in retail administration. She liked 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 As she’d uncover, a variety of her outdated abilities proved worthwhile in her new enterprise — usually in methods she did not essentially anticipate.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 girls entrepreneurs.
You had been Pool Scouts’ first franchisee. What gave you the arrogance to dive right into a area 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 after I went in to speak to them, I gained a variety of confidence. That they had nice folks working for them. A couple of yr later, they stated they had 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 provide help 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 prospects coming within the door each day that I needed to fulfill. I realized loads when it comes to working with folks, understanding the significance of relationship constructing, and managing financials.
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What had been a few of the hardest classes you realized within the early years of operating your franchise?
First, you have to get prospects. However you additionally must have staff to assist these prospects. Now you have to rent, however it’s a must to practice these staff and preserve them yr after yr. And in case you are in a seasonal enterprise, it is arduous. To start with, I did not notice these issues could be so difficult.
What recommendation do you could have for aspiring franchisees when evaluating alternatives?
I believe it is vital for folks to attach very well with their franchisor and consider within the model itself. There needs to be synergy there. I believe some franchisees miss the truth that you are chargeable for the success of your corporation. The franchisor isn’t chargeable for that. They offers you the template to achieve success, however on the finish of the day, it falls on you to do every part they’ve set out so that you can do.
If somebody was contemplating the pool service business, what would you inform them?
The business has a variety of development potential. There are decrease startup prices with service companies, and it offers you the flexibleness to be the place you should be each 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.
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