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 autos and 19 routes within the Raleigh, North Carolina, space.
Given her success, individuals are typically stunned to be taught: At first, she knew nothing about swimming pools.
As a substitute, Consoli got here from a profession in retail administration. She cherished customer support, however wished 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, a variety of her previous abilities proved priceless 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 providers sector is a superb match for girls entrepreneurs.
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You had been Pool Scouts’ first franchisee. What gave you the boldness 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 accessible in my space did not work for me, however once I went in to speak to them, I gained a variety of confidence. That they had nice individuals working for them. A couple of yr later, they stated they had 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 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-after-day that I wished to fulfill. I realized lots when it comes to working with individuals, 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 should have staff to help these prospects. Now you have to rent, however you need to prepare these staff and preserve them yr after yr. And in case you are in a seasonal enterprise, it is exhausting. At first, I did not understand these issues can be so difficult.
What recommendation do you’ve got for aspiring franchisees when evaluating alternatives?
I believe it is necessary 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 liable for the success of your enterprise. The franchisor shouldn’t be liable for that. They provides 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.
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If somebody was contemplating the pool service trade, what would you inform them?
The trade has a variety of development potential. There are decrease startup prices with service companies, and it provides you the pliability to be the place you’ll want to be day-after-day. So I believe that makes it extra accessible for girls and people which might 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 dedication and tenacity that it higher be one thing you actually take pleasure in doing.
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