How to Succeed as a Multi-Unit Franchisee: Tiffiny Consoli, Pool Scouts

Tiffiny Consoli, a multi-unit Pool Scouts* franchisee in Raleigh, North Carolina, originally entered into franchising after spending 13 years working in retail management. In 2016, she decided to utilize her retail experience in order to start her own service-oriented business. When she discovered Pool Scouts, she knew she had found the right fit. Two years later, she was ready to open her second location.

When it comes to what makes her successful as a multi-unit owner, Consoli says the key is listening to customers, keeping employees happy and staying ahead of growth. “When you own more than one unit, you are going to have a period of time when you are investing in the next unit,” she said. “That is why it is so important to plan for the future to ensure you are ready for that growth.”

If a single-unit franchisee is looking to expand their portfolio, Consoli’s advice is to follow the plan of the franchisor while also creating their own growth goals. “Listen to the franchisor and established franchisees, but make sure to create your own vision and follow that plan each day,” she said. “Think about what you want your business to look like five years from now — what your role will be, how will it change and the structure you will need to put in place to achieve that.”

For prospective franchisees looking to invest in a franchise for the first time, Consoli notes due diligence is essential. “Once you determine the type of industry you want to enter, you should research several different concepts,” she said. “The thing that sold me was meeting the Pool Scouts management team — it is very important to like the people you will work with, trust them and feel like they will have your back. I felt right away the team was on the same page, and I trusted they would help me grow.”

If a franchisor is looking for a strong multi-unit prospect, Consoli says they need to find somebody that is ambitious but also interested in following the guidance of the brand. “If you can find a franchisee that sees the value in that infrastructure but also wants to be a part of a collaborative partnership, they will likely be very successful,” she said. “The franchisor will also need to be invested in the growth of their franchisees in order to ensure they can achieve their goals.”