Okay, so, another year, another Pool Scouts annual franchise meeting. Let me tell you, these things are a whirlwind, but always worth it in the end. Here’s how it all went down this year.
First off, I packed my bags. Sunscreen, check. Business cards, check. My lucky pool-testing kit… you betcha! It always starts with the preparation, right? I double and triple-checked everything, making sure I was ready to absorb all the info coming my way.
The Arrival
Then, I hit the road. This year’s meeting was in sunny Orlando, Florida. Got off the plane, and you could just feel the excitement… and the humidity! I checked into the hotel, did a quick unpack, and scoped out the meeting rooms. Gotta know where the action is going to be, you know?

Diving into Sessions
The next few days were a blur of sessions and workshops. We talked about everything.
- New marketing strategies: Got some fresh ideas to attract more customers.
- Updated cleaning techniques: Always learning new ways to keep those pools sparkling!
- Software updates: The tech guys showed us some cool new features in the app we use. Some useful, some I would need more time get my head around!
- Vendor presentations: The chemical and equipment suppliers showcased their latest stuff.
Honestly, my head was spinning with all the information. But in a good way! It’s like getting a year’s worth of pool industry knowledge crammed into a few days.
Networking, Networking, Networking!
And, of course, there was the networking. Met up with fellow franchisees from all over the country. We swapped stories, shared tips, and just generally commiserated about the ups and downs of running a pool business. These conversations are often the most valuable part of the whole event. It’s amazing to hear what’s working (and not working) for others, and you always pick up a few golden nuggets of advice.
The Wrap-Up
Finally, we had the closing dinner and awards ceremony. Always a fun time! Some folks got recognized for their outstanding performance, and we all raised a glass to another successful year. I was super proud of all the award recipients.
Then, it was back on the plane, head full of new ideas and a renewed sense of purpose. I started jotting down action items on the flight home – things I wanted to implement in my own business right away.

I implemented some new ideas and trained my team based on those ideas, and guess what? I boosted my business this year!
So, yeah, the Pool Scouts annual meeting… it’s intense, it’s informative, and it’s absolutely essential for staying on top of your game in this business. Already looking forward to next year!