David Mele, a Hampton Roads business leader for more than 20 years, is ready to leverage his experience to grow Virginia Beach-based Pool Scouts nationwide as its new president. Mele previously led Homes.com, where he helped grow the company into the second-largest real estate platform with 100 million unique visitors per month.
CoStar Group Inc. acquired Homes.com for $156 million in 2021.
When Pool Scouts’ founding president Michael Wagner stepped down this year, the company reached out to Mele, also a former publisher of The Virginian-Pilot, to fill the role. Mele of Virginia Beach shared why he joined the pool cleaning and maintenance franchise, part of Buzz Franchise Brands , and his vision for growing the business in emailed responses to Inside Business. Why did you join Pool Scouts under Buzz Franchise Brands? I’ve known Kevin Wilson, Buzz Franchise Brands CEO, and Brian Garrison, BFB president and chief operating officer, for years.
They are strong operators with a track record of success growing a wide range of businesses. And they have created an outstanding company culture and assembled a very talented team at Buzz Franchise Brands. I am excited about the growth opportunity at Pool Scouts.
While the brand has built a strong foundation, with more than 70 operational territories across 18 states, there is enormous opportunity still available in the $7 billion U.S. pool service and maintenance industry.
Pool Scouts offers a premium professional service in a highly fragmented market with many mom-and-pop operators. With an impressive net promoter score of 75, Pool Scouts’ customers are very satisfied and promote the business. We have a talented team, a strong national foundation in place, a high-demand service and a huge addressable market — all the ingredients required for significant growth.
How will your career background help grow this franchise? I’ve been fortunate to work in a variety of businesses and understand how key functions — strategy, marketing, sales, operations, human resources, information technology, finance, etc. — must work together to drive growth. I am excited to leverage this experience to help coach and develop franchise owners.
I have spent much of the past 20 years working in digital media and digital marketing, and I am eager to utilize digital channels to drive growth as well. My leadership style is highly collaborative, and I will be a constructive partner with our employees, franchisees and key vendors. Related Articles Business | Latest Norfolk casino plans feature scaled-back hotel size, single construction phase Business | What’s all the fuss about tips and taxes? Business | Tips to keep back-to-school budgeting on track Business | Plaza Azteca closes downtown Norfolk location Business | New-fangled internet dazzled 1996 DNC in Chicago.
Today, experts debate the benefits — and dangers — of online influence. What’s your vision for growing the number of franchisees? It starts with ensuring that existing franchisees are well supported and financially strong. So we are laser focused on that.
We will then leverage those success stories to inspire and recruit new franchisees. Most potential franchise owners are pursuing an entrepreneurial dream. We will provide the right growth opportunities, systems, tools, marketing and support to make those dreams a reality.
What does it take to build a brand in new markets? It takes passion, experience and a lot of hard work. As with any successful enterprise, it starts with getting the right people in place. We want franchise owners who are passionate about serving others, able to recruit key staff, willing to do grassroots local networking and capable of running the business with operational discipline and sound financial management.
We provide a proven playbook — with the experience, training, coaching and support needed for success. And then we work hard together to build the business in each new market. Why do you think Hampton Roads is a good place to grow a company? The No.
1 reason that Hampton Roads is a good place to grow a company is that it’s a great place to live. Hampton Roads offers a great quality of life, which is critical for recruiting and retaining talent. Outdoor recreation and natural beauty, with beaches, rivers and parks to explore.
Ample cultural amenities and entertainment offerings. A welcoming sense of hospitality, aided by the presence of one of the world’s largest military communities. Cities, suburbs and rural areas, with a wide range of neighborhoods and a diverse population.
We are proud to call Hampton Roads home and we are committed to continued growth in this region. What do you do for fun? I love to exercise, explore the outdoors, listen to music and travel. And I’m learning to hit a golf ball (again .
.. and again).
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