Raintree Announces Winner of ‘Pathways to Entrepreneurship’ Program

Raintree Sales, the industry-leading franchise sales and marketing company, has put its money where its mouth is by helping one of its staff members buy a franchise from Raintree partner Hounds Town USA, a fast-growing doggie daycare brand. 

Raintree believes deeply in two things: the power of entrepreneurship and the brands it represents. That’s why the company introduced its “Pathways to Entrepreneurship” program, which rewards employees who show excellence in serving the brands they represent by assisting them with franchising fees and supplemental investments so those employees can open their own franchises. 

The intent of the program, according to Brent Dowling, CEO of Raintree, is to show its faith in its brands and its employees. 

“We believe in our brands. They are highly vetted opportunities that we know are solid investments when the franchise owner follows the system and works hard,” said Dowling. “We also know that there are some very special individuals here at Raintree who have been the primary reason these franchises are reaching their goals. When we award a Pathways winner, it’s win-win-win. Raintree helps retain some of the industry’s best talent, the franchise gets a great franchisee and the winner gets the potential of life-long income.”

Rob Taylor, a former veterinary medical sales rep and a current franchise development director at Raintree will open the first Hounds Town USA location in Colorado. Taylor chose to franchise with the brand because he saw firsthand how Hounds Town’s leadership offers hands-on expertise and support, and the potential for the brand in a rapidly growing industry. 

“I chose Hounds Town USA because of the people behind the brand. Jackie and Mike are very genuine people. They really care and want to support franchisees. Mike’s knowledge and methods are also better than their doggie daycare competition. They are the best at what they do,” said Taylor. “I have a lot of experience and am well-versed in the pet care industry. I always enjoyed contributing to the enrichment of dog’s lives. I look at them as family members and not as pets. I think it’s important to provide the highest quality care possible for them.”

As Hounds Town USA’s director of development, Taylor was the one selling the brand to prospective franchisees. Under Taylor and Raintree’s watch, Hounds Town sold more than 40 locations, and now Taylor is doubling down on his big bet on the doggie daycare brand by buying into it himself. Taylor will continue to work at Raintree while acting as general manager of his Hounds Town location. 

“Raintree really invests in the brands we represent,” Dowling said. “In this case, we mean that literally. We’ve helped Hounds Town USA sell dozens of franchises, and we wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t a sound investment we’d put our own money behind.” 

Jackie Bondanza, Hounds Town USA’s president, expressed similar excitement to have the franchise sales guru come aboard as a franchisee. As a Raintree client, Bondanza says she found herself constantly blown away by the pace and quality of the work from Taylor and his team.

“After working with Raintree, our brand has propelled into a space I did not think was achievable for us in such a short amount of time. Rob and the entire Raintree team have launched us on a pathway to success. Through thick and thin, achievements and setbacks, challenges and successes, these talented team members have never lost their dedication to what they said they would do for us several years ago: help us be the biggest and the best interactive pet care system out there,” said Bondanza. “Now, they will become a big part of that effort as Hounds Town USA heads west. It can't get much better than when one of our own becomes a #townieforlife!”