1851

Wagging himself away from the spotlight of drama and infidelity to the love of furry friends,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tommyhabeeb.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=caught-red-pawed-tommy-habeebs-switch-from-cheaters-to-doggy-daycare-franchising-2723822" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tommy Habeeb</a>, best known for hosting the controversial reality show "Cheaters," has been charmed into a more noble cause. The TV star and entrepreneur is the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/shaquille-oneal-the-renaissance-man-of-franchising-2720841">latest celeb</a> to enter the franchising space, aiming to launch a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/pet-franchises-leading-the-pack-in-2023-2721344">doggy daycare</a> brand as an offshoot of his new, rescue-focused public access program “To The Rescue.”&nbsp;1851 Franchise caught up with Habeeb to learn more about his passion, the inspiration behind his franchise and his vision for the future.<h2>Barking Up a New Tree</h2>Habeeb's journey in the pet world began decades ago when the star was presented with the opportunity to participate in an event for the&nbsp;<a href="https://spcala.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=caught-red-pawed-tommy-habeebs-switch-from-cheaters-to-doggy-daycare-franchising-2723822" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">spcaLA</a>, an independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization serving Southern California. There, he found himself hosting a pet-focused telethon with none other than beloved actress and comedian extraordinaire Betty White.“That's where I really got introduced to rescue — I was blessed when they asked me to participate in that event,” said Habeeb. “Betty taught me so much about the love of rescue animals. She was truly an inspiration in my life.”&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1696883040_09.22.20THEMEDIA738.jpg"></figure>Image courtesy of Tommy HabeebThen, a few years later at a dinner party in 2017, Habeeb reached another turning point after hearing heart-wrenching stories about shelter dogs and rescues from a friend’s wife who was in the industry.&nbsp;“Later that evening, I was restless and couldn't sleep,” said Habeeb. “I kept thinking about those pups in the shelters. I thought to myself there has to be something I can do. It was time to utilize my platform as a television personality to make a difference.”&nbsp;So, Habeeb decided to do what he does best — make hit TV. His show "To The Rescue," which airs across&nbsp;<a href="https://totherescuetv.com/tv-listings/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=caught-red-pawed-tommy-habeebs-switch-from-cheaters-to-doggy-daycare-franchising-2723822" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">various local TV stations</a>, sees Habeeb journeying across the U.S. to “show how animal rescues and sanctuaries operate tirelessly and, against all odds, save dogs and other animals from abuse, neglect, behavioral issues and medical issues.”&nbsp;Since first airing in 2020, "To The Rescue" has become more than just a show to Habeeb.&nbsp;"Having a hit TV show allowed me to connect with millions of passionate people every week," he said.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1696883055_09.22.20THEMEDIA811.jpg"></figure>Image courtesy of Tommy Habeeb<h2>The Family Business Touch</h2>Before his time on the silver screen, Habeeb grew up in and around another glamorous industry: jewelry. His parent’s family-run jewelry store, Habeeb’s Jewelry, has been in business since 1956 and is still going strong today.“I had an entrepreneurial head start compared to many people,” said Habeeb. “I can vividly remember the lessons my parents taught me about how lucky we were just to have a customer walk in the door of our business, so treat them like family. It doesn't matter how people dress, their age or their ethnicity —&nbsp;treat everyone with respect and kindness. That is who we are. My mother always taught that it’s better to give than receive. If it was a customer's birthday, they never left the store without a special gift.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1696883066_09.22.20THEMEDIA458.jpg"></figure>Image courtesy of Tommy HabeebAlongside these lessons of compassion, Habeeb said he was also learning the art of business and customer service.“I learned how to communicate with people,” he said. “I literally waited on thousands of customers. In doing so, I got to know our customers. I learned about their lives. This taught me the importance of relationships. I guess I learned the ultimate tools for customer service, which is the bedrock in building any successful company.”<h2>Bridging Hollywood and Corporate America</h2>This year, Habeeb decided to combine his experience in television and his early lessons in business to set the stage for a new venture. Upon noticing the skyrocketing&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/5-pet-franchises-we-love-2716378">popularity of doggy daycare businesses</a>, Habeeb saw an opportunity to bridge his love for pets and his expansive television audience with a doggy daycare franchise called "Winston by To The Rescue." “Although my mom and dad taught me about general business and the importance of dealing with customers, as a young actor, one of my mentors was Dick Clark,” said Habeeb. “He gave me the tools to understand the entertainment business and how to use celebrity to drive&nbsp; business and product integration to build a company. I call it ‘Bridging Hollywood and Corporate America.’”<img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1696883088_TommyTori.jpg"> Image courtesy of Tommy Habeeb“I reach millions of fans every week, so creating a company that will help push our mission forward only makes sense,” said Habeeb. “We are a mission-based company, so every time someone visits our brand, they are helping to save the life of a rescue dog.”But starting a franchise wasn’t something Habeeb was going to take lightly.&nbsp;&nbsp; “Over the past year, I've been evaluating owner-operated companies versus franchising companies, and I have decided on a hybrid of both,” explained Habeeb. “Each business operation has its own benefits. The franchising model allows me to grow quicker with less capital. The owner-operator model allows me to keep control of the markets that are most important to me, as well as controlling the brand and philosophy.”In order to ensure he’d be setting up fellow entrepreneurs for success, Habeeb and his team dove deep into the ins and outs of what makes a winning franchise concept.&nbsp;“Understanding a franchise model was the most important aspect for me,” he said. “Finding a mentor was everything. You would be surprised by how many amazing people are willing to lend their expertise.”&nbsp;While the franchising process hasn’t been without its share of challenges, Habeeb is still confident in the future.&nbsp;

Caught Red-Pawed: Tommy Habeeb's Switch from 'Cheaters' to Doggy Daycare Franchising

1851 Franchise

Combining his entrepreneurial mentorship from Dick Clark and a passion for pet rescue ignited by Betty White, the “Cheaters” star is gearing up for a new venture.


caught-red-pawed-tommy-habeebs-switch-from-cheaters-to-doggy-daycare-franchising

Comfort Keepers

Comfort Keepers® Heats Up Franchise Growth as Current Owner Plans To Expand Into Little Rock, Arkansas

comfort-keepers-heats-up-franchise-growth-as-current-owner-plans-to-expand-into-little-rock-arkansas

Voodoo Brewing Co.

photo of five Voodoo Brewing Co. team members in brewery

Voodoo Brewing Co. Caps 2024 With Healthy Growth and Plans for 2025

voodoo-brewing-co-caps-2024-with-healthy-growth-and-plans-for-2025

Happy Joe’s Franchising

Happy Joe’s: A Beloved Tradition of Pizza, Family Fun and Cherished Memories

happy-joes-a-beloved-tradition-of-pizza-family-fun-and-cherished-memories

Integrity Franchise Group

From Amazon to Business Owner - From Employee to Entrepreneur

Tyler's Franchise Journey: From Amazon to Business Owner

tylers-franchise-journey-from-amazon-to-business-owner

BooXkeeping

The Top 5 Bookkeeping Challenges Multi-Unit Franchisees Face — And How to Overcome Them

the-top-5-bookkeeping-challenges-multi-unit-franchisees-face-and-how-to-overcome-them

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

Login

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

NRA: Restaurants Focus On Enhancing In-Store Experiences To Attract Diners in 2025

nra-restaurants-focus-on-enhancing-in-store-experiences-to-attract-diners-in-2025

The Joint Chiropractic - Dr. Anthony Tran - IFA Franchisee of the Year - 1851 Franchise

The Joint Chiropractic’s Dr. Anthony Tran Named Franchisee of the Year by the IFA

joint-chiropractic-dr-anthony-tran-ifa

TruGolf - Hybrid Golf Franchise - Nexus Golf - 1851 Franchise

TruGolf Links Unveils Revolutionary Hybrid Golf Franchise Concept

trugolf-links-unveils-revolutionary-hybrid-golf-franchise-concept

Photo of a basket of chicken wings with dipping sauce and celery

RestaurantNews: Franchisees File Comprehensive Legal Complaint Against Hurricane AMT

restaurantnews-franchisees-file-comprehensive-legal-complaint-against-hurricane-amt

Hooters - Bankruptcy Chapter 11 - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Prepares for Bankruptcy Amid Financial Struggles

hooters-prepares-for-bankruptcy-amid-financial-struggles

Call Center Solutions for Franchisors: How To Improve Lead Management and Customer Service

call-center-solutions-for-franchisors-how-to-improve-lead-management-and-customer-service

Franchise Customer Engagement | Spectrio — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

franchise-customer-engagement-spectrio-emerging-leaders-in-franchise-support

Franchise Call Center | AnswerConnect — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

franchise-call-center-answerconnect-emerging-leaders-in-franchise-support

How To Leverage Franchise Consultants To Scale Your Franchise System

how-to-leverage-franchise-consultants-to-scale-your-franchise-system

Domonique Downing - Big Frog Franchise - Fayetteville, GA - 1851 Franchise

Coca-Cola Scientist Finds Path to Autonomy with Big Frog Franchise in Fayetteville, Georgia

big-frog-franchise-fayetteville-georgia

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Franchisee spotlight featuring Ian and Dick Rydholm with gradient blue background and Sylvan logo

Ian and Dick Rydholm Celebrate 30 Years of Transforming Lives Through Sylvan Learning in El Paso, Texas

ian-and-dick-rydholm-celebrate-30-years-of-transforming-lives-through-sylvan

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

DOJ FTC Antitrust Guidelines - Franchise News - 1851 Franchise

DOJ and FTC Issue New Antitrust Guidelines with Implications for Franchising

doj-and-ftc-issue-new-antitrust-guidelines-with-implications-for-franchising

Military Veteran and Craft Beer Enthusiast to Bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Toledo, Ohio

military-veteran-and-craft-beer-enthusiast-to-bring-voodoo-brewing-co-to-toledo-ohio

Caught Red-Pawed: Tommy Habeeb's Switch from 'Cheaters' to Doggy Daycare Franchising

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS