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<a href="https://sylvanfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-sylvan-learnings-passion-based-business-model-turns-employees-into-bosses-2713159" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sylvan Learning</a> doesn’t just change the lives of its students — its model offers life-changing professional development for staff as well. In fact, its impressive network of franchisees includes countless stories of employees who grew with the brand in order to make major career advances. Both Jennifer Bellestri and Kai Lee Awaya-Yoder are examples of former <a href="https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning/">Sylvan Learning</a> employees whose passion for education has helped them thrive in their careers and become franchise owners. Both franchisees were able to find inspiration in their work to keep achieving and leading by example for the students they continue to serve.“My undergraduate degree is in psychology, but my family always told me I should be a teacher,” Bellestri said. “When I was in graduate school, I began substitute teaching part-time and realized that teaching really was for me. I changed course and became a certified special education teacher, but when I graduated, the job market was very competitive, so I started working at Sylvan in the interim.” Sylvan Learning’s small group setting offered Bellestri a chance to impact students on a daily basis — one of the main reasons she started teaching. After working as an instructor for just three months, Bellestri became the director of education at the center, and it became clear to her that a career with Sylvan Learning had the potential to be every bit as fulfilling as a traditional teaching role would. Over the next 25 years, Bellestri established herself as a Sylvan Learning center director and eventually worked her way up to owning her <a href="https://locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/highlands-ranch-lone-tree-co?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-sylvan-learnings-passion-based-business-model-turns-employees-into-bosses-2713159" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">own center in Highlands Ranch, Colorado</a>. “A value we have as a company and that I have personally as an owner is to deliver on the promise we make to our students and their families,” said Bellestri. “That’s what drives day-to-day business. I may be working more behind-the-scenes now, but when I’m within the four walls meeting families and working with students, my approach is still the same. We make a difference by building students’ confidence and helping them understand who they are as learners. We are responsible for finding new ways to employ the Sylvan Learning curriculum and have the freedom to do whatever we can to make an impact on each individual student.”With an incredible network of franchise partners and a <a href="https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning/sylvan-learnings-global-recognition-and-innovative-technology-inspired-franchisee-natalie-dipaolo-to-open-pleasantville-new-york-location-2711526#brand-latest-stories">multi-layered support system</a>, the Sylvan Learning team positions owners like Bellestri for continued success as part of the growing Sylvan family. “<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning/why-sylvan-learning-is-a-great-investment-for-2020-2711901#brand-latest-stories">Sylvan has a professional development path regardless of which role you begin in</a>,” said Georgia Chasen, Sylvan Learning’s vice president of franchise development. “We have seen center directors, teachers and even Sylvan Learning parents choose to embrace small business ownership as a franchisee, and one of our leading initiatives for 2020 is to continue to grow our franchisee support.” Another example of Sylvan Learning’s successful career opportunities is Kai Lee Awaya-Yoder. The Hawaii native originally started working at Sylvan Learning as a teenager when her mother met the owner of the <a href="https://locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/honolulu-hi?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-sylvan-learnings-passion-based-business-model-turns-employees-into-bosses-2713159" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kahala, Hawaii Sylvan Learning </a>center, Joe Weldon. After Awaya-Yoder’s brother began attending the center, the family quickly developed a strong relationship with the owner and the Sylvan Learning brand.“Twenty years ago, I was hired as a ‘book-puller’ at the Kahala Sylvan Learning center — back before everything was digitized,” said Awaya-Yoder. “Eventually, I worked my way from information and grant specialist to substitute teacher and then center director. Being able to see results on my students' faces when things click and the positive influence and appreciation from families really made me want to build a career with the company.” It was around that time that Awaya-Yoder met her future husband, Tobin Yoder, at a Sylvan Learning conference. He had also grown up with the Sylvan Learning brand back on the U.S. mainland — his parents purchased a <a href="https://locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/saginaw-mi?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-sylvan-learnings-passion-based-business-model-turns-employees-into-bosses-2713159" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sylvan location in Saginaw, Michigan</a> when he was in middle school. He spent some time participating in the center’s programs and even cleaned the center on weekends for some extra spending money. Many years later, Tobin<a href="https://locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/midland-mi?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-sylvan-learnings-passion-based-business-model-turns-employees-into-bosses-2713159" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> opened a center of his own in Midland, Michigan</a>.&nbsp;In the meantime, Kai Lee’s uncle, George Naito, was coming back to Hawaii from New York City, where he had been a high-powered building manager. Naito wanted to teach math to pass the time in his retirement. After doing some research, Naito purchased a different Sylvan center in Mililani, Hawaii and Kai Lee eventually went to work for him in 2007.When Awaya-Yoder’s uncle decided to retire from Sylvan Learning ownership after a long, varied and successful career, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning/how-much-does-it-cost-to-open-a-sylvan-learning-a-corporate-team-member-and-franchisee-break-down-the-cost-and-the-rewards-2711994#brand-latest-stories">the brand’s flexible financial model</a> made it very easy for Awaya-Yoder and her husband to take over his center.&nbsp;Now as a franchisee, Awaya-Yoder has been able to use the insight gained from serving in numerous roles within Sylvan Learning’s structure to her advantage in her own center. “As a center director, I was heavily involved in internal operations,” she said. “Now, I can look at the business as a whole and identify potential opportunities to maximize revenue and <a href="https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning/how-sylvan-learnings-path-to-ownership-positions-franchisees-for-success-2710338#stories">community engagement</a>, as well as communicate with staff to learn what is and isn't working.”Awaya-Yoder notes that while <a href="https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning/why-family-members-make-passionate-sylvan-learning-franchisees-2712266#brand-latest-stories">Sylvan Learning has provided so many opportunities for her entire extended family</a>, the biggest is the ability to make a difference in someone’s life. “We all know that success in school leads to having options later in life, such as being competitive for college and career opportunities,” she said.&nbsp;Bellestri echoes Amaya-Yoder’s sentiment, pointing to one specific relationship that has characterized her Sylvan Learning experience. “When I first started as an instructor, I was performing an assessment for a student who clearly didn’t want to be there,” she said. “This 10-year-old was so adamant about not participating that he ran out of the center and climbed a tree to avoid the assessment. It’s impressive in my memory because I had to literally talk him off of a ledge.” Eventually, the student climbed down, reluctantly took the assessment and became a successful Sylvan Learning student not long after. Years later, after the student moved on with his schooling, he paid Bellestri a visit.&nbsp; “When the same student was in high school, he stopped by our center and introduced himself, asking me if I remembered when he climbed a tree,” Bellestri said. “We laughed about it together, and he told me that he was doing well in school and thanked the center for our help. With Sylvan Learning, it always comes back, and I’ll definitely never forget that moment for illustrating very early on the impact of our work.” It’s stories like these that make both Bellestri and Awaya-Yoder thankful for their career journeys with Sylvan Learning. After<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning/sylvan-learning-remains-one-of-the-fastest-growing-education-franchises-40-years-after-founding-2710945#brand-latest-stories"> 40 years of business and counting</a>, Sylvan Learning not only offers an established brand name that customers can trust, but also provides franchisees with <a href="https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning/how-much-can-i-make-with-sylvan-learning-2710083#stories">an opportunity as rewarding financially as it is emotionally</a>. “In addition to giving kids the power to choose their own path, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning/how-sylvan-learnings-marc-platform-supplies-franchisees-with-the-tools-they-need-for-local-marketing-success-2712420#franchisor">Sylvan Learning has also given me the power to be my own boss</a> while having the systems in place to stay current and effective,” said Awaya-Yoder. “Sylvan Learning has been such an important part of my story, and I am proud to give back to the families of our community on a daily basis with the brand.”The startup costs for a Sylvan Learning franchise range from $70,270-$163,625. The franchise fee is $24,000. To learn more about franchising with Sylvan Learning, visit <a href="https://sylvanfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-sylvan-learnings-passion-based-business-model-turns-employees-into-bosses-2713159" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://sylvanfranchise.com/</a>.&nbsp;

How Sylvan Learning’s Passion-Based Business Model Turns Employees Into Bosses

1851 Franchise

Kai Lee Awaya-Yoder and Jennifer Bellestri’s passion for education helped them grow within the Sylvan Learning system from being instructors all the way to franchise ownership. 


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For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/elimcohen/">Eli Cohen</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a> represents more than just a restaurant — it’s the foundation for his next great venture and an extension of C5’s mission to&nbsp;build enduring, high-performing businesses through disciplined growth, great leadership and strong local teams.&nbsp;Drawn by Layne’s leadership, simplicity and scalability, Cohen and his team plan to develop 40 locations over the next decade across West Texas, San Antonio and the Coastal Bend — bringing the Soon to be Famous™ concept to new communities throughout the region.1851 Franchise spoke with Cohen to learn more about his background, his path to Layne’s and his vision for C5 Restaurants.1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Eli Cohen:&nbsp;Getting into QSR franchising is really my second act — and it’s been an exciting evolution. I built my first career in commercial real estate, co-founding a firm that acquired and operated more than $600 million in multifamily properties across the country. As the market matured and returns compressed, I started looking for my next challenge — something that combined entrepreneurship, operations and real estate.That search led to the restaurant industry and the formation of C5 Restaurants, our operating platform. I targeted the acquisition of the top-performing Fazoli’s franchise group in West Texas specifically because of the exceptional team in place — experienced operators with the capability and desire to grow well beyond those six locations.What drew me to QSR is that it still scratches the same itch I’ve always loved — every new restaurant is also a real estate deal. Developing 40 Layne’s locations over the next decade means 40 great projects to bring to life, and that part of the process is a lot of fun for me. Layne’s Chicken Fingers became the natural next step: a Texas-born brand with strong leadership, simple operations, and a culture that fits perfectly with how we build teams.1851 Franchise: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Cohen:&nbsp;Early on, I viewed franchising primarily as a real estate and investment vehicle — a way to own great locations and benefit from proven systems. But after stepping into the business, I’ve come to appreciate how powerful the model can be when it’s built around the right people.At C5 Restaurants, we see franchising as a platform to scale exceptional operators — not just a brand replication exercise. When a franchisor has a strong culture and a clear playbook, it allows local teams like ours to focus on execution, leadership and community impact. That combination of structure and autonomy is what makes the model work.1851 Franchise: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Cohen:&nbsp;I met with a lot of different brands, but Layne’s stood out immediately. There’s tremendous momentum in the chicken category, and I wanted a concept that could grow meaningfully across our Texas markets — West Texas, San Antonio and the Coastal Bend. But beyond the product and market opportunity, it really came down to the people.The Layne’s leadership team felt like true partners from day one. They’re smart, grounded and focused on sustainable growth. I also love the simplicity of the menu — it’s delicious, operationally clean and designed to scale. The economics work, the prototype is efficient, and the team has a disciplined approach to site selection and development.One thing that really impressed me was their willingness to say no. I brought them a ground-up site that looked great on paper — high visibility, strong traffic counts — but they turned it down because it wasn’t the right trade area. That level of discipline and long-term thinking is rare, and it reinforced that we were partnering with the right brand.For us at C5, Layne’s is more than a brand — it’s a platform to build great teams and great communities across South and West Texas.1851 Franchise: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Cohen:&nbsp;Our goal with C5 is to build a platform with real scale. We’re developing 40 Layne’s Chicken Fingers locations over the next decade, starting in West Texas and expanding through San Antonio, Corpus Christi and surrounding markets. Each region has strong demographics, steady growth and plenty of room for a Texas-born brand like Layne’s to thrive.We’re building a business designed for longevity — not just rapid unit growth. That means investing early in leadership, systems and infrastructure that can support dozens of restaurants efficiently. We already have a seasoned team in place with decades of experience operating high-volume restaurants, and that allows us to grow aggressively while maintaining quality and consistency.The long-term vision is to make C5 one of the leading multi-unit operators in Texas — a company known for building great teams and running great brands at scale.1851 Franchise: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Cohen:&nbsp;The most important part of what we’re building is the people behind it. We have an incredibly experienced team in Texas — operators who’ve been together for decades and know how to run great restaurants. They’re the reason we can grow with confidence.When I bought the Fazoli’s business, I wasn’t just acquiring restaurants — I was partnering with a team that had the talent and drive to build something much larger. That same group is now helping lead our Layne’s development under C5 Restaurants, and we’re continuing to add new talent as we expand. At the end of the day, great brands are built by great people, and we’re fortunate to have both.1851 Franchise: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Cohen:&nbsp;Talk to as many franchisees as you can. You learn a lot from hearing directly from the people already running the business day to day — what’s working, what’s challenging and how the franchisor supports them. When I was evaluating different brands, that part of the process told me almost everything I needed to know.Every single Layne’s franchisee I spoke with not only called me back but was genuinely enthusiastic about the brand and the leadership team. That kind of culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a good reminder that you’re not just buying a franchise — you’re joining a system. Make sure it’s one where people are happy to be part of it.ABOUT LAYNE'S CHICKEN FINGERSFounded in 1994 in College Station, the original location became a Texas A&amp;M legend known for its small-town charm, friendly service, iconic chicken fingers and secret sauce. While opening corporate locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the leadership team focused on fine tuning its operations and starting to franchise.&nbsp;&nbsp;Franchise opportunities range from $451,500 to $1,050,000 with different buildout options available. Learn more about franchising&nbsp;<a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/">here</a>.

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Eli Cohen, Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

C5 Restaurants Grows its Texas Footprint with 40 Layne’s Chicken Fingers Locations Planned Statewide

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Twin brothers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-VKBlQiiWI">Stephen and Matthew Westerman</a> have spent their entire lives building things together, both literally and professionally. From building homes in high school with their father to managing moving franchises in college to running a bathroom remodeling business, the two have shared just about every chapter of life. Now, they’re turning the page to their next big adventure: launching&nbsp;<a href="https://twomenandajunktruck.com/franchise">TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK</a> in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. With deep operational knowledge of the brand and a bold vision for growth, the Westermans are bringing trusted junk removal services to the Gulf Coast — with plans to scale even further.1851 spoke with the duo to learn more about their backgrounds, their collective path to franchising and their plans for the future with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/twomenandatruck/info">TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK</a>. Here’s what they had to say:&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Stephen Westerman: We’re twin brothers — grew up together, been best friends our whole life and share most of our life experiences. We went into business together 12 or 13 years ago, starting with a bathroom remodeling business. We were looking for areas to explore and started looking into TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK. We’ve been working together our whole lives — we both went to college at the same time.Matthew Westerman: We always wanted to work together, and that really started back in high school when we were building houses with our dad. After we got separate jobs post-college, we decided we really wanted to open a business together.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Stephen: We both got our master’s degrees and ended up getting jobs as movers at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. We worked with them while getting our degrees — did that for about two years — and eventually moved through almost all the positions at that location, up to general managers. We stayed there until we opened our bathroom remodeling business. We always liked the franchise system with that brand. When we decided we wanted to add another business line, we didn’t immediately think of franchising, but we were open. When we realized there was a junk franchise connected, we thought it might be the right concept.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Stephen: What sold us on this franchise was our experience with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. We were already really drawn to the junk industry, and when we saw that TWO MEN was behind this too, we knew they had the strength of the corporate office. Once we saw the team behind it, we realized it was a really brilliant team for support, and that made us a lot more comfortable moving forward.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Stephen: Our intention is to turn this into a multi-million dollar franchise. But our most important goal is just customer service — to serve the Gulf Coast and help remove stress from people’s lives by removing the junk in their spaces. Hopefully we’ll open two more franchises.Matthew: Our end goal would be sweeping the Gulf Coast — that would be about three franchises total.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Stephen: Life is risky. Don’t be afraid of risk. The only real risk in life is taking no risk at all.ABOUT TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK:Headquartered in Michigan, TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK is a full-service junk removal company that is committed to conquering your clutter. The company handles furniture pickup, appliance removal, debris cleanouts, and more, offering a hassle-free experience for residential and commercial customers. With over 70 locations across 23 U.S. states, the brand operates as a franchise-based business, and each location is independently owned and operated. TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK is part of ServiceMaster® Brands, a leading franchise provider of needs-based residential and commercial services in the restoration, cleaning, moving, and bioremediation industries. ServiceMaster was founded as one of America’s first franchise businesses and does business under seven brands today across 50 states and nine countries that generate more than $3.5B in system-wide sales. TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK is the sister brand of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, a trusted moving company founded in 1985, which operates 430 locations in 48 U.S. states, as well as in Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

image of stephen westerman and matthew westerman, owners Fort Walton Beach Two men and a junk truck

Twin Brothers Move From Managers to Owners with New TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK Franchise on the Gulf Coast

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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-deitzer-410b59176/">Joe Deitzer’s</a> path to franchising is far from traditional. After finishing high school, he pursued a career in cooking, eventually landing as executive chef at a summer camp. A lifelong passion for writing soon led him back to the classroom, where he attended college, worked toward a degree in English and explored work opportunities in UX content writing before pivoting to a role in screen printing. Suffice it to say, joining his father, David Deitzer, in co-ownership of a&nbsp;<a href="https://freshcoatfranchise.com/">Fresh Coat Painters</a> franchise wasn’t quite on the radar yet.Eventually, franchising became the perfect intersection where timing, opportunity and family could all meet. David, a seasoned small-business operator and CFO who’s helped grow many small businesses, was pondering the idea of a retirement investment while Joe sought greater stability and an opportunity to grow professionally. Together, the father and son settled on&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat Painters</a>, a brand with a strong proven business model refined over more than two decades, clear processes and the ability to provide painting services that truly matter to their Northwest Arkansas neighbors.“My dad and I get along well. We’ve had success together in the past, like hiking the Appalachian Trail together. So, we’re trying to build a family-focused, community-centered enterprise. It just seemed like the right fit for us,” Joe said. “We wanted to do something real, help our community and offer a service people would appreciate. Franchising gave us the support to get started without having to figure everything out ourselves.”Now, as both partners and co-owners, Joe and David are ready to turn that vision into a family-focused, community-centered reality that blends entrepreneurial drive with a strong commitment to great quality and strong customer service.1851 Franchise sat down with Joe to discuss his transition into the painting and ownership sector with Fresh Coat Painters, his experience learning alongside his father and the importance of strong franchising support. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise:&nbsp;Can you frame your personal story for us? How did you end up in franchising?Joe Deitzer: Sure. My background is in cooking. After high school, I worked my way up to chef and became the executive chef of a Christian summer camp where I live. Later, I went back to school for an English degree because I’d wanted to be a writer since I was a teenager.I graduated from John Brown University about a year and a half ago. While earning my degree, I did a UX content writing internship for three years. After graduating, I couldn’t find work in the UX industry, so I worked at a shop that screen prints t-shirts for just under a year.My dad was a small business owner when I was growing up. He’s now a CFO for small businesses that can’t afford one full-time. And he’s great with small business operations. He was looking for a good investment for retirement, and I was looking for a better job. Franchising seemed like a good fit. Through one of his friends, who sells franchises, we explored several options.&nbsp;We wanted something real that could help the community and offer a service people would appreciate. Painting seemed like the right fit.1851:&nbsp;How did you decide franchising made sense for you?Joe: My dad instilled an entrepreneurial spirit in me and my two older sisters. He gets excited about business ideas. And I share that to some degree. We discussed different business options, like woodworking, but franchising made sense because we didn’t want to start from scratch.Franchising offered support and processes to help us succeed from the start rather than figuring everything out ourselves.1851:&nbsp;What was your perception of franchising before becoming a Fresh Coat Painters franchisee and what do you want people to know now as you get ready to launch the business?Joe: I used to think franchising was for people who wanted it easy, maybe looking down on smaller operators. I also heard stories about people cutting corners, like operating without insurance or a business license.Now, I see franchising as a way to help people succeed in what they love. For us, that’s painting. We equip others to run their business properly, handle finances and provide excellent service.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick the brand and what excites you most about Fresh Coat Painters?Joe: I like their commitment to quality, both in painting and customer service. One of our commitments is the “333” rule: pick up the phone on the third ring, provide a quote within three days and start painting within three weeks. The brand equips its Fresh Coat Painters to deliver on that promise.1851:&nbsp;What are your goals for the business? Is there a plan for growth?Deitzer: Like any business owner, I want to be successful and grow. My mission is to offer the best painting services in Northwest Arkansas, provide for my family and contribute positively to the community.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for potential franchise owners?Deitzer: I’m just starting out myself. But I’d say keep hope alive, work hard, take action, manage your to-do lists and provide great customer service. That’s how you’ll separate yourself from the competition.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">https://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info</a>.ABOUT FRESH COAT PAINTERS:Fresh Coat Painters, the residential and commercial painting franchise under the Strategic Franchising Systems umbrella, offers a low-cost, high-margin business model that gives entrepreneurs from all walks of life the chance to become successful business owners in the communities they serve. Since starting in 2004, Fresh Coat has expanded to over 190 franchise locations nationwide. Thanks to its unparalleled professionalism and affordable business model, it has become one of the leading concepts in the booming residential and commercial painting segment. With continued year-over-year growth, Fresh Coat is well on its way to achieving its overall goal of becoming a truly iconic painting brand.

Father-Son Duo Brings Fresh Coat Painters Franchise to Northwest Arkansas

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Can you run a home service business if you can't fix a leaky faucet? Craig Lutz openly admits he’s not the handiest guy — his wife might even call him “the least handy person she’s ever met.” However, what he lacks in technical know-how, he makes up for in the kind of steady leadership that has defined every chapter of his life.&nbsp;Raised as a military brat, Lutz bounced around a lot before honoring the family tradition to enlist. He served in the Air Force during the Gulf War era, providing the foundation for him to earn two business degrees and forge a career in the private sector. Despite undeniable career success, he felt called to serve his community more directly through local government. In his decade of local politics, including four years as a Hall County Commissioner, Lutz has done far more than hold office; he’s actively built support systems for veterans in need.Now, he is channeling that drive into&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a>, creating a legacy for his family while helping seniors remain independent in their own homes. Lutz opened his location in late 2025 and is already serving Georgia’s Hall, Gwinnett, Barrow and Jackson counties. He proves that successful franchising isn't all about the technical; it’s about identifying a need, building a strong team and executing a vision.Lutz took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Craig Lutz:&nbsp;I always say I grew up a military brat, meaning we moved around a lot. I actually went to nine schools in twelve years. The fortunate aspect was that the last high school I went to is where I met my wife, and we have been married for over 36 years. We’ve got two daughters; one is a Navy veteran, and the other is a graduate from Georgia Tech. More personally, I served in the Air Force during the first Gulf War period. Then, after getting business degrees from Mercer and Kennesaw State, I went into private practice.&nbsp;I had an opportunity to serve the community through politics as well. I’ve always enjoyed serving the community in some tangible way, either through the military, politics, or most recently, through veteran service organizations. I saw a lot of situations where people were coming back from war, and they didn’t have the services they needed; some of them were getting into trouble with the law. We worked really hard here in Hall County to develop a court system specifically for veterans. Of all the things I was able to do in local politics, that was the thing I’m most proud of.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Lutz:&nbsp;I’ve worked a lot of different management roles in my time—from being a manager for a large telecommunications provider to several distribution companies. I got to the point in my career where I wanted to do something where I could bring my family along. The business model that we’re running here is family-run; my youngest daughter is currently acting as my office manager, and her fiancé is my field manager. I looked at a bunch of franchising roles, but this one had a great niche that I didn’t see with a lot of others—aging in place. I felt like this lens made the franchise opportunity worthwhile, not only financially, but personally gratifying as well.&nbsp;1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Lutz: One of the perceptions I had was, ‘Why would I want to pay somebody to work for them?’ The second thing was, ‘Why would I pay you for something I could probably do myself?’ I had to sit down and think about where I could add value within the structure. After starting this franchise, I don’t think I could have gotten this thing off the ground nearly as fast as I did without the support. Our franchisor does a great job of not necessarily holding your hand, but putting all the checkmarks in front of you so you can plan everything out. I found that it makes sense to follow a franchise model when the model has been laid out for you. I don't mind paying a franchise fee when I can see the impact of the services I’m receiving back.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Lutz: I was approached by a franchise consultant out of the blue, and whatever he said intrigued me enough to take another call. In talking to my friends and family about the different options, almost all of them perked up when I brought up&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">TruBlue</a>. On our neighborhood sites or Facebook, somebody is always asking around for somebody who can lend a hand or help out—whether it's hanging up a picture or putting up a simple TV mount. A lot of people have a real need for that. So that’s kind of what got us involved with it. I thought, ‘I've got some pretty handy people around my family and friends, and we could certainly put together a business that we think can go out and help the community.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Lutz: First of all, I want to set up a business that can be generational. I’m really looking forward to making the business successful and then handing it off to my kids—in this particular case, one child and her fiancé. As far as growth goes, I believe that the growth needs to be somewhat realistic. If you were to buy up territory and grow your area, then your service is going to diminish based on your resources. Could I go buy another franchise with the franchisor? Absolutely—and it’s probably the smarter way to grow. If I were to pull everything into this franchise, eventually you spend more time driving to locations than you do actually helping people. My intent is to have our guys spend more of their time in customer contact than behind the wheel driving in Atlanta traffic.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Lutz:&nbsp;Don’t be afraid of getting into something that you don’t necessarily know. Get excited about the things that you believe will have a personal impact. If you were to have asked my wife a few years ago about me owning a handyman franchise, she would have said I was the least handy person that she’d ever met! A man has to know his limitations, so you’re not going to find me out swinging hammers and climbing ladders. But what I can do is identify great opportunities to engage with the public, put together big teams, and develop them. The fear of not knowing has to be put behind you. You really just need to get excited about what you can do to enhance your own happiness or self-gratification and then move forward from there.About TruBlue Home Service Ally:TruBlue Home Service Ally® provides a unique and affordable approach to helping busy adults and seniors live a worry-free life by offering trustworthy handyman, home maintenance and senior modification services. Helping you maintain your home both inside and out, TruBlue’s services include handyman projects and to-do list chores, preventative home maintenance programs, kitchen and bath remodels, seasonal work, and senior modification services, all handled by professional, bonded and insured Tru-Pro® Technicians. TruBlue franchise owners are required to complete senior home safety certification programs through the NAHB and Age Safe America. As certified specialists, TruBlue franchisees are able to perform aging in place home safety assessments and can make recommended safety modifications as needed.All locations are independently owned and operated. Service offerings, certifications, and licenses vary by location.

Image of Craig Lutz Hall County   Tru Blu Franchisee

The Ballot Box or the Toolbox? Craig Lutz Puts the ‘Service’ in TruBlue Home Service Ally

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Many people see their pets as part of the family. With that mindset becoming the norm, services like day care and quality boarding are no longer seen as extras, but as an important part of giving pets a happy, healthy life. This shift, coupled with a rising “do it for me” mentality and increased need for care due to return-to-office mandates, positions daycare and boarding concepts very favorably.For entrepreneurs looking to break into the industry and cater to growing demand, these 15 boarding and daycare franchises are great opportunities for 2026:<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-happy-cat-hotel-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722849">Happy Cat Hotel &amp; Spa</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://happycatfranchising.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/happy-cat-hotel-franchise-costs">Growth Club</a></li><li>Investment Range: $398,000 - $878,000</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;12</li></ul>Happy Cat Hotel &amp; Spa carves out a unique and underserved niche in the pet care market by focusing specifically on cats. With a boutique model that provides a quiet, dog-free environment, the brand appeals to discerning cat owners. And, with themed suites, grooming services and a retail component, franchisees can capture multiple streams of revenue.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-the-dog-stop-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723230">The Dog Stop</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://thedogstop.com/franchise-opportunities/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/dog-stop-franchise">Growth Club</a></li><li>Investment Range: $553,500 - $1,112,800</li><li>Unit Count: 35+</li></ul>The Dog Stop operates an all-in-one model that provides day care, boarding, grooming and training services. With a focus on safety and highly trained staff, the franchise appeals to pet parents with high standards and can be run as a semi-absentee model with the right people in place.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-dogtopias-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721549">Dogtopia</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.dogtopia.com/franchising-us/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$543,095 - $1,399,180</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;285+&nbsp;</li></ul>Dogtopia is a premium franchise focused on dog day care. The brand has a membership model that encourages recurring visits, creating a stable and predictable revenue stream for franchisees.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-central-bark-usa-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2725648">Central Bark</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://centralbarkfranchising.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$569,200 - $1,394,250</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;40+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Central Bark leverages a science-backed, “whole dog care” approach. While its primary offering is doggy day care, it focuses on enrichment through play, learning and socialization, and it also gives dogs an ample chance to rest. The brand’s weekly attendance policy keeps dogs acclimated and provides predictable revenue for franchisees.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-dogdrop-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2724575">Dogdrop</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.dogdrop.co/franchise">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$360,800 - $650,160</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;4&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Dogdrop is a modern, tech-forward brand that focuses on convenient pet care for busy pet owners, often in high-traffic neighborhoods. A smaller footprint lowers the initial investment and, by focusing exclusively on day care services, franchisees can elevate service and become the local experts.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-hounds-town-usas-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721298">Hounds Town USA</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://houndstownusa.com/franchising/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$475,875 - $1,278,489</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;75+</li></ul>Hounds Town USA is a dog day care concept that uses a proprietary system to group dogs by temperament and psychology, encouraging safer, more comfortable play between animals. Because Hounds Town USA focuses on a dog-friendly, “no frills” build-out, initial costs can be lower than other day care concepts.<h2>Leader of the Pack</h2><ul><li><a href="https://leaderofthepackfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$341,665 - $647,304</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;2</li></ul>Leader of the Pack is a full-service franchise. Though it began as a dog training concept, it evolved to provide day care and boarding services, too. One of the brand’s key differentiators is its cage-free approach, catering to pet owners who do not want their animals crated or in single kennels for the duration of their stay.<h2>K9 Resorts</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.k9franchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$2,280,530 - $3,604,802</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;48&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>K9 Resorts is a luxury “five-star hotel” experience for dogs, offering an elevated experience for discerning dog owners. The brand has state-of-the-art facilities and a model that focuses on higher-margin overnight boarding, which positions franchisees to reach profitability sooner.<h2>Camp Run-A-Mutt</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.camprunamutt.com/franchise/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$526,000 - $1,040,000</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;12&nbsp;</li></ul>Camp Run-A-Mutt’s cage-free model, which includes dogs being supervised 24/7, appeals to a large segment of pet owners. With additional amenities like splash ponds and live cameras, the brand has several differentiators that help it stand out in the market.<h2>All American Pet Resorts</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.allamericanpetresorts.com/franchise-opportunities/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range: $798,000 - $1,650,000</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;12</li></ul>All American Pet Resorts is a premium boarding facility that offers more of a “resort” experience. With a 24/7 human presence and pet “suites,” rather than cages or crates, All American Pet Resorts prioritizes comfort — and peace of mind for the pet parent — and a healthy, safe experience.<h2>Preppy Pet</h2><ul><li><a href="https://preppypet.com/preppypetfranchises/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$100,000 - $300,000</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;20+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Preppy Pet is a lower-investment, high-potential pet care model. In addition to boarding dogs, the brand will care for cats, birds and small animals, which broadens the potential client base and diversifies revenue streams.<h2>Playful Pack</h2><ul><li><a href="https://playfulpack.com/franchising">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$286,250 - $489,000</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;12&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Playful Pack is a modern day care and boarding franchise that focuses on creating an engaging, enriching experience for each dog. By providing mental and physical stimulation, the brand stands out above other day care models that rely exclusively on play groups for exercise.<h2>Camp Bow Wow</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.campbowwow.com/franchising">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$1,216,577 - $2,037,471</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;220+</li></ul>Camp Bow Wow offers a full-service model that allows pets to receive grooming and training services while at “camp.” As a major national brand, Camp Bow Wow provides franchisees instant credibility, and the brand’s commitment to safety and transparency is an attractive attribute for pet parents.<h2>Pet Play Place</h2><ul><li><a href="https://petplayplace.com/franchise/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;<a href="https://petplayplace.com/contact/">Contact franchisor</a></li><li>Unit Count: 2</li></ul>Pet Play Place is a franchise brand focused on a fun, innovative enrichment experience. With day care and boarding, “oasis” play and themed events, the brand has multiple ways for franchisees to engage their communities and capture revenue.<h2>TailWaggers Doggy Daycare</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.tailwaggersdoggydaycare.com/franchising">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range: $712,300 - $1,107,667&nbsp;</li><li>Unit Count: 9</li></ul>TailWaggers is a day care and boarding franchise that offers all-day play, enrichment activities and careful socialization. With temperature-controlled facilities and no scheduled nap times, TailWaggers positions itself as a trustworthy provider for local pet parents.The pet boarding and daycare space is thriving, largely driven by pet owners who view their pets as family and are hesitant to leave them home alone or crated all day. With a range of models, from straightforward, lower-investment brands to niche, luxury concepts, there is an investment opportunity for any entrepreneur looking to get their start in the lucrative pet industry.For more information on pet-related franchise opportunities, check out these related stories on 1851:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/central-bark-celebrates-the-power-of-rescue-with-therapy-dog-petunia-2726159#stories">Central Bark Celebrates the Power of Rescue With Therapy Dog Petunia</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/industry/pet-animal-franchise-opportunities">How to Buy a Profitable Pet Franchise Business</a></li></ul>

Photo of group of dogs standing together in day care facility

Top Pet Boarding and Day Care Franchise Opportunities for 2026

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<a href="https://www.chick-fil-a.com/franchise">Chick-fil-A</a> is one of the most recognizable names in the quick-service restaurant industry. With its signature chicken sandwiches, customer-first culture and impressive per-unit sales, the brand is often at the top of the list for entrepreneurs researching restaurant franchises. But if you’re wondering how to buy a franchise with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-rise-of-chick-fil-a-americas-number-one-chicken-franchise-2727483#stories">Chick-fil-A</a>, you’ll quickly realize that this opportunity comes with a unique set of requirements — and not everyone qualifies.<h2>Chick-fil-A Franchise Requirements</h2>Chick-fil-A is different from most restaurant franchises because it doesn’t take a large amount of money to get started.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-does-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-cost-2715278#stories">The franchise fee is $10,000</a>, and applicants don’t need to show a specific net worth or liquid assets. The lower cost, however, comes with a trade-off. The company has one of the toughest application processes in franchising and places strict rules on how the business must be run.To be considered for a Chick-fil-A franchise, applicants need to show that they can legally run a business in the United States and have a solid professional background. The brand generally looks for people with at least five years of work experience and some history of leading teams. A clean financial record is important, too, since anyone with a bankruptcy on file won’t move forward in the process. The $10,000 franchise fee has to come directly from the candidate’s own funds rather than loans or gifts. On top of that, operators are expected to commit to the restaurant full time, which means stepping away from other active business ventures and putting all of their focus into building and leading their Chick-fil-A location.Candidates also need to be fluent in written and spoken English and commit to full-time, hands-on involvement in the restaurant. In fact, Chick-fil-A expects its franchisees to divest from any other active business ventures so that they can focus entirely on operating their location.Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Chick-fil-A receives tens of thousands of applications each year but approves only about one percent, making the opportunity one of the most competitive in franchising.<h2>A Hands-On, Operational Model</h2>One thing that makes Chick-fil-A stand out is how it expects its restaurants to be run. Owners can’t just hire managers and step back like in many other franchises. Instead, operators are expected to be hands-on with the daily business.Chick-fil-A also keeps more control over key parts of the operation than most franchisors. The company chooses the location, builds the restaurant and provides the equipment. The operator’s main role is to deliver excellent service and lead a team that meets the brand’s standards.This is not a passive investment or a multi-unit opportunity. Chick-fil-A intentionally limits each franchisee to a single location, ensuring that operators are deeply engaged in leading their restaurant and contributing to the surrounding community. For many, this model is appealing because it emphasizes leadership and culture-building rather than simply financial investment.<h2>Why It Matters</h2>For people thinking about franchising, Chick-fil-A’s requirements show why the brand is both appealing and difficult to get into. The low cost to start, the strong name recognition and the sales numbers make it one of the most appealing restaurant franchises out there, but the rules and competitive selection process make it a tough opportunity to land.On the other hand, the strict operational structure, high profit-sharing arrangement and extremely competitive application process can make it a tough fit for entrepreneurs who want more flexibility or who prefer to run multiple concepts at once.If you are considering how to buy a franchise with Chick-fil-A, it’s important to carefully evaluate whether you align with the brand’s expectations. The operators who tend to do well are the ones who like being in the restaurant every day, working with their team and serving customers. For people who want to be closely involved in one business, the Chick-fil-A model can be both profitable and satisfying.For more info on Chick-fil-A, check out these related stories on 1851 Franchise:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/chick-fil-a-takes-the-crown-as-the-nations-premier-chicken-chain-2727486#stories">Chick-fil-A Takes the Crown as the Nation’s Premier Chicken Chain</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-owning-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-2725069#stories">The Pros and Cons of Owning a Chick-fil-A Franchise</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/chick-fil-a-emerges-as-the-leader-in-the-us-chicken-chain-industry-2727457#stories">Chick-fil-A Emerges as the Leader in the U.S. Chicken Chain Industry</a></li></ul>

Do You Qualify? A Look at the Chick-fil-A Franchise Requirements

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Americans are spending more on their pets than ever before. Data from the&nbsp;<a href="https://americanpetproducts.org/industry-trends-and-stats">American Pet Products Association&nbsp;</a>shows the industry hit $152 billion in 2024, and sales are expected to reach $157 billion in 2025.With 77% of pet owners saying the economy hasn’t affected their spending, pet supply and retail franchises are positioned to thrive in this environment of steady consumer demand and rising industry growth.For entrepreneurs, this resilience makes pet supply and retail franchises an appealing path to ownership right now. Here are 15 top options to consider.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-pet-wants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722308">Pet Wants</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants">1851 Newsroom&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range: $137,850 - $219,000</li><li>Unit Count: 160+</li></ul>Pet Wants sells fresh, small-batch pet food and wellness products delivered straight to pet owners. The brand started in 2010 and has grown into a flexible franchise model with mobile and retail options. Owners benefit from strong community engagement and a scalable system.<h2>Pet Evolution</h2><ul><li><a href="https://petevolutionfranchising.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/pet-evolution-care-franchise">Growth Club</a></li><li>Investment Range: $595,300 - $1,225,500</li><li>Unit Count: 28</li></ul>Pet Evolution calls itself the “Whole Foods for Pets,” offering premium food, grooming, toys and a self-serve dog wash. The brand also created a Good Life Membership and a Mobile Nail Van for steady, recurring income. With a focus on healthy food and high standards, it appeals to pet owners who want the best for their animals.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-the-dog-stop-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723230">The Dog Stop</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://thedogstop.com/franchise-opportunities/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/dog-stop-franchise">Growth Club</a></li><li>Investment Range: $553,500 - $1,112,800</li><li>Unit Count: 35+</li></ul>The Dog Stop is a full-service pet care center with day care, boarding, grooming, training and retail. Dogs enjoy indoor and outdoor play yards while owners find food, toys and treats in the store. It’s designed as a one-stop shop for dogs and their families.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-pet-supplies-plus-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721654">Pet Supplies Plus</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.petsuppliesplusfranchising.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range: $540,520 - $1,975,005</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;735+</li></ul>Pet Supplies Plus is one of the largest pet retail chains in the country with a neighborhood-style approach. Stores carry food, supplies, small animals and offer grooming and wash stations. Founded in 1988, the brand continues to expand nationwide.<h2>Wild Birds Unlimited</h2><ul><li><a href="https://franchise.wbu.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range: $226,601 - $378,977</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;340+</li></ul>Wild Birds Unlimited sells products for backyard bird feeding and nature watching. Customers can find bird food, feeders and accessories in its stores across North America. The franchise has grown to more than 300 locations by serving a loyal community of bird enthusiasts.<h2>Petland</h2><ul><li><a href="https://petland.com/franchise-opportunities/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range: $315,500 - $1,080,500</li><li>Unit Count: 200+ worldwide</li></ul>Petland has been around since 1967 and now operates worldwide. The stores sell pets, food, and supplies, and also focus on animal care and adoption programs. Franchisees benefit from a long history, strong systems and an international presence.<h2>Ben's Barketplace</h2><ul><li><a href="https://bensbarketplace.com/own-a-bens/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range: $241,500 - $414,500</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;10</li></ul>Ben’s Barketplace is a small chain that sells premium food, treats, toys and other essentials for pets. The brand puts a big focus on healthy diets and natural products for dogs and cats. With 10 locations, it has built its reputation around community and local service.<h2>Pet Depot</h2><ul><li><a href="https://petdepot.net/retail-franchise/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$177,500 - $1,734,500</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;22&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Pet Depot runs in different formats, from full pet stores to veterinary hospitals and smaller Barkery shops. The company is known for carrying natural pet foods and giving franchisees strong buying power and marketing help. Owners get the backing of a big brand while still being able to keep a local, independent feel.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-earthwise-pet-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2725581">EarthWise Pet</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.earthwisepetfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range: $486,500 - $863,000</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;160+</li></ul>EarthWise Pet focuses on natural food, grooming and wellness products for dogs and cats. Many stores include self-wash stations and professional grooming services. With more than 160 locations, it combines specialty retail with growing consumer demand for healthy pet care.<h2>The Healthy Animal</h2><ul><li><a href="http://www.thehealthyanimal.com/franchise/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$101,700 - $198,700</li><li>Unit Count: 2</li></ul>The Healthy Animal is a very small but growing brand with just two locations. It focuses on natural, healthy food and products for pets. Owners get the chance to build a business in a niche with strong local connections..<h2>Woof Gang Bakery&nbsp;</h2><ul><li><a href="https://franchise.woofgangbakery.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range: $184,420 - $506,620</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;90+</li></ul>Woof Gang Bakery is a pet shop that also offers grooming and fresh-baked treats for dogs. The stores stand out for their bright look, boutique-style products, and personal service. With more than 90 locations, the brand has become well known in the pet retail market.<h2>Wag N' Wash</h2><ul><li><a href="https://wagnwashfranchising.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range: $520,520 - $1,357,600</li><li>Unit Count: 25+</li></ul>Wag N’ Wash is a pet store that sells food, toys and grooming products while also giving owners a place to wash their pets. The shops are designed to feel fun and welcoming for the local community. By mixing retail with services, the brand brings in steady foot traffic and repeat customers.<h2>Paw Street Market</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.pawstreetmarket.com/service/franchise-inquiries/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pawstreetmarket.com/service/franchise-inquiries/">Contact franchisor</a></li><li>Unit Count: 6 (Canada)</li></ul>Paw Street Market is a Canadian pet retail chain with six locations. It offers food, treats and supplies for dogs and cats. The brand focuses on local service and specialty products.<h2>Trophy Pet Foods</h2><a href="https://www.trophypetfoods.co.uk/franchise-opportunities/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a>Investment Range: £13,995 minimumUnit Count: 11 (U.K.)Trophy Pet Foods is a U.K.-based franchise that delivers British-made, natural pet food straight to customers’ doors. Franchisees act as nutritional advisors, offering free consultations and building lasting relationships with pet owners while providing ethically approved, premium recipes. With a proven system and strong consumer demand for quality and convenience, Trophy gives owners the chance to run a flexible business rooted in care for pets.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-hounds-town-usas-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721298">Hounds Town USA</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.houndstownfranchise.com/">Franchise Website</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$475,875 - $1,278,489</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;75+</li></ul>Hounds Town USA offers day care, boarding, grooming and pet taxi services. Facilities are designed for fun, safe and affordable pet care. With more than 75 units, the franchise is growing quickly in the booming pet services sector.Spending on pets is at an all-time high, and demand shows no signs of slowing down. From small specialty shops to nationwide chains, these franchises give owners different ways to serve pet families. For anyone looking to run a business, it’s a chance to step into a growing market built around the bond people have with their pets.For more information on pet-related franchise opportunities, check out these related stories on 1851:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/dogtrainingelite/dog-training-elite-franchisees-go-from-the-oil-fields-to-the-dog-park-2726257">Dog Training Elite Franchisees Go From the Oil Fields to the Dog Park</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/how-pet-wants-franchisees-rapidly-grow-their-businesses-from-mobile-to-brick-and-mortar-locations-2726266#growing-a-franchise">How Pet Wants Franchisees Rapidly Grow Their Businesses from Mobile to Brick-and-Mortar Locations</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/petbar/petbar-franchise-opportunity-boutique-pet-grooming-2729681">How petbar Makes Pets and Their Owners Happy as Part of the Family in a Clean and Fun Environment</a></li></ul>

The Top 15 Pet Supplies and Retail Franchises for 2025

The Top 15 Pet Supplies and Retail Franchises for 2026

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A new study indicates that United States companies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/ai-drives-worst-october-layoffs-in-over-20-years-6748836/">cut more than 150,000 jobs this month</a>, the most positions cut in October in over two decades.Generally, the U.S. job market sees an increase in positions as the holidays near, with seasonal and temporary jobs ramping up in areas like retail, food service, hospitality, warehousing and logistics. But Amazon announced this week that it will lay off 14,000 corporate workers (cuts which could wind up being the largest in Amazon’s three decades) in addition to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/logistics/united-parcel-service-ups-q3-earnings-report-2025-stock-jobs-layoffs-1d954f75">nearly 50,000 jobs dropped by UPS</a> in 2025.Conducted by outplacement firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.challengergray.com/">Challenger, Gray &amp; Christmas Inc.</a>, the new study states that the October cuts are the most significant since 2003, as the rise of the smart phone was beginning to take hold, upending the way business is conducted fast.What’s in play this time and how can it impact franchises?<h2>The Rise of AI</h2>Like smartphones before it, the brisk onset of AI is continually shaking up the way American work gets done.Overall, the U.S. has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2025-11-06/us-companies-announce-most-october-job-cuts-in-over-20-years">lost more than one million jobs</a> in 2025 (the most since COVID radically altered the work landscape five years ago). Recent U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2025/ai-impacts-in-bls-employment-projections.htm">Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers</a> indicate that AI could take a particularly quick hold in the computing, business/financial, architectural/engineering and legal sectors.&nbsp;Historically speaking, as jobs disappear amidst layoffs, franchising has generally highlighted a road forward for those looking to invest in and take more control of both their futures and careers.<h2>The Impact on Franchising</h2>While the food industry continues to experiment with ideas like robotics and automation in an effort to simplify repetitive kitchen tasks and streamline processes, AI is typically utilized for two reasons: the quick delivery of data and improvement of overall work efficiency.While franchised restaurant chains have begun attempting to incorporate AI as part of a more convenient drive-thru experience, there’ve been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgyk2p55g8o">hiccups</a>.&nbsp;But using AI to deliver reams of data insights has proven to be an invaluable tool when it comes to identifying trends, delivering more accurately-targeted marketing efforts while improving digital ad optimization, potentially boosting overall business.In terms of improving services like scheduling and inventory management, AI can have a positive impact on the work experience while enhancing productivity.&nbsp;On the customer side, AI-generated data can help franchised businesses better personalize the services offered to their customer base. It can also double as a much quicker way to assess areas for improvement as assessed via customer feedback and reviews. Chatbots and virtual assistants can handle ideas like customer inquiries and even reservations, simplifying processes while improving the overall guest experience.&nbsp;<h2>What’s Next?</h2>Like most tech, the onset of AI is progressing quickly in a largely unabated fashion.Even with the holiday package shipping season approaching, AI seems to be at least partially responsible for 2025 cuts in the warehousing and logistics sectors (as evidenced by significant recent cuts at both Amazon and UPS).&nbsp;While speculation tends to vary, some studies indicate that AI could eliminate&nbsp;<a href="https://fortune.com/2025/10/07/100-million-jobs-at-risk-of-elimination-senator-bernie-sanders-report-ai-kill-40-hour-workweek/">more than 100 million jobs</a>, especially in the entry-level or low wage sectors, over the next 10 years.But while areas like computing seem to face imminent peril, the franchising world continues to provide options for the independent-minded entrepreneur looking to take control of their futures and career.&nbsp;Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/ai-drives-worst-october-layoffs-in-over-20-years-6748836/">here</a>.For more recent news on AI’s impact on franchising, check out these related articles on 1851 Franchise:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/ai-is-reshaping-franchising-100-billion-valuations-and-hyper-localized-advertising-2729847#stories">AI Is Reshaping Franchising: $100 Billion Valuations and Hyper-Localized Advertising</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-franchise-brands-can-prepare-for-the-rise-of-ai-driven-advertising-2729548#stories">How Franchise Brands Can Prepare for the Rise of AI-Driven Advertising</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/coffee-and-analytics-ai-can-supercharge-your-franchise-content-marketing-2728309">Coffee and Analytics: AI Can Supercharge Your Franchise Content Marketing</a></li></ul>

AI-related job cuts, October U.S. job cuts, American job cut record

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