Insurance Executive-Turned-Pet Daycare Franchisee Signs on with Hounds Town USA as the Brand’s First Multi-Unit Owner

At 46 years old, Detroit native Peter Mourad found himself faced with an opportunity that many regard as exciting: thanks to the sale of his family’s successful insurance agency, Mourad could retire. As the Executive VP of Sales as A.E. Mourad Agency, Mourad had loved interacting with people and working closely with clients. Looking out over the dog days of retirement, Mourad knew he wasn’t yet ready to give that up.

“I wanted that next step to be something that could be my own,” Mourad said. “I wanted the ability to make it as successful as the effort that I put into it.”

Immediately after selling A.E. Mourad Agency, Mourad began researching franchise opportunities. Hounds Town USA came up in his online search and immediately captured the dog lover’s attention.

“I was struck by the opportunity to operate multiple locations within their proven business model,” Mourad said. “And I’m a huge dog lover and I’ve had dogs my entire life—I currently have a Weimaraner-Beagle mix named Fletcher—so it was a natural fit.”

Mourad sent in an online application and was immediately connected with a representative. After two months of due diligence with Hounds Town Leadership, Mourad had not only fallen in love with the brand, but knew that Hounds Town USA was the perfect match he’d been looking for.

Mourad signed a three-unit deal and is currently preparing to launch the first of three planned locations in summer 2019 in Troy, Michigan, about 20 miles from downtown Detroit. Mourad said he’s more than excited to bring the New York-based franchise to the Detroit area.

“Over the last 10 years, Detroit has made one of the most incredible comebacks, and it’s so exciting,” shared Mourad. “With a steadily growing economy and a culture of real hometown pride coming back, it’s a great space to be in. And there’s such a love of dogs in the city. I’m confident that Hounds Town USA will be successful here.”

Some competition from other pet daycare brands exists in the market, but Hounds Town’s model keeps it affordable for most consumers, which Mourad emphasized will provide him a competitive advantage. Hounds Town also keeps the door open to all kinds and temperaments of dogs thanks to a collective "dog pack" approach consistent with dogs' psychological needs. This puts Hounds Town USA leaps and bounds ahead of the competition.

Founder and CEO of Hounds Town USA Mike Gould echoed Mourad’s excitement, saying that he anticipates major growth in the Detroit market, and beyond.

“Hounds Town USA is unique because we have no hidden charges or fees, and we group dogs by temperament, so when your pet visits, you know they’re getting the most positive experience for them at the greatest possible value to you,” Gould said. “Detroit is a great fit for our unique approach because the community is experiencing tremendous growth and vitality. There’s more and more pet owners making Detroit their home, and they directly benefit from the friendly service Hounds Town USA offers.”

After opening his Troy location this summer, Mourad plans to open to more Hounds Town USA locations over the next three and a half years.

Looks like, when it comes to Detroit, Hounds Town USA is here to (sit,) stay.

The start-up costs for opening a Hounds Town USA is $175,300 to $249,000 with a $39,000 franchise fee. To learn more about franchising opportunities with Hounds Town USA, click here.