K9 Resorts’ First Franchisee Continues to See Consistent Growth Four Years After Opening in Fairfield, New Jersey

When Andy Lubalin first signed on to become K9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel’s first franchisee, he knew that he was getting on the ground level of something completely unique. However, he never could have anticipated the long-term success that he’d be experiencing alongside the growing brand.

Lubalin was one of the first people to discover K9 Resorts—he was one of co-founders Jason and Steven Parker’s dog walking customers before the brand ever opened its doors for business. However, it wasn’t until he was looking for a new professional opportunity that he thought about investing with the brand. After working as a business consultant and traveling consistently, Lubalin realized that he wanted to be in one place and spend more time with his family. So, he decided to take a look at where K9 Resorts was heading.

“The Parker brothers were actually my dog walkers back in 2001 when my family first got our golden retriever. But a couple of years into us using them, they said that they were selling their dog walking business to open up a dog daycare center instead. I told them that they were crazy, but they clearly made the right call,” said Lubalin. “Fast forward to 2010, and I was looking for a career change. I took a tour of K9 Resorts’ facility and was immediately blown away—I knew that it was something that I wanted to be a part of. So, after talking it over with my wife, we decided to invest and become the brand’s first franchisees.”
Lubalin officially opened his K9 Resorts location for business in 2013, and has been growing alongside the brand ever since. After his first year in business alone, the location grew by 100 percent. And that type of success isn’t leveling off. Now, as Lubalin prepares to enter his fifth year of business with K9 Resorts, sales are currently up 26 percent over the year before. But according to Lubalin, this type of consistent growth isn’t surprising considering what K9 Resorts brings to the table.

“What brings people into this business is the attention to detail that goes into caring for man’s best friend. Our facilities are top of the line, from our commitment to cleanliness to luxury amenities for our four legged guests,” said Lubalin. “That focus on quality also extends to our customer service—I always say that we try to emulate the Disney model. There’s no such thing as providing too much to a customer, so we go above and beyond to help them in the best way that we can.”

Right now, there are seven K9 Resorts locations currently operating on the East Coast, including Lubalin’s. There are an additional five franchise units that are preparing to open up their doors, as well, proving that the brand is building on its already strong momentum. It’s no surprise that the concept is taking off—K9 Resorts offers aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to be a part of an emerging concept in an increasingly in-demand industry. And with preferred lenders who are willing to lend up to 75 percent of the total initial investment that ranges from $915,655 to $1,292,859, the brand also ensures that its franchise model is accessible for qualified and passionate candidates.

“As soon as you get past breakeven, the profits that you can bring in are insane,” said Lubalin. “It takes a lot of hard work to make sure you’re spending money on the right things and surviving that first year. But there’s no doubt that it’s worth it in the end. Once you’re over the hump, every dollar that you make in revenue leads to a profit margin that goes through the roof.”