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After spending years in demanding corporate roles,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-wiggins-09b251115/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kansas-couple-opens-childrens-lighthouse-gardner-olathe-2729727" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tyler</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-wiggins-949184134/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kansas-couple-opens-childrens-lighthouse-gardner-olathe-2729727" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Madison Wiggins</a> found themselves longing for more time with their kids and a deeper connection to their community. Like many parents, they were juggling long workdays with hectic evenings, barely getting to enjoy time with their children during the week. That realization led them to rethink their careers and explore opportunities that would allow them to build something meaningful, not just for themselves, but for other families too.That journey brought them to&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kansas-couple-opens-childrens-lighthouse-gardner-olathe-2729727" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Children’s Lighthouse</a>. The couple is now taking over two locations in Gardner and Olathe, Kansas, with the goal of creating nurturing, high-quality environments where children can grow and thrive. As parents who have relied on childcare themselves, Tyler and Madison know exactly what families are looking for: trust, transparency and a place that truly feels like a second home. Now, they’re excited to bring that vision to life with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a> in the very communities they live in and love.1851 Franchise spoke to the couple about their franchise journey and plans for the future.&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Tyler Wiggins:&nbsp;Madison and I both worked corporate jobs, and I still do. Madison was an accounting manager. Once we had our second kid, both kids were in day care. We were in this situation where it felt like every day we were getting the kids home around 5:30 or 6:00, and we had to start bedtime at 6:30.When it comes to having kids, the whole weekend is spent recovering from the week, trying to get the house back in order, getting meals made — all that. We were in this situation where we felt like we were going to miss our kids’ childhoods, for lack of a better word.When we had our second kid, Madison took an extended maternity leave. She was at home for five months, and over that time, we kind of learned that maybe being a stay-at-home mom isn’t necessarily the best thing for us or Madison. Some people want to be building something out there.So we started looking for a way to give Madison a career but also be able to see our kids throughout the day, to have your cake and eat it too. We started talking with other childcare franchises and Children's Lighthouse.&nbsp;As we started talking about what our childcare facility would look like, how we would do things differently, and how we could provide a truly valuable resource to families, I think Madison and I both found that we feel pretty strongly about this. The quality of childcare a child receives is highly correlated with good outcomes later in life. The idea that getting good care is something kids are entitled to really resonated with both of us. That’s been what has been driving us since then.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?Madison Wiggins:&nbsp;My dad has bought and sold several franchises over the last 20 years, so I’ve seen what it’s like to be a franchisee. We were really interested in having that support from a corporate entity as we started our business journey. That’s a major reason we chose Children’s Lighthouse, because of their corporate team, their franchisee team and the support they offer.They’ve been great to work with, and it’s been reassuring over and over again that we chose the right franchise. It really comes down to the support that’s offered as you get your business off the ground. There’s expertise in every facet of the business, which has been helpful, especially because Tyler and I are parents who’ve worked in the corporate world. We like to say we are our own customer — our kids have been in day care for the last three years, so we know what it’s like. But we’ve never owned or taught in a day care, so having that operational expertise has been important as we enter this new industry.Tyler:&nbsp;I agree with that. The only thing I’d add is that we’ve talked about how, to be successful owning a childcare facility, you really need three things: a heart for kids, a mind for how a business runs and knowledge of how a childcare facility operates.A lot of people get into childcare with a huge heart for kids, but they’re missing those other two pieces, which makes things really hard. Madison and I have a heart for the kids and a good head for business, but the operations of a childcare facility are so complex — there are so many moving parts and the stakes are so high — that it’s really nice to have real support from people who know what they’re doing. They’ve done it many times and are incentivized to help you succeed. Our success is their success, we pay them based on our revenue, so we’re all working toward the same goal: getting to capacity.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Madison:&nbsp;There’s a bridge between home and school that Children’s Lighthouse really emphasizes. You’re working together with both parents and teachers to make sure that learning goes back and forth. It also helps parents feel like they have agency over what their kids are learning. They know what their kids are doing in school, so when they come home, they can ask specific questions.We’ve experienced this many times, we’ll ask our three-year-old, “What did you learn today?” and the answer is, “Nothing.” But if you know what they’re learning, you can ask direct questions and actually connect more with your child.Another thing is that I personally really like Montessori ideologies. Unfortunately, a lot of our public schools and school systems aren’t set up that way. Children’s Lighthouse incorporates some of those child-led learning concepts while also preparing kids for kindergarten. It’s not just play — there’s structure, there’s time for sitting and doing worksheets, and there’s something tangible for kids to show their parents at the end of the day. They play a lot, but they also learn. That balance is really important.Tyler:&nbsp;Madison pretty much captured everything I like about how Children’s Lighthouse operates. One other thing that stood out to us was that we didn’t consider going outside of the big four premium childcare brands. But if we were to own, say, a Goddard School or a Kiddie Academy or a Primrose in the Kansas City area, we would just be another one of those brands in a very saturated space.Children’s Lighthouse is smaller, they’re roughly a quarter or a fifth the size of those other brands, which allows us to define what Children’s Lighthouse is in the Kansas City market. As we grow this brand locally, the market will be ours. We're not necessarily tethered to what another franchisee does in another market. The hope is that five years from now, we’ve established something meaningful here.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Tyler:&nbsp;What we hope to achieve with the business is pretty simple. We want to be viewed by our community, our families and our staff as the benchmark for what premium childcare should be. That’s the goal. It’s not a complicated idea, but it is a hard one to execute.Our immediate goals are more practical — we need to reach our break-even point, get to that 80% capacity mark and start paying down some of the bills.Growth-wise, we’re taking it one school at a time, though right now, we’re doing two at a time. We already know we want at least one more. I don’t have any reason to believe we’ll stop at three, four or even five. I think we’ll continue to grow until we find a balance between financial and professional freedom, and the ability to spend time with our family, which ultimately is the reason we started doing this in the first place.1851:&nbsp;Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Madison: I think something that always interests people is that Tyler and I are high school sweethearts. We’ve been through a lot of different stages of life together, and now, as business partners, it’s been really rewarding to work toward a common goal. Like Tyler said, the goal is to spend more time with our family, but also to provide a safe, loving place for everyone’s kids. It’s meaningful to know that our kids are learning alongside the children in our community.We want families to feel comfortable. Like I said before, we are our own customer. We’ve both been in corporate America — I’ve stepped away from that now, but Tyler is still in it — so we can really relate to the parents who walk through our doors. We want the same things for our kids that every parent wants.Tyler:&nbsp;I would agree with all of that. One of the underrated elements of childcare is the family dynamic behind the facility. We’re a family-owned setup, and we’ve found that our community and our staff really like that. One concern Madison and I had going into this was whether the stress of running a business would put a strain on our relationship or our family. But what we’ve found is almost the opposite. This experience has shown us how to lean on each other. It’s made us more solid as a family unit. That’s been really cool — I’m glad that wasn’t a sacrifice we had to make to do this.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Tyler:&nbsp;Coming into this, I sort of assumed all franchises were created equally. Knowing what I know now, I feel like we got really lucky choosing Children’s Lighthouse versus some of the other competitors. I’d also say: Don’t assume that just because something is in your FDD [Franchise Disclosure Document] or because your potential franchisor tells you something that it’s gospel. Understand that they have an agenda. Ideally, their best interests are aligned with yours, but that balance can vary depending on the franchisor.Before we looked into childcare, I had explored a few other franchisors in different industries. Thankfully, Madison’s dad is kind of a serial franchisee, so I was able to go to him and ask for advice. He would straight-up tell me if something was insane. Some of the offers I got — he couldn’t believe anyone was trying to sell me on them.So my biggest piece of advice: Find someone who’s done it before, preferably someone who’s done it multiple times. Talk to them. Make sure they feel some ownership over your experience and understand how much you’re relying on their input.Madison:&nbsp;I think you also need to find a franchise that aligns with your mission and values. It’s a lot easier to work with a franchisor when you’re on the same page. That alignment has been a big game changer for us. If we weren’t aligned with the brand, it would be a lot harder.So, if you're considering becoming a franchisee, make sure you're 100% aligned with the franchisor. That makes it a lot easier to move forward and work together effectively.About Children’s LighthouseThe Children’s Lighthouse brand was established in Ft. Worth, Texas in 1997. The Children’s Lighthouse Early Learning Schools® brand promise to create a safe, fun, and happy place that gives children confidence, a sense of comfort today, and a lifelong love of learning, friendship, and community. Children’s Lighthouse focuses on age-appropriate and values based curriculums that focus on kindergarten readiness and creating lifelong learners. In 2025, Children's Lighthouse was ranked on the Entrepreneur 500 and as a Top Franchise for 2025 by Franchise Business Review. In 2024, Children's Lighthouse was featured on the Franchise Times Top 400.

Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

Kansas Parents Open Two Children’s Lighthouse Locations in Kansas

1851 Franchise

Tyler and Madison Wiggins take over two Children’s Lighthouse locations in Gardner and Olathe, Kansas, bringing a parent’s perspective and a passion for early education to their community.

From Corporate Careers to Community Roots: Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Marks 40 Years of Success With New Signings, New Franchisees and System Growth

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KLA Schools Marks a Year of Growth, Innovation and Educational Impact in 2025

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Mellow Mushroom Atmosphere: How Design and Local Vibe Drive $3.8M AUV - 1851 Franchise

Mellow Mushroom Franchise Growth: How Art-Driven Design and Local Atmosphere Help Drive $3.8M AUV in Top Locations

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Recent Data Reveals Cooling Labor Market, Further Fuels Franchise Growth Opportunities

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McDonald’s Faces Lawsuit Alleging McRib Contains No Actual Rib Meat

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Hardee's Franchise - ARC Burger Lawsuit - 1851 Franchise

Hardee’s Lawsuit Targets Franchisee as 77 Restaurants Prepare to Shut Down

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Domino's Franchise - North Pole - Dec 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Domino’s Pizza Brings Delivery Cheer to North Pole, Alaska

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California Pizza Kitchen’s Sale Is the Latest in the Era of PE-Backed Turnarounds in Franchising

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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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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-degwitz-202227202/">Fernando Degwitz</a> grew up in Venezuela and built his career in civil engineering and real estate development before moving to Miami to pursue an MBA at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. As he dug into entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) opportunities, he realized the heavy leverage involved did not match the level of risk he was comfortable taking.A friend introduced him to franchising as a way to bypass startup risks without taking on massive debt. Initially skeptical, Degwitz quickly saw the value: a proven brand, strong support systems and the ability to combine his construction expertise with a personal mission — helping families care for aging loved ones, inspired by his own mother’s struggles with mobility.In October, Degwitz officially launched his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a> franchise, bringing professional home maintenance and aging-in-place solutions to the Miami market. His vision is to grow a $30 million business while creating meaningful impact for families throughout South Florida.Degwitz took the time to chat with the 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?Fernando Degwitz:&nbsp;I am originally Venezuelan, born and raised. I went to an American high school, which is where I learned how to speak English. Once I graduated, I went to college in Boston — Tufts and then MIT — where I did civil engineering and economics. When I graduated, I went back to Venezuela where I did real estate development and construction. I did all sorts of projects from residential to industrial, retail and commercial.It became difficult to operate any of my business lines in Venezuela. I started to look outside and began a real estate development project in Panama. At the same time, I started doing my MBA at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, which has a campus here in Miami. I moved to Miami and then the pandemic hit. I finished the MBA virtually and, last year, started investigating franchises1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Degwitz:&nbsp;When I was doing my MBA, there was a concept that is really popular in MBA schools right now called “entrepreneurship through acquisition” where you essentially buy a company that's already operating to get past the startup risk. I did a lot of research, went to the ETA conference and interviewed brokers. As I was doing it, I realized that other buyers were willing to take much bigger risks than I was.I realized that buying an existing business replaces "startup risk" with "leverage risk." In Miami, you would need to buy a larger company to make a decent living, meaning you take on a significant amount of debt and put in a personal guarantee without really knowing what you are buying. A friend of mine from Kellogg was really into franchising and started to talk to me about it. I started to look at it as another way of getting past the startup risk without having the leverage. You don't have the operation in the location you are trying to open, but you do have that brand experience at a national level1851: 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?Degwitz:&nbsp;Honestly, my own sense of franchising was that it is entrepreneurship for people who don't have the experience. I kind of looked down on it initially. This might be affected by my experience in Latin America. Once I was here in the U.S., and perhaps through my MBA experience, I started to understand the importance of a brand and not having to create it yourself. It took me a while to understand that my way of looking at it was completely wrong. The value in joining a franchise and not having to take that startup risk is immense.Now that I am in it, I would say that the day-to-day is very similar operationally to running your own business, because you are. It feels just as exciting as running your own thing, but it removes a lot of the negative emotions that come from the uncertainty of not knowing if you are doing the right thing, especially in marketing.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Degwitz:&nbsp;Beyond the economic sense tied to my construction background, I wanted to do something valuable for the community. On a personal level, my mother lives in Europe and has recently suffered falls. It is difficult to make modifications to her rental unit from so far away. I wanted to be in a business where I could make a difference for families in similar situations.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">TruBlue</a> offers that perfect combination of operating a successful business while "doing good" for society.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Degwitz:&nbsp;My vision is to expand from our current location in Pinecrest all the way North to West Palm Beach with professional management in place. To achieve that, I am focused on two key elements: finding the right people, starting with technicians and eventually office staff, and implementing the right systems and operational processes.1851:&nbsp;Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Degwitz:&nbsp;Family is the most important thing to me. If I can help families take care of their homes, I believe that creates happier families. That is my personal and professional mission1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Degwitz:&nbsp;Do a lot of validation calls. You need to understand how current franchisees feel about the brand. Don't get discouraged by one bad call, as it might just be a bad match for that specific person; instead, look for the general sentiment. I personally "dodged a couple of bullets" by doing thorough validation calls.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.

image of fernando Degwitz from tru blu franchise franchisee owner of Pinecrest, Brickell

Civil Engineer and MBA Grad Fernando Degwitz Combines Business and Community Impact With TruBlue Franchise

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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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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

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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>

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AI-Fueled Layoffs Reshape the U.S. Job Market — And Highlight Franchising’s Resilience

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