Pet Wants

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kelly-b9256946?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=auto-industry-veteran-and-retired-teacher-fuel-pet-passion-with-pet-wants-franchise-2724316" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rob</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-kelly-44a5b1298?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=auto-industry-veteran-and-retired-teacher-fuel-pet-passion-with-pet-wants-franchise-2724316" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Denise Kelly</a>, a new franchisee duo with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a>, the brand committed to providing fresh, high-quality pet nutrition, have decided to embark on a new journey. &nbsp;&nbsp;The couple decided to pivot from their corporate careers and embark on a new chapter with&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=auto-industry-veteran-and-retired-teacher-fuel-pet-passion-with-pet-wants-franchise-2724316" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pet Wants</a>. Now, with plans to start their franchise in early 2024, the Kellys and fur baby Teddi are ready to bring hope and nutritional awareness to pets and pet parents across the Greenville, South Carolina area.&nbsp;Prior to joining Pet Wants, Rob had a 27-year tenure in the automotive industry, supplying luxury interiors to Cadillac, BMW and Tesla. However, with the reorganization of his department,&nbsp; he found himself at a crossroads and decided to leave the corporate world behind. Meanwhile, Denise, a retired teacher with a compassionate history of volunteering at animal shelters and assisting homebound students, shared a life filled with canine companionship.&nbsp;The Kellys' journey into franchising was born out of a combination of their desire for a career pivot and their passion for pets. Their firsthand experience with Pet Wants’ food impressed them deeply, aligning with their values and igniting their entrepreneurial spirit. Rob was drawn to the brand's mission and support system, while Denise saw a unique opportunity in the company's nutrition-focused model to make a difference. The comprehensive training and guidance provided by Pet Wants were pivotal in their decision to join the franchise, reinforcing their belief in the brand.As new franchisees, the Kellys are fueled by the excitement of educating their community on pet nutrition and individualized care. They envision not just running a successful business, but also becoming a resource for pet owners seeking to improve the lives of their furry family members through better dietary choices. With plans to expand and open additional stores, they aspire to be pillars in the local pet community.&nbsp;1851 Franchise spoke with Rob and Denise to learn more about their background, their journey to the Pet Wants brand and their plans for the future.&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us.&nbsp;What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Rob: I’ve been in the automotive industry as an interior product supplier to major luxury car companies like Cadillac, BMW, Tesla, etc., for 27 years. Due to the department's reorganization, I was let go. I decided I was done with the corporate world and wanted to try something new. I researched dozens of business opportunities before realizing franchising was for us.Denise: I am a retired teacher, and I was a caretaker for some of my grandchildren after that. I also visited homebound students that needed in-house education and have always been a frequent volunteer for some of the animal shelters nearby.&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?Rob: The support that a franchise provides vs. trying to open up a brand new business on your own was very attractive to us. As we chatted with the team at Pet Wants, we really loved the processes they already had in place and the way the franchise was set up for us. If we had to start a pet food business on our own, we wouldn’t even know where to start.&nbsp;Denise: It was clear that Pet Wants provided great hands-on training and guidance, so we knew we’d be ready to bring this concept to our area.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Rob:&nbsp;After deciding we wanted to do something new, we ideally wanted something related to pets. We did our research, and I went and visited one of the Pet Wants locations in South Carolina. I really loved the concept, what they stand for and their mission to help pets. We thought it’d be a great way to get into the pet food business.&nbsp;&nbsp;Denise:&nbsp;We’ve always loved dogs and owned many ourselves. We had one dog that touched our heart, a 10-year-old named Kenzie, who passed from a benign tumor in her stomach. We know that nutrition and non-processed foods are really essential and can extend dogs' lives. That is how we developed a passion for pet nutrition. When we found Pet Wants, it felt like a perfect fit.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Rob: We’d really like to expand the business and eventually open up another one or two retail stores in the future.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Denise:&nbsp;We really want to educate our community and be more involved — the goal is to individualize the needs of dogs so local pet owners can better take care of their furry friends. That is our big thing. As pet parents, we used to only look at the main ingredients of the food we were buying. Now, we see things a different way — the food images and the ingredient labels can be very deceptive. We want to bring attention to the benefits of choosing the right pet food for your specific pet.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Rob: You will always be nervous about whether you should take the plunge, but a franchise can make the decision easier. After we met everyone at the Pet Wants corporate office, it really solidified that we had made the right decision. They are a great group of people. They are really helpful and knowledgeable.&nbsp;To learn more about Pet Wants franchise opportunities, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants">https://1851franchise.com/petwants</a>About Pet WantsPet Wants is a pet health and wellness company that strives to improve the nutrition, health, vitality, and well-being of pets. Founded in 2010, the brand’s specially crafted, private-label pet food formulas are made in small batches with fresh, natural ingredients complete with vitamins and minerals for a complete and balanced diet in every bowl, all made in the USA. Pet Wants has set a new standard in what you should expect in your pet food through their 140+ locations across the United States. To learn more about Pet Wants, visit https://www.petwants.com/ or follow Pet Wants on LinkedIn, @petwantsusa on Facebook, @petwants on Twitter and Instagram.

Auto Industry Veteran and Retired Teacher Fuel Pet Passion with Pet Wants Franchise

1851 Franchise

After the loss of several beloved pets over the years and the addition of a new "fur baby" to the family, Rob and Denise Kelly embarked on a new mission to better pet nutrition and health in their community.

This brand page has been paid for by PET WANTS. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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For many entrepreneurs, the journey into business ownership begins with a personal passion. For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kariann-harker-a3275779">Kariann Harker</a>, that passion has always been animals. After years working in the health care field, she decided it was time to pursue something more fulfilling — and that decision ultimately led her to launch a&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Pet Wants franchise</a> in Colorado Springs.<h2>Turning a Passion for Pets Into a Family Business</h2>Harker worked in administrative roles in health care for years before she became a business owner. The job was steady, but it wasn't the kind of long-term career she really wanted. So, she and her husband started looking into ways they could build something as a team, and franchising quickly seemed like the perfect fit.“My husband and I decided we wanted to do something together,” she said. “We looked into franchising, and our passion for animals. We really started there and haven’t looked back.”The idea of entrepreneurship had always been in the back of her mind — especially a business centered around pets. “Dogs have always been a huge passion of mine — they really bring life to me,” she said. “What got us started in this was Ruby, our pit bull. She has a lot of sensitivities, and we were always looking for something healthy that she could eat.”Initially, the couple explored other franchise opportunities. But when they came across&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a>, the brand’s mission immediately resonated with them.“We were looking at another franchise after deciding that that was the way to go — one because of the support and two because we didn’t want to start from scratch,” she said. “But we found Pet Wants and it really checked all the boxes.”What stood out most was the brand’s focus on pet health and nutrition — something that had already been a personal challenge in Harker’s own life.“The message about pet health and wellness is something we are always striving for,” she said. “We’ve had a few dogs who have had severe allergies, so finding anything they could even eat was a struggle. I wish we had something like Pet Wants at the time.”Learning more about the brand confirmed that it aligned perfectly with their values and goals. “They explained what the brand was, and talking with them about our passion made us realize it was really aligned with what we wanted to do,” Harker said.<h2>Starting Mobile and Building Momentum</h2>Harker officially launched her Pet Wants business in 2025. Like many Pet Wants franchisees,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/is-a-storefront-required-how-pet-wants-gives-owners-flexibility-and-a-smarter-route-to-revenue-2731546">she began with the mobile model</a> — a strategic approach that allows owners to start building a customer base before opening a storefront.“We started in 2025. It has been fantastic, and we have really been well received here,” Harker said.While the couple is currently negotiating a lease for a brick-and-mortar location, the mobile model has allowed them to establish relationships within the community first. “Starting mobile allows us to really build our clientele, and we aren’t just sitting and waiting around while the storefront is being found,” she said.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/the-flexibility-of-owning-a-pet-wants-franchise-2728539">The flexibility</a> has also made it easier for Harker to take the lead in building the business while her husband continues working his current job. Transitioning from an administrative career to entrepreneurship has been an adjustment, but Harker embraces the learning process.“Every day is something new as we stay on top of what we need to get done,” she said. “It’s a whole new setup that I wasn’t used to, but we are learning and we are making headway.”<h2>Building a Strong Network of Support</h2>Like many first-time business owners, Harker has leaned heavily on the support networks around her — both locally and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/franchise-with-community-at-its-core-pet-wants-local-focus-drives-purpose-and-impact-2729102">within the Pet Wants system</a>.One of the most valuable resources for Harker has been connecting with other women entrepreneurs in her community. For Harker, that network came through the Women’s Chamber of Commerce in Colorado Springs.“That has been a huge benefit,” Harker said. “We found a lot of partners to work with, and knowing they all support women-owned businesses is amazing.”The connections and encouragement from other women entrepreneurs have been a major source of inspiration. “It’s been wonderful being able to go to those networking events and knowing that they support women and want women in business to succeed,” Harker said.Harker also credits the Pet Wants franchise system for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/franchisee-toolkit-the-key-to-success-in-owning-a-pet-wants-franchise-2730116">providing the support she needed</a> to get her business off the ground. From corporate leadership to fellow franchise owners, Harker says the brand's collaborative culture has been one of the most rewarding aspects of joining the system.“I can’t say enough about the support we’ve gotten from the Pet Wants team, and the other franchisees as well,” she said. “We are always in touch with other franchisees — we aren’t in competition.”She also appreciates the equal footing she has experienced as a female business owner. “They don’t just wait and talk to my husband if they need something — they support me and treat me as an equal,” Harker said.<h2>Looking Ahead</h2>As Harker continues to grow her mobile customer base and finalize plans for a storefront location, she remains focused on the mission that drew her to Pet Wants in the first place:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/investing-in-purpose-how-pet-wants-franchisees-are-transforming-pet-nutrition-2728325">improving the health and well-being of pets in her community</a>.For Harker, the opportunity to combine her love of animals with entrepreneurship has been transformative. And as she continues building her Pet Wants business, she’s proving that sometimes the best careers are the ones built around the things we love most.Ready to build a business rooted in purpose, passion and pet health and wellness? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info</a> to learn more about franchising with Pet Wants.

In honor of Women's History Month, Kariann Harker shares how female entrepreneurs can turn a passion into a thriving business and connect with other businesswomen.

How This Health Care Professional Turned a Personal Pet Problem Into a Growing Business With Pet Wants

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Owning a business in the pet industry can be both rewarding and demanding. For franchisees with&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Pet Wants</a>, the fast-growing pet wellness franchise, success comes from a combination of purpose, partnership and persistence.The brand’s mission of providing fresh, high-quality nutrition for pets attracts owners who genuinely care about the animals and families they serve. But passion alone isn’t enough.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a> franchisees also benefit from an extensive support system and a business model that rewards those who commit to learning, growing and working hard in their communities.For Pet Wants franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-steinmetz-16ba16254/">Valerie Steinmetz</a>, for example, those three ingredients have been essential to building her business.<h2>Passion for Pets and Their Health</h2>Many Pet Wants franchisees first discover the brand as pet owners searching for better nutrition options for their own animals. That personal connection often becomes the spark that leads them to entrepreneurship.For Steinmetz, the journey began when her own dog developed health issues. “She was five years old and started getting allergies,” she said. “The more research I did on what could be causing it and what we could do to help her, the more it pointed to food and nutrition.”As she dug deeper into the pet food industry, Steinmetz found the experience frustrating. That search eventually led her to Pet Wants and its franchise opportunity — a concept that immediately resonated with her.“I loved what the brand was about – from the products and high standards for pet wellness to the owners’ community involvement and local presence,” Steinmetz said. “It checked a lot of boxes for me.”Today, that personal passion still drives her business. Steinmetz says the most successful Pet Wants owners are those who&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/pet-wants-as-a-lifestyle-brand-building-a-franchise-around-pet-health-wellness-2730102">genuinely care about helping pets live healthier lives</a>.“You have to have that passion for pets and animals,” she said. “Our clientele's pets are family members. Most Pet Wants owners really have that passion for what they are doing.”That authenticity matters to customers — especially those who are looking for solutions to their pets’ health challenges. “Our passion stems from our own personal experience with our dog,” Steinmetz said. “It’s nice to be able to help pet parents because we’ve been there ourselves."<h2>A Support System Built for Growth</h2>While passion provides the motivation, franchise success also depends on having the right support structure behind the scenes.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/new-to-franchising-heres-why-pet-wants-is-a-great-place-to-start-2729060">Pet Wants provides franchisees with comprehensive training, ongoing coaching and a collaborative network of fellow owners</a>. New franchisees begin with onboarding support and training focused on pet nutrition, marketing and business operations. From there, they continue working closely with franchise business coaches and the brand’s marketing and operations teams.That level of support allows franchisees to focus on building relationships with customers and growing their local presence.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/is-a-storefront-required-how-pet-wants-gives-owners-flexibility-and-a-smarter-route-to-revenue-2731546">The brand’s unique two-phase model</a> also helps owners get started quickly. Franchisees typically begin by operating a mobile store, selling at community events such as farmers markets and pet-focused events. This allows them to build brand awareness and develop a customer base even before opening a brick-and-mortar location.Steinmetz followed a similar path when launching her business. “We started the business in November of 2022 and opened in April 2023,” she said. “We were only mobile for about five months.”Although the mobile model helped introduce the brand locally, Steinmetz and her husband knew they wanted to open a storefront as soon as possible. “We were the first franchisee required to have a store open within a year,” she said. “We knew that was the path we wanted to go. Opening a store made a big difference for us because we could tell people where we were located. It gave us some more validity.”<h2>Hard Work, Consistency and a Willingness to Learn</h2>Even with passion and support, building a successful franchise still requires dedication and a willingness to put in the work. For Steinmetz, one of the biggest lessons she has learned is the importance of consistency.“It’s hard to get started, but you have to show up every day,” she said. “You can’t close early just because no one is there. You have to be there for people when they need you.”Reliability builds trust with customers, especially in a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/franchise-with-community-at-its-core-pet-wants-local-focus-drives-purpose-and-impact-2729102">community-focused retail environment</a> where relationships matter. “People’s time is valuable,” she said. “You have to respect that and make it as easy as possible for them to shop with you.”Continuous learning is another key part of the process. Steinmetz says listening closely to customers has helped shape the way she runs her store. And because Pet Wants operates as an education-focused pet business, understanding customers’ needs can also drive referrals and long-term growth.“We are a solutions-based business,” Steinmetz said. “We’re trying to give customers another option and provide a solution for people whose dogs may have something like a sensitive stomach or skin issues. If you stay true to that and bring in products that help people, the word spreads.”<h2>Building a Business With Purpose</h2>By combining passion for pets, strong franchisor support and the willingness to work hard and keep learning, Pet Wants franchisees can create businesses that grow steadily while making a difference in the lives of pets and their owners.As Steinmetz’s experience shows, those three pillars often go hand in hand. “It hasn’t always been easy and there are, of course, challenges,” she said. “But that’s part of the joy and reward of owning your own business. If I could, I would do the whole thing over again every single time.”Ready to build a business rooted in purpose, passion and pet health and wellness? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info</a> to learn more about franchising with Pet Wants.

The formula comes down to three simple but powerful ingredients: a passion for pets, strong franchisor support and the dedication to show up and put in the work every day.

3 Keys to Franchise Success with Pet Wants: Passion, Support, and Hard Work

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Pet Wants ATL North Celebrates Piedmont Grand Opening, Completing Final Store Conversion Following Whole Dog Market Acquisition

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Auto Industry Veteran and Retired Teacher Fuel Pet Passion with Pet Wants Franchise

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