After COVID-19 Layoff, This Former HR Executive Found Her Passion in Franchising With Pet Wants

After spending more than 20 years in HR and recruitment in the tech industry, Brenda Campbell found herself rethinking her career path when COVID-19 caused significant layoffs. “I just was kind of at that point where I thought, I’m ready for something different,” she said. Together with her partner, Erick, Campbell explored options that aligned with their passion for pets and community. Their search eventually led them to Pet Wants Roseville, an established mobile franchise whose owner was ready to retire. “When we found Pet Wants Roseville, it felt like the stars aligned,” she said.

Brenda was particularly drawn to Pet Wants because of its focus on connecting with the local community. “I love that Pet Wants encourages franchisees to start by being mobile, attending farmers markets and local events, and truly embedding themselves in their communities,” she explained. Operating a mobile unit has allowed the couple to build meaningful relationships with their customers while providing high-quality pet food and treats. Looking to the future, they plan to expand their reach in Northern California and open a brick-and-mortar location, something the previous owner chose not to pursue.

For Campbell, franchising has been a rewarding journey. “If I could do it all over again, my only regret is not starting sooner,” she said. Her advice for aspiring franchise owners is straightforward: “Do your research, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to take the leap.” 

Passionate about their work, the couple remains committed to creating a legacy for their family and bringing joy to their customers and their pets. “We love what we’re doing,” Campbell said. “We choose this over and over again.” 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Brenda Campbell: My partner Erick and I both come from the tech industry. I spent over 20 years in HR and recruitment, working as an executive at startups. When COVID hit, there were significant layoffs in tech, and it made me rethink what I wanted to do. We had also dabbled in real estate investment for about a year but found it lacked the community involvement we were looking for.

I’ve always been passionate about community and connecting with people. Volunteering at the Humane Society in Berkeley gave me the idea to explore the pet business. We have two French bulldogs we call our babies, and they are such a central part of our lives. I wanted to find a business that combined community engagement with something I’m passionate about. Franchising appealed to me because it provided the structure and support I was looking for, and buying an existing, successful franchise made the transition even smoother. When we found Pet Wants Roseville, it felt like the stars aligned. The previous owner, Julie, was ready to retire, and her business was one of the top-performing mobile units. It was the perfect fit.

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?

Campbell: Initially, I thought franchising was daunting. It seemed like a big leap, and I wasn’t sure how much work it would take to be successful. However, it turned out to be much more accessible than I expected. If anything, I wish I had done it sooner. Franchising provides a balance of independence and support. You’re not starting from scratch, but you still have the opportunity to build something that’s truly yours. For us, the transition has been full of learning curves, but nothing overwhelming. The franchisor’s support and the existing business model made it manageable and exciting.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Campbell: Community involvement was a huge factor. I love that Pet Wants encourages franchisees to start by being mobile, attending farmers markets and local events, and truly embedding themselves in their communities. That’s something that resonated deeply with me. For instance, we’re regulars at the Midtown Farmers Market in Sacramento, which is the number one farmers market in California and number three in the U.S. People rely on us being there, and it’s incredible to see the relationships we’ve built.

Pet Wants also provides high-quality products that I’m proud to offer. Knowing we’re giving customers food and treats that are great for their pets brings joy to both them and us. We eventually want to open a brick-and-mortar location, which is something the previous owner didn’t pursue. The brand’s flexibility and focus on community-first strategies make it unique and exciting.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Campbell: Our ultimate goal is to build something that can be passed down to our children. We want to create a legacy that not only supports our family but also contributes positively to our community. In the short term, we’re focused on expanding our reach. Right now, we cover a large area, from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, and we want to continue strengthening our presence across Northern California.

Long term, we plan to open a brick-and-mortar location to complement our mobile operations. This would allow us to create a more permanent hub for our customers while maintaining our commitment to being active and visible in the community.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Campbell: Joy is at the heart of everything we do. After years in the corporate world, it’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of an environment where we’re making people happy. Whether it’s customers bringing their pets to our booth or knowing we’re helping them provide high-quality products to their furry family members, it’s rewarding work. We love what we do and wouldn’t trade it for anything.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

Campbell: Don’t overthink it. The process is not as intimidating as it might seem. The support you receive from the franchisor and the existing framework makes it very achievable. If I could do it all over again, my only regret is not starting sooner. Yes, there’s a learning curve, and yes, you’ll work hard, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Do your research, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to take the leap. For us, it’s been a life-changing decision, and we couldn’t be happier.

ABOUT PET WANTS:

Pet 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.