Pet Wants

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-r-mangone?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=mother-son-power-duo-transform-pet-nutrition-in-northern-virginia-with-fresh-pet-food-franchise-pet-wants-2723136" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Carla Mangone</a> and her 18-year-old son, Peter, are the mother-son duo from Northern Virginia who have found their calling with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants">Pet Wants</a>, a fresh pet food franchise with over 140 units that offers premium-quality pet food made from natural ingredients. Their family-driven journey into franchising actually began with the addition of a new, furry member to the family.&nbsp;“When we first adopted our dog, she stopped eating the food she was on when we rescued her,” said Carla Mangone. “So, we bought a bag of Pet Wants food, and she scarfed it down immediately. That is when we knew that we wanted to bring Pet Wants to the Chantilly area.”Before franchising, Carla's background was in trade associations and non-profit organizations, where she worked as a director of meetings. She took a break to stay home with her kids and returned to the workforce with a part-time role. When she was unexpectedly laid off, her husband suggested opening a franchise.&nbsp;"We wanted to control our own destiny, have our own business and grow that for our family," Carla said.&nbsp;In addition to the quality of the product,&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=mother-son-power-duo-transform-pet-nutrition-in-northern-virginia-with-fresh-pet-food-franchise-pet-wants-2723136" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pet Wants</a> drew the Mangones in because of the extensive training and support offered, which made the process of opening the business less intimidating.“The fact that you didn’t have to have that nutrition background and the amount of training that they offered to open the franchise really spoke to us,” said Carla. “I didn’t have any of that knowledge beforehand, so I knew we needed that support to succeed with the business.”Working with family has always been an essential part of the Mangones’ decision to become entrepreneurs. Initially, the plan was for Carla's husband to join her in running the business eventually. However, their son Peter's involvement happened organically. When Carla asked him to help hand out treats to dogs at an event, he quickly stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park.“My son was 16 at the time — I’ll never forget it,” said Carla. “He came, handed out some treats and before I knew it he was taking orders and talking to customers. I could tell he really enjoyed it.”Today, Peter has a part-time role as a Market Associate, working events and managing one market. He has also helped build out the rest of the team.&nbsp;“I have five other teenage boys working for me in various capacities who are friends with my son,” said Carla. “We knew we wanted to branch out into other markets, but we didn’t have the staff at first. Since we had found success with our son, we reached out to some friends who also had teenage sons and asked if they wanted a job. They’ve been a huge help in bringing our product to more people.”Overall,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/why-pet-wants-is-winning-best-in-show-in-the-booming-pet-food-industry-2720462#franchisor">the Pet Wants business model</a> has provided the Mangone family with the kind of flexibility they needed to involve all their children in the business. In addition to Peter, Carla's older son helped with deliveries while home from college, and her daughter and her friends plan to work with them next year.“Working with the family was really the initial goal from the get go,” said Carla. “Since teenagers have their own things going on, that flexibility is really important. We’ve really enjoyed working with the family — all the hard work is definitely worth it.”The Mangone family's growth plans focus on farmer's markets, where they've found their niche and built strong relationships with customers. Carla Mangone says she wants to continue attending events and expanding her team, providing her children and their friends with the opportunity to gain valuable life skills."We have a great team, and it is great to give them the opportunity to think about what they want to do in the future," said Carla.Since opening their franchise in 2019, the Mangone family has worked together to make a significant impact in their community by sharing their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/how-pet-wants-is-changing-the-pet-food-industry-with-nutrition-2719630#franchisor">passion for pet nutrition</a>. Their journey highlights the power of family support and the opportunities that franchising can offer to entrepreneurs looking to make a difference.Pet Wants is seeking qualified, passionate franchisees like the Mangones in markets across the U.S., starting with&nbsp;Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kansas, Missouri, Idaho, Texas, and Arizona.“This is an opportunity that is primed to succeed anywhere we take it,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulkamm?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=mother-son-power-duo-transform-pet-nutrition-in-northern-virginia-with-fresh-pet-food-franchise-pet-wants-2723136" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Paul Kamm</a>, vice president of operations. “That has been proven time and again with each new franchise launch, and moreover by the demand we are seeing in markets where we haven’t even set up shop yet. The model has been perfected. Now, it’s just a matter of finding talented partners who share our passion for pet health to introduce Pet Wants to their communities.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants">https://1851franchise.com/petwants</a>

Mother-Son Power Duo Transform Pet Nutrition in Northern Virginia with Fresh Pet Food Franchise Pet Wants

1851 Franchise

Since opening their Pet Wants location in 2019, the Mangones have tapped into the pet food franchise’s flexible and proven business model to create the family business of their dreams. 

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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Running a pet-based business can be deeply rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. From standing out in a crowded marketplace to managing inventory, educating customers and building trust with pet parents, success in the pet industry requires more than just a love of animals. For&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Pet Wants</a> franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-brascetta-aa376126">Pam Brascetta</a>, overcoming those hurdles has been a learning process rooted in passion, perseverance and the right support system behind her.Now in her third year as a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a> franchisee in New Jersey, Brascetta knows firsthand how demanding — and fulfilling — pet-based entrepreneurship can be.“I’ve always had a passion for pets, and I love to be busy,” she said. “What really resonated with me when I started researching Pet Wants was how aligned the brand felt with how I approach my life. When I learned the story of how it began and saw the benefits of the food, it really drew me in further.”<h2>Standing Out in a Crowded Pet Market</h2>One of the biggest challenges facing any pet business owner today is competition. Big-box retailers, online marketplaces and subscription-focused brands dominate the space, making it difficult for independent operators to stand out. For Brascetta, that challenge was magnified by the fact that Pet Wants was not yet well known in her market.“This area was not familiar with Pet Wants,” she said. “So it was really about educating the consumer — not just about the product, but about the quality of the product and why it matters.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/pet-wants-key-trends-shaping-the-pet-food-industry-2730197">Pet Wants’ small-batch, proprietary nutrition model</a> gave her a powerful differentiator. Rather than competing on price or convenience alone, Brascetta was able to focus on education, personalized service and outcomes.“We’re very comprehensive and take a holistic approach,” she said. “We want pets to be at their best. That means having engaging, ongoing communication with customers to see how their pets are doing and guiding them through the process.”<h2>Managing Inventory and Learning What Sells</h2>Another common pain point for pet business owners, according to Brascetta, is inventory management. “The biggest challenge in the first year was getting a good grip on purchasing and inventory,” she said. “What sells? What doesn’t sell? That’s all a learning process.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/how-pet-wants-franchisees-rapidly-grow-their-businesses-from-mobile-to-brick-and-mortar-locations-2726266">Pet Wants’ mobile-first model</a> plays a key role in helping franchisees overcome that challenge. By starting with farmers markets, pop-up events and local community gatherings, owners can test products, gather feedback and better understand customer preferences before scaling further.“You’re doing a lot of mobile retail events, and you’re learning every single day,” Brascetta said. “You have to figure out what events are worth it, how you want to present yourself and where your time is best spent. You’re constantly making judgment calls.”<h2>The Importance of Education and Systems</h2>For Brascetta, one of the most significant differences between Pet Wants and her previous franchise experience has been&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/investing-in-pet-wants-franchise-opportunity-2731087">the level of support offered by the franchisor.</a> “Many years ago, I owned a different franchise and I didn’t get the support I really needed,” she said. “That’s ultimately why I sold it.”With Pet Wants, she says the difference has been clear from the beginning.“I loved that I could communicate and ask questions when I needed to,” Brascetta said. “The quality, the branding, the passion of the Brand Team at Pet Wants HQ and the high standards really stood out to me.”That support extends well beyond onboarding. Pet Wants provides ongoing education, operational guidance and access to a broader franchisee network, all of which are critical in a business with as many moving parts as pet nutrition.“The Pet Wants Brand Team enables you to learn as much as you want,” Brascetta said. “You gain so much knowledge, and that helps you feel confident when you’re helping pet parents find solutions.”<h2>Building the Right Team and Leaning on Them</h2>As the business grows, so does the need for help. Brascetta emphasizes that running a pet-based business isn’t something most owners can (or should) do alone.“It’s better to do this if you have support behind you,” she said. “You’re going to need some help. There are so many moving parts and so many things to get done, so you need people you can delegate responsibilities to.”Pet Wants’ model allows franchisees to grow at a pace that makes sense for them. That flexibility&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/pet-wants-as-a-lifestyle-brand-building-a-franchise-around-pet-health-wellness-2730102">helps owners avoid burnout while still maintaining high service standards</a>.<h2>Passion Is the Non-Negotiable</h2>Despite the systems, training and support in place, Brascetta is clear that one factor matters above all else: passion.“You really have to live and breathe pets,” she said. “I wake up every day because of the pets. That’s what keeps me going.”She’s also candid about the realities of entrepreneurship, particularly in the early years. “It’s going to take time financially,” Brascetta said. “You have to bear with it and push through. If you’re not truly passionate about caring for animals, this might not be the right thing for you.”For pet lovers like Brascetta who are willing to put in the work, Pet Wants helps transform the most common challenges of pet-based business ownership into opportunities for growth.&nbsp;For more information on franchising with Pet Wants, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info</a>.

How to Overcome the Common Challenges of Running a Pet-Based Business

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For husband-and-wife team&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/pet-wants-colorado-springs-bohannon-feature-2730023">Kariann Harker and Jerrod Bohannon</a>, owners of&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Pet Wants</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.petwantscoloradospringsbriargate.com/">Colorado Springs</a>, the dream of entrepreneurship became a reality through a shared love of animals and a desire to make a difference in their community.“We’ve had steady growth every month since we opened,” Bohannon said. “Right now, we’re in the process of finding a physical location, which is exciting. We started mobile and have been able to grow organically through markets and community events.”Their journey shows why&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a> is an ideal family business opportunity — combining a flexible business model, purpose, and partnership in a way that helps families thrive personally and professionally.<h2>A Shared Mission With Room To Grow</h2>Harker and Bohannon launched their business in June 2025 after years of struggling to find healthy food for their pit bull, Ruby. That challenge inspired them to help other pet parents who faced the same frustration.“Dogs have always been a huge passion of mine — they bring life to me,” Harker said. “With Ruby, we were always looking for something healthy she could eat, and when we found Pet Wants, we knew it was exactly what we’d been searching for.”What began as a way to help their own dog evolved into a community mission. “With the pet industry, pets are part of the family too,” Bohannon said. “Being able to have that experience to lean on brings a lot of value.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/new-to-franchising-heres-why-pet-wants-is-a-great-place-to-start-2729060">Pet Wants’ mobile-first model</a> allowed the couple to begin serving customers quickly without the financial strain and operational complexities of starting with a storefront right away. Bohannon continued working in his corporate job while Harker ran the business full-time — a setup that allowed them to balance risk and reward as a team.“Having that as the family dynamic has been hugely helpful,” Bohannon said. “If either one of us were to do this on our own, we’d have to put all our eggs into that basket. Working together makes it achievable.”<h2>Different Strengths, One Vision</h2>One of the biggest advantages of running a family business is the ability to leverage each other’s strengths.“We both have very different strengths that we bring to the business,” Harker said. “It’s daunting enough starting a business, so doing it with your spouse is great — you always have someone to lean on.”Bohannon brings years of marketing experience from his corporate career, while Harker’s background in health care gives her a people-first approach to customer service. Together, they balance strategy with empathy, creating a business that connects deeply with local pet parents.“Having your spouse as a partner also leads to some fun banter when you’re out and about at events,” Bohannon said. “It is a relatable point with a lot of the families we interact with.”That connection — with each other and their customers — is&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/how-pet-wants-franchisees-are-building-stronger-relationships-with-pet-parents-2729211">what sets Pet Wants franchisees apart</a>. The brand’s community-driven model thrives on authentic interactions at markets, pop-up events, and local partnerships.<h2>A Family Business That Serves Families</h2>For Harker and Bohannon, Pet Wants is a family affair that benefits everyone, including their four dogs.“I love this business and I love that we’re benefiting not only our family but helping other families live a better life,” Harker said.That sentiment echoes throughout the Pet Wants network, where&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/education-and-wellness-professional-launches-pet-wants-franchise-to-serve-local-community-2728025">many franchisees operate alongside spouses, children or siblings</a>. The company’s national&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/pet-wants-as-a-lifestyle-brand-building-a-franchise-around-pet-health-wellness-2730102">support system and training programs</a> help new owners launch and grow. And with the ability to start mobile and scale to a storefront at their own pace, families can align their business goals with their lifestyle needs.<h2>Building Legacy Through Purpose</h2>Every bag of Pet Wants food is a reflection of the brand’s larger mission: improving pet health and well-being through education, trust and community.For Bohannon and Harker, that mission continues to guide their growth. “We’ve had steady growth every month since we opened,” Bohannon said. “The community has really welcomed us, and we’re looking forward to what’s next.”Learn more about launching your own Pet Wants business:<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">&nbsp;https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info</a>.

How Pet Wants Can Be the Ideal Family Business Opportunity

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1851 Franchisee Spotlight design with photo of Nicki Davis and Pet Wants logo

Experienced Retail Pro and Dedicated Mom Builds a Purpose-Driven Future with Pet Wants

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image of 1851 franchise pet wants franchisee spotlight jerrod bohannon

Colorado Springs Couple Turns Their Dog’s Health Journey Into a Mission-Driven Pet Wants Business

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For entrepreneurs looking to enter&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/why-pet-wants-is-winning-best-in-show-in-the-booming-pet-food-industry-2720462">the booming pet industry</a>, it can be difficult to distinguish the meaningful opportunities from the noise. With mobile-only concepts on one end of the spectrum and massive big-box pet retailers on the other, not every model fits what many new business owners are truly looking for: a scalable investment, a manageable entry point and a mission-driven brand that prioritizes quality.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/petereberly">Peter Eberly</a>, vice president of brand development,&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Pet Wants</a> stands out because it hits all the right notes at once.“When I think of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a>, there are a lot of other pet franchises out there,” Eberly said. “But the brand really falls into a sweet spot. There are a lot that are mobile-driven - like dog grooming or poop pickup - that are fairly low-cost. But then there are the really big box retailers with brick-and-mortar locations. Those have a huge entry price point. I always say Pet Wants fills the middle ground there.”<h2>A Business Model That Occupies the Perfect “Middle Ground”</h2>Eberly says the ability to combine an approachable investment with a community-centered retail model is&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-pet-wants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722308">one of Pet Wants’ most strategic strengths</a>.“It’s pretty affordable as a point of entry,” he said. “There is a brick-and-mortar component to it, but it's more of a hometown, mainstream boutique brick-and-mortar shop. It’s more approachable and less scary than the bigger brands.”This “boutique but accessible” positioning has become one of Pet Wants’ strongest differentiators — especially in a market where pet parents increasingly want expertise, transparency and personal connection.“It fits a really nice sweet spot there and is really all about the food and the product,” Eberly said. “The brand’s calling card is the fresh, healthy food that is made in small batches and slow cooked. It is delivered fast; it isn’t sitting on the shelf for a while.”That&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/the-fresh-food-revolution-why-now-is-the-best-time-to-invest-in-pet-wants-2728610">emphasis on fresh, nutrient-rich food</a> is why so many franchisees originally discovered the brand as customers. “So many owners are folks who found the brand as a consumer,” he said. “Their pet had some issues and they found the Pet Wants product and became an advocate for themselves. They wanted to share that and start their own business in the space.”<h2>A Two-Phase Model That Lets Owners Build Revenue From Day One</h2>Beyond its product differentiation, Eberly says&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/how-pet-wants-franchisees-rapidly-grow-their-businesses-from-mobile-to-brick-and-mortar-locations-2726266">Pet Wants’ two-phase business model</a> is one of the most compelling reasons to invest.“Another differentiator is that we have this two-phase approach — you can start mobile, getting the name out in the community, drive revenue and build a client list and a customer base as you get ready to build the brick-and-mortar store,” he said.In an industry where traditional retail concepts often require months of buildout without revenue, this structure allows franchisees to generate cash flow while also laying the groundwork for long-term scalability.“It’s very different than other pet retail franchises, where revenue isn’t typically coming in as you start the business,” Eberly said. “That is a huge differentiator and advantage.”<h2>A Personalized, Educational Retail Experience</h2>Pet Wants stores aren’t designed to mirror high-traffic discount pet chains. Instead, they intentionally operate like&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/pet-wants-as-a-lifestyle-brand-building-a-franchise-around-pet-health-wellness-2730102">trusted neighborhood nutrition centers</a>.“The owners who have been successful here are the ones who are passionate about improving the lives of pets in their community,” Eberly said. “If you think of that main-street, boutique feel, the pet and the pet owners come to learn about what might make their dog or cat healthier. There is a personal relationship component to the brick-and-mortar piece. It is much more personalized than a typical retail environment.”This approach aligns with the brand’s larger mission: helping pet owners access healthier nutrition, better education and a more meaningful shopping experience. Franchisees are encouraged — and trained — to become local experts, not just retailers.<h2>A Support Network That Sets Owners Up for Success</h2>Eberly says that what happens behind the scenes is just as important.“Our owners are really passionate about pets; they found the brand as consumers originally,” he said. “They are believers in the product and there is a strong network of other owners who have built this network of sharing best practices and the like.”This combination of corporate support and franchisee-to-franchisee collaboration creates an environment where new owners never feel alone and where collective learning accelerates individual success.<h2>A Growing Brand With Momentum and Room To Scale</h2>As the pet industry continues its rapid expansion,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/leadership-team-2730456">Pet Wants is well-positioned for significant continued growth</a>. Eberly believes the brand is perfectly aligned with what modern pet parents are demanding.“We are a growing brand that has seen some nice momentum,” he said. “But we think along with the macro trends, our type of pet franchise is set for major growth. That health trend, even in the pet space, makes us feel like we have the wind at our back around our concept. We are growing, but have plenty of room to expand and help other communities.”At its core, Pet Wants attracts individuals who are passionate about animals and eager to make a meaningful impact on their community while also building a scalable business with strong earning potential.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.

Investing in Pet Wants: What Makes This Franchise Opportunity Different?

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Mother-Son Power Duo Transform Pet Nutrition in Northern Virginia with Fresh Pet Food Franchise Pet Wants

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