The path from corporate cubicles to canine nutrition may not seem obvious, but for a growing number of professionals, franchising with Pet Wants is proving to be the ideal pivot. Backed by a supportive system, a mobile-first model and a mission rooted in pet health, this pet nutrition franchise is attracting high-achieving individuals ready to write their next chapter — one small batch at a time.

For Gene Grant, a former corporate professional in Lebanon, Ohio, the shift came at a time of transition. “I was in the corporate world for years and left my last organization in September of last year,” Grant said. “I was looking for other opportunities, but I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit so I wanted to go in that direction. My wife Jody and I started talking and we were thinking of what we could do together.”

With five children nearly grown and a desire to build something meaningful, the couple saw Pet Wants as a smart business investment that would allow them to stay connected to their community.

“We originally were thinking of just ordering the food for ourselves, but then it clicked, and we thought, ‘This could be the business we do together,’” Grant said. “We did our research and found it checked all the boxes.”

Grant, who has a background in the food, beverage and flavor industry, launched Pet Wants of Miamisburg-Franklin in May 2024 with his wife. For them, franchising offered the right blend of structure and freedom.

“From a support standpoint, we felt comfortable from the very beginning,” Grant said. “We went with the franchise business model because with the economy and inflation the way it is today, to start a small business without support can be very challenging. I’ve seen it in my corporate experience. And not all franchises take the right approach. From the very beginning, I felt like Pet Wants really had a lot of things going in the right direction. We have not been disappointed.”

Mona Pradhan, a former health care analyst for BlueCross BlueShield, also came to Pet Wants through a personal connection — her dog’s health journey. After struggling to find food that addressed her dog’s digestive issues, Pradhan discovered Pet Wants and saw dramatic results.

“When we discovered Pet Wants and started transitioning him to that food, we saw major positive changes — his coat, his health, his energy,” Pradhan said. “Before that, it even seemed like there was water retention in his body. People don’t realize how much kibble plays a role in a pet’s health.”

The transformation inspired Pradhan and her husband to open a Pet Wants franchise in Cleveland, Tennessee.

“With Pet Wants, we’re doing something we love — and we’re not just selling products. We’re educating people in the community,” she said. “Not only do I love animals, but I also want to make people feel like I’m there for them — not just to sell something. I want them to know they aren’t just a number.”

Pradhan has already purchased a second territory and plans to open another location within three years.

While Pradhan is bringing a health care lens to pet nutrition, RJ Spreckelsen is translating his software experience into a mission-driven business of his own in St. Augustine, Florida. After more than two decades in tech, Spreckelsen was ready for a more personal, fulfilling path — one he could build with his family.

“I really wanted to change careers and do something more toward helping pets and pet owners,” Spreckelsen said. “Growing up, I wanted a career working with animals, and when I started looking at my options, I eventually found Pet Wants.”

The mobile-first model allowed him to enter the market with lower risk while building community awareness ahead of a planned storefront in 2025.

“They offer a lot of help with marketing, point you in the right direction with products, branding and more,” he said. “That helps answer a lot of those original questions and the unknowns when you’re starting a new business.”

His daughter, an animal science major, is helping with events and farmers markets. Even his eighth-grade son is pitching in.

“It’s really nice to be able to spend that extra time together and build something meaningful as a family,” Spreckelsen said.

For corporate professionals seeking a more fulfilling path, Pet Wants presents a compelling franchise opportunity. Whether it’s a desire for more freedom, passion for pet wellness or the need for a new chapter, Pet Wants is helping first-time entrepreneurs build a legacy — one pawprint at a time.

Learn more about launching your own Pet Wants business: https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info.