1851

Brent Dowling wasn’t supposed to get into franchising.Today, he’s the CEO and co-founder of <a href="http://raintreesales.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=raintree-ceo-brent-dowling-is-on-a-roll-and-isnt-stopping-2708266" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Raintree</a>, a franchise development firm.An Australian native who often found himself in the Colorado Rockies as a competitive Snowboarder, Dowling thought he’d found his dream job working in the General Assembly of the United Nations. Ultimately, he decided to leave the field and pursue his MBA after realizing it wasn’t a fit for him. &nbsp;While completing his MBA, he came across franchising and thought it was an overlooked industry deserving much more attention. He said he didn’t realize it was such “a massive industry,” and decided he could put his skills to use in it. He moved to Denver to be with his then-girlfriend, now-wife and to pursue his new dream.Once in Denver, he started working on a part-time basis at <a href="https://www.docpopcornfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=raintree-ceo-brent-dowling-is-on-a-roll-and-isnt-stopping-2708266" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Doc Popcorn</a> before he went full time, and he worked there with his future Raintree partner, Mike Edwards. Together, they helped Doc Popcorn grow from 10 units to more than 100 franchisees and 400 units within three years. During that time, Dowling said he and Edwards were approached by different franchise brands and were asked to join their teams and help them grow.“After that happened a few times, it became pretty clear that there was a demand for folks like us in franchise marketing and franchise sales and we figured ‘Why just help one more company when we can definitely scale this and help multiple companies at a time?’” Dowling said.Together, Dowling and Edwards decided to launch Raintree.Raintree’s main focus is to help franchise brands grow, and it has come a long way since it was founded in 2013. It started off working with just a few smaller clients, but the past year has seen major growth for the company. While Raintree still works with smaller clients, it now also works with larger, more established brands, including <a href="https://jambafranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=raintree-ceo-brent-dowling-is-on-a-roll-and-isnt-stopping-2708266" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jamba Juice</a>, <a href="https://franchise.screenmobile.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=raintree-ceo-brent-dowling-is-on-a-roll-and-isnt-stopping-2708266" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ScreenMobile</a>, <a href="https://www.anagocleaning.com/commercial-cleaning-franchise-opportunities-with-anago.php?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=raintree-ceo-brent-dowling-is-on-a-roll-and-isnt-stopping-2708266" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Anago Cleaning Systems</a> and <a href="https://www.famousdaves.com/Franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=raintree-ceo-brent-dowling-is-on-a-roll-and-isnt-stopping-2708266" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Famous Dave&#x2019;s*</a>.Raintree spent 2018 working to position itself for optimal growth. The brand brought in one new brand per quarter. They also grew their team to more than 30 team members and are currently “hyper-focused on ensuring each Raintree Team Member is better trained and equipped to outperform all others in their field in this industry,” Dowling said.As much as Dowling and Edwards enjoyed their time at Doc Popcorn, they were confident in their decision to start their own company and provide functions that were typically found in-house.“We were really excited because we knew there was this big hole in the franchising industry and we were excited to get to work and start to fill it,” Dowling said. “We grew slow, but smart in the first few years. It paid off, as we are now exceeding franchise growth goals for over 20 partners, and have carefully built the infrastructure and personnel to continue to grow from here.”Raintree’s services include franchise packaging, lead generation and franchise sales.Today, the company seems to turn away far more brands who are looking for a partnership, than those who they bring into their portfolio, which speaks to the major growth it has experienced over the past five years.“The Raintree team’s straightforward, real language and practicality was totally different than the other franchise development companies I’d talked to,” ScreenMobile president and CEO Scott Walker said. “Raintree made no lofty promises and shared our view that working hard leads to progress and success means being flexible and accommodating along the way.”Some of Raintree’s newest partners include <a href="https://franchise.chebahut.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=raintree-ceo-brent-dowling-is-on-a-roll-and-isnt-stopping-2708266" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cheba Hut</a>, <a href="http://www.houndstownfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=raintree-ceo-brent-dowling-is-on-a-roll-and-isnt-stopping-2708266" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Hounds Town USA</a> and <a href="http://www.footprintsfloors.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=raintree-ceo-brent-dowling-is-on-a-roll-and-isnt-stopping-2708266" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Footprints Floors*</a> and <a href="https://songsforseeds.com/franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=raintree-ceo-brent-dowling-is-on-a-roll-and-isnt-stopping-2708266" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Songs for Seeds</a>.“The most surprising thing we continue to see in brands that apply to partner with us is the lack of energy that some companies are putting into their development programs,” Dowling said. “I think that we’ve learned that there’s a lot of brands out there that could use our help.”Brands, he said, are playing catch-up, as they are often a bit behind in terms of, for example, lead generation.“Companies do not always put the right amount of effort into their franchise development programs,” Dowling said. “What we do is we try and take a pretty well-rounded approach. We’re big believers in content. We believe in telling the story. We create a lot of video. We spend a lot of time on social media speaking to potential entrepreneurs. But before we do any of that, we do the hard yards to try to understand exactly who we need to attract to each brand, and find out what resonates with them. This type of strategic positioning takes months of continual refinement. The level of patience and flat-out hustle needed here is something we just don’t see in most brands, but something we are very proud to bring to all our partners.”There has also been some self-development. Dowling and Edwards made the decision to become franchisors themselves so as to even better understand their partners. Although he’s had several years of experience in growing a brand and helping other brands grow their franchises, there was still something missing. He didn’t feel as if he had true empathy for franchisors, which are Raintree’s valued partners. When an opportunity came up to invest in a franchise, he did so along with Edwards.“Becoming a franchisor has been a fascinating and rewarding experience,” Dowling said. “We are learning so much more about the industry, and now we can take those learnings and apply them to Raintree and make sure we are the best possible partners. It’s not just about results in terms of awarding franchises, it’s about being great partners for our brands and really enjoying the ride.”Raintree projects it will bring in at least two new brands each quarter in 2019. Historically, Raintree’s clients have been smaller brands that were just starting out and needed help. Often, they were companies with only two or three locations.“We’ve really worked hard on making sure that we’ve got a program in place that can help not just young food brands, but any brand of any size in any industry and we’re seeing that with Jamba Juice, Anago and ScreenMobile and all these different-sized organizations, and I’m really excited to now deploy that with new partners in 2019,” Dowling said. “But I tell my Raintree teammates all the time; it’s not about being the biggest. I could care less how many brands we have. It’s about being the best. That will always be the goal.”

Raintree CEO Brent Dowling is on a Roll - And Isn’t Stopping

1851 Franchise

Dowling and his team have grown Raintree into a company that can help franchise brands of all sizes and industries achieve their sales goals. 

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. 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

raintree-ceo-brent-dowling-is-on-a-roll-and-isnt-stopping

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Eyes Southern Connecticut for Strategic Franchise Expansion

sola-salons-eyes-southern-connecticut-for-strategic-franchise-expansion

Woodhouse Spas

Photo of exterior of Woodhouse Spa location with people walking around outside

Woodhouse Spas: A Recession-Resistant Franchise Opportunity With Unmatched Support

woodhouse-spas-recession-resistant-franchise-opportunity

Sylvan Learning

Pasadena Weekly: Sylvan Learning Pasadena Offers Free Tutoring for Students Impacted by Local Fires

sylvan-learning-pasadena-free-tutoring-fire-support

BIGGBY COFFEE

BIGGBY® COFFEE Names Erin Kaylor as President, Reinforcing People-First Vision

BIGGBY® COFFEE Names Erin Kaylor as President, Reinforcing People-First Vision and Growth-Focused Future

biggby-coffee-names-erin-kaylor-president

Workout Anytime

Design with Workout Anytime logo and photo of Larry Brayman

Workout Anytime Welcomes Larry Brayman as Chief Marketing Officer, Strengthening Leadership Team Amid Growth Surge

workout-anytime-larry-brayman-cmo

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Pizza Hut - EYM Group - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - 77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold - 1851 Franchise

77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold After Franchisee Bankruptcy Filing

pizza-hut-franchisee-bankruptcy-eym-group

Photo of powerlifter, wearing red singlet and white socks, preparing to deadlift

The 5 Business and Life Lessons I Learned from Powerlifting

the-5-business-and-life-lessons-i-learned-from-powerlifting

franchise supplier award design with Locate AI logo and 1851 Franchise badge

Franchise Real Estate Services | Locate AI — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

locate-ai-emerging-leaders-in-franchise-support

Consulting and Development | Big Sky Franchise Team — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

Big Sky Franchise Team: Expert Consulting for Scalable Growth

consulting-and-development-big-sky-franchise-team-emerging-leaders-in-franchise-support

Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support: 1851 Supplier Highlights

Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support: List of Franchise Suppliers

emerging-leaders-in-franchise-support

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Franchise Success Stories: Inspiring Tales from the Front Lines

franchise-success-stories

Image of building outline hovering over person's hand

How To Choose the Right Franchise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

how-to-choose-the-right-franchise-step-by-step

Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises To Own in 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises to Own in 2025

most-profitable-restaurant-franchises-to-own

Amateur Bodybuilder and Business Partner Bring Passion for Fitness to World Gym Franchise in Fulton, New York

amateur-bodybuilder-and-business-partner-bring-passion-for-fitness-to-world-gym-franchise-in-fulton-new-york

DonutNV Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-donutnv-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Raintree CEO Brent Dowling is on a Roll - And Isn’t Stopping

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS