The Great Franchisee: Bob Wiegand, Dog Training Elite, Nebraska

78% of pet owners acquired their new companions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, roughly 78 million people decided to make a career change between 2020 and 2021. Bob Wiegand did both. Taking the leap after leaving his sales job, Wiegand purchased his very own Dog Training Elite* franchise to help new and old pet owners alike connect with and train their precious companions. He also purchased a Golden Doodle named Millie. 

Dog Training Elite has grown an astounding 293% in the last three years, as franchises across the U.S. work with dogs and owners to meet their needs — some of which include PTSD support, psychiatric support, autism support and diabetic alert training.

Wiegand talks to 1851 about how his sales career came to an abrupt ending at just the right time. 

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

Bob Wiegand: I spent 20 years in the car industry, where I managed staff and sold vehicles.  I was a salesperson for the last 18 years, selling billboard advertising. About a year and a half ago, I was trying to work through the pandemic, but the outdoor ads hit a slow spot — a real downturn. No one was driving, so no one was buying advertising, which makes sense. 

At this time, I really wanted to try and get into my own business, so I spoke with a friend of mine in a networking group who had a relative who was a franchise broker. Now, a year and a half later, here I am with a franchise. In the beginning, I wanted to maintain my full-time position and be a somewhat absentee owner, but hanging out with the fun-loving dogs hit home for me. Ultimately, I ended up quitting my full-time job because I knew I wanted to focus on this 24/7. I wanted to be available. I couldn’t afford to work the business this way. 

1851: What do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Wiegand: I think you have to do your homework and your due diligence. Not everyone is a dog lover, so this might not be it for you. But make sure you are comfortable with the franchise concept and make sure they have a great support system. It doesn’t matter what time it is — I can contact DTE corporate, and within a small amount of time, I can get the information I need. Watching zoom calls with current franchise operators was helpful too. 

1851: What makes you stand out as a business owner in your local community?

Wiegand: Having my vehicle wrapped really shows the professionalism of the company and how we want to present ourselves. My sales background and their training program make me stand out. Being very professional and joining a professional organization with all these new franchises around the country gives me credibility.  

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

Wiegand: The brand itself was presented to me through my franchise broker. He considered purchasing a DTE franchise three years ago, but never pulled the trigger, and it made me think, “If this guy is considering this, I should look into it too.” DTE checked all the boxes, and everything in my body told me to move forward with it.

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

Wiegand: I’d like one more territory, which is available in Omaha. Then I’d possibly move into Lincoln, 50 miles down the road on Route 80 in Nebraska. I hope to achieve some financial growth within the next few years and open a training facility within the next three to five years. DTE doesn't require it, but I can see myself wanting to get a facility and increase the product I offer down the road.

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

Wiegand: I’m currently living my dream of being self-employed and owning my own company. I love working with animals. 

The connection between owners and their dogs can be rekindled. A lot of dog owners love their pets, but they need a relationship that is working for both of them. Once they do, it takes them both back to the puppy stage. My dog has only had four weeks of training, and she is walking leash-free already. With that, I have felt that rekindled relationship and become a customer myself.  

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

Wiegand: Do your homework, take your time and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You need to know as much as you can about any franchise you choose to go with. It’s a big decision, and it’s typical to be scared and nervous.

What were the reasons that officially pushed you over the edge and made you decide to buy a franchise?

Wiegand: After many visits with my franchise broker and with DTE's Kyle Christie, their franchise person, it just made sense for me to move forward. I loved how they explained everything so I could make an informed decision.

To learn more about Raintree* brands and Dog Training Elite go to 1851franchise. 

ABOUT DOG TRAINING ELITE

With more than four decades of experience in dog training, Dog Training Elite is one of the country’s leading obedience and specialized training franchises. Offering a comprehensive suite of customizable training programs, Dog Training Elite works with dogs and owners to meet any and all training needs, including therapy dog training and advanced service dog training for PTSD support, psychiatric support, mobility support, autism support, diabetic alert training and an array of other services. In addition to the wide breadth of services offered, Dog Training Elite differentiates itself from competitors through a uniquely human-focused approach to dog training, which focuses on helping owners and their families learn to effectively and consistently support their dog’s training needs. To learn more about franchising with Dog Training Elite, visit https://dogtrainingelite.com/franchise.