The Great Franchisee: Rob Taylor, Hounds Town USA, Denver

Rob Taylor is a franchise development director at Raintree* Franchise Sales, a Denver-based franchise sales and development company, so it’s safe to say he knows a thing or two about franchise growth. Which is exactly why his recent decision to join Hound Town USA, a 18 unit doggie daycare (with 60 in development) franchise out of New York, has franchise entrepreneurs paying attention. Taylor has signed a multi-unit deal with Hounds Town to open three locations throughout the Denver Metro area.

Taylor’s interest in Hounds Town extends beyond its growth prospects. The former veterinary medical sales rep also shares a genuine passion for pet care with Hounds Town USA. We spoke to Taylor to learn more about how he got into the world of franchising and why he chose Hounds Town for his next venture as a franchisee.

1851 Franchise: Tell us your story – what did you do before franchising?

Rob Taylor: I spent 16 years in the vet industry prior to starting at Raintree Sales. I entered the franchise space through Raintree, but I had thought about opening a place like Hounds Town USA years ago.

I worked specifically in the veterinary medical field, promoting high-quality medicine, which enhances the quality of pets’ lives. I consulted with veterinary practices on the diagnostic side with our line of blood analyzers and our reference laboratory services. I was responsible for securing long-term contracts and growing the overall business. I think that position had a major role in my choosing Hounds Town USA. Dogs have always contributed to my paycheck, and I have always had a passion for dogs, so it made sense to choose a franchise in the pet care industry.

I’ve worked with Hounds Town USA through Raintree for a number of years, developing the overall franchise business, and Denver was a wide-open and hot market. I didn’t want someone else taking the opportunity in my own backyard, so I decided to develop it.

1851: How did you initially find out about franchising, and what was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchise owner

Taylor: I opened a British Swim School franchise almost four years ago. That was brought to my attention by my colleague at Raintree Mike Edwards, but my wife has been running that business. British Swim School was my first experience in franchising. Because of my experience at Raintree and in the pet care industry, it seemed like the right move to work with Hounds Town USA. Already knowing the business model, and the brand led me to become a franchisee. 

1851: How did you decide you wanted to be a franchisee?

Taylor: I thought about becoming a Hounds Town USA franchisee for years since I started working with them at Raintree. I always wanted my own business in the pet care industry, but it wasn't until last year that I decided to actually do it. I consulted with my Raintree colleagues Brent Dowling and Mike Edwards, and we pulled the trigger as a partnership to develop three locations in Denver. 

1851: How did you perform your research?

Taylor: I already knew the brand and their model because I had worked with Hounds Town USA as a client at Raintree. It’s my job to help place people into franchises for the brand. I knew Hounds Town USA’s president, Jackie Bondanza, and the CEO, Mike Gould, already, so it was easy to say I wanted to be a franchisee with them.

1851: Why did you pick Hounds Town USA? What excited you most about the brand’s potential?

Taylor: I chose Hounds Town USA because of the people behind the brand. Jackie and Mike are very genuine people. They really care and want to support franchisees. Mike’s knowledge and methods are also better than their doggie daycare competition. They are the best at what they do. 

I have a lot of experience and am well-versed in the pet care industry. I always enjoyed contributing to the enrichment in dogs’ lives. I look at them as family members and not as pets. I think it’s important to provide the highest quality care possible for them. 

1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?

Taylor: Spending in the pet care industry has already increased significantly, and I think it will continue this year and for many more years. It won't be slowing down, especially with the adoption rates from 2020. My goal is to eventually have three successful locations in the Denver Metro area. 

1851: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?

Taylor: My recommendation is to do your research and make sure the opportunity is a good fit. Make sure you can see yourself in the business and evaluate your competition as well. You need to look at everyone in the industry space and compare. Be sure there is chemistry between the franchisors and the franchisees so that you can all work together. 

1851: What do you do in your personal time?

Taylor: I spend a lot of time outdoors. I enjoy mountain biking, kayaking, skiing and camping. I’m also a musician. I have a camper, so when the weather is nice we go all over the place. 

ABOUT HOUNDS TOWN USA:

Since 2000, Hounds Town USA has offered a safe and welcoming environment for dogs to be dogs. With interactive doggie daycare, pet boarding, dog grooming, a pet taxi and retail services, Hounds Town USA’s unique town for dogs is home to the happiest dogs -- and franchise owners -- on Earth. Founded by former NYPD canine handler and commanding officer of the Nassau County Police Department Michael S. Gould, Hounds Town USA has grown to more than 10 locations with plans to expand to 30 units before 2023. For more information please visit http://www.houndstownfranchise.com.