The Winning Franchisee | Brother and Sister Duo Expand With Scoop Soldiers to Bring More Healthy Work Environments to Texas

Andrew Entwistle and his sister Heather Harrington have always known that they wanted to work together and be their own bosses. After serving in the Army for seven years and entering civilian life, Entwistle worked in various industries. And what he thought would be a job with Scoop Soldiers that would just help him pay bills while in between careers turned into business ownership.

Entwistle moved up in the company and began working for Scoop Soldiers’ corporate team, along with his sister, when he learned of their franchise opportunities. The duo was opening up their first location a year later. After recently purchasing three new territories, Entwistle and Harrington are already looking to expand into San Antonio very soon. Their goal is to create as many job opportunities for their community as possible, all while providing their employees with a healthy and safe work environment.

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

Andrew: I was in the Army for about seven years. I had a few various jobs after my time in the military. My jobs ranged anywhere from management positions to working in insurance fraud. I originally discovered Scoop Soldiers because I took a clean-up job to provide for myself in between careers. I eventually worked for corporate and trained management for them. When I learned they opened up franchising, I knew it was something I would want to do with my family. I already loved the company, and I knew their business model.

Heather: I also had a lot of different roles. I had a lot of management experience ranging in insurance, a print shop, and a bakery, to name a few. I think those experiences came in handy when taking on the responsibility of a franchise.

1851: What was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Andrew: In general, I loved the idea of working for myself and having some support from a successful business. But initially, the idea of franchising myself was terrifying, but after getting into it and learning more about it, it’s great.

Heather: I had a more negative perception of franchising in general. I saw it as taking over someone else's ideas. I didn’t think I would truly have any say in how I would run the business. After working with Scoop Soldiers, I learned that it’s the opposite. They are more of a supportive hand to guide you.

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

Andrew: I would say that the service is genuinely needed, making us stand out. But I also know that both of us have worked our entire lives, so we understand the need for a supportive work environment. If our employees are happy in the work environment we create, then they will perform at a higher level.

Heather: We lead our team the way we would've wanted to have been led in our former positions. Our team’s well-being, mental health and work-life balance are very important to us. So, in turn, they can be happy providing a service. It stands out. If our employees are happy, then our customers will be happy too.

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

Andrew: Being my own boss is what appeals to me the most. I love knowing that the success and failures the businesses have are my own. I also love knowing that I can expand, which allows me to provide more jobs for my community members.

Heather: I agreed to own these businesses with Andrew because I realized how much I loved the company and the business model. I love that I get to be in a field that is pet focused. I loved how it worked and saw the opportunity to grow.

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

Heather: We are expanding in August, but we have plans to expand into San Antonio. I’m excited to grow the business, keep hiring more people, and provide them with a healthy work environment where their mental health and well-being are always put first.

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

Andrew: So far, I think we’ve been extremely successful. And I attribute that to having such a great partner with Heather and a great team. When you put your people first, you see the rewards. And I think our clients see that hard work and the great attitudes, and they want to keep hiring us because of that.

Heather: I spent 20 years as a single mom working two or three jobs at a time. To be at this point where I can proactively give to people in the same situation I was in and improve their lives is something I can’t explain. I’m extremely proud of that, and my brother, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help people.

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

Heather: Get a great accountant. Having that financial knowledge is priceless.

Andrew: Know the business you are going into. I know there are a million options to choose from, but you should know the industry you are going into. That knowledge is going to amplify your success. If you don't know how to do it, hire someone who does. A solid team behind you is what created success.