1851

<p>When it comes to mixing business with pleasure, it really <em>is</em> possible to have it all. Just ask Kevin and Jen Lair. They&rsquo;re owners of a <a href="http://franchise.wbu.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=wild-birds-unlimited-franchisees-to-know-kevin-and-jen-lair-3572" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" rel="nofollow">Wild Birds Unlimited</a>, the country&rsquo;s first and largest franchise system of backyard bird feeding stores, in Bend, Oregon, and they&rsquo;ve made a career out of the one thing they both enjoy most&mdash;nature.</p>

<p>The husband and wife business partners first met in college, where they were both studying for their Master&rsquo;s degrees in Wildlife Biology at the University of Montana. After graduating, the duo moved to Bend, Oregon, hungry for change and ready for a new opportunity that could combine their passion for wildlife with their joy of working with people. By 2000, they had found exactly what they were looking for in Wild Birds Unlimited, and the Lairs decided to purchase an existing location in Central Oregon&rsquo;s largest city.</p>

<p>Founded in 1981, Wild Birds Unlimited specializes in bird seed, bird feeders and many other unique home and garden products. But the 35-year-old brand isn&rsquo;t focused solely on providing the highest quality retail in the industry&mdash;the business also strives to bring people and nature together through education. Each store functions as a true community resource, providing valuable knowledge about the wonders of birding and nature. Their built-in training system teaches customers how to turn their yards into a bird feeding habitat that not only brings song, color and life to their homes, but also benefits wild birds and the environment.</p>

<p>&ldquo;We are incredibly fortunate to enjoy our job more than ever, while being able to live in the most beautiful place in the country,&rdquo; Kevin said. &ldquo;When we found out about this opportunity to own a Wild Birds Unlimited, we immediately jumped at it. I am so happy that all of our various interests merged together to bring us here. Wild Birds Unlimited truly embodies everything that Jen and I believe in.&rdquo;</p>

<p>With no background in retail, the Lairs knew they would need the help of a franchise to tackle the many aspects of running a business. They found that kind of support in Wild Birds Unlimited, and today, their business has been in operation for 15 years and counting. Jen credits the store&rsquo;s continued success to the brand&rsquo;s built-in system of committed, friendly support.</p>

<p>&ldquo;We liked the level of care that the Wild Birds Unlimited system offered. Beyond the great franchisor staff, we are also able to tap into the collective knowledge of nearly 300 other franchise owners. This support network of the franchisor and other Wild Birds Unlimited franchisees has been invaluable in guiding us through every aspect of running a high-performing retail operation.&rdquo;</p>

<p>In 2013, Kevin and Jen&rsquo;s great successes as business owners were recognized. They were presented with the Franchise Honor Award by Wild Birds Unlimited for consistently following the system and contributing to the growth and improvement of the company as a whole. As their first business venture in Bend, Oregon continuously proves to be a fruitful one, the couple hopes to continue building momentum for the brand in the years to come.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Throughout the country, customers are coming into Wild Birds Unlimited with high expectations. That&rsquo;s because this brand was built to set the bar for outstanding customer service and outstanding products and selection. This opportunity with Wild Birds Unlimited has been incredible, and it&rsquo;s clear that a true passion fuels everything this brand accomplishes&mdash;from the top down,&rdquo; said Kevin.</p>

<p>For more information about Wild Birds Unlimited, <a href="http://wildbirdsunlimited.1851franchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=wild-birds-unlimited-franchisees-to-know-kevin-and-jen-lair-3572" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">click here.</a></p>

<div>
<div>
<div id="_com_1">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

1851 Franchise

The husband and wife duo has found the perfect answer to mixing business and pleasure.

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

Wild Birds Unlimited Franchisees to Know: Kevin and Jen Lair

wild-birds-unlimited-franchisees-to-know-kevin-and-jen-lair

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

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

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

Franchise Financial Reporting, Analytics and Business Intelligence | Qvinci

Franchise Financial Reporting, Analytics and Business Intelligence | Qvinci — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

franchise-financial-reporting-analytics-and-business-intelligence-qvinci-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

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

Franchisee spotlight image with photo of Robert Trujillo and UWRG logo on blue background

How Robert Trujillo Expanded His Construction Business With UWRG

how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg

Wild Birds Unlimited Franchisees to Know: Kevin and Jen Lair

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS