Wild Birds Unlimited Franchisees to Know: Kevin and Jen Lair

When it comes to mixing business with pleasure, it really is possible to have it all. Just ask Kevin and Jen Lair. They’re owners of a Wild Birds Unlimited, the country’s first and largest franchise system of backyard bird feeding stores, in Bend, Oregon, and they’ve made a career out of the one thing they both enjoy most—nature.

The husband and wife business partners first met in college, where they were both studying for their Master’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’s largest city.

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’t focused solely on providing the highest quality retail in the industry—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.

“We are incredibly fortunate to enjoy our job more than ever, while being able to live in the most beautiful place in the country,” Kevin said. “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.”

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’s continued success to the brand’s built-in system of committed, friendly support.

“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.”

In 2013, Kevin and Jen’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.

“Throughout the country, customers are coming into Wild Birds Unlimited with high expectations. That’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’s clear that a true passion fuels everything this brand accomplishes—from the top down,” said Kevin.

For more information about Wild Birds Unlimited, click here.