1851

When it comes to franchise brand validation, no one has the scoop quite like an employee.&nbsp;After seven years of working for three <a href="https://franchise.wbu.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-general-manager-to-franchisee-jennifer-houssian-takes-over-3-wild-birds-unlimited-stores-with-partner-richard-dunn-2711975" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wild Birds Unlimited</a> stores, with three of those years spent as a general manager, Jennifer Houssian took the plunge and franchised with the bird feeding brand earlier this year.&nbsp;She was first motivated to purchase the stores in late 2018 when she learned that her bosses, the franchisees for the three stores she worked for, were getting ready to retire. Not only that, but they gave her the option to purchase their stores before posting them for sale. Houssian couldn’t bear the thought of possibly missing the opportunity to own the stores that she loved so much. So, together with her significant other of 12 years, Richard Dunn, Houssian purchased the brand’s stores in Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Langley this past summer. All three stores are located in Canada’s British Columbia province. She and Dunn will run the stores together.&nbsp;Houssian and Dunn originally thought they’d only purchase the Chilliwack franchise, however, the previous owners were willing to give them a good deal on the Abbotsford location. Then, when the sale of the Langley store to a different party fell through, they decided to make a run to buy all three Wild Birds Unlimited stores that Houssian was managing. After they “crunched some numbers,” Dunn said, he and Houssian decided to downsize their lifestyle and move into a smaller home to make the purchase of all three locations happen. Clearly, it was meant to be.&nbsp;Also instrumental in their decision was Houssian’s love for <a href="https://1851franchise.com/wildbirdsunlimited">Wild Birds Unlimited</a> customers.&nbsp;“Everybody is happy to walk into these stores,” she said. “It’s their happy place where they get their enjoyment. I’ve built a lot of one-on-one <a href="https://1851franchise.com/wildbirdsunlimited/wild-birds-unlimited-creates-an-unparalleled-community-of-support-through-passionate-franchisees-and-customers-2711292#brand-latest-stories">relationships with customers</a>. I just couldn’t let any of that go.”&nbsp;As for Dunn, he realized how much Houssian loved the business and decided it was something he wanted to do, too. Prior to franchising with Wild Birds Unlimited, Dunn worked in the pipe valve and fitting industry with oil refineries.&nbsp;“It was pretty high-pressure, with everyone wanting everything yesterday,” he said. “Then I would visit Jenn at the Wild Birds Unlimited store and everyone would be happy and stress-free. It was way better.”&nbsp;Houssian and Dunn are franchising with Wild Birds Unlimited at an opportune time. The brand currently has more than 340 locations across the United States and Canada with plenty of room left to grow. Much of its growth <a href="https://1851franchise.com/wildbirdsunlimited/wild-birds-unlimited-franchisees-have-second-stores-in-the-works-2709205#brand-latest-stories">comes from existing franchisees</a> who, buoyed by the strong support provided by the leadership team, have become multi-unit owners. Approximately 28% of the brand’s franchisees are multi-unit owners. This high level of support, which includes assistance with finding real estate, technical help and operational support, has led to some of the highest <a href="https://1851franchise.com/wildbirdsunlimited/5-reasons-why-franchisees-love-wild-birds-unlimited-2705200#stories">franchisee satisfaction</a> rates in the franchising industry.Although they were highly familiar with Wild Birds Unlimited, Houssian and Dunn still attended the brand’s “Meet the Flock” Day. They were comforted to learn about the resources they would have access to as franchisees, <a href="https://franchise.wbu.com/training-support/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-general-manager-to-franchisee-jennifer-houssian-takes-over-3-wild-birds-unlimited-stores-with-partner-richard-dunn-2711975" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">such as the Franchise Support Center</a>, which is staffed with a team of 40 Wild Birds Unlimited professionals who are ready to answer franchisee queries.&nbsp;Of course, Houssian also came to the table with a vast wealth of experience that has helped her in her new role.&nbsp;“I already did a lot of the work for the previous owners as far as staffing and merchandising, for example, so I had that experience already,” she said. “I was also the main face of the Langley store, so I was already very used to having high interaction levels with customers.”&nbsp;Once they are more settled into their roles, Houssian and Dunn plan to get more involved in their community and join local business organizations. Houssian already participates in community efforts, including fundraising with local organizations such as the <a href="https://www.crittercarewildlife.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-general-manager-to-franchisee-jennifer-houssian-takes-over-3-wild-birds-unlimited-stores-with-partner-richard-dunn-2711975" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Critter Care Wildlife Society</a> and <a href="http://www.elizabethswildlifecenter.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-general-manager-to-franchisee-jennifer-houssian-takes-over-3-wild-birds-unlimited-stores-with-partner-richard-dunn-2711975" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Elizabeth’s Wildlife Center</a>, and given talks at garden centers and flower clubs.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I would like to give more talks and do home shows, as well as get involved with local parks and donate bird boxes and feeders,” she said.&nbsp;Houssian and Dunn are thrilled they decided to franchise with Wild Birds Unlimited.&nbsp;“I was pretty nervous when we pulled up to the Franchise Support Center for ‘Meet the Flock’ Day,” Dunn said. “Within five seconds of walking through the door, though, I felt at home. The Wild Birds Unlimited leadership team makes you feel totally at ease. When we left we felt confident that this was something we could do. Now we’re full tilt into it.”&nbsp;The startup costs for a Wild Birds Unlimited franchise range from $150,837 to $260,991, which includes the $30,000 franchise fee. To learn more about franchising with Wild Birds Unlimited, visit <a href="https://franchise.wbu.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-general-manager-to-franchisee-jennifer-houssian-takes-over-3-wild-birds-unlimited-stores-with-partner-richard-dunn-2711975" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://franchise.wbu.com/</a>.

From General Manager to Franchisee: Jennifer Houssian Takes Over 3 Wild Birds Unlimited Stores with Partner Richard Dunn

1851 Franchise

When the previous franchisees announced their decision to retire, they first offered the sale of their stores to their longtime employee, who decided to make it happen. 

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

from-general-manager-to-franchisee-jennifer-houssian-takes-over-3-wild-birds-unlimited-stores-with-partner-richard-dunn

TruBlue Home Service Ally

Why TruBlue is the Ideal Franchise for Multi-Unit Owners: Scalable Growth With a Purpose

why-trublue-is-the-ideal-franchise-for-multi-unit-owners-scalable-growth-with-a-purpose

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Koji Kanematsu Turned a 2,000-Year-Old Japanese Staple Into One of the Most Scalable Restaurant Franchise Models

koji-kanematsu-turned-a-2000-year-old-japanese-staple-into-one-of-the-most-scalable-restaurant-franchise-models

Lindora

Celebrating the Nurse Behind the Mission: How Melinda Endricks Is Powering Lindora’s Growth and Impact Nationwide

celebrating-the-nurse-behind-the-mission-how-melinda-endricks-is-powering-lindoras-growth-and-impact-nationwide

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Targets Chicago for Strategic Franchise Growth

sola-salons-targets-chicago-for-strategic-franchise-growth

Melting Pot

Photo of Melting Pot white chocolate fondue

How Melting Pot Franchisees Drive Year-Round Success Through Strategic Promotions and Local Marketing

melting-pot-franchise-year-round-success

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

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands - 1851 Franchise

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands

doordash-acquistions-deliveroo-sevenrooms

Crumbl Franchise Investment - TSG Consumer Partners -  1851 Franchise

TSG Consumer Partners Takes Minority Stake in Crumbl, Signaling Franchise Growth Potential

crumbl-franchise-investment-tsg-consumer

Yum Brands Reports Strong Q1 Results with Big Boost from Taco Bell

yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell

QSR: McDonald’s Gains Momentum With Chicken Innovation, Value Deals and Franchisee Support

mcdonalds-franchise-recovery-chicken-strategy-value-deals-2025

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

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

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

Health Care Professional in the Non-Profit Space Brings TruBlue to North Pittsburgh

health-care-professional-in-the-non-profit-space-brings-trublue-to-north-pittsburgh

Franchisee Spotlight with Huanyu Li and Paris Baguette Logo

A Longtime Love for Paris Baguette Led Huanyu Li To Open One of Her Own

a-longtime-love-for-paris-baguette-led-huanyu-li-to-open-one-of-her-own

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

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

District Taco Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-district-tacos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: Building Your Brand’s Growth Machine

ultimate-guide-to-selling-franchises

From General Manager to Franchisee: Jennifer Houssian Takes Over 3 Wild Birds Unlimited Stores with Partner Richard Dunn

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS