1851

Government-mandated lockdowns and shutdowns of businesses due to COVID-19 have affected a wide range of industries, and this is no different for<a href="https://franchise.wbu.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=wild-birds-unlimited-franchisee-scott-gunther-credits-leadership-team-with-providing-invaluable-support-during-challenging-climate-2713335" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Wild Birds Unlimited</a>. The nation’s leading bird feeding franchise, which has more than 300 points of presence in the U.S. and Canada,<a href="https://1851franchise.com/wildbirdsunlimited/how-wild-birds-unlimited-is-supporting-franchisees-during-this-time-2712746"> had to pivot quickly in order to help franchisees</a> navigate the crisis.This franchisee support has included making sure all franchisees knew how to use and leverage the brand’s online sales platform, MyWBU, creating marketing collateral to promote MyWBU and curbside service, setting up a coronavirus hotline for franchisees and more.“The main benefit of franchising versus going into business alone is that you have franchisor support during good times and bad times, and that is something the<a href="https://1851franchise.com/wildbirdsunlimited"> Wild Birds Unlimited</a> leadership team has always taken very seriously,”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-development-leaders-wild-birds-unlimiteds-paul-pickett-2711129#franchisor"> Chief Development Officer Paul Pickett</a> said. “The home office is taking every possible step to ensure franchisees are supported as much as possible during the coronavirus pandemic. Wild Birds Unlimited is also developing step-by-step best practices in regards to cleanliness and working closely with our franchisees to implement a safe and thoughtful in-store experience when stores reopen.”One franchisee who has benefited from this support is Scott Gunther, who has owned and operated the Wild Birds Unlimited store in Paramus, New Jersey since 2006. His store is located in the state’s Bergen County, which Gunther noted was one of the hardest-hit areas outside of New York City. Since the state of New Jersey went into total lockdown, Gunther’s store was greatly affected by the coronavirus pandemic and had to completely shut its doors. He scored a major win on Wednesday, May 20, when his store was able to reopen to offer curbside pickup after being fully closed for several weeks.“My store was one of the few stores in the Wild Birds Unlimited system that was forced to do a 100% workforce stoppage due to mandated closures here in New Jersey,” he said. “I ended up being the only person working the store and I was only able to package online shipping. Since I couldn’t do it all by myself, the leadership team reached out to my suppliers and had them help me fulfill those orders.”Additionally, Wild Birds Unlimited helped Gunther get Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) assistance. Pickett also negotiated rent directly with Gunther’s landlord.“After talking with Paul, my landlord held off on requesting rent until I got my PPP, so that was very helpful,” Gunther said.Like so many business owners, Gunther is staying up-to-date on the news as he waits for the official approval to reopen his store. Wild Birds Unlimited has also helped him in this area.“The Wild Birds Unlimited home office has helped us franchisees stay up-to-date with what’s going on in our individual markets,” he said. “They’re keeping all of the franchisees in the loop as best as they can.”Fortunately, Gunther’s loyal customers are eager to see him reopen his doors. Some customers have already taken advantage of curbside sales. The strong support from the Wild Birds Unlimited leadership team has also validated Gunther’s decision to franchise rather than go into business alone.“I don’t know how some small businesses that are on their own are ever going to come back from this,” he said. “I would not have survived this shutdown without the support of the home office. Just being able to call the leadership team at all hours of the day and night has been hugely beneficial, not just for my store but also for moral support.”Gunther has also enjoyed exchanging best practices and information with his fellow franchisees.“I’ve reached out to other store owners who are going through the same thing as me and being able to talk to them has also made a huge difference,” he said. “Wild Birds Unlimited is<a href="https://1851franchise.com/wildbirdsunlimited/wild-birds-unlimited-creates-an-unparalleled-community-of-support-through-passionate-franchisees-and-customers-2711292#franchisor"> not just a huge network, we’re also a huge family,</a> and it’s been amazing to work with other franchisees.”Wild Birds Unlimited is the original and largest franchise system of backyard bird feeding and nature specialty stores with more than 300 locations throughout the United States and Canada. The investment level to open a Wild Birds Unlimited location is $170,382 to $281,606. To learn about franchising opportunities with Wild Birds Unlimited, please visit<a href="https://franchise.wbu.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=wild-birds-unlimited-franchisee-scott-gunther-credits-leadership-team-with-providing-invaluable-support-during-challenging-climate-2713335" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> https://franchise.wbu.com/</a>.

Wild Birds Unlimited Franchisee Scott Gunther Credits Leadership Team with Providing Invaluable Support During Challenging Climate

1851 Franchise

Working with suppliers to help fill orders, directly negotiating with landlords and navigating PPP loans are just a few of the ways the Wild Birds Unlimited leadership team is providing top-notch support during these difficult times.


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-franchisee-scott-gunther-credits-leadership-team-with-providing-invaluable-support-during-challenging-climate

Dog Training Elite

photo of black and white dog, wearing a Santa hat, sitting in a wicker basket with Christmas decor

Expert Training Tips for a Well-Behaved Dog This Christmas Season

holiday-dog-training-tips

USA Ninja Challenge

USA Ninja Challenge Ends 2025 With 20 Units Awarded, Expanded Leadership Team and a Strong Foundation for a Landmark 2026

usa-ninja-challenge-ends-2025-with-20-units-awarded-expanded-leadership-team-and-a-strong-foundation-for-a-landmark-2026

America's Swimming Pool

How America’s Swimming Pool Co. Supports Franchisees With Coaching, Technology, and New Service Lines

how-americas-swimming-pool-co-supports-franchisees-with-coaching-technology-and-new-service-lines

BooXkeeping

BooXkeeping Closes Out a Breakout 2025 With Major Wins and Momentum for 2026

booxkeeping-2025-growth-franchise-expansion-2026-momentum

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Franchise - Eli and Abby Power - 1851 Franchise

Eli and Abby Power Turned a Rural Plumbing Shop Into a Multi-Generational Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Franchise

benjamin-frankling-plumbing-franchise-eli-abby-power-western-colorado

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 Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

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

California Pizza Kitchen’s Sale Is the Latest in the Era of PE-Backed Turnarounds in Franchising

california-pizza-kitchens-sale-is-the-latest-in-the-era-of-pe-backed-turnarounds-in-franchising

Buying a fitness franchise, people exercising

Boutique vs. Big Box Gym Franchises: Which Offers Best ROI in the $7 Billion Fitness Market?

buy-fitness-franchise-boutique-big-box-comparison

Pieology Pizza Enters Chapter 11 Following Costly Bid To Save Struggling Stores

pieology-pizza-files-chapter-11-bankruptcy

CNBC: McDonald’s Will Assess if Franchisees Are Offering Value for Customers Under New Standards

mcdonalds-franchise-standards-value-metric

How AI Is Transforming Restaurant Operations and Franchises

ai-impact-restaurants-franchises-human-centric-technology

Scenthound Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

scenthound-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Newk's Eatery Franchise - Columbus, Mississippi Expansion - 1851 Franchise

Newk’s Eatery Taps Seasoned Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Multi-Unit Operators for New Columbus, Mississippi Expansion

newks-franchise-columbus-ms-patel

Robert Palmer’s Long Game: Turning a Cleveland Lawn Business into the Lawn Squad Franchise

growing-the-lawn-squad-franchise-scaling-authority-brands

image of 1851 franchise deep dive on lawn squad franchise franchise evaluation, financials

Lawn Squad Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

lawn-squad-franchise-cost-fees-profit-data

Photo of group of dogs standing together in day care facility

Top Pet Boarding and Day Care Franchise Opportunities for 2025

top-pet-boarding-daycare-franchises

A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

franchising-your-business-who-to-call-first

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

right-at-home-franchise-las-cruces-jerome-hanway

AI-related job cuts, October U.S. job cuts, American job cut record

AI-Fueled Layoffs Reshape the U.S. Job Market — And Highlight Franchising’s Resilience

Wild Birds Unlimited Franchisee Scott Gunther Credits Leadership Team with Providing Invaluable Support During Challenging Climate

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS