The brand is well on its way to achieving its goal of awarding 20 new franchises by the end of 2017.

For over 30 years, Wild Birds Unlimited has positioned itself as the leading brand when it comes to connecting people with nature. That’s why it’s no surprise that the brand is positioned for rapid growth in the months ahead.

With 12 new franchise agreements signed by the end of April, Wild Birds Unlimited is already on pace to meet or exceed its goal of awarding 20 new franchises by the end of 2017. In order to build on that momentum, the brand is targeting key markets for development where it’s confident that its business model will thrive. One of those markets is The Oranges in New Jersey.

The Oranges—which is made up of East Orange, South Orange, West Orange and the city of Orange—provides Wild Birds Unlimited with the opportunity to reach hundreds of thousands of shoppers and consumers in the area that it hasn’t been able to before. And given that the brand has already established a strong reputation across the state of New Jersey, it’s confident that franchisees will be able to hit the ground running in The Oranges as soon as they sign on to open up their own store.

“We’re constantly looking to break into new markets that are filled with untapped potential. The Oranges township is a prime example of that opportunity—this is a market that’s perfectly aligned with the Wild Birds Unlimited brand,” said Paul Pickett, chief development officer for Wild Birds Unlimited. “Not only are consumers here already aware of our top quality products and exceptional customer service, but there’s also rising demand to open up another location. Between that recognition and our proven business model, there’s no doubt that franchisees will thrive in The Oranges.”

Scott Gunther, Wild Birds Unlimited’s franchisee in Paramus, New Jersey, has already proven that the brand’s system works in the state. He first decided to franchise with the brand back in 2006, after leaving his job with The Bronx Zoo behind. Recognizing that Wild Birds Unlimited allowed him to be a business owner while still teaching people about wild life and how to interact with animals, Gunther jumped at the chance to open a store. And today, 11 years later, his business is still going strong.

“It’s been clear to me from day one that New Jersey is an ideal market for the Wild Birds Unlimited brand. There’s a growing demand here to get back in touch with nature—people are finding just how rewarding it can be to enjoy their natural surroundings,” said Gunther. “The Wild Birds Unlimited team also makes it incredibly easy to be successful, no matter where you’re opening a store. They’re always there to lend a helping hand when you need it, which shows that this is more like a family than a company. Wild Birds Unlimited truly cares about each and every one of its franchisees.”

When entrepreneurs sign on to open up their own Wild Birds Unlimited store, they gain access to an unrivaled support system. From selecting real estate and signing a lease to marketing the store to the local community, the brand guides its local owners through the entire grand opening process. And that support system doesn’t end after a store is officially up and running—the Wild Birds Unlimited team continues to work with its franchisees in their efforts to grow and take their businesses to the next level.

Owning and operating a Wild Birds Unlimited store is also affordable for aspiring business owners—startup costs range from $146,692 to $228,406.

“We make it our number one priority to support our franchisees. By providing them with a step by step guide to ensure that their business is successful and making ourselves easily accessible, our local owners have all of the tools and resources that they need to be successful at their disposal,” said Pickett. “As Wild Birds Unlimited continues to break into new markets across the country, including The Oranges, we’re looking forward to giving more aspiring business owners access to our simple and proven business model. At the end of the day, our goal is to help entrepreneurs make their dreams of connecting people with nature a reality.”