1851

Brent Dowling’s career path has seen some twists and turns, to say the least. Dowling, 35, is the co-founder and CEO of successful and innovative franchise development firm, <a href="https://raintreesales.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=young-ones-to-watch-brent-dowling-co-founder-and-ceo-of-raintree-2711861" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Raintree</a>, but before founding the company, he was a competitive snowboarder in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and served as Australia’s youngest diplomat in the General Assembly of the United Nations.During his time as a snowboarder, Dowling was also pursuing an online MBA, which piqued his interest in franchising. Dowling realized that the industry was overlooked, despite its endless opportunities. He decided to pursue a career in franchising with Doc Popcorn, where, along with his future business partner, Mike Edwards, he helped grow the franchise from 10 units to more than 400 within three years. That’s when the two discovered their passion for helping franchise brands grow, which is how Raintree came about.Dowling is committed to making Raintree’s brands the fastest growing in the industry by providing a fresh approach to franchise development. In an interview with <a href="https://1851franchise.com/">1851 Franchise</a>, Dowling discusses what drew him to franchising, shares his advice for young aspiring franchisees to develop a well-rounded knowledge base, and reflects on how his family members drive him to succeed in his career.1851: What initially drew you to franchising?&nbsp;&nbsp;Dowling: I thought my dream-job would be in diplomacy representing Australia at the United Nations. It wasn’t quite what I hoped it would be, so I figured I would return to Colorado to be with my then-girlfriend and now-wife, and try my hand at business. Before that, while I was snowboarding for a living, I was also completing an online MBA and in my coursework we touched on franchising. I remember thinking it was fascinating how I hadn’t heard about franchising before, but it was actually a giant industry. That really piqued my interest. When I got back to Colorado and was deciding what I wanted to do next, I remembered that thought and Googled “franchise jobs.” A $12 an hour entry-level lead generation/marketing job for a small popcorn franchise appeared, and so I figured, why not? Eight years later—and it’s weird to say—I am a franchisor, franchisee and I get the privilege of running what I think is one of the best franchise development companies in the industry.&nbsp;1851: Where do you see the most opportunity in franchising and why are you excited about the future of the industry?&nbsp;Dowling: A couple of things have me excited right now. First, folks seem to really be supporting small businesses over large multinational corporations. Franchising is primarily made up of connected small business owners. We have a great opportunity to promote that and capitalize on that sentiment right now to help increase consumer demand for franchise brands.&nbsp;I also think the “Amazon effect,” while hurting retail franchise concepts, provides a great opportunity for experiential service and food concepts to stand out. While people will seemingly spend less time in malls and retail locations to buy goods with the strong appeal to use Amazon instead, there are a number of concepts that really benefit from this. That’s partly why I got involved in a children’s art studio franchise called <a href="https://franchise.kidcreatestudio.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=young-ones-to-watch-brent-dowling-co-founder-and-ceo-of-raintree-2711861" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kidcreate Studio</a>—where parents can drop their kids off for a wholesome, non-digital educational experience that can’t be replicated online.&nbsp;1851: What advice do you have for other young up-and-comers in the space?&nbsp;Dowling: Try it all. I think it’s easy to pigeonhole yourself in this industry as an “ops person,” “marketing guy” or a “franchise sales gal,” for example. I really think that when time is on your side, you should try to understand as many facets of the franchising model as possible. It will benefit whatever sector within franchising you choose to concentrate on later down the line.1851: What advice would you give your younger self?Dowling: Nothing good happens after 1 a.m.1851: Who is someone you look to for inspiration?Dowling: I actually look to three people very regularly: First, my wife, who was our first hire for Raintree. The company took off at a pace we did not anticipate in 2014, and, out of necessity, I begged her to come work with me to sell some franchises. She helps keep me grounded almost every single day. My brother, Linton, and my business partner, Mike, also get a mention. I consider both to be my brothers. Contrary to the warnings I got about working with family and friends, doing so is actually my driving force. Every single day I count my blessings that I get to build and win with those who I care about the most.

Young Ones to Watch: Brent Dowling, Co-Founder and CEO of Raintree

1851 Franchise

From being a pro-snowboarder to Australia’s youngest United Nations diplomat, Brent Dowling wouldn’t have guessed he would have landed in the world of franchising.

young-ones-to-watch-brent-dowling-co-founder-and-ceo-of-raintree

Mosquito Squad Plus

How This Marine Corps Veteran Found Freedom and Purpose With Mosquito Squad

how-this-marine-corps-veteran-found-freedom-and-purpose-with-mosquito-squad

Spadea Lignana Franchise Attorneys

How The DeFelice Brothers Turned a $10,000 Loan Into an Award-Winning Franchise With Help From Spadea Lignana

how-the-defelice-brothers-turned-a-10000-loan-into-an-award-winning-franchise-with-help-from-spadea-lignana

Caring Transitions

How This Gilbert Entrepreneur Found Purpose Helping Families Through Life’s Transitions

how-this-gilbert-entrepreneur-found-purpose-helping-families-through-lifes-transitions

USA Ninja Challenge

Where Passion Meets Purpose: USA Ninja Challenge Gives Franchisees the Power to Change Lives

where-passion-meets-purpose-usa-ninja-challenge-gives-franchisees-the-power-to-change-lives

SweatHouz

From Finance to Wellness: Natalie Siewers’ Path to Leading SweatHouz in Northern Virginia

sweathouz-franchise-northern-virginia-natalie-siewers

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

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

Thursday 1851 Franchise Agg - NASAA’s Noncompete Push

NASAA’s Noncompete Push Puts Franchise Growth on Uncertain Ground

franchise-noncompete-nasaa-advisory-reasonableness-standard

How a Steady Economy Could Help Franchisors Plan Their Next Move

how-a-steady-economy-could-help-franchisors-plan-their-next-move

Bed Bath & Beyond - Franchise Expansion - Retail Strategy - 1851 Franchise

Bed Bath & Beyond Launches Franchise Model as Part of Comeback Strategy

bed-bath-beyond-franchise-expansion-retail-strategy

Senior Entrepreneurship - Franchising - 1851 Franchise

Senior Entrepreneurship Is Rising — And Franchising Is a Key Outlet

senior-entrepreneurship-franchising-silver-startups

U.S. Government Shutdown - Impact on Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Government Shutdown Stalls SBA Loans: How the Shutdown Could Impact Franchises

government-shutdown-impacts-sba-loans-tourism-franchises

NJCAR v. Ford - New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

new-jersey-franchise-practices-act-njcar-v-ford

Power Eats: Smoothie King Rolls Out Food Nationwide To Fuel Franchise Growth

smoothie-king-food-menu-power-eats

Subway Franchisees Resist Expensive Remodel Directives

subway-franchisees-resist-expensive-remodel-directives

Friendly’s Parent Company Acquired by Multi-Unit Franchisee as More Owners Take the Lead in Brand Acquisitions 

friendlys-parent-company-acquired-by-multi-unit-franchisee-as-more-owners-take-the-lead-in-brand-acquisitions

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

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

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

image of franchise deep dive from 1851 franchise on doody calls franchise authority brands

DoodyCalls Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

doodycalls-franchise-deep-dive

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Barb Volk and KidStrong logo

Why This Orangetheory Fitness Franchise Owner Is Developing KidStrong Franchises

kidstrong-franchise-owner-barb-volk-2025

Young Ones to Watch: Brent Dowling, Co-Founder and CEO of Raintree

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS