Fetch! is a national pet services franchise that was started by CEO Paul Mann in 2004. In the midst of an unforgiving economy for small businesses, the Fetch! franchise has experienced growth and success in 2008. The franchise is launching an expansion into the Phoenix area and I took the opportunity to talk to Paul about his success and business philosophies.
Leona Charles: “Why did you choose Phoenix”?nu
Paul Mann: “It’s a great area for expansion. Right now it’s one of the top 10 markets for pet services. Also the people in Phoenix are great people”.
LC: “Your company research shows an annual growth of 5%, do you expect this type of success in the Phoenix market”?
PM: “Last year our franchise saw a growth of 153%, so we do expect similar growth in Phoenix. The demand is still there despite the economy. Baby Boomers are big customers for us and the younger crowd still has the expendable income and is spending it in animal services”.
LC: “What will Fetch! bring to the Phoenix market”?
PM: “We want to provide professional love and care to the animals we look after. We also work with a lot of charities that focus on adoption and animal rescue, but ultimately we will be providing the Phoenix with jobs and support to the local economy”.
LC: “You came from a very different background (an IT industrybackground), how did you transition and what did you need to learn”?
PM: “I started the business in 2002, but I didn’t franchise it until a year and half later. I worked as a dog walker before I franchised the business. I had to understand the pet care business from a software perspective and I really needed to understand what the pets and the customers needed”.
LC: “Do you have any pearls of wisdom for would be or budding entrepreneurs”?
PM: “Do something that you’re passionate about. It’s not about the money; totally commit yourself and don’t waiver. Get as much help as you can and always be a student”.
It seems that the core company philosophy of value is sustaining the impressive growth. Fetch! currently operates more than 200 franchises and shows no signs of slowing; the true spirit of business is alive and well within this organization.
For more information on this company, you can view the company’s website at www.fetchpetcare.com.
Comments