When Teri and Thomas Brogden first visited Hounds Town – Ronkonkoma with their dog Jackie several years ago, they didn’t have business on their mind. As customers, they were focused on finding a doggie daycare facility for their newly-rescued pup who suffered from anxiety and confidence issues. “The staff took the time with Jackie to make her feel comfortable in the playroom, and they even sent me video of her to ease my mind,” says Teri. “As my husband and I began talking about opening our own business and investing in a franchise, we chose Hounds Town because of the personal experience I had there and I knew I could replicate this in my own community, and for my own customers,” she says.
After becoming franchisees in April 2016, Teri and Thomas set out on a building hunt, and ultimately found an ideal 5,500 square foot building on Commack Rd. in Deer Park. It was a market underserved by any other Hounds Town or doggie daycare facility. “We felt the community could really use our services,” explains Teri. After about 90 days of build out, the facility opened on March 4, 2017. Almost immediately, dogs began coming. And coming. By August, the newly minted Hounds Town was hosting dozens and dozens of dogs per day for boarding, interactive doggie daycare, and grooming.
Hounds Town – Commack Rd. has proven to be a God-send for many local dog parents, who flood the lobby with their happy, eager pups on their way to work or vacation. “People need and want a place for their dogs that they can trust, where they know their dogs are happy and safe and having a great time playing and interacting with other dogs,” says Teri. “I am happy to be that place for our community and to provide parents peace of mind when they can’t be with their fur kids.” Like all Hounds Town locations, Hounds Town Commack Rd. offers fully interactive doggie daycare—meaning dogs are placed in play groups with dogs of similar size and temperament, where they play and interact all day long. The only time dogs go in their private town homes or suites is for nap or bed time.
As the end of their first year approached, the franchisees planned a one year anniversary PAWty to celebrate their successful year. Customers were invited to tour the facility, meet the staff, and enjoy lunch and raffles. New pups were welcome to stop by for a free evaluation, and existing fur customers enjoyed $10 doggie daycare.
Looking back on their first year, Teri reflects on the most significant aspect of being a Hounds Town franchisee and business owner that has changed her life thus far. “The ability to help dogs in need. I get emotional thinking about it, but we have helped many rescue dogs over the past year by serving as a temporary foster and a place to go when they didn’t have one,” says Teri. Incorporating charity work through the franchise’s 501(c)3, Hounds Town Charities, is an important part of the company’s brand.
Looking toward the future, the franchisees hope to expand on what they’ve built and are preparing for a very busy summer season. “Teri and Thomas have exceeded every sales goal by leaps and bounds,” says Mike Gould, Founder and CEO of Hounds Town, Inc. “They took their training and ran with it, and they very quickly built a successful business and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
For more information on Hounds Town, visit www.houndstownusa.com and www.houndstownfranchise.com.
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