Dogtopia Expanding National Growth With New Chicago Area Regional Developer Agreement
Tysons Corner, VA (PRWEB) January 30, 2014 -- Dogtopia, a national dog daycare and recipient of Inc. 500/5000 List of America’s Fastest Growing Companies and Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, announced today it has signed a regional developer agreement with Daniel (Dan) Allen Heuertz to expand into Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. This agreement is part of Dogtopia’s aggressive growth strategy to open more than 400 locations across the U.S. and Canada over the next several years.
Heuertz, a successful business owner/operator in Greater Chicago, is currently seeking qualified franchise candidates to open up to 17 Dogtopia locations throughout the region. The company is targeting the City of Chicago and neighboring areas like Arlington Heights, Naperville, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Oak Brook and Park Ridge. Heuertz has plans to open the first, flagship Dogtopia this summer in Schaumburg or Barrington.
“Several things attracted me to Dogtopia. The idea of being in the business of caring for dogs is appealing…it just feels good. That combined with the business model and genuine nature of the people behind the brand made this an easy decision,” said Dan Heuertz, Dogtopia Chicago regional developer. “I am excited to join the Dogtopia franchise system at a time when the brand is poised for significant growth and look forward to opening our first location.”
Heuertz has more than 20 years of hands on leadership and management experience in start-up operations, mergers and acquisitions, turn-around and high growth companies, and he has been part of Chicago’s business community for two decades. Taking a flexible, although proven “buy-in” from key stakeholders approach has created numerous success stories in diverse industries such as; real estate, restaurants, foodservice buying groups, country clubs and hospitality related assets across the USA including Chicago’s own Leona’s Restaurants.
In 2002, Amy Nichols founded Dogtopia in part due to her own challenges finding suitable care for her Boston Terrier, Griffin, while she maintained a busy career. She was confident there were many other working professionals and busy families just like her looking for an alternative to leaving their beloved dog at home alone all day.
“We are dedicated to being best-in-class in our industry and look for other best-in-class partners to help Dogtopia realize its enterprising goals over the next several years. Dan has an impressive track record in business. His combined experience along with his enthusiasm for Dogtopia makes it the perfect time for us to expand into Chicago,” said Amy Nichols, CEO of Dogtopia. "As we continue to grow across North America with our regional developer model, it is critical to identify entrepreneurs like Dan who serve as local representatives for the brand and are focused on owning and managing a rapidly growing business."
As pet spending continues to increase, now is the ideal time for the Dogtopia franchise system. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), pet spending is estimated to have reached an all-time high of more than $55 billion in the United States in 2013. Additionally, 68 percent of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 82.5 million homes, demonstrating there is a significant population that could benefit from dog daycare.
Since Dogtopia launched in 2002, it has grown to 29 locations with 12 additional currently under development nationwide. The Dogtopia system includes both franchise and company-owned stores. There are currently 7 regional developers representing 90 future Dogtopia locations. Dogtopia’s design and color scheme mirrors that of an upscale spa, yet is laid out in a similar manner to a children’s daycare facility, there are multiple playrooms to suit every dog’s personality and size. In addition to daycare and boarding, Dogtopia also offers a spa, self-service dog wash and a boutique to pamper dogs of all shapes and sizes.
For more information regarding Dogtopia franchise opportunities in Chicago, contact Dan Heuertz at dheuertz(at)dogdaycare(dot)com.
About Dogtopia
Dogtopia is a national dog daycare, spa and boarding franchise committed to providing exceptional care to canines and their families at its 29 U.S. locations. Dogtopia prides itself on being a place where pets are valued as family and dogs enjoy playtime, spa treatments, and overnight stays in a positive environment. The company was founded by Amy Nichols in 2002 based on the belief that combining a strong vision, a passion for dogs and a second-to-none executive team would lead to success. With that success, Dogtopia began franchising in 2005. Currently, there are 24 Dogtopia franchises and five company-owned locations in operation across the U.S. Dogtopia is poised to grow to more than 400 stores in the US and Canada over the next several years. Dogtopia is the proud recipient of Inc. 500/5000 List of America’s Fastest Growing Companies (2008-2013), Entrepreneur Franchise 500 (2014), Smart CEO Future 50 (2014) and Franchise Times Next 300 (2013). Visit http://www.dogdaycare.com for more information.
Stacey G. Wynia, +1 310-795-8303, [email protected]
Share this article