Hillman Combines His Passion for Dogs and Franchising with His New Role
Central Bark, an all-inclusive pet franchise, named Todd Hillman director of franchise development. With this role, Hillman will grow Central Bark across the U.S. He brings more than two decades of franchising experience to the position. As the pet franchise grows, so does its leadership team. Central Bark recently appointed Tim Weiderhoft vice president of franchise development.
“Franchising allows people to work at what they love doing. When you can combine a passion for whole dog care with small business success, that’s a win. Pet care is an industry on the rise, and Central Bark is in a wonderful position to help franchise owners achieve financial independence while providing an amazing service to their community,” Hillman said.
As a pet parent of three dogs (Milo, Zoe, and Maisy), Hillman embraces Central Bark’s holistic approach to dog care. “For nearly 20 years, Central Bark has drawn in dogs and their owners to experience its Enrichment Doggy Day Care, which combines expertise with the latest in canine behavior science. Enrichment Doggy Day Care provides a healthy and balanced blend of exercise, social group play, learning, rest, and love that dogs need to be well-rounded members of the family.”
Hillman’s Background
Hillman started franchising in 2001 as a franchisee with National Property Inspections. “That initial experience really helped me understand the franchisor-franchisee relationship and built the foundation for my love of the franchise business model.”
Throughout his career, Hillman held various leadership roles at brands including Massage Envy, Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade, and Hammer & Nails. “The best part of franchising is that it provides entrepreneurship opportunities to people who want to run their own business while forming a community with other like-minded business owners. I love empowering people to start their own franchise and create generational wealth. That can only happen in franchising, and that’s why it’s such an amazing business model.”
The Franchise Business Model
While Hillman believes in the benefits of franchising, he acknowledges it is not a one-size-fits-all kind of business model. “A pet franchise such as Central Bark and the requirements for operation can be different than a property inspection franchise or indoor air treatment franchise. No matter the industry, franchising still requires hard work and dedication.”
To Hillman, by working closely with franchisees, franchisors can “understand what works and what does not when it comes to customer engagement. Once you know that, then you can build marketing and development initiatives that align.”
Hillman advises prospective franchise owners to do their due diligence before investing. “Ask questions of existing operators and make sure you are capitalized enough to work through those initial few months after opening your doors. Franchising is not a magic wand that you can just wave and customers automatically come.”