Lavigne Will Work with Prospective Franchise Candidates to Ensure a Good Fit
Woofie’s Pet Ventures, LLC, a mobile grooming and dog walking franchise, announced Jamie Lavigne as its franchise development manager. Lavigne will work with prospective franchisees to ensure a good fit. Her previous experience includes franchise development positions with Authority Brands and Homewatch CareGivers.
The role at Woofie’s came about when Authority Brands, a home services umbrella franchisor, acquired Woofie’s along with Color World Housepainting.
“I am so excited about being a part of this brand. I love animals and understand firsthand the need for these services. I love that the Woofie’s franchise opportunity has multiple recurring revenue streams,” Lavigne said.
In regards to Lavigne’s new role, Amy Reed, president and co-founder of Woofie’s, said in a statement, “We are thrilled to be part of the Authority Brands family and to have Jamie represent the Woofie’s brand. She understands our culture and shares our passion for bringing the Woofie’s opportunity to business owners nationwide!”
Lavigne believes that Authority Brands is “building brands the smart way” and will have a positive impact on the future of the industry. “We want to award and open all our locations. But, we do turn down unsuitable candidates,” Lavigne said.
The holding company is also “investing in the marketing, technology, and more for all our brands at the franchisee level,” she said.
Two All-Female Executive Teams
Lavigne has seen firsthand how franchising has created opportunities for women. When she was at Meineke Car Care Centers, Inc., she told everyone that the first franchise she awarded was to a woman. Woofie’s is a female-founded company that fosters female entrepreneurship. Lavigne has now had the chance to work with two all-female executive teams from Woofie’s and Homewatch CareGivers. “Women in franchising just makes sense. I recently bought a shirt that says, ‘Empowered women, empower women.’ This is franchising for women to me,” Lavigne said.
For those who are interested in franchising, Lavigne stresses the importance of education about the Franchise Disclosure Document and the industry. Passion for a brand is also important, she said.
Lavigne’s Franchising Journey
In 2007, Lavigne got her start in the industry on the supplier side. Her favorite part of franchising is that it changes lives for the better. “I love working with people and helping them achieve their dreams of business ownership. Franchising is an amazing vehicle for that,” she said.
In 2015, Lavigne started in franchise development with Driven Brands, a holding company for automotive franchises. She awarded franchises for Meineke in the Northeast. She wishes that she had made the transition from the supplier side to the franchise development side sooner; however, working at Franchise Business Review, a market research firm, and getting her Certified Franchise Executive designation gave her a leg up, she said.
Lavigne has also played an active role in the New England Franchise Association as a member and vice president. Outside of franchising, she has an art degree from the University of New Hampshire and lives on 31 acres of land in New Hampshire with her husband, daughters, and pets.