The Mobile Grooming Franchise Proved to be the Ideal Business Opportunity for this Former Marine and his Wife
Before Danny Calderon became a Zoomin Groomin franchisee, his family called him “the man with 100 jobs.” But in spite of that diverse employment history, Calderon always aspired to run his own show. Calderon’s résumé includes his 2013-2017 Marine stint, which took him to North Carolina, Afghanistan and the Asia-Pacific region. After that, he used his G.I. Bill to attend college, starting with community college. Then in 2019, Calderon and future wife, Kimmie, lived in Boston as he earned a bachelor’s degree in management.
“While there, I was a FedEx courier, an Olive Garden waiter, a Dyson vacuum sales rep, a Verizon sales rep, an apartment leasing and management consultant, and a fitness instructor. After graduation, I worked full time for a well-known construction company, moved back to New York, married the woman of my dreams – Kimmie– and bought a multi-unit home. The entrepreneur inside me was dying to spread his wings and fly, but instead, the entrepreneur in me was beating its wings against the cage of employment.”
Zoomin Groomin got our attention from the start.
Franchise Ownership Benefits
While exploring the possibilities of business ownership, Calderon “couldn’t ignore the benefits of a franchise— reputation of a name, branding and support. This kicked off my search of franchises within financial reach. Post-pandemic, Kimmie and I liked the idea of a mobile business that would let us weather unforeseen events in public health while continuing to safely service our customers.”
Settling on Zoomin Groomin happened in a roundabout way. “At my in-laws’ house in upstate New York, we discussed how they were having a hard time finding a groomer for their lovable but reactive pup. This conversation turned to their local mobile groomer’s three-month wait list. Kimmie and I immediately wanted to get into this market.
“Zoomin Groomin got our attention from the start. From the catchy name and branding to the amazing staff and support system, this opportunity was meant for us. We loved its growth and solid business leadership and overwhelming desire to help everyone succeed.”
He launched Zoomin Groomin of Nanuet, N.Y., in February 2023. His team of “three amazing groomers” works daily. “We’re in the process of expanding to cover all of Rockland County, N.Y., and parts of Bergen County, N.J. We’ll add two to three more vans over the next three months. Our biggest challenge has been breaking into an established industry and setting our business apart. But we’re doing that —providing a product, service and experience that are bar-none.”
Veteran-Owned Business
Calderon’s Marine background has been a huge plus along the way. “All veterans have skills that, if applied in a business and/or a work setting, will ultimately lead to success,” he says. “During my service, I learned the importance of accountability, discipline, leadership and a strong work ethic. Kimmie and I applied these attributes throughout our journey and are passing these skills to our team.
“The Marine Corps prepared me to always have a plan, but to know that regardless of how great that plan seems, the outcome will probably look nothing like the plan —you adapt and overcome. It prepared me to find opportunities in every situation and grind it out to succeed.”
Calderon says the Zoomin Groomin franchise provided a life-changing opportunity for him and Kimmie but adds that “it can be hard for veterans to find a sense of purpose after their time in service. So if you know a veteran, be sure to acknowledge them for who they are and show support for their dreams and aspirations.”
For more information about the Zoomin Groomin franchise, visit https://discoverzoomingroomin.com/.
The Growing Pet Market
According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), Americans spent $136.8 billion on their pets in 2022, up from $123.6 billion in 2021. APPA expects pet spending to hit $143.6 billion in 2023.
