Behind the Scenes Look at Life as an EarthWise Pet Franchise Owner

Behind the Scenes Look at Life as an EarthWise Pet Franchise Owner

Julie and Scott Ward provide a rundown of their weekly calendar. Here’s what life looks life near the end of Year One.

Scott and Julie Ward opened their first EarthWise Pet franchise location in Sioux Falls, SD, in January 2018. They employ two full-time groomers and four part-time retail staff. Julie works full time as a healthcare executive but handles the store social media, event planning and marketing during early mornings, evenings and weekends. Scott handles day-to-day operations.

Here’s a look at a typical week for the couple:

Monday-Friday

    6 – 6:30 a.m. (Julie)

  • Check social media sites
  • Respond to clients
  • Create posts

    9 – 9:30 a.m. (Scott)

  • Arrive at store
  • Prepare the registers
  • Mop/vacuum floors
  • Clean self-wash area (stock towels, check shampoo, wipe down racks, tubs, tools)
  • Check in with groomers

    10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Scott*)

  • Open doors
  • Face product on shelving
  • Check inventory and place product orders
  • Receive shipments (pallets and/or boxes)
  • Enter inventory and put out product
  • Assist customers with product questions/grooming appointments/ self-wash/sales (bulk
    of the day)
  • Take picture of adorable clients for posting later
  • Research new products
  • Process grooming appointments (client drop-off/pick-up)
  • Wash, fold and restock towels
  • Clean tubs
  • Review financials, pay bills, process payroll (depending on the day)
  • Empty/take out garbage
  • * 2-3 days per week; part-time staff comes in to assist with closing at 4 p.m. and also works weekends

    7-7:15 p.m. (Scott)

  • Close Store
  • Balance register
  • Prepare deposit
  • Lock up and head home

    Evenings and weekends (Julie)

  • Post pictures from the day
  • Create social media posts
  • Respond to client messages
  • Work on ads/marketing
  • Create baskets for fundraisers
  • Communicate with local rescues and organize rescue events and promotions
  • Decorate and merchandise store

    Evenings and weekends (Scott)

  • Purchase store necessities (cleaning products, grooming supplies, etc.)
  • Education and training
  • Franchise engagement (other franchise owners, corporate)

Learn more about what it’s like to own an EarthWise Pet

If you are considering franchise opportunities, fill out the contact form on this page to receive an EarthWise Franchise Report and start a conversation with our support team. We’ll answer your questions about the brand, and if it looks like we’re a good fit, we’ll help you reach out to franchisees so you can learn more about life in the business.