Sonia Rosenblatt became a Scamps & Champs franchisee in October 2016 after spending 15 years in the private and public sectors to achieve her lifelong ambition of running her own business and caring for animals. Sonia had always wanted to run her own pet care business but up until now was unable to find a suitable opportunity that would provide a sufficient income and the work-life balance that was missing from her career. When her contract in the public sector ended, Sonia knew it was time to look for an opportunity that combined her passion for animals and the flexibility she desired. As luck would have it, she came across Scamps & Champs.
Scamps & Champs provides a wide range of pet services including dog walking, home boarding and pet sitting. Franchisees provide flexible or occasional services to suit their customer’s needs. The Scamps & Champs franchise can provide a full-time or part-time income depending on an individual’s goals, whether you want to take on the work yourself or employ a full team to help you scale the business up and become even more profitable. Scamps & Champs is a business that will fit in around your lifestyle and can help you achieve a better work-life balance.
“I had worked in the public and private sectors for 15 years and I knew it was time for a change. Becoming a Scamps & Champs franchisee was the right decision at the right time. I enjoy the decision making process and having the freedom to choose as to how and when I work. I chose to become part of a franchise because I have no experience in running my own business and I felt that I could draw on the wealth of experience that Lesley and John bring. I strongly believe that this way I can grow a successful business faster than if I were to go it alone. The pet services industry is becoming very competitive and I was very drawn to being part of an established brand where franchisees are already successful”.
Sonia’s dream of becoming a vet never materialised. However, with an overwhelming desire to help animals, she considered becoming an RSPCA investigator but came to realise she would not be able to handle seeing animals that had been subjected to abuse. Running the Scamps & Champs Hampstead branch will still provide Sonia with the opportunity to help animals in a real and tangible way. “I’m hoping to build a following through my business by providing helpful information on a wide range of pet care issues”.
Sonia has chosen the management style route of running her business which means that as well as providing pet services herself she will manage a team of dog walkers, pet sitters and home boarders. “Growing my business will be key to achieve financial independence. My goal now is to hire as many dog walkers and home boarders in the areas of North West London that I provide services for. However, in time, I will take over another territory which is another great way of growing the business.”
“I was a little nervous about running my own business but I think that’s normal. I am finally working for myself and spending my days doing something I love. Whether it’s walking through woodland with dogs who are just as delighted to be outside or being greeted by a purring feline who soaks up the attention – my joy knows no bounds. It’s a far cry from spending hours in front of a computer, a life I desperately wanted to leave behind. At the same time, I know that my clients are happy in the knowledge that their beloved pet is being well cared for, no matter if it’s just for an hour or for several weeks.”
“My advice to anyone looking into franchising is that you must be passionate about the core business, whatever it is. If you don’t love the service you are providing then you will find it hard to motivate yourself. Running your own business is hard work and requires putting in many long days. However, it’s very rewarding. My motivation and drive to grow a successful business stems from believing that I am making a difference to the animals who might be left alone too long and to my clients who now have peace of mind about leaving their pets behind while at work or on holiday. My business will be built on my unflinching dedication to provide the best care possible to the animals in my team’s care. If you are willing to put in the hours and bring that dedication to your clients then you have the recipe for a very successful business.”
Please contact us to find out more about the Scamps & Champs franchise opportunity.