Name: Isla Sutherland
Location: Lives in Falkirk - Territory is Perthshire, Clackmannanshire & Stirling
Franchise: Barking Mad Dog Care (click here to find out more about the resale)
Date launched the franchise: 2007

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying your Barking Mad franchise?
I currently live in Falkirk and operate my business from home and have the company of my 4 legged helper Frodo who is my 11 year old Standard Dachshund. Prior to Barking Mad I worked in commercial sales in both business development and account management roles.

Why did you decide to go down the franchise route?
I often thought about starting up my own business but talked myself out of it for a number of reasons. I then decided to look at the option of a Franchise Business.

Why did you choose the pet services industry? And why Barking Mad?
I love dogs so naturally I searched in the Pet Section on the BFA website. I saw a few Franchise Business advertised here but was automatically drawn to Barking Mad and decided to make contact with them. I fell in love with the whole concept of arranging holidays for dogs. It sounded a great alternative to kennels and it was something I knew my own dog would love!

Why have you decided to sell your business?
I have achieved my goal and have grown the business significantly over the past couple of years - A lot quicker than I had expected. I am now ready to use the skills I have developed and move into a completely different market out with the Pet Industry.

What’s the key selling points of your business?

• It has a loyal customer base with repeat business throughout the year.
• There is a wonderful host family network of dog loving people who just love having Barking Mad dogs come and stay with them.
• It's not a seasonal business in terms of cash flow. Customers are required to pay a 50% deposit at the time of booking so you have a regular flow of income through the year.
• You are part of a multi-award winning franchise business.

What support should the new franchisee expect to receive?
You will spend your 1 week training at Head Office which is situated in Kirby Lonsdale. A whole host of exciting and insightful topics are covered in this first week.
Then in weeks 2 & 3 week you will spend time with me. Where I will walk you through every aspect of the customer and host database so that you will be ready for your business launch. You will also be introduced to some of your customers and host families, plus a lot more.

Once you have completed the training and launched your business you will then have one to one sessions with Head Office to help you plan your business goals and offer help and guidance to set you on your way. The training offered is carried out via various platforms.

There is a fantastic support network amongst the 70+ other franchisees who run their Barking Mad business up and down the UK. I would strongly encourage you to reach out to them as they are a great bunch with lots of advice.

What are the other benefits of buying a resale?
The benefits of buying a resale is you are earning money from day one. You have customers ready and waiting to use your service. You have hosting waiting to have a friendly dog come and stay with them. Barking Mad is an established national brand operating within the local community.

What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?
Every day is different which makes it interesting & fun. It is a very emotionally rewarding job. Customers dogs going out on a Barking Mad holiday are always super excited to see me. My host families are a delight to spend time with and have a chat over a cuppa whilst the Barking Mad dog makes themselves at home - which is usually within 5 minutes.

I feel I have the best scenery in Scotland to be driving around - it certainly beats any office job.

Being my own boss allows for me to decide how I spend my working day and I do like to mix it up now and again!

Frodo my dog often comes to work with me and has helped me find new customers too!!

What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?
Find something you would love to do and just go for it.

In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?
Someone who is willing to learn and follow a process which ultimately leads to success.

If you are interested in finding out more about this Barking Mad franchise for sale click here