We offer protective territories, in-store/on-line sales, and comprehensive training/support throughout the life of your business.
For the past four decades, Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU) has been helping people pursue their hobby of backyard bird-feeding. WBU was founded by its CEO, Jim Carpenter. It began its operations in 1981 and opened its first franchise in 1983. The franchise is a retail brand focused on assisting every person who desires to live their hobby of backyard bird-feeding. People have a deep emotional connection to the birds and nature around them, and WBU aims to encourage and strengthen that connection. Its customers are backyard bird-feeding hobbyists. It has established itself as a special place in the community where people can come and bond with others over their love for bird-feeding. Retail customers who have questions about how to feed and draw different kinds of birds to their backyard can ask the WBU store staff, who can provide them with information that they cannot obtain from their big-box competitors. WBU also provides high-quality bird food, so buyers get a nice product to feed their birds. “As for all of us at the Franchise Support Center, it’s the joy of helping our franchisees do what they love and run a sustainable business,” says Paul Pickett, CDO/EVP of Franchising at WBU.
The new franchisees are offered training at the Franchise Support Center before they open their own WBU store. While here, they spend time learning from their team of experts. Part of this training involves spending time in a local WBU store to gain valuable hands-on experience. They receive further in-store training from an experienced franchisee who can take them around a dedicated training store and explain day-to-day operations. Throughout their whole ownership, they can also collaborate with a business coach, who serves as a resource for them to contact if they have any problems or need assistance with their business. Our FSC also hosts an Enterprise Leadership Conference every year. This is an opportunity for all of its franchisees and FSC staff to come together and share knowledge on how to run a successful business and connect with their local community to continue sharing the joy of bird feeding.
Testimonials
“My decision to open a Wild Birds Unlimited store started in the spring of 1996, and it was the best career decision I have made. I decided to become a franchisee after comparing several businesses. Eventually, I decided that Wild Birds Unlimited had the best marketing program, support staff and ultimately was the best fit for me. The franchise has given me the tools and knowledge to succeed in business. I have also developed wonderful friendships, both working and personal, within the franchise.” – Ellen Davis – Franklin, MA
“No matter what question I take to my consultant, they will find the answer for me. If they need to direct me to another person at the franchise who specializes in that area, then that person becomes involved also. They are all so knowledgeable and they are all very patient. They bring so much value – I would never be able to go out and gather this kind of information on my own.” – Abbie Pressley – Greenville, SC
“When I think of what one man and one woman started over 40 years ago—through hard work, sweat, sleepless nights, painful decisions, exhilarating successes, fairness and honesty—and the unselfishness in their dealing with all the entrepreneurs who decided to travel down the path to “bringing people and nature together,” I am so glad I made the decision to join them! They have been the best business partners.” – Michael Zuiker, Arlington, VA