---
title: "How to Succeed as a Multi-Unit Franchisee: Bert Ballard, Dog Training Elite"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/5e82187e-6dfe-4ab9-b187-3ebc30b0c1b5
source: "1851 Franchise"
original_url: https://1851franchise.com/how-to-succeed-as-a-multi-unit-franchisee-bert-ballard-dog-training-elite-2716026
category: "Training"
industry: "Pets"
segment: "Training"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit","Operations"]
published: 2021-06-21T15:10:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T02:16:20.620Z
image: https://newimage.1851franchise.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=85,format=webp,width=1280,height=720/story/featureImage/f1a97d88087b4ff42f0e0e77ddaeb6b86727.jpg
---

# How to Succeed as a Multi-Unit Franchisee: Bert Ballard, Dog Training Elite

**TL;DR:** Bert Ballard, owner of two Dog Training Elite locations in Denver, attributes his success to taking calculated risks and investing in his community. He recommends franchise owners get involved in local events and support other local businesses.

*originally published in 1851 Franchise on 2021-06-21. [Read the original](https://1851franchise.com/how-to-succeed-as-a-multi-unit-franchisee-bert-ballard-dog-training-elite-2716026).*

## Story

A former professor and researcher in communications ethics at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Bert Ballard took a chance and switched his focus to man’s best friend.

As the owner of two Dog Training Elite* locations in Denver, he attributes at least part of his success to his willingness to take risks. “Without risk, there can’t be rewards,” he says. “We’re trying to take calculated and smart risks about what we’re doing.”

But beyond that, Ballard says it’s about investing in his community. “We have a vision that’s more than just our products and services,” he says. “It’s not just about training dogs. It’s about connecting people and creating community.”

Ballard recommends franchise owners get involved in local events, join networking groups and support other local businesses. “It’s a great return on investment in terms of profit but also in terms of community goodwill as well.”

## Entities

- 1851 Franchise (publication)
- Pets (sector)
- franchise success (topic)
- Dog Training Elite (company)
- multi unit (topic)
- community investment (topic)

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Originally reported by 1851 Franchise (https://1851franchise.com/how-to-succeed-as-a-multi-unit-franchisee-bert-ballard-dog-training-elite-2716026). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/5e82187e-6dfe-4ab9-b187-3ebc30b0c1b5).