The Cultural and Lifestyle Benefits that Come with Being a Wild Birds Unlimited Franchisee

Since its founding in 1981, Wild Birds Unlimited has grown to over 340 locations, all serving communities of people who have a passion for nature and bird feeding across North America. Led by a company-wide vision to connect people with nature, Wild Birds Unlimited guides its franchisees along a rewarding career path that brings about numerous cultural and lifestyle benefits.

“A company’s culture is driven by its business mission, vision and values,” said Paul Pickett, Chief Development Officer at Wild Birds Unlimited. “I truly believe our mission, vision and values are very clear and straightforward; they are very important to who we are as a business.”

Aside from its main goal of wildlife conservation and education, Wild Birds Unlimited values honesty, respect and ethics, all of which are exemplified in its day-to-day business practices. “We provide the highest quality of products—products that are efficient and of excellent value —all the while still supporting sustainability ,” said Pickett.

Additionally, Wild Birds Unlimited puts communication across all levels of the business at the top of its priority list. “We demand adherence to communication across the board,” said Pickett. “It comes from the top and is trickled down and supported by the bottom. We practice rapid communication and open dialogue with a focus on results.”

Working for Wild Birds Unlimited provides not only a values-focused atmosphere, but also many lifestyle benefits that directly benefit prospective franchisees. Along with the financial benefits of franchising with the brand , another significant lifestyle benefit to franchising with Wild Birds Unlimited is that operators spend their time fostering a feel-good business, highlights Pickett.

“At the end of the day, you are doing a good thing; you are helping people experience joy in a way that they are giving back to the community around them,” he said. “We are selling products that customers are passionate about because they are passionate about bird wellness and the environment . We are providing customers with joy.”

Because Wild Birds Unlimited is a specialty retailer, employees are able to enjoy a comfortable work- and personal-life balance.

If you are new to franchising, another benefit to signing on with Wild Birds Unlimited is that each new franchisee works within a structured support model for their first year. “New franchisees at our company work with a ‘new-owner’ business coach that gives them that extra level of support they need while learning and implementing the Wild Birds Unlimited brand standards,” said Pickett.

This has proved as another tried-and-true method for the brand and its franchisees. “The Wild Birds Unlimited business model provides owners with the tools and support needed to succeed and then it’s up to the franchisee to decide what their success looks like,” said Susan Van Houten, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited, Athens, Georgia .

“My idea of success is continually evolving. Of course, I want to make a living, but I also wanted time each week with my family and to spend at least two days a week working on the sales floor interacting and having fun with customers,” said Van Houten.

The option to make their own schedule isn’t the only way the brand supports its franchisees .

“Wild Birds Unlimited does a great job communicating what’s working and sharing ideas with franchisees,” continued Van Houten. “If you have a question, they probably have had it before you and can give you some suggestions or direct you to another franchisee that can help you. I can post a question to the community board and I always get multiple responses back from people that have the answer or suggestions on what works for them.”

At all levels of the Wild Birds Unlimited franchise, everyone is willing to help out each other when needed, notes Van Houten.

Ultimately, it’s important for the brand’s franchisees to have a passion for bird feeding and nature; however, it’s also equally as important that they have a passion for people, notes Pickett.

“It’s what we do all day long; we are a relationship- and people-minded business,” he said. “In order to meet our brand promise to bring joy to our customers, our franchisees have to be excited about what we are doing. Fortunately, Wild Birds Unlimited has some of the happiest owners in franchising.”