How Trent and Charley Rowan Built a Thriving Petbar Franchise in Houston-Oak Forest

Trent and Charley Rowan aren’t just business partners — they’re a husband-and-wife team who traded in corporate routines for the chance to build a life around family, flexibility and their shared love of animals. In 2024, the couple purchased a petbar franchise in Houston’s Oak Forest neighborhood, marking the start of a new chapter.

petbar, founded in Dallas in 2015 by Charley’s parents, Dan and Ashley O’Loughlin, has grown into a fast-expanding franchise built around self-service dog washes, professional grooming and spa-like pet care experiences. The concept appeals to pet owners who want more than a typical grooming shop — a boutique that’s friendly, professional and welcoming for both pets and their people.

For the Rowans, stepping into ownership was both a natural extension of family ties and a bold career shift. They left behind corporate jobs in Dallas and relocated to Houston with their young daughter, determined to create a business that matched their values and lifestyle.

Leaving corporate life

Both Trent and Charley came from structured corporate roles, but the monotony of day-to-day office life didn’t match the life they wanted for themselves or their daughter.

“With petbar, it’s something completely different. It’s fun, and it’s a new challenge,” Charley said.

For Trent, the appeal was equal parts professional and personal. “We get to be our own bosses and build something together,” he said. “It’s also just fun working with dogs. Every day brings something new.”

Running a business together could pose challenges for some couples, but the Rowans have found a natural rhythm in dividing responsibilities.

Dividing responsibilities

“Charley is better with customer relations and training staff,” Trent said. “That’s her strength. I handle more of the back-office side — payroll, scheduling and the computer work. That fits my background.”

The balance reflects their upbringings. Trent’s parents were accountants, while Charley grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. Together, they bring complementary strengths that keep the business running smoothly.

Both Trent and Charley studied supply chain at Texas A&M University, and those lessons have carried over into daily operations at petbar.

“We had finance and accounting classes that help with payroll, procurement classes that help with ordering shampoos and supplies, and management courses that help now that we’re managers of people,” Trent said.

They’ve also begun diving into marketing, attending community events to spread the word about the brand and connect with pet owners who may not yet know what petbar offers.

For the Rowans, one of the most rewarding aspects of franchise ownership has been the relationships they’ve built with customers and their pets.

“It’s been really fun because now we know our customers and their dogs,” Charley said. “We know all their different personalities. People are happy to come in and spoil their pets. It’s fun to be a part of that.”

That joy also extends to their staff. “We’ve built a team that’s amazing with dogs,” Charley said. “Customers are shocked when we can do things like nail trims they couldn’t do themselves. It builds trust and loyalty.”

The Rowans believe that success with petbar requires more than just hiring the right people — it requires owners to be directly engaged.

“You really need to be involved,” Trent said. “You can’t just staff it and expect it to work. You have to be there, put in the hours, and build a good team. No one will care about your business the way you do.”

Future growth plans

As they look to the future, Trent and Charley see growth in both their client base and the brand’s presence in Houston.

“We definitely want to expand,” Charley said. “Word of mouth has been huge. If we keep doing a good job, our base here in Oak Forest will grow, and we’ll be more of a staple in the community.”

Community involvement will play a big role in that growth. The Rowans regularly donate to local schools and participate in neighborhood events to showcase petbar’s services.

“Some people walk in and don’t know what petbar is,” Charley said. “They think we sell dog food. Events and word of mouth are how we change that.”

For the Rowans, this journey is about more than just building a business — it’s about creating a family legacy.

“This isn’t something we want to sell,” Charley said. “This is our family business. It’s something we want to build and keep.”