Childhood friends Brian Claeys and Travis Lux had a passion for dogs since they were young, but they never imagined it would turn into a rewarding career. It all started in 2007 when Claeys was working in corporate America. With the financial crisis looming, Claeys wanted to ensure he was in control of his own fate. By Shelby Green
Childhood friends Brian Claeys and Travis Lux had a passion for dogs since they were young, but they never imagined it would turn into a rewarding career. It all started in 2007 when Claeys was working in corporate America. With the financial crisis looming, Claeys wanted to ensure he was in control of his own fate. He teamed up with Lux, who was working in roofing, to launch a premier one-stop dog shop named All Dogs Unleashed.
The company saw immediate success after it launched its website. All Dogs Unleashed offers training, day care, boarding and grooming services focused on providing the highest quality care for every dog.
The brand’s training program creates a strong bond between dog and owner through positive reinforcement. This unique approach allows dogs to teach themselves and ensures that dogs are well-behaved, even when their owner is not around. Unlike many other programs, All Dogs Unleashed strives to make training comfortable and enjoyable for all dogs.
Currently, the company offers a board-and-train program and in-home training. This allows clients to choose the option that works best for them and their canine companions. Claeys explained that the company’s personalized programs result in repeat customers and other benefits.
“Our average customer is paying over $150 a day with the training program, compared to typical boarding being $60 a day. This allows us to find better staff and create a more luxurious experience,” he said.
Over the last 15 years, the brand has expanded to 20 locations across the U.S. through licensee agreements, many of which are owned and operated by people close to the co-founders. Over the years, Claeys and Lux have watched and supported as many family, friends, and former employees or clients have gone off to open their own locations.
“The most rewarding part of our work is the people,” said Claeys. ”It’s rewarding to see our family and friends go off to start their own franchise and watch their lives change.”
All Dogs Unleashed provides franchisees with the training and support they need to run a successful business. Franchise owners will initially come to the company’s headquarters in Dallas to complete two weeks of training. Once the franchisee’s facility is open, someone will be sent down for the initial launch to help the new owner with the first few dogs. All Dogs Unleashed also sets up advertisement streams to get the franchise location up and running. Not only does this ease the nerves that come with being a new franchisee, but it also ensures everything is done correctly.
Today, the company serves about 150 dogs per month. Since opening its doors in 2007, the lives of over 12,000 dogs have been changed, including several dogs owned by players and coaches in the NFL. In the years to come, All Dogs Unleashed hopes to increase its impact in the pet industry and continue positively affecting the lives of dogs and humans alike.
Shelby Green