In today’s lending climate, small business owners are often left in the lurch by traditional banks. However, within that gap lies an opportunity for those looking to build a business of their own. Global Financial Training Program, founded by Phil Dushey, provides a comprehensive pathway for individuals to establish their own commercial loan brokerage business, helping connect businesses with funding. By Tamara Rahoumi
In a franchise landscape filled with opportunity, NTV360 offers something that few competitors can match: a proven model that balances personal freedom with robust infrastructure. For entrepreneurs seeking control over their business with the backing of an experienced team, NTV360’s digital billboard network franchise delivers a future that is both flexible and scalable. By Tamara Rahoumi
Ace Handyman Services® has built a solid reputation for itself, representing the Ace Hardware name that people have come to depend on by providing reliable handyman work to its customers. In serving that mission, the company proudly empowers its veteran franchisees to create a second career – one where their military experience directly translates to success. By Kelsi Trinidad
After 28 years of military service, Alex Guerrero wasn’t ready to slow down. The U.S. Army and Texas Army National Guard veteran – who retired as a first sergeant – had spent his career leading teams, recruiting talent and serving both stateside and abroad, including a deployment to Bosnia. By Jessica Petrucelli
When you started your business, you had to forge the path and create everything for your brand – the image, process and model. Now you are franchising and ready to seek out the next phase of franchise owners. This is a reminder to consider veterans – for all the right reasons – their drive for success, leadership skills and self-motivation. By Dawn Abbamondi
After a long career in corporate America, Dana Kupper was ready for something more fulfilling. “It was a little bit soul-sucking,” she admitted. “I wanted to be my own boss.” Kupper knew about Prime IV Hydration & Wellness® through her husband, Martin, who works for the corporate team. She had been receiving IVs since 2018 and already believed in the product’s merits. But she never considered owning a franchise – until one dinner changed that. By Lizzy Yeserski
As the founder of FranVue and a seasoned entrepreneur, McGinty has spent decades helping others unlock financial freedom through scalable business models. His journey into franchising was sparked by a simple but powerful belief: “Success leaves clues, and franchising is one of the clearest blueprints for freedom and scalability.” By Jessica Petrucelli
With an extensive history of charitable activities and partnerships, PrideStaff’s dedication to giving back to the community is ingrained in its culture. In addition to its corporate- and franchise-level charitable initiatives, the brand also encourages franchisee involvement in local community engagements. By Erika Ortega
LIVONIA, Mich. — In the second year of a nationwide sustainability initiative, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash have collectively recycled more than 100,000 pounds of pet food, treat, and litter packaging, surpassing their goal of recycling 50 tons of items by the program’s two-year anniversary.
This achievement is part of an annual partnership with TerraCycle®, an international recycling company, aimed at keeping pet packaging waste out of landfills and giving used materials a new life. Together, the brands demonstrate a shared commitment to advancing solutions for hard-to-recycle materials.
Since its launch in October 2023, the Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash Free Recycling Program has become a regular part of many neighbors’ shopping routines. The program allows shoppers to bring in empty bags from any brand of pet food, treats or litter, as well as delivery bags from online orders, and drop them in collection bins located inside participating stores. From there, TerraCycle cleans, shreds and processes the packaging into raw materials used to create new products.
Impact of The Program
“Our neighbors have shown us that they want easy, practical ways to make a difference,” said Chris Rowland, CEO of Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash. “When we launched this program with TerraCycle two years ago, our hope was to make recycling part of the everyday shopping experience. Seeing more than 50 tons of packaging being given a new life shows the real power of small actions adding up, and we’re only getting started.”
Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash were the first pet retailers in the U.S. to partner with TerraCycle, setting a new standard for sustainability in the pet industry. The initiative reflects both brands’ commitment to environmental responsibility and their mission to serve as trusted community partners.
“This program proves that industry change happens when companies and customers work together,” said Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of TerraCycle. “By making recycling simple and accessible, Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash have built a model that other industries can learn from. Every bag collected is one less piece of waste in our oceans or landfills, and that’s an achievement worth celebrating.”
Pet parents can learn more about which products can be recycled and find participating locations by visiting Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash websites.
About Pet Supplies Plus
Your neighborhood Pet Supplies Plus has everything you need for your furry, scaly and feathery friends. Its shelves are stocked with pet essentials, including a wide selection of over 11,000 products from 400 brands. Easily find all their favorites at prices you love, whether you shop in store or online using free curbside pickup, same-day delivery or Autoship. To help keep your pets happy and healthy, pet prescriptions can be filled online and delivered directly to your door. As the nation’s largest pet retail franchise with over 725 locations and counting, Pet Supplies Plus makes shopping local simple. For more information visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.
About Wag N’ Wash
Wag N’ Wash Natural Pet Food & Grooming, a full-line dog grooming and self-wash specialty retail destination, has a mission to recognize, promote and foster the positive impact that companion pets and their humans have on each other. Wag N’ Wash provides full-service grooming, self-wash facilities, baked dog treats, natural food, supplements, and toys. Wag N’ Wash has ranked on Denver Business Journal’s Colorado-Based Franchisors List, Franchise Times’ Top 200+ List and Franchise Gator’s Top 100 Franchisees List. Today, there are 26 Wag N’ Wash locations open across the nation. To learn more about Wag N’ Wash, please visit wagnwashfranchising.com.
About TerraCycle:
TerraCycle is an international leader in innovative sustainability solutions, creating and operating first-of-their-kind platforms in recycling, recycled materials, and reuse. Across 21 countries, TerraCycle is on a mission to rethink waste and develop practical solutions for today’s complex waste challenges. The company engages an expansive multi-stakeholder community across a wide range of accessible programs, from Fortune 500 companies to schools and individuals. To learn more about TerraCycle and join them on their journey to move the world from a linear economy to a circular one, please visit www.terracycle.com.
CARROLLTON, Texas — Propelled Brands®, a best-in-class multi-brand franchisor platform company, today announced the creation of a new executive leadership position, Chief Operating Officer (COO). Vera G. Peterson, a proven executive with extensive experience in multi-brand franchise operations, has been named to the new role.
Peterson has a strong track record of scaling businesses, driving same store sales growth, and expanding profitability through strategic growth initiatives and operational excellence. She has led transformational change across respected franchise organizations including Neighborly, Molly Maid USA and Miracle-Ear Inc., by leveraging data-driven insights, process optimization, and brand integration to strengthen performance, while building trust-based relationships with franchisees and teams to re-ignite and accelerate growth across the organization.
Catherine Monson, CEO of Propelled Brands, has created this new role in the organization to accelerate revenue growth and franchisee satisfaction. In this role, Peterson will lead each of the brand presidents for FASTSIGNS®, My Salon Suite® and Camp Bow Wow® through strategic direction and execution of brand objectives to drive growth and innovation for franchisees across the network. Peterson will also be dedicated to developing future brand presidents throughout the operations team.
“As COO, Peterson will be a vital member of the executive leadership team. The creation of the COO position is a strategic move designed to enhance operational excellence and drive our next phase of growth. We are thrilled to welcome Vera Peterson to our team,” said Monson. “Vera’s proven track record of scaling businesses, driving profitability in PE-backed environments, and leading multi-brand integration is exactly what we need. Her experience directly managing brand presidents and her success in delivering significant year-over-year growth make her the ideal leader to support our franchisees. As the company continues to grow, Peterson will guide the integration of all newly acquired brands into the Propelled Brands portfolio.”
“I am incredibly excited to join the Propelled Brands family and take on this new challenge,” said Peterson. “Propelled Brands is well respected in the franchise industry, has a powerful portfolio and a culture focused on franchisee profitability and satisfaction. I look forward to working alongside Catherine Monson, the executive team and the talented brand presidents to streamline operations, drive innovation and deliver exceptional value, support and growth to our franchisees.”
Propelled Brands was formed in 2021 with FASTSIGNS International Inc. as its first brand. Over time, the franchisor has acquired several brands, including salon suite franchisor My Salon Suite and Camp Bow Wow, a leading dog daycare and boarding provider in the rapidly growing pet care industry.
About Propelled Brands®
Propelled Brands® is a multi-brand platform company dedicated to accelerating the growth of service-oriented businesses with an unrelenting focus on franchising best practices and franchisee profitability and satisfaction. We have a robust franchise business model that provides a clear growth trajectory for the unique position, purpose and momentum of each brand. While there are many paths to success, there’s only one direction we know: forward. Our portfolio includes highly recognized and award-winning brands: FASTSIGNS®, My Salon Suite® and Camp Bow Wow®. Propelled Brands is looking to partner with other service-oriented franchise concepts. For more information or to learn about opportunities, visit propelledbrands.com or contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or call 214.346.5679).