As owners of a pet store in Caracas, Venezuela, Alex Sanchez and Joanne Arvelaez not only knew how to run a successful business, but they also had a broad knowledge base about the pet industry. Despite their expertise, however, they found they were not immune to the economic downturn that rippled throughout their home country. By Rochelle Miller
As owners of a pet store in Caracas, Venezuela, Alex Sanchez and Joanne Arvelaez not only knew how to run a successful business, but they also had a broad knowledge base about the pet industry. Despite their expertise, however, they found they were not immune to the economic downturn that rippled throughout their home country.
That’s when the couple began to seek new investment opportunities beyond their borders. With the help of a franchise consultant, the couple found an attractive business opportunity in the U.S. with Aussie Pet Mobile – and it turned out to be a perfect fit.
“We wanted a business that would be easy to start with a low investment,” Sanchez said, “and we have always been pet lovers.” It is also fitting that the mobile pet-grooming company is an international corporation, having originated in Australia in 1996. Today, Aussie Pet Mobile has more than 300 units in the U.S. alone.
Sanchez and Arvelaez conducted business meetings with company executives based in America via Skype and were impressed with Aussie Pet Mobile’s leadership team. “From our very first call, we felt a connection with them. We were in front of good and successful people,” Sanchez recalled.
While still living in Caracas, the couple signed a contract for their first unit, based in Katy, Texas, in 2017. At the time, they intended to remain in Venezuela and hire a manager to run their business in America, but they soon reconsidered. “We then realized that it is always better when an owner is involved in the business,” Arvelaez said.
The couple obtained visas and moved to Katy, hiring a manager to run the Caracas pet shop. Though they still own the retail store, it is in “survival mode,” according to Arvelaez. In stark contrast, their Aussie Pet Mobile business in Texas is thriving.
In only three years, the couple has added two more units and has a fourth in the works. Sanchez reports their pet-grooming units are among those that generate the highest revenue per unit in the company. “This is a very good industry, but without Aussie Pet Mobile, our business wouldn’t be as strong.”
The couple’s diligence is also at the heart of their business’ success, as their business serves customers seven days per week. Neither franchise owners are strangers to hard work. Not only were they pet store owners back in Venezuela, but Sanchez was an accomplished engineer, and Arvelaez was a medical doctor. While Sanchez manages the business full-time daily, Arvelaez pitches in on weekends; she also works as a bilingual teacher during the week.
As the hard-working couple prepares to launch their fourth mobile unit, they also are eyeing long-term goals.
“Ten units is my dream. I think we’re going to be able to do that. I really see ourselves there,” Arvelaez said.
“We are very grateful for the opportunity that Aussie Pet Mobile gave us, making us a part of their business,” added Sanchez.
For more information about franchising opportunities with Aussie Pet Mobile, visit aussiepetmobile.com/franchise-opportunities.
– Rochelle Miller