It is no secret that franchisees are the driving force behind a brand’s success, and celebrating their achievements is always worthwhile. At Petpals, its franchisees play a vital role in delivering top-tier pet care – making them the heart and soul of the brand.
This year, two of its standout franchisees are marking incredible achievements that truly deserve the spotlight. Here, Director Kevin Thackrah highlights these success stories – Kerry Donn, who celebrates her tenth year leading Petpals Chingford & Epping Forest, and Phil and Alex Till of Petpals Basingstoke, who just welcomed their 500th (human!) customer since launching.
Back in 2014, after being made redundant and discovering she was pregnant with her first child, Kerry found herself at a crossroads. She wanted to combine her love for animals with a career she could truly enjoy – all the while managing the whirlwind of caring for a newborn. So, when she came across a local pet-care business in need of a new owner, it was like the universe had thrown her the perfect bone. And the rest, as they say, is history.
“I can’t quite believe I’m celebrating 10 years at the helm of Petpals Chingford,” said Kerry. “It’s been a whirlwind – my son, who just turned 10, decided to arrive a week before I took over the business, so things were pretty hectic to say the least! Since then, I’ve welcomed a daughter and built a family, all while running Petpals and doing what I love most – caring for pets. It feels like Petpals has been with me every step of the way.”
What started as a leap of faith for Kerry has blossomed into a beloved local service that has become a go-to for pet care in the community. “When I took over, Petpals was already well established and trusted, thanks to the previous owner. I knew there was a high demand for these services, and there still is! I’m constantly getting enquiries for dogs and cats. Even with so many new options in Chingford, I think we stand out because of the quality and trust we’ve built, giving pet owners that all-important peace of mind.”
Kerry is not the only member of our Petpals community to be hitting an exciting milestone too. Petpals Basingstoke owners Phil and Alex Till have just celebrated reaching their 500th customer. The couple, who launched their business in December 2016, are marking this significant occasion with a gesture of goodwill to their local community.
“We’re over the moon to have reached our 500th customer!” added Phil. “It feels like just yesterday we started this incredible journey, and to think we’ve now cared for so many wonderful pets. To celebrate this special moment, we’re asking our milestone customer to choose a pet charity, and we’ll make a donation on their behalf – it’s our little way of giving back to the community that’s supported us from day one.
“We’re so grateful to every pet owner who has trusted us with their furry friends, and we are excited to continue our love of caring for pets with our next 500 customers!”
Being part of the Petpals family fills me with pride for countless reasons, but celebrating milestones like these alongside our incredible network of franchisees truly stands out. It is moments like these that remind us all of the passion, dedication and love for animals that define the Petpals community.
As we wrap up another fantastic year, I want to give a huge round of applause to Kerry, Phil and Alex for their remarkable achievements and tireless efforts. Their hard work not only elevates their local communities but also strengthens the entire Petpals brand. Here is to more milestones, more (human and furry) customers, and even more success in the years to come.
