(PRESS RELEASE) WOODBURY, MN – Pet Evolution, a locally owned, healthy pet supply store dedicated to providing the highest quality products, is welcoming a new senior vice president of operations to the team as the national demand for quality pet care is at an all-time high. Lisa O’Brien, offering a robust background in franchising, has been hired on as Pet Evolution’s new senior VP of operations to strengthen the brand’s development efforts. This announcement comes at a time when the $100-billion-dollar pet industry is projected to reach $275 billion by 2030, according to Morgan Stanley.
“Pet Evolution is shaking up the industry and changing the way we care for our pets by providing them with the resources to embrace a happier and healthier life,” O’Brien said. “I am thrilled to join the operations team and be a part of a brand that has unlimited potential. I was craving the grittiness of a new franchise. I wanted to wear all the hats, I wanted to be part of taking a concept I love and believe in and bring it to the next level; Pet Evolution is providing me that opportunity.”
Prior to joining Pet Evolution, O’Brien built her reputation in the industry with over 10 years of experience at Self Esteem Brands, a very successful franchisor company. There, she played a critical role in the expansion of Waxing The City which encompasses a franchise system with 136 open locations across 34 states. During her tenure, she has worked alongside some of the most successful Franchisor Entrepreneurs in the world, absorbing their knowledge. Working with a brand that was completely new to franchising, O’Brien thrived in an environment of finding operational gaps within systems and developing a process to fit the gap. She is confident her abilities will translate with Pet Evolution, helping a brand that she’s passionate about thrive.
“As a customer of Pet Evolution from the day they opened their doors, I’ve watched the brand grow. I got to know the owners as they worked on and in their business, observing how they treated their guests and how happy their employees were to be at work,” added O’Brien. “I always had a hunch Pet Evolution would turn into something much bigger than the two locations in Minnesota. I knew someday I would be part of their team once they were ready to franchise.”
Pet Evolution was founded in 2012 by friends Rian Thiele and Mike Osborn, after both having watched their childhood dogs suffer through the itchy paws, chronic ear infections, and multiple vet trips of undiagnosed food allergies.
Pet Evolution began franchising after Peter Carlson, president of Pet Evolution Franchising, LLC, fell in love with the brand, and he remains a loyal customer to this day. Before joining the team, Peter turned to Pet Evolution as his Standard Poodle, Leo, struggled with digestive and allergy issues, following countless tries with other products with no results. After switching to products endorsed by their team, Peter immediately saw positive results that led to his dog living a happier life.
“We couldn’t be more excited for Lisa to join our operations team,” stated Carlson. “Her experience in franchising, the processes, and best practices makes Lisa the perfect fit for this role. I have all the confidence she will help Pet Evolution thrive in new communities across the country.”
Pet Evolution is actively seeking single and multi-unit franchise partners. While they encourage those with franchise experience to apply, their approachable system is designed to accommodate first time franchisees as well. Above all else, Pet Evolution is searching for partners that have a love for animals. Including the franchise fee, the initial investment for a Pet Evolution location ranges from $450,000 to $598,550.
For more information about Pet Evolution’s franchise opportunity, visit here.