Meet Our Owners
Tammy Harrison opened the Wild Bird Center of Peachtree City, GA in August 2006. Having gained first-hand experience as a manager for the Shreveport, LA Wild Bird Center, Tammy knew she wanted to make the business her own. Moving from Louisiana to Georgia with her husband Tim, she successfully started her store in the Kedron Village Shopping Center. Tammy's drive and experience earned her the WBCA "Rookie of the Year" award in 2007.
Featured Franchisees
Bill Fenimore opened the Wild Bird Center of Layton, UT in October 2001. Since then, Bill’s passion for birds has made him a national figure and author with a series of birding guidebooks and numerous awards from such organizations as the International Franchise Association and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute. Bill has expanded his business and has now brought in his son, Billy, to help with the business so he can pursue his public awareness mission full-time. Asked about his experience, Bill says:
“While contemplating how to spend my retirement years, I converted my favorite hobby into a business. The moment I visited a Wild Bird Center store, I knew I wanted to be part of the group. Years later, I am still very grateful to be part of this wonderful community.”
John & Sue Sala began their career as a Wild Bird Center franchisee in April 2003 when they purchased the Timonium, MD Wild Bird Center franchise operation. Since then they have become multiple store owners and are excellent at employing the Wild Bird Center system to their best advantage. When asked how they chose Wild Bird Centers, they say:
“Before buying a Wild Bird Center franchise we talked with as many owners as possible so we were well informed about our decision. Once of the best experiences running this business is the help and support from franchise headquarters.”
Richard & Cynthia Fox began the Wild Bird Center of Chapel Hill, NC in March 1996. Cynthia now runs the store full-time while Richard is retired. After 10 years in the business, Cynthia works as needed and pursues her birding passion by leading a group every year to such places as Panama and Costa Rica. When asked about the business, she says”
“Being in the bird business has been a joy. I enjoy turning the key in the lock every morning. The Wild Bird Centers of America has given me the flexibility and latitude which allows me to use my creativity while at the same time giving me a successful framework in which to operate. The fact that I can pick up the phone and call other store owners or Home Office for guidance, suggestions and support has eliminated my fears of starting my own business.”
Long-time customers of the Akron, Ohio Wild Bird Center, Bob & Carol knew they had found what they wanted to do. Coming from years of retail experience in the camera business, Bob & Carol started their store in February 2007 in Hudson, Ohio. They have been growing their business successfully ever since. They say:
“When the opportunity arose to open our own store, we decided to combine our love of birds with a business in order to provide the best quality product to enhance enjoyment of the bird feeding hobby for our community. Support from Home Office has been greatly appreciated and they help us with any issues that arise and are readily available to help us grow our business, from marketing to the “nuts and bolts”. Ultimately, one of the best parts of owning our store is that we have great customers who share our passion for feeding and watching our beautiful wild birds!”
Kevin & Cheryl bought an existing Wild Bird Center in the Gaithersburg, MD market in October 2008. Kevin came from an entrepreneurial background working for the Good Will and home repair field and is putting his business acumen gained there to good use in his franchise. One of the smallest sized stores in the franchise, they have made it do big things in terms of customer service and sales. He says:
“I enjoy the independence, but also the knowledge and resources available to me from other franchisees and corporate office. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and passion for birding with customers and using my creativity and business expertise to work toward my store’s continued success.”
Kitty had worked as an employee of the Prairie Village, Kansas store since 2001. She realized in her time there that a Wild Bird Center was the career she wanted to pursue and became a goal for her. In August 2006, the previous franchisees decided to retire and Kitty found the opportunity she was waiting for and purchased the store. Since her purchase she has driven sales upward and presents a perfect example of a Wild Bird Center franchise store. Kitty says:
“I realized I had finally found the meaningful and fulfilling career I'd always wanted. Our customers are kind, the work allows creativity and the franchisor makes me proud to be associated with the Wild Bird Centers of America. “
Chris knew he wanted to get into the Wild Bird Centers far ahead of his actual opening. Starting a year prior to retirement from the Canadian Navy, Chris went through the interview and discovery process. As WBCA’s first store in Canada, Chris and Alena have proven excellent franchisees and a great asset to the Wild Bird Center franchise. Chris & Alena say:
“While searching the Internet, I came across the Wild Bird Centers of America. I knew immediately this franchise was for me. The idea of mixing business, my love of nature, a need for community involvement and backyard birding was the perfect match for me!”