“A highlight for me is seeing the hosts’ faces when the dogs arrive.”

• Name: Kevin Matthews
• Franchisee since: 2014
• Location: Central Lancashire
• Last Updated: September 2019

Kevin Matthews is the owner of Barking Mad Central Lancashire. He lives with his wife, Sarah, in Walton-le-Dale. Before buying his Barking Mad franchise in 2014, Kevin was a retail manager for a large high street chain.

This career history yielded skills which have been transferable and instrumental in running a successful dog home boarding franchise.When asked what made him opt to go down the franchise route and choose the dog care industry, Kevin said,

“I loved all the interaction with customers and the hustle of a job in retail but after nine years, I decided I wanted something I could call my own. I also wanted something that would fit in with my lifestyle and I’ve never looked back. I had been a Barking Mad customer for several years and jumped at the chance of running my own successful pet care business, offering the same great service to others.”

As a Barking Mad business owner, Kevin has received initial and ongoing expert training and support in all areas of running and managing his business. Franchisees benefit from the autonomy of setting their own schedule, working full-time flexible hours.

“What I really like about Barking Mad is that you are in control of your business and the growth is down to you. It’s great because you reap the benefits and you get a great feeling of satisfaction. I now feel in control of my job which is wonderful. What makes it work well for me is the franchise support. All the elements of the business that I was less experienced in, I could be taught and get support for, whereas at the same time I could make use of the skills that I did have to grow my business.”When asked how becoming a Barking Mad franchise owner has changed his life, Kevin explained,

“A highlight for me is seeing the hosts’ faces when the dogs arrive and them running around wanting to play. It’s also lovely to see the customers happy and knowing the system works so well. On a summer’s day there is nothing better than being out and about chauffeuring dogs through the countryside and working with my laptop in the garden, rather than being stuck in an office all day! I love the freedom to work the hours that suit me and the fact that no two days are the same.”