Mike Kidd’s journey from a Navy veteran to a successful multi-unit franchisee with Pet Butler is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to service. After retiring from the Department of Homeland Security in 2022, Kidd embarked on a new mission: building a thriving family business in the booming pet care industry.
Military Service and Homeland Security Career
Kidd’s story begins decades ago with his service in the United States Navy. While specific details about his naval career will not be shared publicly, his time in the military undoubtedly instilled in him the values of discipline, leadership, and adaptability – qualities that would serve him well in his future endeavors.
Following his naval service, Kidd transitioned to a career with the Department of Homeland Security. This phase of his professional life spanned many years, culminating in his retirement in 2022. During his tenure at Homeland Security, Kidd honed his skills in risk assessment, strategic planning, and crisis management – all valuable assets for a future franchise business owner.
Transition to Entrepreneurship
As retirement approached, Kidd found himself drawn to the idea of business ownership. “I’ve always had the entrepreneurial spirit,” he explained. This drive, coupled with his passion for animals, led him to explore opportunities in the pet industry. Kidd’s research led him to Pet Butler, a national pet care franchise with multiple services that include dog walking, pet sitting, waste removal and pet shuttling. He saw the potential for growth and diversification in this business model. “I saw there were going to be different opportunities and added revenue streams,” Kidd said.
Becoming a Multi-Unit Franchisee
In October 2022, Kidd took the plunge and purchased two Pet Butler territories, serving Cary and other suburbs of Raleigh, North Carolina. This decision made him a multi-unit franchisee right from the start, demonstrating his confidence in the Pet Butler business model, established in 1988, and his own ability to manage multiple operations.
Today, Kidd’s locations in North Carolina offers a range of services, including:
- Residential pet waste removal
- Yard deodorizing
- Pet sitting
- Dog walking
- Pet shuttles
- Pet waste removal stations for parks and apartment complexes
Family Business and Rapid Growth
One of the most rewarding aspects of Kidd’s new venture is the involvement of his family. His son, Justin, serves as the mobile manager and drives one of the two wrapped service trucks. Kidd’s daughters assist with pet sitting and dog walking, while his wife, Michelle, helps with back-office work. This family involvement has been crucial to the franchise’s success and rapid growth.
“Business has been growing quickly,” Kidd reported. “People love their pets like children.” The numbers back up his statement. Starting 2023 with just 10 clients, Kidd’s franchise had grown to serve 179 clients by spring of the same year.
Expansion and Future Plans
Demonstrating his business acumen and ambition, Kidd recently acquired a local pet care company, Fluff, Inc. This strategic move dramatically increased his client base, jumping from 25 clients a week to 25 a day.
Looking to the future, Kidd has set clear goals for expansion. “I am looking to grow,” he explained. “I want to become bigger and bigger and bigger.” One of his specific objectives is to add one truck per year to his fleet, indicating a steady and sustainable growth plan.
The Pet Butler Franchise Opportunity
Kidd’s success as a multi-unit franchisee can be attributed in part to the support and structure provided by Pet Butler. The company offers a low cost of entry (less than $100,000), comprehensive training, and world-class support services, including access to a business consultant. These factors, combined with Kidd’s military background and entrepreneurial drive, have created a formula for success.
Conclusion
Mike Kidd’s transition from Navy veteran and Homeland Security professional to successful multi-unit franchisee with Pet Butler is an inspiring story of second-career entrepreneurship. His military service and government career provided him with a strong foundation of skills and values that have translated well into franchise business ownership.
As Kidd continues to grow his Pet Butler franchise, he serves as an example of how veterans can leverage their military experiences and skills in the civilian business world. His story highlights the potential for success in the pet services industry and the value of choosing a highly supportive franchise system like Pet Butler.
For Kidd, retirement didn’t mean slowing down – it meant embarking on a new mission to build a thriving family business while serving his community’s pet care needs. As he puts it, “Everybody at Pet Butler was like family. It was a very tight-knit group.” It seems Kidd has found not just a business opportunity, but a new way to continue his lifelong commitment to service and family.
