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Take a look a this great article by Franchise Business Review about Michele & Tim Farmer, owners of the Wild Birds Unlimited in Woodstock, GA as they share their journey to franchise ownership.

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When you consider joining a franchise, you want more than just a proven business model — you want a system that evolves with the market, keeps customers engaged, and sets you up for success. At Wild Birds Unlimited, new product development is one of the many important ways we support our franchisees and help them stand out in the specialty retail world.  Providing new products for our franchise store owners to introduce to their customer base is a great way to keep their customers engaged in the backyard bird feeding hobby, increase sales, and give them a new way to attract more birds!

A Thoughtful Process Behind Every New Product

As a franchisee, you won’t have to guess which products to carry or how to introduce them. Our team handles the heavy lifting, following a disciplined process to ensure every new item is designed to succeed. Andrea McNeely, our Product Development Manager, says it best:
“Helping our customers find more joy with their backyard birds inspires me every day in the product development process.”

Here’s how we bring products from concept to our shelves:

1. Assessing Need – We track customer trends and gather feedback from our stores to understand what bird lovers want most.
2. Design & Functionality – Every product is developed to be safe for birds and beneficial for nature. As Andrea notes, “I love watching and feeding my birds, which makes developing new foods and products fun.”
3. Assortment Fit – New items are evaluated to complement existing inventory mixes, adding new selling opportunities but being thoughtful about ensuring that we are not just adding new products for the sake of it.  New products have to be integrated into the existing inventory mix in way that makes sense.
4. Pricing & Profitability – We balance value for customers with strong profit margins for franchisees.
5. Marketing Support – From signage to digital content, we provide everything you need to promote new products in your store, including merchandising support and ideas.
6. Testing & Validation – Products are only rolled out after proving their effectiveness and customer appeal, with intense testing to make sure that they are good for the birds and nature.  After all, the birds are our end consumer here at Wild Birds Unlimited.

What This Means for You

The benefits for franchisees are clear: a steady stream of fresh, ready-to-sell products that keep customers excited to return. You don’t carry the risk or the guesswork as every new product or product line has been tested, priced, and supported with marketing materials.

New products also give your store a competitive edge. Customers love discovering something new each time they visit, which drives repeat visits, stronger loyalty, and deeper engagement with the hobby of birdwatching.

One of the Advantages of Joining Our System

Not every franchise system invests this heavily in product development. By joining Wild Birds Unlimited, you gain access to:

• A pipeline of innovative products tailored to your business.
• Confidence that every item has been vetted for quality, profitability, and customer demand.
• Ongoing support to help you market and sell new products seamlessly.

In short, we handle the complexity so you can focus on what matters most: running your store, delighting your customers, and building a thriving business.

 

Every October, birders across the country come together to celebrate Birdability Week—a national movement that reminds us that birding truly is for every body. This special week highlights the joy of birding while promoting accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities and other health concerns.

At Wild Birds Unlimited, we believe that everyone should be able to experience the simple, profound joy of connecting with birds and nature. Our mission has always been to bring people and nature together—and Birdability Week perfectly aligns with that goal.

What Is Birdability Week?

Birdability Week, held October 20–26 in 2025, is a week-long celebration that uplifts birders with disabilities and helps make birding more welcoming and accessible to all. The initiative, created by Birdability, features educational webinars, virtual events, and local outings that showcase accessible birding locations and encourage people to connect with nature in ways that work best for them.

From wheelchair-accessible trails and viewing platforms to virtual birding opportunities, Birdability Week emphasizes that there’s no “right” way to go birding—only your way.

Why Birdability Matters

Birding is one of the most inclusive hobbies in the world. It can happen from your backyard, balcony, car, or even a favorite window. But for many people, barriers still exist—uneven trails, lack of accessible parking, or limited seating can make outdoor birding difficult.

Birdability works to identify these challenges and promote solutions that help everyone enjoy birding. Through their Birdability Map, birders can find and review accessible locations across the country—an invaluable resource for those looking to experience the joy of birds without the stress of accessibility uncertainty.

Wild Birds Unlimited and Inclusive Birding

At Wild Birds Unlimited, we see accessibility as part of our larger mission of connection. We know that birding offers a sense of peace, curiosity, and joy—and we want to ensure that everyone can share in that experience.

Our stores across North America are designed to make backyard birding simple and enjoyable for all. Many of our customers find that feeding the birds right at home is not just a hobby—it’s a meaningful connection to the natural world, no matter their level of mobility.

From easy-to-use feeders to quality bird food and expert advice, Wild Birds Unlimited helps people of all abilities discover how birding can fit seamlessly into their lifestyle.

And during Birdability Week, we encourage everyone—customers, team members, and communities—to reflect on how we can make birding and outdoor spaces even more welcoming.

How You Can Join In

Whether you’re an experienced birder or just beginning, there are many ways to participate in Birdability Week:

1. Bird from where you are.
   Whether it’s your window, backyard, or local park, you can celebrate Birdability Week simply by observing the birds around you.
2. Share your birding experience.
   Use #BirdabilityWeek and tag @wildbirdsunlimited to share how you enjoy birding in your space.
3. Explore the Birdability Map.
   Find accessible birding locations or submit your favorite accessible site to help others.
4. Support inclusion in your community.
   Advocate for accessible trails, viewing platforms, and nature spaces in your local area.

Celebrating the Joy of Birding—for Everyone

Birdability Week reminds us that the love of birds connects us all. Whether you’re spotting a nuthatch from your kitchen window, enjoying a “big sit” at a local park, or learning bird songs from home, there’s a way for everyone to participate.

At Wild Birds Unlimited, we’re proud to support the spirit of Birdability—because nature belongs to everyone. Together, we can make birding more inclusive, welcoming, and joyful for every body.

Happy Birdability Week from all of us at Wild Birds Unlimited!

View the full schedule here: https://lnkd.in/gpyEi2qh

 

When it comes to building a successful franchise system, few leaders embody passion, purpose, and loyalty quite like Paul Pickett, CDO/EVP of Franchising of Wild Birds Unlimited. In a recent episode of The Franchise Leaders Forum Podcast, Paul shared insights from his more than three decades with the brand and reflected on what it takes to create a culture that thrives through consistency, trust, and genuine connection.

A Culture Built on Values

At the heart of Wild Birds Unlimited’s success is a strong, values-driven foundation. Paul explains that one of his guiding principles has always been, “How you do anything is how you do everything.” This mindset encourages everyone across the organization. Whether at the Franchise Support Center or in a local store to approach every task with care, integrity, and excellence.

That level of intentionality is what allows WBU to maintain its warmth and authenticity even as it grows. “It’s about staying connected to our mission and ensuring our franchisees feel supported, heard, and empowered to share the joy of backyard bird feeding with their customers,” Paul said.

Listening, Learning, and Leading

One of the key themes Paul discussed was the importance of creating a “feedback culture.” Through tools like the Franchise Business Review surveys, the brand consistently measures satisfaction, identifies opportunities for improvement, and celebrates what’s working well.

“Feedback is a gift,” Paul shared. “It’s how we continue to evolve and strengthen our system.”

This openness to feedback has helped WBU maintain one of the highest franchisee satisfaction ratings in the industry—something that doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from a deep commitment to listening, learning, and leading with humility.

Balancing Growth and Culture

As Wild Birds Unlimited has grown, Paul emphasized the importance of transitioning from a personality-driven to a process-driven organization—without losing the culture that defines it. Processes provide structure and consistency, but it’s the people who bring those systems to life.

“Scaling a brand isn’t just about growth in numbers,” Paul explained. “It’s about deepening the relationships and trust that allow that growth to be sustainable.”

A Legacy of Loyalty

Paul’s leadership and longevity with Wild Birds Unlimited reflect his loyalty not only to the brand but also to its mission and community. His perspective is a reminder that true success in franchising isn’t measured only in store counts or sales, it’s measured in the impact you have on people’s lives.

Wild Birds Unlimited continues to thrive because its leadership leads with purpose, its franchisees operate with passion, and its customers feel that loyalty every time they walk into a store.

Listen here:

 

 

Building a successful franchise system isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people, purpose, and long-term relationships. That’s the message from Paul Pickett, Chief Development Officer and Executive Vice President of Franchising at Wild Birds Unlimited, in his conversation on the Franchise Advisory Board podcast.

With more than 36 years in franchising, Paul has become a trusted voice in the industry. His philosophy centers on nurturing relationships and leading with integrity, two principles that have helped shape Wild Birds Unlimited into one of the most respected brands in the franchise community.

A Relationship-First Approach

Paul explains that franchise development isn’t about selling—it’s about connecting. Every potential franchisee who inquires about Wild Birds Unlimited is treated as an individual, not a transaction. The goal isn’t to close a deal quickly but to build a relationship rooted in trust and mutual understanding.

“Some of the best franchisees we’ve welcomed to the system are people we’ve known for years before they decided to join,” Paul shares. “We stay in touch, we listen, and we make sure that when they’re ready, it’s the right fit for both of us.”

This approach reflects Wild Birds Unlimited’s broader mission: helping people bring joy and nature into their lives by connecting with the birds right outside their windows. That sense of connection—between people, business, and purpose—runs deep throughout the organization.

Integrity as the Foundation

In an industry often driven by sales metrics, Wild Birds Unlimited takes a different path. The development team is not commission-based, allowing them to focus on finding franchisees who align with the brand’s values rather than simply meeting growth targets.

For Paul, integrity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of everything they do. “We’re not just looking for someone who can run a profitable business,” he says. “We’re looking for people who care about our mission, who want to make a difference in their communities, and who will uphold the values that define our brand.”

This emphasis on character and culture has built a franchise network that feels more like a family—a community of passionate, purpose-driven owners who share a love of nature and a commitment to service.

Growing with Purpose

Paul also touches on the importance of sustainable growth. Instead of chasing rapid expansion, Wild Birds Unlimited takes a thoughtful, long-term view of development. Each new store is an opportunity to extend the brand’s reach in a meaningful way while maintaining the high standards and close-knit culture that define it.

That same long-term vision is reflected in the company’s structure. As a partial Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Wild Birds Unlimited ensures that employees share in the company’s success and that its mission and values endure well into the future.

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Choosing to invest in a franchise is a big decision—one that goes far beyond signing paperwork and opening your doors. In the latest episode of From A to Franchisee, host Michelle Rowan sat down with Paul Pickett, CDO/EVP of Franchising at Wild Birds Unlimited, to explore a crucial question: What really makes someone a great franchisee?

Their conversation highlights the qualities that set strong franchise owners apart, the red flags to watch for, and the questions every candidate should ask before taking the leap.

The Qualities of a Successful Franchisee

According to Paul, the best franchisees share a mix of mindset, financial readiness, and people skills. Here are some of the standout traits:

• Alignment with the Brand – Thriving franchisees believe in the mission and culture of the brand they represent. When your values match the franchisor’s, it’s easier to build trust and consistency.
• Financial Preparedness – A realistic understanding of start-up costs, cash flow, and the time it takes to turn a profit is essential. Great franchisees know they need to be well-capitalized and patient.
• Coachability – Franchising is all about following a proven system. Owners who remain open to training, feedback, and new ideas tend to grow stronger businesses.
• Leadership and Team Building – No one succeeds in franchising alone. The most effective franchisees know how to hire, inspire, and retain great employees.
• People Skills – Emotional intelligence matters. Treating staff and customers with respect builds loyalty that drives long-term success.
• A Strong “Why” – Beyond the financial upside, great franchisees have a deeper purpose for running their business. Whether that’s community impact, personal fulfillment, or creating a family legacy.

Red Flags to Watch For

Not everyone is a good fit for franchising, and there are signs that should give candidates pause. Paul shared a few to watch out for:

• Franchisors who aren’t transparent with financial performance, satisfaction surveys, or access to other franchisees.
• Candidates who resist the system, insisting they’ll “do it their own way” instead of following proven processes.
• Unrealistic expectations—such as assuming you can be an absentee owner from day one or that profits will roll in overnight.

Advice for Prospective Franchisees

So how can someone set themselves up for success before investing? Paul and Michelle offered practical guidance:

• Take time to clarify your personal values and see how they align with the franchise brand.
• Review the Franchise Disclosure Document carefully—especially financial performance data.
• Talk to existing franchisees, not just the ones handpicked by the franchisor. Honest conversations reveal the realities of day-to-day ownership.
• Be patient. A thoughtful decision now will set the stage for long-term success later.

The Bottom Line

A great franchisee isn’t just someone with the money to invest—it’s someone who’s committed to the brand, willing to learn, and ready to build relationships with employees, customers, and their community.

As Paul Pickett put it, when the right people find the right franchise system, it’s a partnership that benefits everyone involved.

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At Wild Birds Unlimited, we know that the joy of bird feeding has the power to connect people with nature in deeply meaningful ways. That belief came to life recently when Colorado Springs, CO store donated bird feeding stations to the Springs Ranch Memory Care community.  One of their long-term loyal customers came into the store and told the owners, Heather Weber-Langvardt and Shelley Weber that he was probably going to stop feeding the birds as he was moving into a long-term Memory Care facility.

It was not long after that day when his daughter came into the store and asked if they would be willing to help her work with the Springs Ranch Memory Care facility to get some bird feeding stations in place for her dad and for all the residents.  Heather and Shelley jumped at the opportunity.

A Gift Beyond Bird Feeding

These feeding stations are more than just a way to attract colorful songbirds. For the residents of Springs Ranch, many of whom are living with memory challenges, these bird feeding stations provide moments of peace, joy, and connection. Watching birds flutter to a feeder can spark memories, lift spirits, and create an experience that transcends words.

Community in Action

Our franchisee didn’t just provide a donation—they created an experience. With the support of their Wild Birds Unlimited Business Coach, Dusty Furguson, who was there to help and witness the event, the installation turned into a touching moment for everyone present. Staff, residents, and families alike shared in the excitement, many moved to tears as they saw what these small acts of kindness could mean for daily life in the community.

Why It Matters

For memory care residents, opportunities to engage with nature are vital. Birds bring life, movement, and song to their windows and gardens—reminders of the natural world outside. This gift also eases the work of caregivers by offering a simple way to enrich residents’ lives every single day.

A Franchise that Gives Back

This act is a powerful example of what Wild Birds Unlimited stores bring to their communities. Our franchisees don’t just run retail stores, they are nature ambassadors, educators, and neighbors who believe in making a difference.

The Springs Ranch donation reflects the very heart of our mission: bringing people and nature together, one bird at a time. It is a reminder that when we share the joy of bird feeding, we aren’t just feeding birds—we’re nurturing communities.

More Than a Franchise—A Calling

Wild Birds Unlimited is more than a retail opportunity. It’s a chance to own a business that not only generates income but also creates meaning, joy, and connections in your community. The Springs Ranch Memory Care project is just one example of how our franchisees are living out this mission every day.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a business that makes a difference, Wild Birds Unlimited just may be the opportunity to combine your passion for nature with the ability to positively impact lives and your community one bird feeder at a time.

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As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, a remarkable journey is taking place above us. Each fall, millions of birds begin their migration south, traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles to reach their wintering grounds. This seasonal migration is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events, but it’s also one of the most challenging times of the year for our feathered friends.

Migration requires enormous amounts of energy. Tiny birds like warblers and hummingbirds often fly for hours or even days at a time, sometimes crossing vast stretches of land and water without rest. To fuel these journeys, birds need to consume food rich in fat and calories think of it as stocking up on high-octane fuel for their long-distance flights. Without reliable food sources, many birds may struggle to complete their migration.

This is where backyard bird feeding plays an important role. By offering food during the fall months, you provide migrating birds with the fuel they need to successfully continue their journey. Bird feeders act like convenient rest stops along a highway—safe, dependable, and energy-rich.

At Wild Birds Unlimited, we specialize in providing the highest-quality bird foods to meet these needs. Our exclusive seed blends, suet, and cylinders are formulated to deliver the energy birds need most during migration. Whether it’s black oil sunflower seeds for finches and chickadees, suet for woodpeckers, or nectar for hummingbirds, we have the right foods to support birds in this demanding season.

Birds also rely on clean water for drinking and bathing, which helps them maintain healthy feathers for flight. Wild Birds Unlimited offers a variety of heated bird baths and easy-to-clean designs, making it simple to provide this essential resource as the weather cools.

It’s not only migrants that benefit. Local year-round birds also appreciate the extra nourishment as they prepare for colder months. By keeping feeders full in fall, you’re helping them build fat reserves that will keep them warm and healthy when winter arrives.

Feeding birds in the fall isn’t just about helping them survive, it’s also an incredible opportunity to observe migration up close. You may spot species that only pass through your area for a few weeks each year, making your backyard a front-row seat to one of the greatest spectacles in nature. Wild Birds Unlimited store owners and team members love helping customers identify these seasonal visitors and choose the best foods and feeders to attract them.

By partnering with nature and keeping your feeders stocked this season, you’re making a meaningful difference in the lives of migrating and resident birds alike. At Wild Birds Unlimited, we’re passionate about bringing people and nature together and fall migration is the perfect time to make your backyard a safe haven for birds on their incredible journeys.

 

You might shop at a veteran-owned franchise and not even realize it. Across the country, many veterans have transitioned from military service to business ownership, bringing with them the leadership, discipline, and resilience they developed while serving. For many of them, franchising offers the perfect fit—and Wild Birds Unlimited has been a proud supporter of veterans for decades.

Take Barb Whipkey, for example. As a Wild Birds Unlimited franchisee, Barb has channeled her military experience into building a thriving business. Like so many veterans, she credits the skills she gained in service with preparing her to succeed as a franchise owner.

Wild Birds Unlimited actively participates in the VetFran program, which provides a discount on the initial franchise fee for veterans interested in opening a store. This initiative makes business ownership more accessible to those who have served and reflects Wild Birds Unlimited’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the veteran community.

Barb said, “This year also marks a special milestone for us—20 years of partnership with Wild Birds Unlimited. WBU has been with us since the very beginning, and throughout these two decades, they’ve consistently surveyed their franchisees each year to ensure their voices are heard.”

The result? Wild Birds Unlimited has been named a Top Franchise every single year since the inception of our Franchisee Satisfaction Awards—an extraordinary achievement that highlights their dedication to their franchise community.

The feedback from Wild Birds Unlimited franchisees tells the story best:

• 92% of franchisees believe their franchisor acts with a high level of honesty & integrity.
• 92% say they truly enjoy being part of the organization.
• 90% agree that fellow franchisees are supportive of each other.

These numbers reflect more than just satisfaction—they represent a culture of trust, support, and shared passion for bringing people closer to nature.

At its heart, Wild Birds Unlimited is more than a business. It’s a community built on care for birds, for customers, and for the franchisees who carry the brand forward. Their commitment to veterans, to franchisee success, and to fostering meaningful connections makes them stand out in the franchising world.

As we celebrate 20 years of working together, we are proud to highlight amazing franchisees like Barb Whipkey and to recognize Wild Birds Unlimited’s unwavering dedication to helping entrepreneurs thrive.

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In a time when many businesses struggle to stay afloat during economic downturns, some franchises not only survive—but thrive. One of the most resilient franchise models out there is Wild Birds Unlimited, a nature-focused retail business built around the joy of bird feeding and backyard nature experiences.

Here’s why Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU) stands out as an excellent recession-resistant franchise:

Bird Feeding Is a Passion, Not a Luxury

Bird feeding is more than a hobby—it’s a personal connection to nature that brings daily joy and comfort. Especially in uncertain times, people seek activities that provide peace, grounding, and a sense of purpose. Feeding birds delivers that. It’s an affordable escape that turns backyards into sanctuaries—and unlike luxury purchases, it’s something customers keep doing regardless of the economy.

Repeat Customers & Recurring Revenue

Wild Birds Unlimited stores enjoy strong customer loyalty. Many customers return regularly to replenish high-quality seed, feeders, and seasonal products. This creates a reliable revenue stream. Even in tighter times, customers tend to prioritize maintaining their backyard bird habitats.

Essential Connection to Nature at Home

During recessions—or anytime people are spending more time at home—interest in home-based hobbies skyrockets. Wild Birds Unlimited supports that by helping customers create vibrant, bird-friendly environments just outside their doors. The trend toward staying local and enjoying simple pleasures works in WBU’s favor.

Proven Franchise Model with Ongoing Support

WBU’s franchise model has been refined over four decades, with a support system designed for long-term success. Franchisees benefit from expert marketing, operations training, and continuous business coaching. This strong foundation helps stores stay resilient and profitable.

A Feel-Good Business with Strong Community Ties

Wild Birds Unlimited stores are deeply woven into their communities. Customers don’t just shop there—they learn, connect, and grow their knowledge of birds and nature. This emotional connection helps drive steady business even when discretionary spending slows. People support businesses that support their passions.

If you’re considering franchise ownership but worried about the ups and downs of the economy, Wild Birds Unlimited is a wise and rewarding choice. With a built-in base of passionate customers, consistent product demand, and a mission rooted in joy and nature, it’s a business that thrives even in tough times.