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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