Birds of a Feather

Our bird feeding and nature franchise blog delivers franchise industry news, the latest updates on the Wild Birds Unlimited Franchise, and other practical – yet valuable – resources for franchise owners.

Your Source Expert Advice and Insights for Bird and Nature Lovers

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Future of Retail Franchising: How Covid Changed the Game

It’s no secret how tough the past year has been – both personally and professionally – for so many people. The near-immediate shifts needed to combat the COVID-19 outbreak last spring brought such an acceleration of consumer trends, thrusting businesses of all kinds into a new world. Retail franchising has long been a business sector […]

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Wild Birds Unlimited Franchisees Vikki and Mike Bartholomae on How They Chose to Invest with the Brand

In a Q&A with Franchise Business Review, Wild Birds Unlimited franchisees Vikki and Mike Bartholomae explain why they decided to become franchisees, how they handled the due diligence process and more. The husband and wife duo, who are based in Winter Garden, Florida, decided to become business owners after growing tired of working for other people. Then, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, they decided to take a leap and do what they’ve always wanted to do — become their own bosses.

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Franchise Dictionary Recognizes Wild Birds Unlimited’s Innovative Strategies and Veteran Discounts

Franchise Dictionary has recognized Wild Birds Unlimited’s commitment to innovation and to providing entrepreneurs with a strong business model. The brand, which currently has over 345 locations — making it the largest and most recognized source for backyard bird feeding products — recently earned a Franchise Update Franchise Innovation Award for 2020, proving that Wild Birds Unlimited has navigated the challenges of COVID-19. Additionally, Wild Birds Unlimited is consistently named a top franchise opportunity for veterans. By offering a 15% discount off of the initial franchise fee, Wild Birds Unlimited created a solid pathway for those transitioning from active duty to civilian life.

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Wild Birds Unlimited Featured on Birding Wire

Wild Birds Unlimited’s products were named in Birding Wire’s round up of suet to emphasize this fall. The article notes that while suet is often thought of as a winter food, it’s actually a strong staple for bird feeding stations year-round because it attracts the greatest variety of birds. Wild Birds Unlimited offers backyard bird feeding enthusiasts a wide range of suet products, including its signature Bark Butter, SuperSuet and Hot Pepper Suet.

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Wild Birds Unlimited Wins Franchise Update Media’s Most Innovative Franchisee Support Award

After hosting its second annual Franchise Innovation Awards, Franchise Update Media named Wild Birds Unlimited the #1 brand for the most innovative franchisee support. In this category, Franchise Update Media judges reviewed operations team in order to determine which brands quickly adapted and introduced new support features, best practices and processes during COVID-19. Amy Moore, Vice President of Retail Concepts at Wild Birds Unlimited, said, “This award is a true reflection of what can be accomplished in a very short period of time under difficult circumstances if you have incredible trust, partnerships and an opportunity to collectively collaborate with all key stakeholders.”

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A Conversation with Wild Birds Unlimited Franchisee Kathy Haigh

In an interview with Franchise Business Review, Wild Birds Unlimited franchisee Kathy Haigh shares her journey to franchise ownership with the leading franchise brand known for connecting people with nature. Haigh first opened her Wild Birds Unlimited store alongside her husband John in October of 2001. During this conversation, she shares what she’s learned about business ownership over the past 19 years, what her day to day looks like and how she works together with the Wild Birds Unlimited team to continue finding success.

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Meet the ‘Zor: Wild Birds Unlimited

As a part of 1851 Franchise’s webinar series highlighting conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders, chief development officer Paul Pickett joined publisher Nick Powills for a discussion highlighting how the brand is navigating COVID-19 both on the consumer and franchise development sides of the business. Pickett and Powills also discuss Wild Birds Unlimited’s ability to bring people joy through its backyard bird feeding products, and how this helps franchisees steer their business in a positive way.

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Chief Development Officer Paul Pickett on the IFA’s Women’s Franchise Committee Podcast

After winning the Crystal Compass Award for outstanding leadership in the franchise industry at this year’s International Franchise Association Convention, which is given out by the IFA’s Women’s Franchise Committee, Wild Birds Unlimited’s chief development officer Paul Pickett sat down for the group’s podcast, “Her Success: The Story of Female Franchise Leaders.” On the podcast, Pickett discusses his background, how he first discovered Wild Birds Unlimited and how he’s been able to overcome challenges in business to successfully drive development for the brand.

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Wild Birds Unlimited Named Top Franchise Opportunity by Franchise Business Review

This year, Wild Birds Unlimited received a franchisee satisfaction index score of 80, putting them among the best in the franchising industry. This score also secured the brand’s spot on Franchise Business Review’s list of the Top 200 Franchises for 2020. Wild Birds Unlimited earned this ranking after Franchise Business Review collected feedback from 249 active franchisees in the brand’s system surrounding its core values, franchisee community, corporate leadership and more.

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Covering COVID-19 and Franchising with Paul Pickett of Wild Birds Unlimited

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wild Birds Unlimited’s chief development officer Paul Pickett sat down with the 1851 Franchise team to discuss how temporary closures and working from home changed the Wild Birds Unlimited business, both for the franchisor and for franchisees. Throughout the conversation, Pickett offers insights on overcoming challenges for franchise owners, support being offered and the potential long-term impact of the pandemic on businesses moving forward.

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