From Corporate Vice President to Pet Food Franchise Owner: Carlos DeLeon's Story

Carlos DeLeon's transition from a corporate vice president to a pet food franchise owner is a remarkable tale of entrepreneurial spirit, perseverance, and the pursuit of passion. With over two decades of experience in the corporate world, including ventures in the hospitality industry, Carlos reached a pivotal moment in his career where he felt compelled to forge his own path.

A Journey of Exploration

Carlos's journey began with a deep-seated desire for autonomy and a longing to make a tangible impact on his community. Despite achieving success in his corporate roles, he found himself yearning for a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose. Together with his wife, Gloria, Carlos embarked on a journey of exploration, seeking out opportunities that would allow them to combine their entrepreneurial ambitions with their shared passions.

Their initial ventures in the hospitality industry provided invaluable experience but left them craving something more meaningful. Fueled by a passion for pets and a desire for hands-on involvement in their business endeavors, Carlos made the bold decision to pursue franchise ownership full-time. This marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in his life.

Finding the Right Fit

The search for the perfect franchise opportunity was both exhilarating and challenging for Carlos and Gloria. They explored various options, considering factors such as market demand, brand reputation, and personal alignment with the business's mission and values. Their quest led them to Pet Wants San Antonio North, a delivery service for fresh, locally made pet food.

Drawn to Pet Wants' commitment to quality, nutrition, and community impact, Carlos and Gloria saw an opportunity to not only fulfill their entrepreneurial aspirations but also make a positive difference in the lives of pets and their owners. Despite encountering limited options in the pet franchise market, their unwavering determination and passion for the brand propelled them forward. “Not only are you helping the community, you’re making money on that. That’s what got us into it,” Carlos shared.

Navigating the Decision-Making Process

The decision to invest in Pet Wants was not made lightly. Carlos and Gloria approached the decision-making process with meticulous research and due diligence, carefully evaluating the risks and rewards associated with franchise ownership. “I asked many, many questions and they were very open about everything,” Carlos noted. They sought guidance from industry experts, engaged in thorough market analysis, and solicited feedback from existing franchisees.

Throughout their journey, they encountered challenges and setbacks, including obstacles with other potential franchises. However, their belief in the potential of Pet Wants remained steadfast. Driven by a shared vision and a deep sense of purpose, they forged ahead, confident in their decision to pursue this exciting opportunity.

Learning and Growing

Transitioning from the corporate world to pet franchise ownership presented its own set of challenges. Carlos and Gloria faced a steep learning curve as they navigated the intricacies of running a franchise business. While they found the support from Pet Wants to be generally positive, they encountered areas for improvement, particularly in training and support.

Despite these challenges, Carlos remained optimistic about the future, recognizing the inherent rewards of being a franchise owner. He embraced the flexibility and fulfillment that came with being his own boss, leveraging his corporate experience to overcome obstacles and drive growth in his new venture.

Words of Wisdom

Reflecting on his journey, Carlos offers sage advice to aspiring franchisees: "Do it full time if you're going to do it. Get into it. Do your research, learn the franchise, know what they're about." His words serve as a testament to the importance of dedication, diligence, and passion in the pursuit of entrepreneurial success.

A Bright Future

As Carlos and Gloria continue to navigate the ups and downs of franchise ownership, their story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. With determination, dedication, and a love for pets, they've embarked on a journey filled with endless possibilities. “Overall, it’s been a positive experience. I’d highly recommend it to anyone who wants to start a business,” Carlos concluded.