t r e n d i n g FRANCHIS e s f e at u r e
franchisee in action: Zoom Room
Zoom Room Dog Training:
A Community of Dog-Loving Franchise Owners
Jon and Shannon Van Dyke, Troph store management and social media for Zoom Room. Their goals for Zoom Room this year are for the franchise to become a huge part of the dog community and a place where the local community can enjoy hanging out with their dogs.
Sarah Sung, Torrance (Los Angeles, California)
During the pandemic, pet adoption rates have increased by more than 700% according to PetPoint, a software program utilized by some 1,200 shelters nationwide. This wave of adoptions resulted in doubledigit year-over-year growth in the pet service industry which continues to thrive. With a passion for the dog community and a keen eye for opportunity, many businessminded dog-lovers have made the move to pursue a new endeavor with the Zoom Room dog training franchise. Mark Van Wye, CEO of Zoom Room, explains that the pandemic has contributed to the stimulation of growth for the proven concept. According to Van Wye, “The pandemic has accelerated the trend of retail flight while increasing the number of entrepreneurs looking to start a new venture. The pet sector has always fared well even during the most economicallychallenged times; the recent boom in dog ownership is no exception. We credit our extreme growth curve to astute investors 32 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
responding well to Zoom Room’s ability to serve the needs of dog owners with a demonstrably profitable business model, thus meriting our brick-and-mortar place in communities across the country.”
Jonathan and Sally Scroggs, Ankeny (Des Moines, Iowa) Jonathan and Sally Scroggs’ love for sports and raising their labradoodle Murphy played a major role in their journey to bringing Zoom Room to Ankeny, Iowa. Prior to opening, Scroggs conducted months of research on various franchise concepts and Zoom Room stood out. Determined to leave their full-time jobs, the couple wanted to provide an outlet for the dog lovers in the area to help strengthen the bond between dog owners and their dogs. Opening a Zoom Room in a dogcentered community, allowed the Scroggs to build connections and have a strong social network of dog owners. The Scroggs have always envisioned owning and operating a family-run business. The couple’s children will be a huge asset to the business by helping with
Outside of Zoom Room, both are active in their community. Sally Scroggs is a long-time, dedicated soccer coach, and both have actively served as volunteers in their church for more than 20 years. Jonathan Scroggs also volunteers at their local animal shelter, AHeinz57 Pet Rescue & Transport, a non-profit animal rescue organization that is committed to saving homeless companion animals, assisting other shelters/rescues through rescue transports, and educating the public on the issues of responsible pet ownership and puppy mills. To further promote the cause, they raised funds for AHeinz57 Pet Rescue & Transport during their grand opening. “The city of Ankeny loves kid sports and many pet owners here consider their dogs as part of the family,” said Jonathan Scroggs. “Sally and I are excited to provide an opportunity for people to participate in sporty activities with their dogs at Zoom Room, especially with our popular agility classes. Every dog, no matter the age, breed, or size can enjoy dog agility training and you’ll be amazed at how these courses will deepen the bonds of communication between you and your dog.”
Sarah Sung, Torrance (Los Angeles, California) Sarah Sung was one of many pet owners who adopted a pandemic pup that needed training during COVID which played a role
