CEO Heidi Ganahl

What was your inspiration for beginning Camp Bow Wow?

I love taking care of animals and I love helping others, the marriage of these two objectives resulted in the birth of my business. Camp Bow Wow not only provides safe haven for many animals nationwide, but it also creates a great business opportunity for any individual looking to open a franchise of their own.

The idea rose from the need to find great pet care for my two beloved furry friends back in 1994.  My first husband Bion and I could not find anything suitable, and wrote the business plan for what would later become Camp Bow Wow.  After finishing the business plan, Bion suddenly died in a small plane crash, leaving me with a large settlement that eventually was lost due to bad investments, loans to friends, and two failed start ups.  Five years later, my brother helped me pick up the pieces and launch Camp Bow Wow. I started this company because I was so passionate about providing great care for our animal companions. It was so important to me to that the camps create a fun and safe experience for both the animal and their parents.

Tell us more about your background before CBW.

After college, I started out in advertising account management, but then transitioned to pharmaceutical sales.

If you could name one thing that has impacted your success, what would it be and why?

It would have to be the tragic loss of my first husband. I realized then that life is too short and anything can happen. My dogs were a great source of comfort for me in the beginning. I knew that Bion would want me to follow through with our business plan and make it a reality. I didn’t want his death to be for nothing.  Camp Bow Wow was where my heart was and I was determined to make it successful.

Why are your most successful franchisees so successful?

Many of our best franchisees were originally customers.  People dream of doing something for their career that they’re passionate about, so Camp Bow Wow is a natural fit for dog lovers.  The benefit of a franchise is that Camp Bow Wow has perfected its business model along the way – someone else makes the mistakes, learns from them and the franchise owner gets the successful business model without a lot of the pain to start out with.

What are you most proud of in regards to your business?

I am most proud that hundreds of people across the nation trust Camp Bow Wow to keep their dogs safe and happy every single day. We don’t compromise on our quality of care and it shows. I knew that Camp Bow Wow was going to be a success. I just didn’t anticipate it turning into a 50M business.

What do you like to do in your non-CBW time?

I have remarried after many years and have a wonderful family. I currently reside in the Boulder, Colorado area with my husband Jason, daughters Tori and Hollie, and dogs Ray Ray and Scout. I enjoy hiking, traveling and working on various charitable causes including my board positions with the Denver Venture School (denverventure.org), the Metro State Center for Innovation (www.centerforinnovation.org) and the University of Colorado at Boulder Leed’s School of Business. My devotion to the importance of education and animal welfare issues keeps me busy! I am also the author of “Tales from the Bark Side” an inspirational guide for entrepreneurs on how to turn their life around and make the most out of a tragic loss.

Who/what is your greatest inspiration?

My mom, dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles… I grew up in a very entrepreneurial and adventurous family that instilled in me the idea that I could do anything my heart desired! They have always encouraged me (and set an example for me) to live a life of abundance and enjoy every moment to the fullest!

What is your favorite part about your “job?”

Definitely, the dogs! But, I’m also very proud to lead such a great team of passionate individuals.

What do you envision is next for Camp Bow Wow?

We will continue to grow the business and offer the best quality pet care possible. My goal is to establish 1,000 Camp Bow Wow doggy daycare camps nationwide. I’m also concentrating a lot of time and energy into the charitable arm of Camp Bow Wow, the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation; a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives and health of animals everywhere.