Dogtopia crowned industry leader by Entrepreneur
Phoenix-based Dogtopia, the nation’s fastest-growing dog daycare, boarding and spa franchise, is looking forward to 2020 after another record year of success. Capping off a groundbreaking year of growth by awarding 120 new franchise licenses and opening 43 new daycare centers, Dogtopia ranked as the No. 1 pet services franchise in Entrepreneur Magazine’s 41st Annual Franchise 500® List. Overall, the company ranked in the top 100 at No. 71 on the list, an increase of 133 spots from the 2019 ranking.
Each year, the Franchise 500® acknowledges top companies for outstanding performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the franchise system. The highly coveted list is seen as a gold standard in the franchise industry and dominant competitive measure for franchisors. Additionally, individuals seeking established franchise concepts with proven systems and results use the Franchise 500® as a primary comparative research tool.
“We are humbled to earn the top spot in the pet services category by Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® this year,” said Neil Gill, CEO and President of Dogtopia. “As Dogtopians, we all work hard every day to create a fun and safe environment for both the dogs and our pet parents. This honor can be attributed to the dedication of our amazing franchisees, the committed teams in our daycare centers and the unparalleled support we provide.”
In 2019, the Phoenix-based brand had shown exponential growth, with a combined total of more than 250 locations sold and in development, a 524% increase in unit sales and a 32% same-store sales increase compared to 2018. The brand unveiled several real estate advancements pushing them ahead of the pack, including the first Dogtopia @ Work corporate campus in Michigan. Dogtopia plans to continue this growth with a goal to open at least 60 new daycare centers in 2020, averaging more than one new Dogtopia each week.
Sentry Insurance donates to Arizona Leadership Foundation
Sentry Insurance presented a $200,000 check to the Arizona Leadership Foundation at the “Beat the Pro” exhibition with PGA Tour Player Joel Dahmen who played against members of the St. Mary’s High School golf team. The event was at Top Golf in Scottsdale. Arizona Leadership Foundation is a local organization that provides scholarship assistance to private schools and disabled and displaced schools throughout Arizona.
“Sentry is committed to making a difference and investing in the communities we call home,” said Drew Winegar, associate director-claims for Sentry. “With this donation, we hope many more financially disadvantaged Arizona schoolchildren will have access to the learning environment that best suits their needs.”
iTrade Pay launches new donation system
iTrade Pay, a local barter exchange, has developed a system that allows over 4000 businesses the opportunity to donate bartered funds for a 100 percent tax deductible donation. In 2019, the organization raised nearly $1 million for local charities and plans to double that number in 2020. Members are able to choose the charity of their preference to donate to, but iTrade has selected Toys for Tots, Arizona Sunshine Angelsand Children First Leadership Academywhich each received nearly $200,000 in funds in 2019.
“iTrade Pay believes that charity programs should not start and end with the holidays,” said CEO Christie Acevedo. “iTrade has over 4000 members in the Arizona, Colorado and Texas communities and appreciate the generosity of these businesses for allowing the continued growth of our charitable impact.”
iTrade Pay is committed to supporting local communities and implementing unique programs to raise goods and services for those in need. Donations through the barter system allow businesses to give back when monetary funds may not be available. This year, organizations used donated funds to purchase things like national advertising campaigns, school supplies for the needy, and construction services.
“We are very pleased to welcome iTrade Pay for the second year as a National Corporate Sponsor of the Marine Toys for Tots Campaign,” said retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. ” With their generous support, we have been able to fulfill the Christmas holiday dreams of thousands of less fortunate children, who otherwise might have been forgotten.”
Platinum Living Realty donates more than $8,000 to PCH
Platinum Living Realty (PLR), an independent luxury real estate brokerage, announced its agents together collected $8,015 in 2019 to donate to Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH). Platinum Living Realty has a voluntary program where its agents are encouraged to donate a portion of their closing revenues from each home sale or purchase. Donations are collected and made each month and tracked throughout the year by PLR.
“As an independent brokerage with a large presence in the Valley, we believe it is important to find opportunities to give back to our community and help those in need,” said Michelle Macklin, co-owner of Platinum Living Realty. “We’re thrilled with the participation in this year’s PCH campaign and hope to encourage more agents to contribute to this worthy cause in 2020.”
Gluch Group, one of the leading real estate groups at Platinum Living Realty, led 2019 donation efforts by collecting $4,025 for PCH.
“It’s great to be part of a brokerage that offers opportunities like the PCH give back program,” said John Gluch, founder and team leader of the Gluch Group. “I’m proud of how our team stepped up last year to be one of the top fundraisers for PCH through Platinum Living Realty.”
Platinum Living Realty has a history of giving back to the community. This summer, they collected 10,000 bottles of water for Phoenix Rescue Mission’s Code:Red Summer Heat Relief campaign. Additionally, they ran a holiday donation drive for Arizona Small Dog Rescue to help the organization recoup costs after depleting its medical budget.
About Ranking Arizona
Ranking Arizona is an annual publication that ranks businesses in more than 300 categories based on public voting in the state’s biggest and most comprehensive business opinion poll. Ranking Arizona is based purely on opinion and ranks companies based on how voters answer this simple question: with whom would you recommend doing business? The magazine is published by AZ Big Media. To learn more about Ranking Arizona, contact Sheri King, director of sales.
