Founder & CEO of Dogtopia Franchise Named One of D.C.’s Most Influential Women

Posted on October 28, 2008 by Pete Kosowski

Bethesda, MD – Dogtopia founder and CEO Amy Nichols, an inspiring entrepreneur who turned her lifelong love of dogs into a growing national franchise of upscale dog day care, spa and boarding facilities, was one of 25 women included on the recently released "Women Who Mean Business" list compiled by the Washington Business Journal.

As part of the 2008 Women Who Mean Business class, Nichols was highlighted as a woman who defines success in the Washington D.C. area, inspires other businesswomen and takes an active role in community involvement. In addition to running the national franchise, Nichols also raises money for military dogs overseas by establishing an entire non-profit arm of the franchise called "K-9 Support."

"Being named a finalist for Women Who Mean Business is a tremendous honor," Nichols said. "Part of my mission in establishing Dogtopia was to inspire women and men alike to follow their entrepreneurial dreams. As a franchisor, I’m able to provide opportunities to those want to own their own business, but without having to start from scratch. With Dogtopia, they have a foundation and a proven business model to follow."

Nichols worked successfully in sales for five years after college, but after one particularly bad day at the office, she found herself staring in a pet shop window, reflecting on how her own dogs always managed to cheer her up. After researching the pet care industry, Nichols sold her house and put the money toward her dream of opening the first upscale dog day care in the Washington DC market. She struggled to get the business up and running, even with having more than half of the money needed, it still took going to seven banks before she was approved for an SBA loan.

As an industry pioneer, Amy recognized that others aspired to own their own dog day care and spa, but needed the support of those who understand how to best run the business. It was this logic that inspired Amy franchise Dogtopia nationally in 2005, making it possible for entrepreneurs who enjoy dogs to launch the business in their own communities.

Under Nichols’ leadership, vision and drive, Dogtopia has experience overwhelming success and growth, even in tough economic conditions. As part of the $43 billion pet industry, Nichols has grown the national franchise to 37 locations currently opening or developing throughout the country, with plans to have at least 50 locations opened by the end of 2009.

Nichols is a finalist for her success in growing Dogtopia, as well as her community involvement with the non-profit arm of Dogtopia called K-9 Support, Inc. The program was created to support all types of working dogs, from military dogs to rescue dogs to Seeing Eye dogs, and annual events raise funds to send care packages to K-9 Handlers and their working dogs in Iraq and Afghanistan. Furthermore, Nichols encourages the local Dogtopia owners to maintain an active and healthy relationship with their local humane societies and shelter organizations.

Nichols will be honored as a finalist at the Women Who Mean Business awards reception taking place Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008 at the Washington, D.C. Ritz Carlton.

About Dogtopia™
Dogtopia™, founded in 2002, began offering franchises in 2005. Dogtopia prides itself on being a place where pets are valued as family and where dogs enjoy endless playtime and spa treatments in a positive environment. Dog owners have the assurance of leaving their beloved pets in the hands of trained professionals. Dogtopia staff willingly nurtures each pet with attention and love. Each location offers a variety of fun activities, sociable training and comfortable boarding for dogs of all ages, shapes, sizes, abilities and temperaments.