A Second Career. A New Challenge.
Is Owning a Wild Birds Unlimited Store Right for Your Next Chapter?
I thought retirement was going to be the finish line.
It turned out to be the beginning of something completely different.
I Wasn't Ready to Stop. I Was Ready for Something Different.
After a long career in law enforcement, I discovered I wasn't necessarily ready to stop working. I still wanted purpose. I wanted something I could build, a reason to keep learning, and a way to stay connected to people and my community.
That search eventually led my wife and me to Wild Birds Unlimited.
I wasn't starting from scratch. I brought decades of leadership, decision-making, managing people, problem-solving and relationship-building with me. What changed was where I got to use those skills.
Today, instead of working in law enforcement, I'm building a business centered around people, nature and community.
That's been a pretty great second chapter.
Why Wild Birds Unlimited?
I was already interested in birds and bird photography, but I quickly learned this business is about much more than bird seed and feeders.
Every day we help someone attract a new bird, solve a backyard problem, find the right gift, or simply bring a little more nature into their life.
At the same time, we're running a real business—building a team, developing customer relationships, planning events and becoming part of the community.
The franchise model gave us an established brand, proven products, training, operating systems, marketing resources and a network of other owners—while still giving us the opportunity to build a business of our own.
You don't have to be an expert birder. You do have to enjoy people, be willing to learn and be ready to run a business.
Curious What It's Really Like?
I'm not a franchise salesperson. I'm an owner.
If you're approaching retirement, considering a second career, or simply wondering whether business ownership might be part of your next chapter, I'm happy to share what my experience has actually been like—the good, the challenging, and the things I wish I'd known before I started.
No sales pitch. Just a conversation with someone who's doing it.
More of the Story
Want to Read More About My Journey?
A few stories about retirement, reinvention and what I've learned from starting over in a completely different business.
What's Your Next Chapter?
Want to Know More?
If owning a Wild Birds Unlimited store sounds like something you'd like to explore, message me on LinkedIn or take a closer look at franchise ownership.