Franchisee Profile: Bill Ippolito

Bill Ippolito is a New Jersey native with a background in medicine. Having been a physicians assistant for the past 10 years, Bill has now transitioned into the corporate world, where he has decided to open a K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Bill is lifelong dog owner and new a dad.

How did you learn about the brand?
My girlfriend’s (Larisa Citsay- who will be helping me run the business) brother is friends with Jason and Steven Parker, the co-founders of K-9 Resorts. Their entrepreneurial accomplishments at such a young age really inspired me to invest in opening my own K-9 Resorts.

What was appealing to you about joining a franchise system?
I am currently a physicians assistant so the business world is somewhat new to me. I knew as a franchisee owner, I would get great help with the process and have instant support on day one and well into the future.

What makes your business different?
K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel is a very well organized and clean facility. Cleanliness is very important for pet owners. K-9 Resorts doesn’t have a distinct pet odor, is incredibly clean and runs efficiently. It is the perfect option for people who need a safe, comfortable place to leave their pets. K-9 Resorts is also a very young franchise, and I am very confident that it will be successful. I thought it would be best to get in early and help them grow.

I have also been a physicians assistant for the past 10 years and decided to do something I was truly passionate about. The career change is an exciting adventure.

What challenges have you overcome to get where you are now?
Well, acquiring the funds was a little bit of a challenge, and I actually had to liquidate some of my retirement assets to help with the money for the down payment on a loan. It would have taken too long if I didn’t use this money to aid in the process. Finding a location took some time and research. I looked at the competitors, the population and the distribution of wealth in the community. Monmouth County seemed like the perfect fit.

What are your expansion or development plans?
Once we open this location, I would love to be able to open a second location in the near future. I am confident in success of this business.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?
I love dogs. I grew up with a yellow lab and now I have a 5 year old Rottweiler. I am also a new dad! I have a 9 month old son, who consumes a lot of my time. I also enjoy exercising, sports and cars.