DeNita Carani
Carani is no stranger to the world of franchising. Before joining the Pet Wants team, Carani served as the senior director of operations for the in-home childcare franchise Jovie after owning the brand’s first franchise in the Atlanta market for ten years. “I’ve been on both sides of the franchising equation,” said Carani. “I love that franchising allows everyday people to build a lifestyle for themselves and grow wealth for their families in a structured environment. I have owned a business previous to franchising as well, so I’ve seen how hard it is to be completely independent. The support, structure and best practices that a franchise brings are incredibly valuable.” As a franchise industry veteran, she sees a lot of potential for Pet Wants. Spending in the pet industry has reached over $100 billion while more and more people are treating their pets as part of the family, meaning nutrition is at the forefront of their minds. Carani loves that Pet Wants allows local entrepreneurs and pet lovers to tap into that industry.
DeNita Carani
President of Petwants
Paul Kamm
Paul Kamm is the Vice President Operations for Pet Wants, a national dog/cat nutrition and wellness company. Paul has spent 35+ years in the pet industry, most recently as Vice President Sales and Operations for Jack’s Pets, a regional full line pet store chain. Previous positions at Jack’s included Director of Operations and Director of E-Commerce. Paul Kamm was also President of Fishvet, an aquarium medication manufacturer, and a Buyer for PetCare Superstores. He feels truly fortunate to have a career in a field where he can help pets live longer and healthier lives.
Paul Kamm
VP of Operations
Chris Semen, Strategic Franchising COO
Before his success with Caring Transitions, Chris previously served in various senior executive positions, including Vice President with Mr. Handyman International. Chris is a firm believer in franchising and the franchise model, having gained this belief through his experience as a franchise executive and by owning his own franchise. Chris owned and operated a successful Mr. Handyman franchise and knows firsthand the critical importance of having world-class training, marketing, and operational support programs in place for franchise owners at all levels of the system. After five years of amazing growth and success with Caring Transitions, Chris was promoted to be the President of all five Strategic Franchising brands to help spread his ideas and proven systems throughout the company.
Chris Seman
President of Strategic Franchising
Dan Murphy, Strategic Franchising EVP
In addition to his leadership role with Strategic Franchising, Dan is also President and Co-Founder of Franchise Funding Group, LLC, the retired CEO/Co-Founder of The Growth Coach franchise system, and co-developer/equity partner and current Board Member of five national franchise systems: Caring Transitions, TruBlue House Care, Pet Wants, Growth Coach, and Fresh Coat. Franchise Funding Group (FFG) helps entrepreneurs to scale their existing and successful businesses nationally through a franchise model. FFG is like Shark Tank for Franchising…they function as investors and strategic partners in the franchising sector. Prior to getting into franchising in 2002, Dan owned his own business coaching company for over a decade and helped hundreds of small business owners and entrepreneurs achieve greater success and personal balance. Before that, he was a CPA, Audit Manager, and Director of Business Development with the international accounting/consulting firm of Deloitte & Touche for seven years. Dan is also a frequent public speaker on franchising and business success, enjoys mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs, and is the author of the book, Becoming a Strategic Business Owner. He loves helping others and himself live a more fulfilling and exciting life by following his personal motto, Feed Your Dreams, Starve Your Fears®.
Dan Murphy
Co-Founder, Executive Vice President, Strategic Franchising
Pete McKnight, CFO
Pete provides financial leadership and oversight to all five Strategic Franchising brands in his role of Chief Financial Officer. He is focused on driving process improvements and ways he can make the franchise owners more efficient, more profitable, and, overall, more successful. His proven leadership skills and ability to drive results provides significant benefits to the businesses of the franchise owners and five Strategic Franchising brands. Pete is a seasoned financial professional and has worked in various senior roles with both multi-unit franchisees and franchisors prior to joining the company in November 2020.
Pete McKnight
Chief Financial Officer
Dustin Thorn
Business Coach
Jeff Rachu
Manager of Nutrition Programs
Glenn Ammon
Business Coach
Jessica Isbell
My name is Jessica Isbell. I am a Franchise Business Coach for Pet Wants. I have been Coaching others for 4 years and have a track record of helping others succeed. I like to focus on goal setting and how to reach your personal and professional goals.
Jessica Isbell
Business Coach
Joshua Burkle
Former restaurant and IT manager who is constantly working to make all things more efficient. 20+ years in the customer service industry, 10 years of IT support with point-of-sale discovery and integrations, and a data analyst certification.
Josh Burkle
Business Analyst