The Secret to Balancing Franchise Growth and Quality Support: Insights from Tip Top K9’s Ryan Wimpey on Advisory Board Podcast

In a recent episode of The Advisory Board Podcast, host Dave Hansen sat down with Ryan Wimpey, the founder of Tip Top K9 Dog Training, to discuss how franchises can effectively grow without compromising on quality. Ryan, an expert in dog training and franchise development, has transformed his brand, Tip Top K9, into a nationwide success with 19 locations and a franchise model that prioritizes support and hands-on training. In this conversation, Ryan shares valuable insights into balancing franchise growth with quality support for franchisees, especially for first-time entrepreneurs.

From developing structured training programs to implementing efficient operational systems, Ryan has put thoughtful strategies in place that make Tip Top K9’s approach stand out. His practical and accessible guidance helps franchisees stay consistent, confident, and well-supported from day one. Below, we’ll explore the highlights from this conversation, along with direct quotes from Ryan that reveal his passion and commitment to quality in franchising. 

Training as the Foundation for Success (05:59 – 08:05)

One of the first key points Ryan makes in the podcast is the importance of a thorough and structured training program. For Ryan, training is the cornerstone of a franchisee’s success, especially in their first few months. Tip Top K9’s approach to training sets new franchise owners up for success by providing a comprehensive six-week training course at their headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Ryan explains, “In the dog training industry, most people are doing a two to three-week initial training program. We decided to extend ours to six weeks, along with two weeks of virtual training beforehand.” This longer training period allows franchisees to become more comfortable and knowledgeable, significantly reducing early mistakes and building confidence in their skills.

The emphasis on upfront training also addresses one of the most common franchisee pain points: feeling underprepared. Ryan shares that this approach has led to a noticeable decrease in support calls post-training, as franchisees feel more equipped to handle challenges on their own. This sound advice is ideal for franchise owners and operators who want to make sure their support is top-notch and sustainable.

Integrated Training Systems for Consistency (08:05 – 12:24)

To keep franchisees aligned and support them remotely, Tip Top K9 uses integrated training systems that help maintain consistency across all locations. By combining hands-on training with remote systems, Ryan has created a support system that fosters growth while ensuring that every franchisee feels connected to the larger organization.

As Ryan explains, “We have a corporate call center that manages scheduling, billing, and customer inquiries for our franchisees, so they can focus more on training and less on administrative tasks.” This approach not only streamlines operations but also reinforces a uniform customer experience across all locations. Ryan’s philosophy of providing consistent and scalable support is rooted in the belief that each franchisee’s success is vital to the brand’s growth. By putting strong systems in place, he ensures that every franchisee has a clear roadmap to follow, even as they operate in different cities.

Phased Coaching for Milestone Success (12:24 – 14:12)

Tip Top K9’s phased coaching approach adds another layer of support for franchisees as they hit various business milestones. After the initial six-week training, Ryan and his team continue to engage with franchisees through a structured coaching plan based on revenue goals. This approach provides tailored support that adapts to the specific needs of each franchisee.

In the podcast, Ryan explains, “We have a coaching document that aligns with each franchisee’s revenue goals. For example, if they want to reach $25,000 a month, we outline the steps, staffing needs, and strategies to get them there.” For franchisees aiming to grow beyond that, additional plans guide them on what they’ll need, from hiring new team members to expanding facilities. By creating a step-by-step coaching plan, Tip Top K9 gives franchisees the clarity and support they need to hit key revenue milestones without feeling overwhelmed.

Streamlining Operations for Franchisees (18:15 – 19:57)

Tip Top K9 also stands out for the way it simplifies operations for franchisees. Ryan recognizes that first-time entrepreneurs, Tip Top K9’s main franchisee demographic, benefit from support in areas like product procurement and marketing. To streamline this, Tip Top K9 provides a system that handles product orders, such as branded leashes and other pet supplies, and negotiates competitive pricing with vendors.

“We’ve simplified ordering, from leashes to marketing materials, so franchisees can focus on high-value tasks like dog training,” Ryan shares. This streamlined approach means franchisees don’t have to worry about vendor management or logistics, freeing them up to concentrate on customer service and training. Simplifying these operational tasks is a practical solution for franchisees who are new to managing a business, giving them more time to build client relationships and grow their locations.

Balancing Resources with Quality Coaching (23:30 – 25:22)

One of the challenges in any franchise model is balancing resource allocation with the need for quality coaching. Ryan addresses this by offering free training events for franchisees, such as the “train-the-trainer” event, which brings together franchisees from across the country for intensive coaching sessions at Tip Top K9’s headquarters.

Ryan shares, “We put on multiple events a year at no cost to the franchisees. They come to Tulsa with their managers or head trainers, and we spend a few days working with them and training rescue dogs.” By offering these events, Tip Top K9 gives franchisees additional opportunities to hone their skills, connect with other franchisees, and reinforce the training they received initially. These events allow franchisees to keep improving without the need for high travel or training costs, making high-quality coaching accessible even for smaller locations.

Wrap Up Thoughts 

In this Advisory Board Podcast episode, Ryan Wimpey reveals what it takes to balance franchise growth with meaningful, high-quality support. From the extensive initial training at Tip Top K9 to the structured coaching that follows, it’s clear that Ryan has built his business on a foundation of support and growth. Tip Top K9’s approach is a valuable model for other franchises, demonstrating that success isn’t just about rapid expansion but also about investing in each franchisee’s journey.

Ryan’s practical insights on streamlining operations, customizing support to franchisees’ revenue goals, and creating scalable training systems resonate with anyone in the franchising industry looking to optimize their approach. Franchise owners and operators can learn from Tip Top K9’s example: true growth comes from building a system that not only scales but also adapts to the needs of individual franchisees. For listeners interested in the full podcast, you can check out the full episode.

To learn more about the powerful CRM solutions that help franchises like Tip Top K9 succeed, visit ClientTether. Or, if you’re interested in learning more about franchising opportunities with Tip Top K9, check out Tip Top K9’s website. Ryan’s approach and the support provided to each franchisee exemplify the potential for balanced growth, making Tip Top K9 a standout example of franchise success.