Petland recognises store operators and expands

At its annual awards banquet and trade show held in Las Vegas, the US pet store chain Petland presented various awards and announced the opening of new stores. President and CEO Joe Watson told those present that new stores had opened in South Carolina, Connecticut and Brazil and were expected to open in El Salvador before the end of the year.

A highlight of the show was the presentation of various awards by the company, including the 2014 Distinguished Franchisee designation to Robin and David Visniski, former operators of Petland Tyler in Texas, and Kevin and Judy Chapen, former operators of Petland Kamloops in British Columbia, among others. The Domestic Store of the Year award went to Petland Pensacola in Florida operated by JR and Jennifer Harper. The International Store of the Year winner was Petland Matsudo City in Tokyo/Japan, operated by the Sanyei Corporation.

The Nicholas Alexander Award is presented annually to Petland franchisees that have shown the most dedication to improvement in the areas of store management, animal husbandry and customer service. This year’s recipients include Petland Las Vegas Boca Park in Nevada, which is operated by Karin and Brad Logan, Petland Wichita, operated by Colleen and Brad Bockus, Petland Lewis Center, operated by Tom and Patty Donovan and John Donovan, and Petland Boerne, operated by Richard and Paula Horner. The Vanguard Award is presented to Petland’s best first-year operators and recipients in 2014 include Petland Tyler in Texas operated by Samit Darne and Petland Summerville, operated by Janet and Mike Shaub.

Finally, the Presidential Awards were given to outstanding employees in each management department of the Petland store. The 2014 recipients are Maria Grimes, Petland Dallas Frisco in Texas as Pet Counsellor of the Year, Rodney Leach, Petland Dallas Preston in Texas as Kennel Manager of the Year, Coy Garton, Petland Iowa City as Inventory Control Manager of the Year and Beth Nauer, Petland Columbus Carriage Place in Ohio as Manager of the Year.