How One Wilmington Man Traded Kitchens for Kisses — and Built a Career with Hounds Town
If you ever thought your love for animals was just a hobby, let me introduce you to Scott Weikert, a Wilmington resident who turned his passion for dogs into a thriving business. As reported by StarNews, after years in restaurants, Scott is now the owner of a Hounds Town dog-care franchise—walking into a new career filled with wagging tails, fur, and joy. StarNewsOnline
Here’s his story, and maybe it just might inspire your next leap.
From Restaurant Life to Doggy Daycare
Scott’s early career was all about kitchens, menus, and service. But over time, he realized something: while he loved serving people, what truly lit him up was his connection to dogs. He knew there had to be a way to bring more of himself into his work.
That’s when he discovered Hounds Town, a franchise opportunity that seemed to check all the boxes: business support, pet care, and a chance to make a difference in his community. Hounds Town USA+1
He recalls spotting the franchise listing online and going down a path of research—getting to know the model, meeting franchise leaders, and seeing how well it aligned with his values. Hounds Town USA+1
Why Hounds Town Was the Right Fit
Scott had options. He could have built something from scratch—but a branded franchise offered structure, a proven system, and a community already invested in pet care. Hounds Town USA+1
One particular aspect of Hounds Town that resonated with him was its inclusive approach to caring for dogs. He appreciated that Hounds Town doesn’t discriminate by breed and encourages a social, interactive environment for dogs rather than locking them away. Hounds Town USA
Scott also observed the growing trend of ultra-luxury pet care facilities that charge extra for flashy add-ons (think “TVs for dogs,” etc.)—he felt that’s more for the pet owner’s showmanship than for the dog’s well-being. That philosophy sat wrong with him. He wanted something real, something grounded in genuine care. Hounds Town USA
The Journey to Opening Doors (Literally)
Scott’s path to opening didn’t happen overnight. He went through Hounds Town’s Franchise Education Process, talked to existing franchisees, and visited their facilities to see how they operated. Hounds Town USA
By the time he did a formal “Discovery Day” with the brand’s leadership, he felt confident in the decision. Scott says meeting the founder and leadership affirmed that this was more than just a business—it was a mission with caring people behind it. Hounds Town USA
And yes—he jokes (but probably sincerely) that he looked forward to “cleaning up poop” as part of the job. Because when your business is with dogs, that’s part of the deal—and he sees it as a meaningful one. Hounds Town USA
What This Says About Career Change, Purpose & Risk
If there’s a lesson here, it’s that sometimes our passions are signals—not distractions. Scott’s shift from restaurant life to pet care wasn’t just a career pivot; it was an alignment with his deepest interest.
- You don’t have to start from scratch. A franchise can be a bridge between what you know (business/running operations) and what you love (dogs, animals).
- Values matter. Scott chose Hounds Town partly because its values around non-discrimination and dog-first care matched his own.
- Support is real. The franchise model offered training, mentorship, and a network to lean on—something critical when switching fields.
- Passion can carry you through the messy stuff. (Yes, cleaning up after dogs). When the core of your work resonates, the harder bits feel more meaningful.
Bottom Line
Scott Weikert’s story is a reminder that your love—whether for pets, plants, people, or something unique—doesn’t have to stay a side hobby. With purpose, diligence, and the right structure (like a franchise or a guided venture), you can make it your work, and maybe even your calling.
Kudos to StarNews for bringing Scott’s journey to light. If you like, I can craft a side-by-side of Wilmington’s top pet care businesses (pros, cons, comparisons) or jump into what it takes to own a Hounds Town franchise. Would you rather do that or gear toward stories of other career pivots?