Chuck and his wife bought the Wild Birds Unlimited Franchise in Chapel Hill four years ago. They were both at a point where they were considering a career change, and while on vacation he received an email that the Wild Birds Unlimed Franchise in Cary was for sale and that's all he did for the rest of his vacation was research franchises. He was impressed by the companies values and resources and they went for it!

Chuck and his wife have two employees and find staffing to be one of their biggest challenges to their franchise being self-sufficient.

One of the advantages of owning a franchise is that the franchise itself serves as your mentor and the other store owners are supportive. It's like a built-in mentorship.

"It's amazing how many little tasks there are as a business owner. If you don't do them, no one will do them." - Chuck

Chuck describes the importance of being clear with the division of responsibilities with your business partner (in this case, his wife) much like the division in labor in a house it creates room for each to excel in their talents as well as share the workload.

Chuck and his wife are one of the brave few brick and mortar business owners in an age of Amazon who define success as paying their living expenses and getting to keep going. 

Joe and Josh also take the opportunity to ask Chuck a bunch of bird questions like:

• If you touch a baby bird will their parents stop feeding them?
• Do birds become dependant upon feeders?
• How to deal with squirrels in your feeders? 
• Do birds explode if they eat the rice thrown at weddings?

Also mentioned on this episode:

• Live Bird feed on youtube
• Wild Birds Unlimited Chapel Hill Facebook Page