Meet Our Owners

Richard & Cynthia Fox began the Wild Bird Center of Chapel Hill, NC in March 1996. Cynthia now runs the store full-time while Richard is retired. After 10 years in the business, Cynthia works as needed and pursues her birding passion by leading a group every year to such places as Panama and Costa Rica. When asked about the business, she says”

“Being in the bird business has been a joy. I enjoy turning the key in the lock every morning. The Wild Bird Centers of America has given me the flexibility and latitude which allows me to use my creativity while at the same time giving me a successful framework in which to operate. The fact that I can pick up the phone and call other store owners or Home Office for guidance, suggestions and support has eliminated my fears of starting my own business.”


Testimonials


“I enjoy the independence, but also the knowledge and resources available to me from other franchisees and corporate office. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and passion for birding with customers and using my creativity and business expertise to work toward my store’s continued success.”

Kevin & Cheryl White,  
Franchisees since 2008

“We were long-time customers of a Wild Bird Center store in nearby Akron so we knew about the products and service offered by the franchise. When the opportunity arose to open our own store, we decided to combine our love of birds with a business in order to provide the best quality product to enhance enjoyment of the bird feeding hobby for our community. Support from Home Office has been greatly appreciated and they help us with any issues that arise and are readily available to help us grow our business, from marketing to the “nuts and bolts”. Ultimately, one of the best parts of owning our store is that we have great customers who share our passion for feeding and watching our beautiful wild birds!”

Bob & Carol Zollars,
Franchisee since 2007

“Shortly after I began working for the Wild Bird Center in 2001, I realized I had finally found the meaningful and fulfilling career I'd always wanted.  Our customers are kind, the work allows creativity and the franchisor makes me proud to be associated with the Wild Bird Centers of America.  And most of all, my work is still fun after all these years!”

Kitty McKelvey,
Franchisee since August 2001

“As I neared retirement after 25 years in the Canadian Navy, I made the decision to become an entrepreneur and open my own store. The problem was I didn’t know what kind of store to open! While searching the Internet, I came across the Wild Bird Centers of America.  I knew immediately this franchise was for me. The idea of mixing business, my love of nature, a need for community involvement and backyard birding was the perfect match for me!”

Christian Audet and Alena Mondelli ,
Franchisee since August 2008