Struggling to Get By: Theresa’s Early Years
As a young mom of four, Theresa Napolitano constantly felt like her family was barely making ends meet. Her husband worked 12- to 14-hour days, and despite their best efforts, they always seemed to be scrambling for school clothes and the bare necessities. “Owning a business? That wasn’t even something we talked about,” she recalls. “It felt like something other people did—people with more money, more education, more confidence. Definitely not me.”
Navigating Motherhood and Uncertain Career Paths
Theresa didn’t have the luxury of higher education or professional experience. She had her children early, which meant her priorities shifted quickly to motherhood. While she loved being a mom, it left her with little time to build confidence in herself outside the home. Her professional experience was scattered—various side hustles and part-time jobs that helped pay the bills but offered no long-term growth.
From Dog Rescue to Dog Daycare: A Passion Emerges
One of Theresa’s part-time roles was as a dog trainer at a small, local mom-and-pop daycare, where she nurtured her passion for working with animals. In 2017, when the business was converted into a Dogtopia, her dedication to both the dogs and the business never wavered. With her thorough understanding of the business and a strong connection to the community, Theresa seamlessly transitioned into her new role as manager, continuing to bring the same passion and care to the Dogtopia family.
Facing Self-Doubt and Seizing a New Opportunity
Despite excelling as a manager, Theresa still didn’t envision herself as a business owner. After all, she had no college degree, no professional background, and no idea how she could possibly afford to own a business, let alone run it successfully. “It always felt like it was something for other people, not for me,” she admits. Theresa’s self-doubt kept her from dreaming too big—but everything changed with one key conversation.
Speaking Up and Making the Dream a Reality
During a meeting with the owners of the daycare, they asked her a simple yet life-changing question: “What do you want for your future?” For the first time, Theresa allowed herself to voice her true aspirations—to own her own Dogtopia location. “It felt crazy, like a pipe dream, but I decided to speak up. Even if it seemed impossible, I didn’t want to keep quiet about it anymore.”
Overcoming Doubts and Embracing Franchise Support
Theresa’s openness about her dreams set everything in motion. Recognizing her dedication and potential, the Dogtopia support office provided unparalleled guidance while years of diligent saving brought her dream closer to a reality. She and her husband were able to gather the resources to purchase the Dogtopia location in LaGrange, Illinois, which was the first in the state.
From Employee to Owner: The Journey of Self-Belief
The leap from employee to owner wasn’t an easy one. Theresa still faced feelings of doubt. “I kept thinking, ‘I’m not cut out for this.’ How could I, with no business background, run a business?” But what she soon learned was that owning a franchise didn’t require her to be an expert in everything from the start. The Dogtopia franchise model offered structure, support, and guidance—tools that helped her feel confident in her journey as a business owner.
Building a Legacy and Empowering Her Team
Theresa is no longer struggling to make ends meet. She is now running a successful daycare that not only provides for her family but also enables her to give other people fulfilling jobs. She takes great pride in creating an environment where each person can advance professionally, just as she did. For Theresa, creating something lasting is more important than merely having a stable income while operating a successful business. “I’ve left a legacy,” she declares with pride. “Something that I can pass down to my children, something that can keep growing.”
A Community-Focused Vision: Beyond Financial Success
Theresa’s story demonstrates the transformational potential of franchising, especially for women who, like her, may not initially consider themselves to be business owners.
In addition to changing her family’s life, owning a Dogtopia has given her the opportunity to establish a location where the animals in her neighborhood are treated as members of the family. “I didn’t just open a business,” she says. “I created a place where people can entrust us with their dogs, who are very dear to them. That is what I’m most proud of.”