- We anticipate needing between 4 - 6 people to serve on our board. This will be determined by vote after ramp up is complete.
- We will decide on term lengths, typical is 2 - 3 years.
- Minimal work is required aside from participating in leadership objectives and regular meetings.
- Candidates can be self-nominated.
AAFD
A Not-for-profit Organization
The Independent Association of Dogtopia Franchisees (IADF) operates under the umbrella of the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD), a respected 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting fairness and quality in franchising.
This partnership allows IADF to quickly become operational, leveraging AAFD's established infrastructure while maintaining our focus on the specific needs of Dogtopia franchisees. Key Benefits of Our AAFD Partnership:
- Established Non-Profit Status: The AAFD is a registered non-profit organization. By forming under their umbrella, IADF benefits from this status without the need to create and register a separate entity.
- Efficient Launch: Establishing IADF as an AAFD chapter is the most streamlined and cost-effective way to form our franchisee association.
- Immediate Credibility: Aligning with AAFD instantly lends credibility to our association within the franchising community.
- Access to Resources: We gain access to AAFD's wealth of experience, legal expertise, and best practices in franchise relations.
- Operational Support: AAFD manages administrative responsibilities, including accounting, tax filing, legal compliance, member management, and maintaining our tax-exempt status. This ensures IADF can focus on advocating for Dogtopia franchisees.
Your monthly membership dues directly fund these valuable services, as well as all the additional work and initiatives outlined below, ensuring that every dollar you invest in IADF goes towards protecting and advancing your interests as a Dogtopia franchisee.
- Administrative Excellence: The AAFD manages all our administrative responsibilities, including accounting, tax filing, legal compliance, member management, and maintaining our tax-exempt status. This allows us to focus on advocating for your interests as Dogtopia franchisees.
- Strict Confidentiality: Your membership will never be disclosed without your explicit consent, not even to the IADF board. We respect your privacy and understand the importance of discretion in franchise matters.
- Trademark Chapter Structure: The AAFD organizes franchisee associations into exclusive Trademark Chapters, representing franchise systems with a significant number of members. As the Dogtopia Trademark Chapter, we benefit from this structure to effectively represent our collective interests. AAFD provides premier legal support for tasks such as reviewing the yearly FDD & FA changes, negotiate with Dogtopia Enterprises, and protecting franchisee rights.
- Consensus Building: Through the Trademark Chapter system, the AAFD helps franchise systems develop consensus decisions. This approach ensures that our voice as Dogtopia franchisees is unified and impactful.
- Promoting Equitable Relationships: The AAFD is committed to fostering more balanced and fair franchise relationships. Their goal of 'Total Quality Franchising' aligns perfectly with our mission to improve the Dogtopia franchise system for all stakeholders.
- Advocacy Support: The AAFD's experience in franchisee advocacy provides us with valuable support in our efforts to negotiate with Dogtopia corporate and improve our franchise agreements and operations.
By partnering with the AAFD, we ensure that the IADF operates with the highest standards of professionalism and effectiveness. This collaboration empowers us to better serve you, our members, and work towards a more prosperous and equitable future for all Dogtopia franchisees.
Maija Norwood
AAFD
Liaison
Maija manages our administrative work and acts as a liaison between IADF and AAFD. She maintains all member roles so your membership information can remain private if desired, these lists are not shared with any member of the IADF. Call or email Maija with any questions you have about membership or to get access to your benefits.
Interested in board service?
Members dedicated to the success of our mission can be appointed by the Association board of directors to serve on key working committees within our organization. If you are interested in serving in this capacity, or would like to recommend another franchisee, contact any member of the Association board.
Here's how the process works:
- During the annual board meeting, the board of directors nominates and elects a president for the current calendar year.
- Directors are not eligible for re-election after serving two 3-year terms due to term-limit policy.
- Directors must lay out one full year to be eligible to run for re-election.
IADF directors are asked to participate in regularly scheduled monthly teleconference meetings and may be asked to attend one or two personal meetings (requiring travel) with representatives of Dogtopia Enterprises each year. Additionally, each director will be assigned a certain liaison responsibility for a Dogtopia Enterprise department and/or a franchisee committee for communications purposes along with responsibilities in connection to the annual Franchisee Convention.