Community is more than just a buzzword, it’s the backbone of lasting business success. In a recent episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, Jason Parker, CEO of K-Nine Resorts, shared how a simple idea built on trust transformed a local pet-sitting service into a nationally recognized brand.

What began as a neighborhood pet-sitting service evolved into a thriving business built on one powerful principle: trust builds community, and community drives success. But for Jason, community isn’t just about customer relationships, it’s about creating a network where every location becomes a hub of connection and care.

Franchise owners at K-Nine Resorts aren’t just operators; they’re “mayors of their markets,” actively engaging with their communities. They attend local events, build partnerships, and become recognizable, trusted faces. This approach doesn’t just drive foot traffic, it builds loyalty.

Why Community Drives Business Success

In today’s world, consumers don’t just buy products or services, they buy relationships. A study by Sprout Social revealed that nearly 80 percent of customers feel more loyal to brands that foster community. And K-Nine Resorts is living proof.

At every new location, franchise owners are encouraged to engage with their communities before the doors even open. Whether it’s attending street fairs, partnering with local shops, or simply being present, they become familiar faces.

Jason’s philosophy is clear: If you can be a trusted presence in the community, you become the go-to choice when customers need your services.

The Business of Trust

Trust isn’t just a feel-good concept, it’s a strategic advantage. K-Nine Resorts builds trust in three powerful ways:

Local Ownership, Local Connection: Franchisees aren’t just operators; they’re community members. They build relationships with customers, who know them by name.

Transparency and Consistency: Every location follows the same standards, from facility cleanliness to customer service. Customers know they can expect the same quality experience no matter which location they visit.

Education and Empowerment: Franchisees receive ongoing training on best practices, from customer care to community engagement. Regular webinars, an annual conference, and access to industry experts ensure they stay at the cutting edge.

Passion Fuels Purpose

Jason’s advice to aspiring franchise owners is simple: “Don’t just choose a business because it looks profitable, choose something you love.” His own story is proof. What began as a passion for dogs turned into a thriving business, but more importantly, it turned into a community.

This passion isn’t just good for morale, it’s good for business. Purpose-driven companies consistently outperform their competitors. According to a study by Deloitte, purpose-driven businesses grow three times faster than their peers.

Lessons for Business Leaders

What can other businesses learn from K-Nine Resorts? At its core, Jason’s approach is about building trust through authenticity, consistency, and community engagement. Whether you’re running a local service or a global enterprise, the principles are the same:

• Show Up: Be present where your customers are, both physically and digitally.
• Be Transparent: Consistency in your brand experience builds trust.
• Invest in Education: Support your team and partners with continuous learning.
• Lead with Passion: Do what you love, and your customers will feel that energy.

Final Thought

Community isn’t something you build once, it’s something you nurture every day. For K-Nine Resorts, that means recognizing that dogs aren’t just pets, they’re family. And families deserve more than just a service, they deserve a relationship.

The question is, in your own business, how are you building that sense of community?

Check out our full conversation with Jason Parker on The Bliss Business Podcast

Originally Featured on The Bliss Business Podcast Blog