In honor of Women’s History Month, we interviewed a few of our female franchisees and asked them about their personal journeys to business ownership as women.

Celebrating Women JDog Franchise Owners

Amber Mowery, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Hagerstown Owner

What is it like being a female business owner in a male-dominated industry? Have you experienced any challenges?

“It was so funny in the beginning when I would answer the phone and they would say make sure you bring ‘big strong men’ and I would show up. The guys were worried that I was offended.”

Thankfully for Amber, given her previous experience, she has developed a thick skin.

“The best reaction I ever received was when I drove the dump truck to the landfill and the guy dumping next to me said, “I had to look twice to make sure you were a real girl” I felt like Pinocchio. For the most part, I think being a female business owner in this industry gives us a slight advantage. Not only do we hire Veterans but we also hire females.”

What advice would you give other women who aspire to own their own business?

“We believe in our house a rising tide raises all ships. If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life but if you’re passionate about what you do, you will inspire others to believe in themselves as well. I believe that we as women need to lift each other up and always have kind words to say. If you’re focused on doing the right things yourself and creating a positive thought for one other person a day you could, in theory, change the world.

“Be intentional. Just like using GPS, set your goal and follow the directions to get there. If you choose to take a detour, it will take longer to get there but your view is still beautiful and you didn’t fail.”

Is there a woman in your life or in history, who inspires you, and if so, who are they and why?

Amber is inspired by the late Madame Curie. “Despite being a woman in a ‘man’s industry,’ she dominated the field. She was a scientist when men were the only ones being recognized and ended up earning the Nobel peace prize.”

Lura Bitting JDog Carpet Cleaning & Floor Care Southern Chester County Owner

Who or what inspired you to be a business owner?

Lura says that her late mother and JDog’s Co-founder & CEO, have both played a part in her role as a JDog female owner. “There was no one like [my mother]. She backed me on anything I was going to do in the business world. I know she is looking down and she is proud. My family and I are homegrown in my territories which is a great thing. My father is a Veteran and he is one of those people where we just can’t go somewhere and not see people we know!”

“Jerry Flanagan, JDog Co-founder and CEO, and his daughter also inspired me to be a part of JDog. I knew his story when he was just one man, one truck, and pushing this business for his family. We talked about failed businesses, filing bankruptcy, and being a parent. He never gave up in the many years I have known Jerry. If he can do it, so can I regardless of being a female.”

What is it like being a female business owner? Have you experienced any challenges?

“Being a female business owner does have its challenges! I’ve experienced people who do not respect female owners. I have faced a few challenges where a customer has demanded to speak to a male. As my mother always said when times are tough you always find a way. I do just that every day.”

While Lura does experience these challenges, she tries her best to please every customer. The customer service aspect of business ownership comes naturally to her and she uses these skills on a daily basis.

“I want people to know I will go the extra mile to make sure my customer service is topnotch and our team is putting out 110%. Being a former hairstylist of 22 years and having a feel for hands-on customer service and dealing with the public has helped me overcome these challenges.”

What advice would you give other women who aspire to own their own business?

“Just as my mother and President of JDog Carpet Cleaning & Floor Care Dana Forester would tell me, do not change yourself for anyone, to be who you are. Be a proud female business owner, stay strong, build businesses, and show leadership.”

Kathy Moore, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling North San Diego Owner

What is it like being a female business owner in a male-dominated industry? 

Being a female business owner in the junk removal industry poses the same as what a male business owner would face. The biggest challenge as with any entrepreneur is managing their time and resources from marketing to getting on the truck to pick up the junk.

Is there a woman in your life or in history, who inspires you, and if so, who are they and why? 

My mother is my hero. She comes from a huge family where resources were scarce. She succeeded to graduate valedictorian in high school and on to finish college so that she can make a better life for herself. With the help of her sister, she separated from her husband (my father) and 5 children to move to an entirely different country so that she can take advantage of more opportunities. A year later, she was able to raise enough money and find a home and move the entire family to be with her. She’s kind, smart, fearless, and ambitious. I look up to her every day.

What advice would you give other women who aspire to own their own business? 

My advice would be to not let your thoughts and fears get in the way of your future success. Listen or read motivational videos and books to get you in the right frame of mind. “You have to want it as bad as you want to breathe” – one of my favorite quotes from Eric Thomas. Lastly, give yourself permission to unplug and regroup without feeling guilty.

JDog Offers Franchising Opportunities for Veterans and Military Family Members.

We are always searching for highly motivated women (and men!) who are Veterans or Military family members, and looking to own their own business. Learn more about our business ownership opportunities today.