JDog Brands Reveals 2020 JDog of the Year Award Winner

Husband-and-wife duo Pedro and Kelly Barnes of Brunswick, Ohio were named franchise owners of the year by JDog Brands, one of the fastest-growing Veteran brands in America. The couple – a Navy Veteran and Veteran spouse – received the annual JDog of the Year award for outstanding work ethic and commitment to JDog’s mission and values: Respect, Integrity, and Trust.

“For five years, Pedro and Kelly have embodied what it means to be JDog business owners. They’ve demonstrated a steadfast commitment to helping Veterans find and transition to civilian employment and are continually giving back to communities in need, all while providing excellent customer service,” said Jerry Flanagan, co-founder and CEO of JDog Brands. “Pedro and Kelly are an amazing team and great role models for other Veterans and military family members looking to become business owners.”

Pedro and Kelly Barnes launched JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Brunswick in January 2016 and have been dedicated to JDog’s focus on people, purpose, and patriotism ever since. The couple expanded to a second territory in 2019 and opened a thrift store called The Post, where they resell much of the “junk” they collect. Through this store, as well as strategic community partnerships with organizations like the Rotary Club, the Barnes are taking steps to reduce landfill waste across their territories. Nationwide, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling aims to donate, sell, or recycle up to 80% of the items it collects from its residential and commercial customers.

The franchise system also aims to perpetuate the ethos of brotherhood and sisterhood that Veterans and Military family members experience during their time in the service. The Barnes’ commitment to franchise culture is evident in their contributions to the JDog Franchise Advisory Council, of which Pedro serves as Chairman, and to the JDog Spouses group, to whom Kelly provides mentorship and support.

“As a Veteran, I know it’s not always easy for service members to acclimate themselves to the civilian workforce, so at JDog, we aim to ease that transition,” said Pedro, who currently manages a team of five, including Veterans and Military family members. “From the lingo we use to the uniforms we wear to our standard operating procedures, we’ve created a familiar culture. I love that about JDog.”

Kelly agrees. “One of the greatest things about JDog is its ability to help service members make the transition back into the civilian world,” she said. “That’s one of the many reasons why we’re proud to be part of this growing organization.”

Pedro served in the Navy from 1987 to 1994, climbing through the enlisted ranks before becoming an officer and naval aviator. For his achievements and service, Pedro was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. Kelly grew up in a military family, the daughter of an Air Force Major.

Founded in 2011, JDog Brands creates business ownership and employment opportunities for Veterans and military family members. Its first two service lines, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling and JDog Carpet Cleaning & Floor Care, boast 250 locations across the country, serving more than 50 million Americans.

About JDog Brands

JDog Brands is the umbrella for an array of home and commercial services franchise organizations owned and operated by Veterans and Military family members. Its first two companies are JDog Junk Removal & Hauling and JDog Carpet Cleaning & Floor Care. Over the next 10 years, JDog Brands has a goal of 5,000 new franchises nationwide. For more information, visit www.jdogbrands.com.

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