CHERYL DAGOSTARO, former president of PET-TENDERS® INTERNATIONAL INC., was born and educated in New Jersey, earning her B.A. in Special Education from Kean University. In July 1983, after working in education, health and managerial fields for 15 years, she entered the Pet and House-sitting industry by founding PET-TENDERS®.
Credentials:
Pet-Sitting: Owner: Pet-tenders. July 1983-present Franchisor, Pet-tenders® International Inc., 1989-1998.
(Franchise Business International Advisors: Lou Gurnick, President and Samuel Klein, V.P.*)
Feline, Canine, Avian, Reptile, Small Animal Specialist. Certified by the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council
General:
Notary Public. National Notary Association, Est. 2004-present
Income Tax Preparer. Certified through the H & R Block Tax Training Program
Bartender. Graduate of Century Bartending Schools
Make-up Artist. Certified by the John Casablancas Makeup Artistry Program
Regenesis (Healing/Relaxation) Training. Master Teacher: Rebecca Martin, Ph.D.
Business ownership experiences:
Pet-tenders® (July, 1983 – present)
Pet-tenders® International Inc. Franchise Operations (1989 – 1998)
Classic Rock Sandwich Shoppe- (2010 – 2021) Classic Rock Sandwich Cookbooks (2022-Published ) w/Merlin’s Gourmet Spreads Classic Rock Photo Shoppe (2024-TBA) Background Resources (1997 – 2010 )
CD Enterprises (1997 – present)
Makeup Madness (1987 – 1997)
Avant Garde Bartenders (1987 – 1989)
Night Moves (1984 -1993)
Mixed Company (1984 – 1989)
Élan Productions (1979 – 1980)
Memberships:
Charter Member, National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (former)
Ethics Committee Member, National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, 1996-2000 (former)
Charter Member, Pet Sitters International (former)
Member, National Notary Association 2004- present
Member, Greater San Diego Business Association (GSDBA) 1991-2013 (former)
Member, Food and Beverage Association (former)
Listings:
International Who’s Who of Professionals
Who’s Who of Professionals, New York (annual)
Studies, consultations, tutelage:
Independent Contractor vs. Employee
Franchising
Promotion, Marketing, Management
Background Investigations
Health, Spirituality, Metaphysics, Advanced Studies
Media Appearances:
National – The Travel Channel, a subsidiary of the Discovery Channel
Local – The Larry Himmel Show
– En Vivo
– KPBS, San Diego
Articles and Listings – National and International
San Diego Magazine, San Diego, Ca.; LA Times, CA; Entrepreneur Magazine, CA; New Business Opportunities; Uptown Newspapers, San Diego, CA; Income Opportunities; National Home Business Magazine, CA; Business for Sale Magazine, CA; Globe-Contact International, France; Price Club Journal, CA; The Best Home Based Franchises (Doubleday Books); Auto Club News/AAA, FLA; Franchise Opportunities Guide, Washington, D.C.; Mercametrica Ediciones, S.A., Mexico; World Franchise Consultants, Michigan; the Source Book of Franchise Opportunities, CA; La Revue Occasions D’Affaires, Quebec; First American National Publications, Inc. LA; Opportunitis Canada, Ontario; Minority Business Development Agency, Ill; Info Franchise News, Inc. N.Y.; Home Business Opportunity Directory, NJ; Franchise Handbook, WISC.; Gregory Communications, PA; Franchise Information Network, FLA; Martin Family Enterprises, NH; Cat Fancy; Franchise Network of Texas, TX; Business Opportunities Handbook; Home Businesses You Can Buy by Paul & Sarah Edwards; JK Enterprises, GA.; Union Tribune, CA; Valley Voice, CA; Star News, NJ; Wealth Builders; Pure-Bred Dogs/American Kennel Gazette; San Diego Opportunities Today; 500+ Internet locations.
*Lou Gurnick, President of Franchise Business International. Lou Gurnick, also known as the Grandfather of the franchising industry, had over thirty years of Executive Franchise Management experience with many national and international corporations, serving both as an Operations and Franchise Development leader. He has worked with, started and consulted for over 150 corporations, institutions, and government agencies including: McDonalds, Midas Mufflers, John Casablancas, Computerland, International House of Pancakes, and internationally working with the governments of France and the United Kingdom.
*Samuel Klein, Vice President of Franchise Business International, has over thirty years of manufacturing experience including product and program development. Mr. Klein is responsible for most of the Pre-franchise Development programming including: Concepts, Product and Program development for an ideal “prototype”.