Doggy Daycare Brand Central Bark Appoints Robert Crawford as CEO

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Press release: Central Bark

Central Bark, the doggy day care industry pioneer, recently announced that Robert W. “Bob” Crawford has been appointed as chief executive officer. This announcement comes as Central Bark is experiencing record setting growth, continuous double digit revenue gains, the opening of multiple new locations and a new strategic investment partnership with NewSpring Franchise. 

Crawford comes to Central Bark from his role as president and CEO of Brook Furniture Rental, a national high end/high touch service company where he oversaw a team of 400 professionals delivering furniture in 26 states. During his tenure, he took Brook from a regional player in the industry to a national leader through innovation, new service lines, expansion and operational improvements across the system. Prior to Brook Furniture Rental, he served as the director of North American marketing for Coca-Cola’s QSR (quick service restaurant) portfolio with revenue of more than $1.9 billion. Earlier in his career, Crawford was a brand manager for the Quaker Oats Company where he held full profit and loss responsibility for a $40 million new business unit and gained management experience in the pet food and pet treats businesses. 

“I am thrilled to take on this new role with Central Bark as the company has made tremendous strides in truly creating the very best in enrichment day care where dogs can get all the love, attention, and activity they need to be healthy, happy and well-rounded members of the family,” said Crawford. “From the moment I first stepped foot inside a Central Bark, I knew right away why we are different, special, and better than anything else out there. We are poised for explosive growth in the years ahead.”

For nearly 20 years, Central Bark has drawn in dogs and their owners across the country to experience its Enrichment Doggy Day Care, which combines Central Bark’s industry-leading doggy day care expertise with the latest in canine behavior science. Enrichment Doggy Day Care provides a healthy and balanced blend of exercise, social group play, learning, rest,and “TLC” to help dogs be healthy, happy, calm and well-rounded members of the family. Furthermore, Central Bark also offers dog boarding, baths, grooming, a retail market, training and more. 

Under the leadership of Crawford, Central Bark anticipates continuing its strong track record of system-wide revenue growth, innovation and industry-leading expertise while also improving the brand’s already attractive unit level economics. 

“Bob brings a wealth of experience to Central Bark, from his background in managing large national corporations to scaling a regional service business, working alongside franchisees on behalf of Coca-Cola, and his tenure in the pet food and treats space,” said Chris Gaba, Central Bark co-founder and board member. “As Central Bark continues on its transformational journey, Bob’s understanding of unit level economics and how to meet customers’ needs will help solidify Central Bark as the innovative leader in dog care while driving profitability for the brand and our amazing network of franchisees.”