David Lees didn’t set out to become an entrepreneur, but after two layoffs in higher education, he knew it was time for a new direction. With a growing desire to take control of his future, he stopped waiting for the next opportunity and created one himself.
David is currently gearing up to launch his Zoomin Groomin franchise, bringing professional mobile pet grooming straight to the doorsteps of dog owners on the Main Line in Pennsylvania. In this Q&A, David reflects on his NOPE moment, the leap into entrepreneurship, and what it’s meant to take back control of his future – on his own terms.
What was your NOPE moment – the moment you knew corporate life wasn’t for you?
I spent 35 years in higher education, mostly at St. Joseph’s University, where I worked for nearly three decades. After being laid off in 2016, I took some time off and started casually exploring franchise ownership. Eventually, I did go back to higher-ed – this time to La Salle University – but was laid off again not long after.
At first, I thought about trying to get back into the field. But the reality is, I’m in my mid-60s, and despite what people say, age is a factor. I had a few interviews, but the jobs weren’t the right fit, or they were too far away – and I didn’t want to relocate.
My real NOPE moment came this past January. I finally hit a wall and said, “I’m done.” I was tired of waiting, tired of companies using AI to decide if I was worth a second interview. I know my value, and I was also ready to do something different – and take back control of my future. Because let’s be honest: I can’t lay myself off!
How did you take the leap into entrepreneurship?
I’d been talking to Harris (my franchise coach) while still interviewing, and I’m so glad I did. By the time I hit that NOPE moment, I already had a head start. One of the concepts he introduced me to was Zoomin Groomin – and the more I learned about it, the more it resonated with my interests and goals. I jumped in with both feet.
Sure, I had some fear. But to be honest, I’ve been too busy to be scared. Things have fallen into place in a way that can only be described as a blessing. I’m a person of faith, and I’ve felt guided through each step. I’m not at the finish line yet, but every sign tells me I’m on the right track.
I’m deeply grateful to Harris, my network, my friends, and especially my family – for being there and backing me through this transition.
What are you looking forward to most in this next chapter?
For one, being my own boss. No more performance reviews, no more corporate politics, and no more change for the sake of change. In some of my previous roles, I reported to countless bosses – lots of turnover, lots of shifting priorities, and frequently chasing our tails. Looking back, being let go might have been one of the best things that could’ve happened to me.
As an added bonus, I love dogs. I have two labradoodles, so this business truly hits home for me. There’s a real need for quality grooming, and if you’ve tried to book a groomer lately, you know how long the waitlists are. Being able to offer that service – and do it in a mobile, stress-free way for both the pets and their owners – feels really rewarding.
Plus…AI isn’t taking this job anytime soon. I don’t see robot groomers rolling up to your house in the near future!
If you could give one game-changing piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Two things. First, if you can, have a job before you make the leap – or at the very least, make sure you’ve got a financial cushion. I made it work, but I won’t sugarcoat it: it was stressful. Give yourself the margin you need.
Second, embrace AI – even if you’re not a tech person. Tools like Gemini helped me pull together deep market research in a fraction of the time it would’ve taken manually. I’m not an expert, but I didn’t need to be. What matters is staying open to learning. If you’re starting something new, being fluent in the latest tools gives you a serious head start – and might just become one of your biggest advantages.
David’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to pivot in your career – and sometimes, the most fulfilling chapter begins the moment you take control. More bold leaps coming soon.