In this episode of the Brand Clarity Podcast, host Susie Liberatore sits down with Julie Harrell, the inspiring founder and president of Cooper’s Scoopers, to talk about the surprising business of pet waste removal—and the franchise opportunity it holds.
Julie shares her transformative journey from working in healthcare management to launching a successful, fast-growing pet waste removal franchise. Along the way, she opens up about fertility challenges, her leap into entrepreneurship, and the mindset that helped her turn obstacles into stepping stones.
Key Takeaways:
Career pivots can lead to passion: Julie’s shift from healthcare to pet waste franchising was fueled by curiosity and the willingness to explore new possibilities.
Built from the ground up: Cooper’s Scoopers began with zero locations. Julie launched it from scratch and has grown the brand to over 8 territories—and counting.
Pet waste is a serious issue: Beyond the ick factor, Julie educates listeners on the environmental and health risks of dog waste, especially its impact on water systems.
Education is power: Cooper’s Scoopers incorporates public awareness and education as part of its brand mission, emphasizing responsible pet ownership.
Challenges are growth catalysts: Julie talks about using fear and uncertainty as tools for transformation, both personally and professionally.
Fitness mindset = business strength: Her dedication to fitness competitions sharpened her discipline, which directly translated into leadership and business resilience.
Franchise support matters: Backed by Loyalty Brands, Cooper’s Scoopers benefits from expert guidance, shared systems, and marketing resources that help franchisees succeed.
Community beats clicks: Both Julie and Susie agree—early-stage brand growth happens through local engagement and relationship-building, not just digital ads.
Listen now to hear how Julie turned “gross” into growth, and why purpose-driven businesses—even the messy ones—can change lives.
Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone looking to start (or grow) a franchise!
Resources & Links:
Learn more or find a franchise opportunity: cooperscoopers.com
About Julie:
Julie brings nearly a decade of experience in healthcare support and management. She later transitioned into the fitness franchise industry, where she excelled in training and development, driving growth and success among franchisees. Today, she serves as the President of Cooper’s Scoopers, where she leads with a strategic, people-first approach to franchise growth and brand development.
Outside of work, Julie enjoys life with her husband, two daughters, and their beloved dog, Maggie. You’ll often find her at the beach, immersed in a good book, working out, or enjoying quality time with loved ones over a glass of bubbly.
Susie Liberatore, a seasoned entrepreneur, discovered her passion for business ownership at a young age. Following years of academic pursuits and corporate experience, she founded her initial venture, Visions2images.com. What began as a solo endeavor has now evolved into a thriving enterprise led by Susie and supported by a team of 13 professionals. In a remarkably short period, she has elevated the brand’s success by providing comprehensive services like website development, social media management, SEO, content creation, and paid advertising.
Fueling her entrepreneurial spirit, Susie went on to establish various companies, showcasing her versatility in business development. The latest addition to her portfolio is Franchise-clarity.com. Recognizing a gap in the franchise market, she innovatively developed marketing software to address specific needs within the industry. For inquiries on marketing services, potential partnerships, and investments, feel free to contact Susie Liberatore to discover how she can contribute to the growth of your business. https://susieliberatore.com/
