Overview

At Advantage Commercial Real Estate, we are dedicated to helping business owners find locations that don’t just meet their needs, but set them up for success.

Whether it’s a first-time business owner opening their dream storefront or an established company expanding into a new market, our advisors are committed to making every transaction a win.

The Challenge

For franchisees Mark and Megan Ivaska, bringing the first K-9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel location to West Michigan was no small task. With high standards for space, accessibility, and visibility, they needed expert commercial real estate guidance.

K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel is a high-end pet hospitality brand, dedicated to providing an unparalleled boarding experience, prioritizing luxury, health, and safety with a cage-free environment for all-day group or private play. Their soundproofed rooms minimize stress, and the facility maintains hospital-grade cleanliness. All staff are trained and certified by national pet associations, ensuring the highest standards of care, safety, and ongoing professional development.

The Ivaskas’ vision was clear: a retail space that could provide a high-end, cage-free pet hospitality experience unlike anything else in West Michigan. To achieve that, they needed a high-visibility retail space, close to the airport for easy drop-off and pick-up, with ample indoor and outdoor play areas. This space also needed to be versatile enough to meet the brand’s standards for both safety and comfort.

After working with a broker and feeling stalled in the process, the Ivaskas turned to Advantage Commercial Real Estate retail advisors Mark Ansara and Thomas Vredevelt for a fresh approach.

“Mark and I made the decision to partner with K9 Resorts in October of 2023.  We are so grateful for the opportunity to bring the first location to Michigan. We used another broker for some time and felt stuck in the mud. While it’s easy to make promises, not everyone keeps them, and we were discouraged. From day one, there was grit that Mark and Thomas at Advantage brought to the process.” – Megan Ivaska

The Solution

Ansara and Vredevelt were able to quickly pinpoint the long-vacant former TGI Fridays at 28th Street & the Beltline – a 9,348 SF freestanding retail building that aligned with the provided criteria. Once the location was approved, they negotiated a deal that aligned with the Ivaskas’ budget, including securing early access for construction before closing, to ensure they hit the ground running.

Additionally, Ansara was able to navigate rezoning roadblocks, receiving unanimous approval from the City of Kentwood for a Special Land Use Permit.

“Advantage delivered an opportunity and guided us to reach a fantastic deal well below the listing price and within our budget. While they represent the seller, too, there was never a feeling of conflict of interest. Plus, they were able to negotiate on our behalf to gain possession of the building to start construction before closing without adding additional economics to the deal.” -Mark Ivaska

For the Ivaskas’, it wasn’t just about finding a retail space – it was about creating a best-in-class experience. The Grand Rapids franchise location will feature hospital-grade ventilation, antimicrobial flooring, soundproofed suites, and cage-free play areas, all designed to minimize stress and maximize comfort. K9 Resorts has already been recognized with five IBPSA Pet Care Business Excellence Awards, earning a reputation as a top-tier pet hospitality provider.

Throughout the process, Mark Ansara and Thomas Vredevelt were dedicated to prioritizing the clients goals, ensuring their needs were met at every step. Their ability to represent the seller with professionalism and advocate for their clients’ best interests reinforces Advantages’ commitment to creating a smooth and efficient process.

“The location exceeds our expectations on indoor and outdoor play space, and we can’t wait to share that with the community. Advantage has a first-class approach that allows them to disrupt the market; I’m glad we get to be a part of their growth” -Megan Ivaska

Now, K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel is transforming a vacant retail property into a high-end pet care destination. Thanks to the right team, the right vision, and the right space, the Ivaskas are ahead of the game as first time franchisee owners, bringing unmatched pet hospitality service to the West Michigan community.

Looking to open your first location or bring your dream business to life? Finding the right space can make all the difference. Let Advantage Commercial Real Estate help you secure a location that sets you up for success. Start your journey today.