Don Dwyer's dream of success began in New York when he sold his cherished convertible to buy a paper route so that
he could earn money to pay for his college education. By the time he graduated from college, Don was earning more
from his part-time paper route than he could earn working full-time for someone else. When adjusted for inflation, Don
earned more than $2 million from the paper route.
After a brief stint in the military and a successful but short-lived career as a Hollywood talent agent, Don purchased a
franchise to market and sell management and motivational materials. He was so successful that the franchisor
recruited him to join the home office in Waco, Texas, where he quickly rose to the position of Senior Vice President. "I
am convinced," he would later write in his widely-publicized book, Target Success, "that franchise ownership is the
best way for the first-time entrepreneur to get started in business."
Don's quest for personal achievement and business success led him to other franchise business opportunities, one of
which became Rainbow International® Carpet Dyeing & Cleaning Company, one of the world's largest organizations of
its kind and the flagship of The Dwyer Group® companies.
"I don't see you for what you are," Don would tell his associates. "I see you for what you could be." Don saw himself as
one of franchising's most successful practitioners and his election to the Board of Directors of the International Franchise
Association, as well as numerous awards and media exposure, confirmed his vision. Early on, Don became a
target-setter, working hard to succeed in numerous business enterprises. He continually motivated himself and those
he touched through his personal life and business. As a result, Don Dwyer created one of the largest and most
admired franchise organizations in the world. His untimely death in 1994 at age 60 created a void in the world of
franchising. But his dream lives on!
Although Don is no longer with us, his daughter Dina Dwyer-Owens has proven to be a more-than-worthy successor
and has lead the company to new heights. Don's dream for the company has lived on through Dina, creating a very
bright future for The Dwyer Group.