Wild Birds Unlimited
‘Bird Nerd’ nurtures love of nature as franchise owner
Beyond feeders and bird seed, Carol Harsh and husband Tom are bringing guidance and knowledge to nature and bird lovers in the Region.
“I love the fact that every day I go to work, I have the opportunity to create a joyful experience for my customers by helping them enjoy birds and nature,” Carol said.
Launched in 2015 with their Schererville spot, the Harshes now own two locations of the Wild Birds Unlimited Franchise – adding the Crown Point store – and have 12 employees. The shops are where nature and bird enthusiasts can find everything they need to create their own backyard bird oasis.
“My goal is to educate my customers and general public about the important role birds play in nature and what simple steps they can take to help them thrive right in their own backyards,” she said.
Wild Birds offers a range of feeders, food, gifts, bird baths and houses as well as tools and mounts for a thriving bird-feeding station. The team’s seed blends are proprietary and are based on expertise, customer feedback and more.
Unique services include a personalized consultation by a Certified Bird Feeding Specialist who can tailor a plan for creating the ideal bird sanctuary depending on a client’s bird species, environment and need to keep out pests. The team’s Feeder Scaping service sends a consultant to a customer’s home to assist with placement of feeders, bird houses and installation of a system if needed.
Carol and Tom have transformed their own Chesterton property into a personal paradise for their feathered friends – all rooted in a self-proclaimed passion for birds. This love of nature and expertise is key to their entrepreneurial energy.
“Owning your own business isn’t always easy and you may never become wealthy, but I love that fact that I control the day-to-day operations, customer experience and being able to develop my employees to do the same,” Carol said.
“I also attribute our success to surrounding yourself with people that share your passion. Spending the time and money to develop your team, holding them accountable and most of all making them feel a valued part of that team.”
The Wild Birds team gives back through time and hands-on efforts by participating in the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival and Humane Indiana events. They also volunteer at the Indiana Dunes National Park to preserve the natural beauty of the Region.
“It’s so important to develop business partnerships and be active in the community,” Carol said.