Torsten Toeller

Torsten Toeller encountered pet supply superstores during a visit to the U.S. in the late 1980s and decided the concept deserved a try in his native Germany.

When he opened his first Fressnapf store in 1990, in Erkelenz, customers were initially unimpressed with his selection and prices.

Toeller doubled down by selling his car to raise cash, invested in more inventory and went for broke with aggressive discounts.

The gamble paid off, and in 1992 Fressnapf Tiernahrungs GmbH began opening franchise stores, paving the way for rapid growth.

Today, with over 20,000 people working in approximately 2,600 stores in 15 countries, it is Europe's largest pet-focused chain.