At just 14 and 12 years old, Jason and Steven Parker weren’t thinking about boardrooms or industry accolades—they were walking dogs. What began as a humble neighborhood service evolved, over the next two decades, into a benchmark for luxury pet accommodations across the United States. Today, that early vision has earned the brothers their most prestigious recognition yet: EY’s 2025 Entrepreneur Of The Year® New Jersey Award.
Presented by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US), the Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award honors the nation’s most forward-thinking founders and CEOs—leaders who are not only driving growth but redefining their industries in the process. Jason and Steven Parker, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel, were selected by an independent panel of past winners, top executives, and business experts who evaluated nominees on long-term value creation, innovation, leadership, and community impact.
“What started as a childhood dream between my brother and I has grown into a nationally recognized brand. This award is not just a celebration of what we've built, it's a testament to the trust our franchisees, team members, and pet parents place in us every single day.”Jason Parker
K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel is far more than just a boarding facility—it’s a curated experience designed to meet the rising expectations of modern pet owners. As pet ownership continues to grow in the U.S., with over 64 million households now home to at least one dog, the demand for premium pet services has reached unprecedented levels. K9 Resorts meets this demand with upscale accommodations, top-tier hygiene standards, and compassionate care—blending the amenities of a five-star hotel with the warmth of a trusted companion.
The brand's rapid rise is backed not only by its impeccable service model but by its business acumen. With a franchise-first approach, K9 Resorts is scaling thoughtfully, offering both single and multi-unit ownership opportunities in untapped markets across the country. For communities seeking a new standard in pet care, the Parker brothers’ model brings both heart and high ROI.
“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible people who make K9 Resorts what it is. From our passionate franchisees to our hardworking staff at every location, we've built a system that puts excellence and compassion at the center.”Steven Parker
Having claimed the New Jersey title, K9 Resorts is now in contention for EY’s 2025 National Awards. The winners will be announced this November at the Strategic Growth Forum®, a premier gathering of America’s top high-growth companies. From there, the National Overall Award winner will advance to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ title in June 2026—an opportunity that positions K9 Resorts on a truly global stage.
More than just a moment of recognition, this award cements K9 Resorts as a defining brand in the luxury pet care landscape. And for Jason and Steven Parker, it validates decades of dedication to a purpose-driven mission: treating pets—and the people who love them—with unmatched respect and care.