Skiptown Franchisees Secure First Pineville Lease

Tkatch and Fender bring specialized technical backgrounds to the venture. Tkatch, who holds an MBA and a Master of Finance, utilized the company’s first responder discount program for his franchise fee, supported by his wife’s career in local healthcare. Fender contributes over a decade of experience in civil engineering and structural steel. Their partnership grew out of a shared history as members of the tech-enabled dog care brand, which offers integrated services including boarding, grooming, and daycare.

The lease agreement follows a period of rapid growth for the Charlotte-based company. Skiptown reported a 23% year-over-year revenue increase in the second quarter of 2026, with a current membership base exceeding 8,000 active users across its existing corporate locations. CEO Mike Rotondo noted that this expansion into Pineville represents a key step in scaling the brand's footprint. The duo intends to leverage the company’s mobile-first operational model to distinguish their facility from traditional boarding providers as they plan for long-term regional growth.