Zach Beutler is taking Jungle Driving School into a new phase of franchise growth, drawing on experience that spans multi-unit ownership, franchise development, corporate leadership and franchise consulting. After acquiring the teen driver education business in November 2024, Beutler began developing its franchise model in 2025, introducing refreshed branding, technology and systems designed to support expansion. More than 80 locations have been awarded during the brand’s first year of franchising.
Jungle Driving School traces its roots to 2003, when founder and instructor Fred Westdale developed a teaching approach designed to make driver education more engaging for teenagers. Known as the Jungle Way, the program combines positive reinforcement, hands-on coaching and real-world driving practice. Its animal-themed lessons use memorable concepts to address situations such as road rage and other driving risks, giving students a framework that goes beyond basic preparation for a licensing test.
Beutler discovered the concept through a former colleague and later visited Westdale’s school in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The experience convinced him that the business could be developed into a broader franchise system. His background in franchising has included awarding more than 3,000 franchise locations and working across several sides of the industry, while his life outside business includes operating a cattle ranch in Nebraska.
Community involvement is also part of the growth strategy. Jungle Driving School has developed a local marketing platform with more than 100 outreach ideas, ranging from youth sports sponsorships to partnerships with schools, families and community organizations. For franchise organizations building similar local networks, Gorilla Dash offers a Resource Library feature that can help organize training materials, operational information and other resources that franchise teams may need as they enter new markets.
Jungle Driving School’s expansion comes as the company positions teen driver education as a community-focused service rather than simply a licensing requirement. Beutler has said the brand is seeking franchise partners who are prepared to build relationships and promote safer driving in their markets. With its franchise network continuing to develop, the company is pairing its long-running curriculum with updated technology and a broader operating system as it works to bring the Jungle Way to more communities.