Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Linda Chassman Craddock, Owner of Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado, located in Arvada, CO, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are the world's first and largest mental health organization that provides animal-assisted psychotherapy to people of all ages, at all income levels, with a range of trained professional clinicians and 10 species of animals. We also have a large training program so mental health students and professionals can learn how to provide animal-assisted psychotherapy to their clients. We have students from countries all over the world.

Tell us about yourself

I've been a Licensed Marriage, Child Family Therapist for over 30 years and also have a passion for animals. I was able to combine what I do best with what I love to create the perfect job. As the first organization of its kind, there were a lot of new challenges, but the growth I have seen in the business over the 12 years we've been in existence has shown me how important this work is. I come to work each day to see our amazing therapy animals and staff! They are what makes this organization successful. I also love to hear clients laughing and enjoying their therapy. Most people think of mental health therapy as just talking and feeling bad, but we've been able to create an environment that people enjoy coming to, and they create relationships with the animals that are meaningful and help them learn more about themselves. I know what we are doing makes a difference for the animals, staff, and clients!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Honestly, I am most proud that we are now large enough as a nonprofit for our young, full-time staff members to be able to purchase their first homes. It feels like we are still growing and will be able to offer more and more benefits to staff as we go on. I have two goals every day: 1) make sure our animals are as healthy and happy as they can be, and 2) make sure our staff is as healthy and happy as they can be. This formula so far has proven to be successful at creating a loyal, committed team.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Because we are pretty small, it is difficult when there's a personnel issue. I care about each one of my staff members, and when they are doing something wrong, I hate having to confront them. I've had to let go of several people over the years, and that's the hardest thing. Having over 30 rescued animals on our farm, we also have animals pass away. That's always heartbreaking.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Think about what you loved as a kid and make sure that your business has that as at least part of it.
  2. Hire only people you believe in 100%. We only hire interns, so we get a "trial run" and hire only the best.
  3. Treat your staff very well. Share appreciation often in words, deeds, and gifts (we just started showing appreciation based on each staff member's "Love Languages"). If you have a devoted team working for you, your customers will be happy.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

The key to our business is the culture of the staff and how well they work as a team. If you have a person who is bringing negative energy or contributing to low morale, get rid of them as soon as possible.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.animalassistedtherapyprograms.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AATPC/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aatpc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aatpc
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3PnbPgW

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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