All Good Stuff, No Yuck - Arch Pet Food

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet food but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gabriel Huertas del Pino, Co-Founder and CEO of Arch Pet Food, located in Chicago, IL, USA.

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

We take the guesswork out of the equation for young pet owners by offering a treat/food that is food-allergen friendly, highly nutritious, and sustainable. Better for the dogs, better for the planet, and better for everyone.

Tell us about yourself

I am a student at the University of Chicago Booth and recovering attorney. I founded the business in response to the pattern of allergens I was seeing across my and my friends’ dogs during the spike in adoption during the pandemic. I thought there had to be a better option than alligator or ostrich for a dog with sensitivities to chicken or beef.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Expanding out of the Chicago area to find distribution in regions outside of our home turf. It meant that the product’s value prop expanded beyond our in-person sales efforts, local influence, and affordable distribution.

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

Prioritization and execution of those proportions in the long term. There are so many exciting opportunities and ideas, it’s easy to get distracted. It’s also less stressful to tackle low-hanging fruit. Executive goals in the long term is the paramount skill in business ownership.

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

First and at the onset, don’t forget why you started the business. If you find that mission blurred, so will your team and customers.

Second, build in public. The more you ask for help or grow your relative network, the more opportunities you have to meet the sort of experienced individuals who can change your trajectory forever.

Third, there’s a lot of masochism in business ownership. Setting boundaries for self-care (be it exercise, dinner with family, or a good night of sleep) will only help evade burnout.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://archpetfood.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghdelpino/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielhuertasdelpino/

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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