Interested in starting your own journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kati Krouse, Founder of Bears Etc., located in Montgomery, TX, USA.
What's your organization, and who are your members?
BEARS Etc. is the expert in South East Texas for exotic animal rescue. We are fundraising to build the nation's first bear-focused sanctuary for bears that have been kept as pets from the exotic pet trade.
Tell us about yourself
I started as a high school zookeeper intern and worked at a veterinary hospital that saw exotics. After Vet Tech school at Purdue University (tracking exotics and wildlife), I decided that one day I would build a facility for animals. After working as the manager for the Black Pine Animal Sanctuary and having to turn away animals because there was just no more space, I knew that I had to start planning for the next facility.
What's your biggest accomplishment as an organization?
Getting to our $100,000 goal in our Capital Campaign! There's still a long way to go, but we are moving in the right direction.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being an organization?
For us, it's not having a facility yet. We can talk about animals in need all day long, but until we have a facility where people can actually come see the animals, people don't realize what they're investing in.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow an organization today?
You have to start, or it will never happen. Don't let fear hold you back. Don't let the business run you. Get a business coach to help you organize goals. Join your local Chamber(s) of Commerce. There are many people in the same boat as you. Iron sharpens Iron when you share your experiences.
Where can people find you and your group?
Website: http://bearsetc.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bearsetc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearsetctx/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearsEtcTX
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bears-etc-tx/
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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