A State-of-the-art Dog Facility - Dogtopia of South Chandler
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Susan Perlman, Owner of Dogtopia of South Chandler, located in Chandler, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Dogtopia of South Chandler is a dog daycare located in Chandler, Arizona. What is dog daycare? Unlike typical kenneling facilities, our focus is on improving the lives of dogs through a regular, consistent daycare routine. Dogs need to play with dogs, and we provide a safe, supervised environment to get the engagement, exercise, and socialization they need to thrive. A well-socialized dog is a confident dog that is comfortable around humans and dogs alike; they can better handle a variety of experiences like going to the veterinarian, the groomer, dog-friendly businesses, and overnight stays away from their family among their daycare friends. We are a home away from home for our customers' fur babies, where their dogs enjoy up to 10 hours of play in our climate-controlled playrooms supervised by Dogtopia Certified Canine Coaches.
Tell us about yourself
I am a corporate refugee. About five years ago, after 20+ years working in corporate communications and marketing for some of the largest health care companies in America, I decided it was time to pursue another path. My husband and I had talked for years about owning a business together. We love dogs and have welcomed a variety of pups to our family over the years, including LuLu, our rescued German Shorthaired Pointer, so it made sense for us to choose to open a Dogtopia franchise. Dogtopia has also provided us the opportunity to impact our community and our employees positively.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We faced significant challenges, having opened only five months before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. Because we leaned into the challenges, we achieved successes that earned us the Dogtopia 2021 Franchisee of the Year Award.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being 'always on' is difficult, especially when your business partner is your spouse. It's important to find a way to balance work and home, which is a work in progress.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be sure your work is something that you can be passionate about each day.
- Find a strong group of other business owners you can network with and learn from.
- Have fun! Somehow, make sure you have a good laugh every day because owning your own business takes courage and self-reflection, which is not easy.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Incorporate a charitable aspect into your business and lead with that at every opportunity. It will open more doors for your business, connect you more deeply to your customer base and provide a source of pride for your team.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dogtopia.com/south-chandler/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DogtopiaofSouthChandler
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogtopiasouthchandler/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dogtopiachand
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sdperlman/
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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