Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with John Lawton, founder of Paw Products, LLC, located in Austin, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My product is called Woof Water! I invented a portable water bottle solution for pet owners where dogs can drink directly from the bottle. It's made with the most advanced technology to ensure pet owners have a leakproof, freezable, convenient, and portable way to provide essential hydration for their pets on the go. My customers are primarily dog owners, but we've also had cat owners who enjoy using Woof Water too. Proudly made right here in the USA with the finest and safest materials! I sell online at www.getwoofwater.com.
Tell us about yourself
My name is John, and I'm a retired Marine Corps Officer, airline pilot, and engineer/inventor. And I'm always searching for better ways to do things. After seeing so many dog owners struggle with hydrating their pets on the go, I decided to come up with a clean sheet solution over four years ago. We launched almost two years ago, and pet owners from all over the map have really enjoyed using our products. I'm motivated daily by seeing people use a product I invented that betters their life and the life of their pets. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing my product being used while I'm out and about.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Having the courage to see an idea through, from a sketch on a napkin to a product on the store shelf. In every business owner's journey, there comes a time when you have to write a big check for your startup business to continue. Having confidence in myself and believing in my product without taking any external investment is probably my biggest accomplishment. My friends, parents, and mentor were a huge help along the way. I couldn't have done it without them.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Ideas are easy and everywhere, but actually committing the time, money, and hours into making a new product and educating the consumer is tough to do. My brain is definitely more on the technical, design, and engineering side, so I've found marketing and advertising to be the hardest part for me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Fall in love with the problem, not the solution. Take input from potential customers and know what's important to them. Let the things you hear over and over guide your product. My concept looks nothing like the final production product. You're looking for a 90% solution, not a 100% solution!
- Seek advice and mentorship. Talk with and learn from someone that's been down this road before.
- Do what you do best and hire the rest. You should run every business aspect at least initially, so you have a grasp and appreciation for the task but spend the most time doing what you do best.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.getwoofwater.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getwoofwater/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getwoofwater/
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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