Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in animal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Luke Huebner, owner of Mile Four, located in Minneapolis, MN, USA.

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

Organic NON-GMO whole grain chicken feed. We deliver US-only grains, freshly milled, and ship directly to the customer mostly online via our store or 3rd party sites like Amazon and eBay. Our customers are backyard chicken owners. The typical customer is health-conscious and really cares about where their food comes from. They own chickens so they can provide their family with fresh eggs. We provide high-quality feed and detailed guides to help our customers raise healthy and happy chickens.

Tell us about yourself

I like to solve problems and organize things efficiently, which is basically what I do all day. I've owned several businesses - each one more successful than the last as I learn and grow over time. I started Mile Four as I grew up on a 4th generation farm, and my family is mostly farmers, which is a way to work more closely with them. There's a lot of poor quality, inexpensive chicken feed on the market from overseas with questionable organic qualities, and I saw how there was a gap in the market. I started Mile Four to directly provide high-quality, freshly milled, US-only grains to customers.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Not having a job in 15 years and being able to work with some great people.

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

Being able to relax and take time off. There's always more to do and improve, and there's a lot of folks that want your time and find ways to turn it 'off' and recharge.

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

Start as a side hustle and keep your day job income. If it's your first business, start something easier like services (advertising, design, etc.) as products are challenging. It's a marathon, not a race, and if you take this path, be prepared to make major sacrifices like time, money (for a few years), relationships, stress, and more. Owning a business that scales is a lifestyle most do want - they just want the benefits. Find someone doing something kinda, sorta like what you want to become and job shadow them to see if it's something you really want to do.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I love my job, it's very rewarding now, but the first few years are very hard.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://milefour.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milefour
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milefourfeed/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mile_four
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-huebner-6b311417/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.