Functional Training for a Happy Pup

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Zoe Heilman, trainer, and owner of Rascal Training, located in Portland, OR, USA.

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

We are a family-owned balanced dog training facility based in Portland, OR, serving folks who wish to have a take everywhere type of pup! From a walk around the block to hikes to food carts!

Tell us about yourself

My whole life has revolved around animals since I can remember. My first job was as a working student at a hunter/jumper riding facility at the age of 14. I competed and rode horses professionally until I was 19 before making the switch to the dog world. After being an assistant to another dog trainer for three years, I went out on my own and started Rascal Training in late 2019. There is nothing more rewarding than helping a dog and their owner learns communication skills to make their relationship thrive. I truly love what I do day in and day out.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Every dog/human relationship improvement is an accomplishment; I find working with timid and/or anxious dogs particularly rewarding. Not only is what I do extremely rewarding, but starting this business has allowed me the ability to buy a house and another business within two years of officially taking clients.

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

Creating a work-life balance in a 24/7 industry, dogs don't take days off, so neither do we!

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

Expect to work harder than you have ever worked before. The drive needed in the first few weeks, months, and years is immense. Starting a business isn't a 9-5 kinda gig.
Trust your gut. If a client seems like they won't be an ideal match for your services and isn't committed to the process, respectfully refer them to somewhere that would work better for them.
Enjoy what you are doing!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.rascaltraining.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rascaltraining/

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.