Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jonathan Sumner, owner of Ruff House, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Ruff House is a one-stop-shop for your dog's needs! We provide a wide range of dog care services in Ottawa, including dog daycare, grooming, and training. The Ruff House also specializes in canine nutrition and high-quality raw and dry dog food.
We aim to serve the local dog community and act as a positive environment for people and their dogs to visit. The word positive remains the most relevant goal as we are a positive training and humane handling facility. We believe that this science-based approach with the dog's well-being in mind is a goal worth working for.
It is worth noting that the Ruff House is proud to support largely Canadian products, including food and accessories. We also support local entrepreneurs that offer dog products we endorse to sell in our store to really "support local." My vision is to become Ottawa's premier dog destination for daycare, grooming, training, and other canine needs.
Tell us about yourself
My passion for dogs started with a personal fascination with the relationships that humans create with their dogs. This migrated into learning and investing in becoming a certified dog trainer. The career shift occurred after 15 years of working in sales and the realization that I wanted to build something I could be proud of. I am motivated by successes. I love it when I see a staff member excel and enjoy their job. Seeing someone grow at the Ruff House is a personal win for me as a business owner. I also take great pride in seeing a client grow with their dog and seeing their relationship grow into what motivated me to enter this business in the first place.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, I have learned a lot so far, but I am still learning. I am proud that we remain open and running through all of the challenges of COVID and the resulting lockdowns. I think my biggest accomplishment is to understand that I don't have all the answers. Building an environment of motivated staff that loves animals and continues to help me grow the business as a team is my biggest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes as a business owner is identifying when we are not fit for individuals or their pets. Unfortunately, some clients or even staff prescribe to different training philosophies than we do. We prescribe positive reinforcement and humane handling techniques, and some clients are looking for a different approach. At that point, it is usually a mutual parting of ways.
The other difficulty is letting owners know the truth about certain situations and or concerns that we have with their dogs. We do our best to refer clients to a professional that we trust to do the best for their dog. The reality is not always what people want to hear, but it is, in our opinion, the most beneficial for their pet.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Hire people smarter than you.
- Reward your valued staff.
- Be passionate about what you do.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.ruff-house.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruffhousedogdaycare
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/___ruffhouse___/
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.
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