Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Jeff Dand & Joe Dand, owners of Springbank Pet Resort, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Springbank Pet Resort is a full-service luxury pet facility owned by local Veterinarian Dr. Jeff Dand & his brother Joe Dand. Our general manager Glenn Condran has over twenty-five years of experience in management at Canadian Tire and over ten years with our resort. More importantly, is Glenn's unparalleled passion for animals and clientele satisfaction.
We provide a wide range of services for your Dog, Cat, or Critter, including boarding, daycare, grooming, training, and a new beautiful retail pet supply store that includes veterinary brand pet food!
Tell us about yourself
We first opened in 2009. Dr. Dand DMV used to get asked where clients should board their pets. Without knowing or trusting of any places in the city at the time, he conversed with his brother, and together they came up with our pet resort. They wanted a place they knew owners would feel safe in a clean environment. Over the years, we have learned and adapted our policies to the best of our knowledge to give a fun and safe place for all types of pets.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We are one of the largest pet boarding places in North America. We take all types of pets with both medical and behavioral issues and always have multiple options to provide the best stay possible.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Drawing the line of being fair, compassionate, and making sure the business makes a profit is probably the hardest thing as a business owner, however in this industry, we watch a lot of animals grow and eventually pass on. This is the actual hardest part of the job. No one can stay in this industry and not have the compassion for the pets we care for (at least not if they are successful).
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Anyone starting a business needs to understand the financial part of cash flow and know that all businesses have ups and downs. Friendly/non-friendly customer service personnel can make or break a company. Knowing the demographic of your target audience is important for the service/products offered.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Don't be afraid to fail; try different things and figure out what works best.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.springbankpetresort.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringbankPetResort/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/springbankpetresort/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/spresort
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/springbank-pet-resort-8225a348/
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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