We Help Tucker Out Active Dogs

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Hayford, founder of Tether Tug, located in Kimberling City, MO, USA.

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

Tether Tug is an interactive dog toy company. For many of us, our dogs are a part of our family. We want them to be happy, healthy, and entertained. We want to give them what they need to live their best life. Because for most dogs napping on the couch isn't enough. Most dogs need more physical and mental stimulation than we can give them. Tether Tug is here to help dogs live their best life. It lets dogs work their mind, their body, and soul. A tired dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog is a good boy!

Tell us about yourself

I love the quote, "Ask me how my life turned out, and I will tell you not as I had planned." I didn't plan to be in the pet space; I just ended up here. Don't get me wrong; I love working with dogs and with those that love them. It is highly rewarding.

I was at a season in life where it was time for a change. I started a medical consulting company with another guy. In hindsight, it was very poorly planned and executed, but a happy accident led to the creation of Tether Tug. I love our product and our customers but what drives me is the chance to build something. My fulfillment comes from growing and building Tether Tug. We are always looking to be better tomorrow than we are today. Just when you feel you have it figured out, there is a shift in something, the sky falls, something goes viral, wisdom is spoken, and you start all over. I love that piece of it.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Survival, simply survival. In today's marketplace, everyone wants to give their own business a go. We are overwhelmed with articles about side hustles, How easy it is to open an e-comm business. It is true that opening a store is simple; starting a side hustle is easy, but executing a great idea is very hard. There are lots of days when I have questioned my brand philosophy and talent. I have to be able to motivate and survive. Maybe I should write an article on surviving being a founder....?

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

It never stops; it never ever stops. At least not for me. Our company is at a place where we need to hire about four people to keep the trajectory we are on. Until we hire them, I'm wearing four extra hats.

I have friends that have their own businesses; when they leave on vacation, the company stays behind. I don't have that kind of business, and I'm not that kind of guy. It's with me 24/7.

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

Search your soul. Do you want to start a company because you have a burning passion or because it seems like a cute idea. You need to know what you're made of. Watching a successful person be successful is harder than you think.
Have a product or service that lots of people care about. You need to understand that just because you think it's cool doesn't mean that other people will care. Don't ask your mom if she thinks it's a good idea. You have to find someone who will be honest.
Surround yourself with the right people. My first big mistake was thinking that because someone was smart, they knew what they were doing. There are lots of moving pieces in a business. Having the right partners is huge. Whether they are contractors or employees. The easiest way to fail is having the wrong people on the bus.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://tethertug.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tethertugtoy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tethertugtoy/

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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