Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Larry Wright, president, and CEO of The Green Pet Shop, located in Deerfield, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Green Pet Shop manufactures and sells high-quality, unique, eco-friendly products that solve problems at competitive prices.
Tell us about yourself
This business is a labor of love for myself and my son Brian. We started this company with the goal of providing products that help pets and their owners. We are pet and animal lovers. We are motivated to do positive things for pets every day. We have gotten much validation from the feedback we’ve received from our loyal customers.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
To do something I love and make a living at the same time is a gift. Additionally, being able to work with my son, who is also my best friend, is beyond a gift. To watch him grow as a businessman and see the passion he has for this company is the most rewarding thing for me. To see this company grow from a very small company into what we have become today is a tremendous accomplishment for us.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As with anything, working hard every day is necessary to ensure success. Having to deal with the small things that may seem insignificant is extremely important. Constantly keeping up, changing, adapting, and not sitting back as you achieve success, but continually striving to improve and be your best is difficult but necessary.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- I get asked this question a lot. The first tip I always give is to make sure you’re not undercapitalized. Expenses almost always run over budget, and there are many more that will become apparent that you never thought of or budgeted for.
- Make sure you love what you do. A new business requires a huge investment in time and energy. If you’re not passionate about it, it’s difficult to endure the long hours and inevitable failures or learning curves that you’ll experience with any startup.
- Hire rock stars. Your business is a team as if it was a team sport. It’s only as good as its weakest link. Hire people who have the qualities to excel and are also passionate about this business. People who are result orientated, not concerned about a 9-5, go through the motions and go home. It has to be looked at as a career, not just a job.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I’ve been very fortunate throughout my life. My professional life has been successful. I have incredible friends and family. I view giving back as a responsibility but also something I genuinely enjoy. If I can share anything that has a positive impact on just one person, I’m happy to do so.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thegreenpetshop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGreenPetShop/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreenpetshop/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegreenpetshop
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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