Q: Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
A: Train Those Dogs is an in-home dog training business out of Sandy Springs, GA. We aim to help pet parents understand their dogs and live better lives with them. We focus on the goals of the pet parent when creating a training plan and strive to keep dogs happy in the home. Educating the pet parent always helps the dog. We focus on the relationship with the dog. We are expanding to surrounding cities.
Q: Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
A: I graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in human services, I am a certified professional dog trainer through the certification council of professional dog trainers, and I have been training dogs for over 18 years.
Q: What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
A: I was inspired by the pet parents frequenting the pet store I worked who had many problems adjusting their puppy to the home. I noticed the lack of relationship between pet parent and dog, the level of frustration a new puppy can bring to the home and my ability to communicate with both parties created peace and connection.
Q: What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
A: Keep studying and learning.
Find work/life balance.
Allow God to guide your decisions and actions.
Q: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
A: To be able to communicate to potential clients how your services will benefit them. Mentoring others. Living your mission daily.
Q: How many hours do you work a day on average?
A: 11
Q: To what do you most attribute your success?
A: God.
Q: How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
A: Website and word of mouth.
Q: What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
A: For some, success means achieving financial independence or professional milestones, while for others, it’s about personal growth, meaningful relationships, or contributing to their community. The best way to achieve long-term success for me is to continue growing personally and to stay focused on my goal of keeping dogs out of shelters and happy in the home.
Q: Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
A: I see myself and my business adding employees to help train most of the dogs in the metro Atlanta area. I see a substantial increase in profit and a big on-line presence.
Q: Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
A: Chewy. Their customer service is impeccable, and they have expanded to in-person veterinary services.
Q: How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
A: Ideas stay forever.
Q: What motivates you?
A: Puppies and money.
Q: What are your ideals?
A: To live comfortably, to give back monetarily, with my time and talent, that all dogs live happily, to live an unselfish life, live a Christ-like life.
Q: How do you generate new ideas?
A: Read, study and train dogs.
Q: How do you define success?
A: Happy homelife, healthy body, loving relationships, fulfilling job, peace in my heart, teaching others, comfortable lifestyle.
Q: How do you build a successful customer base?
A: Interview my potential clients. Clients must be invested in the success of their dogs.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
A: Freedom.
Q: What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
A: Saving a dog from being brought to the shelter, through training.
Q: What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
A: Entrepreneurs seem to have more substantial visions and aspirations.
Q: In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
A: Freedom.