About 14 months ago, I was out to eat with a colleague and mentor. We were talking about business strategies. She said, “You know Erin, you guys have been in business for fifteen years and have done so much for the community, rescue dogs, and service dogs – on your own time and your own dime.“
I explained that’s who we are. That’s how we got our name out, that’s how our current trainers and students learn about dog training and behavior from the dogs that are not adoptable.
She went on to say something which really struck a chord with me. She said, “You should develop a non-profit status and let the people and community help you grow your cause.”
I went and spoke with several non-profits to understand the pros and cons of the business and took as much advice from them as I could. I developed a team and we brainstormed what our goals were, what our values were, and where we wanted this train to go.
One year later, here we are!