Today we’d like to introduce you to Debora Hogan.
Debora, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved back to the Chicago area from Tucson, AZ five years ago. While I was in Tucson, I was a dog trainer and met and befriended my current business partner when she was a client.
I loved dog training but was ready for something new and together with Sherri Knowles developed Spotless Dog Wash as a unique spa-like setting for Evanston clients. We understood that dogs don’t generally love baths nor do people enjoy bathing them so we wanted to make the atmosphere as pleasant and peaceful as possible as well as uncomplicated for everyone. We offer everything needed for a successful bathing experience as well as extra pampering spa treatments.
Our goals were very focused on supporting local businesses, therefore, offering as many of these as we could in our retail section. We are both huge supporters of adoption and wanted to offer our space for adoption events
In our second year, we decided to add grooming services. Our goal was and continues to be to give individual attention to each client and to ensure that their pets have a stress free experience with us. We purchased a box dryer two years ago that includes aromatherapy, oxygen and ionizer treatments to further our dedication to giving an alternative to our clients than big box store grooming experiences.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been up and down. Our first year was the year that we had so many snowstorms and we struggled to pay our bills. We also experienced a change in property management at our building which was an adjustment. Parking has recently become a challenge but we are rebranding a bit to compensate. All in all, it has been fun for us and of course, there is nothing like seeing beautiful dogs all day long!
Spotless Dog Wash – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Our business is born of a deep love and respect for dogs. Sherri and I met and bonded when she hired me to train her dog who had been a bait dog.
We offer self-serve dog wash stations and dry stations that are fully equipped with quality products. We even make our ear cleanser! We also offer grooming. Our grooming is one dog at a time and it stress-free. We don’t use cages and offer an aromatherapy treatment for all dogs while they are waiting for pick up. I think the thing we are most proud of is, that people know we really care about the health and well being of their pets. Our attention to detail has paid off and I think our love for these animals comes through loud and clear.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
We had to completely renovate the space we leased before we could open. I designed and oversaw all the construction of everything. I had never done any of it before and it turned out great!
Pricing:
- Self Serve Wash-$20
- Nail Grinding-$17
- Nail Trimming-$12
Contact Info:
- Address: 1121 Emerson St.
Evanston, IL 60201 - Website: spotlessdogwash.com
- Phone: 847-563-8061
- Email: debora@spotlessdogwash.com
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