Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Dubriwny.
Dana, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2005, the pet sitting landscape looked much different. I was working for a magazine out of New York, and I had just hired my first dog walker. It didn’t take too long to figure out that I wanted to focus on spending more time with my dog, and I saw an opportunity for quality pet care based on my own experience. I started Chicago Pet Sitters with a web site and basic knowledge, and after a year and a half of essentially working out of my car, I quit my editing job and became a full-time dog walker for Chicago Pet Sitters. Soon after I hired my first employee, and the rest as they say, is history. Today Chicago Pet Sitters employees about 30 companion animal caregivers.
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?
I’m not sure any entrepreneur has had a smooth road, and I am no different. There are always challenges in learning a new field, and the pet care industry offers some interesting hurdles. One of the biggest challenges has always been finding quality people who will work part-time during normal business hours, while sometimes working all-day in extreme weather conditions. I’m so thankful that we have had such amazing employees over the years, but clients can have a difficult time adjusting to new walkers and pet sitters so we do what we can to avoid turnover.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Chicago Pet Sitters – what should we know?
Chicago pet sitters focuses on daily dog walking and kitty/critter pet sitting. I’m proud to say this company has stood the test of time for over a decade. While the road has been long and challenging, the people with whom I have worked – both client and employees – have made me a better person and definitely a better employer. Today, Chicago Pet Sitters stands with some of the best pet care providers in Chicago, and I couldn’t be more proud of everything we’ve done to get here.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The two qualities that have truly helped pave our way to success are integrity and communication. We can make mistakes, of course. But owning up to them, calling ourselves out and communicating to our clients has been key. I think that when communication is present, trust and respect will follow.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2144 N. Wood St.
Chicago, IL 60647 - Website: www.chicagopetsitters.com
- Phone: 773.456.1483
- Email: sit@chicagopetsitters.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chipetsitters/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoPetSitters/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chicago-pet-sitters-chicago-2
Image Credit:
Woods with me in black dress: Kimberly Kingen
Group photo: Tommy Moore
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