Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Otto.
Tina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started working with dogs in 2008 when my position as an operations manager for a non profit association was eliminated. I was there for over 8 years and when I was laid off it was pretty upsetting at the time but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. While the pay and benefits were good it was just a job not something that I was passionate about. I decided it was time to do some soul searching and figure out what I could do to earn a living and love doing. I didn’t want to get another job that was just a paycheck that I dreaded going to everyday.
I started thinking about what brought joy to my life on a regular basis and it didn’t take me long to figure out that was my dachshund Oliver. The wheels started turning and I began researching how I could work with dogs when I came across a statistic that 60% of dogs sitting in shelters are there because of behavior issues. That devastated me and I knew that I wanted to become a trainer and try to help this situation to be avoided. I entered a Dog Training Program and got my certification a year later.
I started Polite Paws Dog Training. Then a few years later my dogs’ groomer was closing her shop and approached me about taking it over since I was already in the dog business. I didn’t take it seriously at first because I’m not a groomer, but it kept nagging at me. I could hire groomers…right? We were able to work out a deal and I bought and re-opened Rub-A-Dub Dog in 2012.
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?
No it was not a smooth road at all. The economy wasn’t great and finances were tight. I think I had fairytale ideas that once I got a website, flooded the neighborhood with flyers and opened my doors that my phone would be ringing off the hook haha. It took much longer than I thought it would to become established. It was with the support and encouragement of my family, friends, clients and lots of faith that kept me positive that things would be ok.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Rub-A-Dub Dog – what should we know?
We provide full service dog grooming for all breeds and size dogs. I also do in home dog training specializing in obedience and behavior modification. What I’m most proud of is the work that we do and the positive feedback we receive from our customers. There is nothing more satisfying when people are happy with your work. I think what sets us apart is not only the quality of our work but the relationships with our clients.
Customer service is becoming more and more lost and I make sure to really talk with people when they come in to the shop. If they are new I try my best to make them feel at ease about leaving their dog in our care and to find out specifics about what their needs are. If they are regular customers I like to catch up with how things are going since the last time they were in. It makes people feel good when you genuinely care about them and their pets.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My shop is all open space. Kennels, sinks, drying area, and grooming tables are all visible to anyone who walks in the door. We have nothing to hide so that makes people feel more comfortable about leaving their dogs.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5759 N. Nagle Chicago, IL 60646
- Website: rubadubdogchicago.com
- Phone: 773-631-9175
Image Credit:
Daisy Gutierrez, John Saliba
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