Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Judy Kurscheidt, owner of SKILOS - A Family Pet Store, located in Milwaukee, WI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a family-owned pet store. Our customers are our neighbors and the community that surrounds the store. My oldest son got a dog, and one day I asked him where do you shop, and there wasn't anything close to him. We started playing around with the idea of getting a place and starting a store. COVID hit, and I kept asking myself WHAT AM I WAITING FOR !!!! The rest, as they say, is history!
Tell us about yourself
Franklin, my grand dog, got me started. Then COVID hit, and it was one day I said to myself, I can do this! I've been in the pet industry as a manufacturer sales rep for 30+ years, so I felt like I knew a little about the pet industry, and I had contacts. What motivates me - is my legacy. My sons will own and operate this business, and what greater legacy is that. Instilling in them the ability to make anything happen, chase your dreams no matter what age or circumstance, and work hard!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Making the dream a reality is the biggest accomplishment. Making it to our one-year anniversary in April. Making payroll and paying the bills vs. borrowing. Every month is a new and big accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things for me was and is the financial stress. Taking a mortgage on the house to start the business has been tough. I have no business ownership experience, and there was so much to learn. Finding mentors, contacts, and surrounding myself with the right people has proven extremely helpful.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
You need more money than you think. Don't let fear stop you. Face it all head-on, no matter what the situation.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I kept my full-time job as National Sales Manager, and I'm also working on Skilos. What started as my dream to own my business has become a family business. I've never been more proud of my two sons, who are really the face of this business and are working at it seven days a week!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.skilospets.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkilosPets/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skilospets/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/skilospets
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skilos-a-family-pet-store/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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