Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Staubach.
Christy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I did what so many people did during Covid and bought a puppy. My youngest daughter was finishing her senior year at UAB and because she was home all day finishing her degree online, we knew she would be able to train him and be with him all day. I worked in the hospital so I was not able to be at home at all! As Covid restrictions began to lift, my daughter was not at home as much and I needed to find a nurturing environment for my puppy. I was so disappointed in what I found for him that I put a solid 32 year hospital career aside and opened the type of daycare I would have wanted for my own dog
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Wow- where do I begin. As a single 50 year old woman with a solid (personal) financial backing, not one bank would lend me money!! I worked with the SBA for months and finally my advisor told me it just wasn’t going to happen for me. I sat in my office and cried. I knew my business plan and vison were solid. I had worked on this for almost a year. I looked at about 20 locations and finally found the perfect one but I didn’t have the ‘loan’ from the bank. So I took a huge chance and borrowed against my 401k and used my credit card!! I have been able to operate in the black since month 4. Staffing- a huge learning curve!!!
Daily operations is bumpy still but unlike in the beginning where I felt like I woke up everyday and built the boat, now I wake up and row the boat.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I opened a business where I had zero experience! I have a business background but I did not have a dog business background. I went from one of the most regulated industries to an industry with none. I set out and married the two. I wrote a set of policies and procedures to insure I operated the safest environment. And I quickly learned how to manage a pack of dogs- this business is not playing with puppies all day. It’s tough physical work all day long and I love it!! I am most proud of watching my dream of owning the best daycare and boarding facility become a reality. So many people thought I was crazy to quit my very secure job to do something I had never done before. I learned how to groom dogs- which I absolutely love to do, and we provide a home like environment for every dog so they are happy and comfortable with us. Safety and cleanliness comes first and then we have fun! We get unlimited licks and kisses all day long. There is nothing more rewarding than watching these pups run through our doors every single day! I have created the type of environment where the pups are loved as if they are our own. We are so different than any other daycare that I have ever experienced because of our personal love for each pet. We want every owner to be assured that while their pets are in our care, they are being spoiled as much with us as they do!!!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I wish people in our industry would share more with newbies. No one would really offer any advice when I was starting out. There are a few podcasts out there which were helpful but I would have loved to have had a mentor. I read as much as I could as I was writing my business plan.
The days get overwhelming at times and it’s important to settle down and get back to the basics. I reference my business plan monthly and make sure I’m on track.
I value my staff and keep them engaged by keeping them involved in many of the décausons I make.
Pricing:
- Daycare $30 a day
- Boarding starts at $50 a day
- Grooming starts at $65 and goes up by size and service
Contact Info:
- Website: www.topdogbirmingham.com
- Instagram: topdogbirmingham
- Facebook: topdogbirmingham
