Business Focus Profile
Business: 4 Pawz Sake pet sitting/walking
Address: Home-based business (call or visit Web site for an appointment)
Hours: 24/7
Founded: 2008
Contact: 720-201-9109 or www.4pawzsake.com
Employees: 1
Interview with Tammy Stromberg, owner/founder
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I've taken care of all kinds of pets for family and friends for as long as I can remember. My husband tells me animals are just drawn to me. I feel the same about them, too. However, I heard the "bark" loud and clear when more than a year ago I helped a friend with a stray he found while on a business trip in Kansas. He skipped his flight back to Los Angeles, and drove the pup to Denver to stay with me. I arranged the pup's medical certifications to travel to Los Angeles to be in his new home. I decided I needed to once and for all follow my true passion, helping and nurturing animals, and I needed to do it full time.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: 4 Pawz Sake was voted 2009 Best of the Best in its first year of its launch - that's huge! My personal attention to details and how I cater to the owners and their family companions is only part of what I provide. Last-minute bookings are accepted because that's life. Pet Taxi and Doody Duty are add-on services my clients love, but most of all, it's the high level of trust and respect they know they have from me. My clients are rest assured their pets are in capable and loving care with my 24/7 open communication, and other surprises I cannot disclose because I know I set myself apart from my competition.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: My daily meetings are no longer in a board room. My meetings are outdoors, snow or shine, walking and playing. It's like a personal fan club greeting me everyday with happy tails, cuddles and wet kisses across the face. I thoroughly enjoy the mutual feelings of appreciation, and providing a needed service with instant feedback for the work I do.
Q: What is your business' biggest challenge?
A: New and innovative marketing efforts to reach the right audience that are also economically effective. My corporate background is in marketing/advertising, so it comes in quite handy when I negotiate deals and work the grass roots marketing angle. I'm cooking up several fun ideas for 2010, and continuing to build strong business partnerships in Highlands Ranch. I'm open to more networking opportunities and helping other local businesses.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: My long-term goal with the right set of partners and venture capital is opening a 5 star pet hotel and spa in the Ranch. My background, creativity and business savvy can make it happen, and the location is perfect. I am entering my second year serving on the board of directors at Retriever Rescue of Colorado, and it's a daily job in itself. We survive only by the help of our network of volunteers and foster families to place many homeless dogs into their forever homes.