Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Austin Tuck. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Austin, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding my purpose has been a journey filled with passion, compassion, and a deep love for animals. It all started with a simple walk in the park with a German Shorthaired Pointer named Finn, where I noticed the joy and freedom he felt simply existing and exploring the world around him. That moment sparked something inside me—a realization that I wanted to dedicate my life to enhancing the lives of pets and their parents. Over the next several years, I learned how exactly I was going to do that.
As I began Tuckered Out Dog Walking, my mission was clear: to provide a safe, enriching environment for dogs while fostering a strong sense of community among their parents. But I soon realized there was more we could do, especially for the countless animals in shelters who don’t have the luxury of daily walks or the joy of exploring the outdoors.
That’s where our Shelter Sponsorship program came into play. The idea was born out of a desire to give back and support the local animal shelters in our community. We knew that by partnering with Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC), we could not only provide much-needed exercise and enrichment for these animals but also raise awareness for each specific adoptable dog. Our program allows us to spend one-on-one time with these shelter dogs, offering them regular walks, socialization, and exposure to potential adopters. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see these dogs flourish and find their forever homes.
What truly drives this program is the belief that every animal deserves love, care, and a chance at a happy life. The joy on a dog’s face when they experience the outside world, perhaps for the first time in a long time, is indescribable. It’s a small gesture, but it can make a world of difference in their lives.
In a broader sense, my purpose has evolved into creating a ripple effect of kindness and advocacy within our community. Through our Shelter Sponsorship program and other initiatives, we’re not just walking dogs; we’re building a network of support for animals and their guardians. It’s about creating a compassionate community where every animal is valued and loved.
So, finding my purpose wasn’t a single moment or a sudden realization. It was a series of experiences and a growing awareness of how much more we can do for the animals around us. It’s a journey that continues to evolve, and I’m grateful for every step along the way.
For anyone wishing to learn more about our Shelter Sponsorship program, or to get involved, visit our website at: https://tuckeredoutrva.com/services/sponsorships/
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My name is Austin, founder of Tuckered Out Dog Walking and lifetime animal lover! I grew up in a zoo of a household and started caring for dogs, cats, horses, birds, rodents, fish, and just about every other exotic pet from a very early age. I have been offering private dog walking services since 2013 and was able to fulfill my lifelong dream of working with animals full-time when I officially opened our company in October 2021!
Our company offers private dog walking and adventure services to keep dogs enriched and happy, even in times when their guardians can’t. We’re a passionate team of pet lovers, dedicated to supporting pet parents with daily doggie needs—whether it’s regular exercise, a quick potty break, or introducing them to new adventures. We’re honored to be part of any pet’s life.
What’s special about us is our on-demand scheduling option. With us, clients can schedule last-minute walks with as little as 3 hours notice. Life is unpredictable, but pet care doesn’t have to be! Our clients can enjoy peace of mind and the freedom to navigate their day, knowing a reliable caregiver is always just a quick click away. What’s more, our team is deeply passionate about animal welfare and ethics. We’ve partnered with Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) to offer donated walks to their shelter residents through an exciting Shelter Sponsorship program, along with discounts to rescues and fosters. Supporting animals and the people who care for them, across the entire life spectrum, is what we do best.
Here at At Tuckered Out Dog Walking, we are dedicated to positive reinforcement, gentle handling, and a Fear Free approach. Our goal is to keep pets happy, confident, enriched, safe, and stress-free, in turn making life a little easier for our clients, too! We understand how hard it is for someone to leave their pets alone. As partners in pet care, we promise:
– Your pets will be loved
– Your pets will be safe
– We will be gentle
– You will be respected
At Tuckered Out Dog Walking, our core values (care, connection, consistency, and concern) are the foundation of our mission and the heart of our service. They reflect our unwavering dedication to ensuring the well-being of every animal in our care and our respect for the unique needs of every human client. We believe in building trust through consistent, compassionate care and creating a supportive community for pet parents. Our commitment to these values drives us to go above and beyond in everything we do, from our handling methods to our personalized approach. We aim to make a positive impact on the lives of pets and their guardians, one walk at a time.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey with Tuckered Out Dog Walking, there are several things that I have learned along the way, but these three particularly stand out as being the most impactful. These elements have not only helped me build a successful business but also shaped me into a more confident and resilient entrepreneur:
1. Learning the Nitty-Gritty of Business:
Starting a business requires more than just passion; it requires a solid understanding of how to turn that passion into a sustainable venture. Early on, I spent countless hours researching business operations, marketing strategies, and the ins and outs of the pet care industry as a whole. This groundwork was crucial in setting up a strong foundation for my business. From understanding the legal and financial requirements of running a dog walking service to creating a marketing plan that resonated with our target audience, every detail mattered. My advice for anyone starting their own business would be to immerse yourself in research, long before you take the plunge. Take the time to understand your industry, learn about your customers, educate yourself, take financial planning courses, and meet with a CPA and/or attorney to gain a firm grasp of the logistics. Learn how to do everything right, by the books. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Don’t shy away from the less glamorous aspects of business; they are just as important as the fun parts.
2. Believing in Myself:
Believing in yourself and your vision is crucial, especially when you’re starting something new. There will be moments of doubt and setbacks, but having confidence can help you stay focused and motivated. For me, it was about trusting that my approach to dog walking—committing to positive reinforcement handling methods and building a team-based framework for service—would resonate with our community. This confidence wasn’t always innate; it grew as I saw the positive impact we were making. Confidence is a skill you can develop. My advice would be to start by setting small, achievable goals and celebrating your successes. (And don’t be afraid to get specific! Write it down, and keep track!) Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you and your mission. Remember, confidence isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about trusting yourself to figure things out along the way.
3. Networking with Others:
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been meeting new people and building a network of like-minded individuals. Whether it’s connecting with fellow pet care professionals, engaging with clients, or collaborating with local pet-friendly stores, these relationships have been invaluable. Networking isn’t just about promoting your business; it’s about creating a community. And yes, you might even make some great friends along the way! Especially in an industry like ours, it is important to view others as a resource, not a competitor. My advice would be to go out of your way to meet people and make your name known. Attend local events, join online communities, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. Building relationships can open doors to new opportunities and provide support when you need it most. Be genuine and show a genuine interest in others’ stories and experiences.
The journey of building Tuckered Out Dog Walking has been a challenging one, but a rewarding one for sure! I have not only built a successful and respectable brand, but I have built up my own personal skills and confidence in the process. For anyone just starting out, I encourage you to dive deep into your industry, learn how to believe in yourself, and actively seek out connections. These elements will not only help you build a successful business but also make your journey more enriching and enjoyable. You might be surprised by what you are capable of!
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I firmly believe that it’s better to go all in on our strengths rather than spreading ourselves thin by trying to become well-rounded in areas we’re not naturally strong in. My perspective is heavily influenced by the advice of Alex Hormozi, who advocates for nurturing our strengths and outsourcing the rest. The idea is that focusing on what we’re good at allows us to excel and deliver exceptional value, while hiring experts for other tasks ensures efficiency, without compromising quality.
I think my reasoning is best described by an example. Imagine you’re trying to re-wire the electric in your home. You could spend countless hours watching YouTube tutorials, learning the ins and outs of electrical work, and figuring out exactly how to do it. You’d then need to buy all the necessary tools and materials, and dedicate a significant amount of time actually completing the project, all while probably making a few mistakes along the way. And the end result might be mediocre at best. Alternatively, you could hire a professional electrician who can complete the job quickly, safely, and to a high standard. Not only would you save time and energy, but you’d also avoid the risk of costly mistakes, serious injuries, and the anxiety that you might be doing it completely wrong and have to hire someone in the end anyway.
This analogy applies to business as well. In the early days of Tuckered Out Dog Walking, I tried to handle everything myself—from accounting and marketing to website design and customer service—all while spending the whole day actually walking the dogs, too! While it was a great learning experience that I do not regret—after all, it is still important that we understand the ins and outs of our business, even if we aren’t directly doing them ourselves—I quickly realized that stretching myself across so many different tasks was not sustainable, nor was it the best use of my time and talents. My real strength lies in building a network with clients, their pets, and other businesses.
By outsourcing my areas of weakness and going all-in on my strengths, I was able to build strong relationships with our clients and provide exceptional service. Meanwhile, I brought in experts to handle areas like bookkeeping and digital marketing. This approach not only improved the quality of those aspects of the business but also freed up my time to do what I do best—caring for the dogs and building our community.
In essence, going all in on your strengths allows you to create a more impactful and fulfilling business. It doesn’t mean ignoring your weaknesses but rather acknowledging them and finding the right people to fill those gaps. This not only leads to better results but also reduces stress and helps you maintain a healthier work-life balance. So, my advice is to recognize your unique strengths and invest in them wholeheartedly. Surround yourself with talented individuals who can complement your skills, and don’t be afraid to delegate. This strategy not only maximizes your potential but also creates a thriving, well-rounded team that can achieve great things together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tuckeredoutRVA.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tuckeredoutRVA
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tuckeredoutRVA
- Other: Google: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pjkxPHhuudhcm3is8
Image Credits
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