Meet Anthony Salazar

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anthony Salazar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Anthony, so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?

My journey toward understanding and developing empathy started at a young age. When my parents divorced, I had to navigate the complexities of maintaining relationships with both of them while watching my mom work multiple jobs to support me. Although I had strong relationships with my parents, the reality of our situation meant I spent much of my teenage years alone. My mom was constantly juggling work and bills to make ends meet, and that forced me to grow up faster than most.

During those years, I found comfort and connection online, building friendships with people from all over the country. Being part of those communities taught me that no matter where people come from, everyone has their own unique struggles and experiences. It helped me develop an understanding that even though you might not see someone’s challenges on the surface, they’re always there.

At 16, I became a father, and that moment changed everything. Having my daughter so young was a wake-up call that forced me to take responsibility not only for myself but for the life I brought into this world. I had to grow up fast, and that experience made me realize that everyone’s life is complicated in its own way. It also helped me understand the importance of patience and empathy—not only toward others but also toward myself.

That’s when I began to truly understand that we can never fully know what someone else is going through. It’s easy to lose patience or get frustrated with others, but I’ve learned to approach people with understanding rather than judgment. This experience has shaped how I approach life and, more importantly, how I interact with others.

Today, that empathy carries through in the way I run my business, Salazar Scoops. Whether I’m working with property managers, dog owners, or colleagues, I always remember that everyone is dealing with something, and it’s my role to approach each situation with kindness, understanding, and a willingness to help. Life is complicated, but with empathy, we can make it just a little bit easier for one another.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m proud to be recognized as one of the leaders in the Pet Waste Removal Industry, not only in Utah but across the country. Salazar Scoops has grown from a local pooper scooper service into a business that is helping shape the industry as a whole. What makes this journey particularly exciting is seeing how much the pet waste removal industry has matured—and how much potential it still holds.

Beyond our daily operations, I’ve developed a strong online presence dedicated to teaching others how they can start and grow their own pet waste removal business. Through my content, I help aspiring entrepreneurs understand the ins and outs of this industry, offering tips, strategies, and best practices. I’m passionate about helping this industry grow and evolve, and I believe that by sharing knowledge, we can raise the standard of service across the board.

In Utah specifically, Salazar Scoops provides comprehensive pooper scooper services for both residential and commercial properties. Whether it’s scooping waste from family yards, managing pet waste in apartment complexes, or servicing dog parks, we take pride in offering solutions that keep our communities clean and healthy. Our services have expanded to include Commercial Property Services, such as maintaining pet waste stations and providing regular scooping in common areas, particularly for HOAs and apartment complexes.

One of the things that I love most about what I do is the ability to combine my passion for storytelling with my business. Whether through online content, educational resources, or just engaging with customers, I bring people along a journey. I enjoy sharing the story behind what we do at Salazar Scoops—whether it’s tips on how to manage pet waste efficiently or insights into how the pet waste removal industry can help property managers keep their communities clean. I believe storytelling is a powerful way to connect with people, and it’s at the heart of my brand.

One of the new, exciting things we’ve launched recently is a Free Consumer Report called “The Step-by-Step Formula for Reducing Pet Waste Complaints in Your Community.” This report is a valuable resource for property managers, especially those in pet-friendly communities, to learn how to reduce pet waste complaints and improve tenant satisfaction. It’s part of our ongoing mission to not only serve our customers but also to educate and elevate the industry as a whole.

https://www.dogpoopfreeproperty.com/

I’m passionate about making Salazar Scoops more than just a service provider—I want it to be a brand that educates, empowers, and drives positive change. Whether it’s helping a homeowner maintain a clean yard or offering property managers insights into improving their communities, my goal is always to leave a lasting impact. I believe that by sharing what we’ve learned, we can continue to grow as a business and help others do the same.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Your Word Is Your Bond In Business

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that your word is everything in business. Early on, I had a client experience where I set expectations and failed to deliver. That experience was a wake-up call, and it fundamentally changed how I run Salazar Scoops. I had to face the consequences of overpromising and underdelivering, but it also pushed me to implement proactive changes to ensure that it never happens again. Now, we set clear expectations, communicate regularly with our clients, and ensure that we always deliver on our promises. For anyone just starting their business journey, my advice is to commit fully to what you say you’ll do. When you consistently deliver on your word, you build trust—and trust is the foundation of long-term success.

2. Empathy and Understanding That People Do Business With People

Another key skill that has shaped my journey is empathy. It’s important to remember that people do business with people, not just companies. The ability to understand what drives your customers—their worries, desires, and aspirations—allows you to serve them better. For example, a property manager may hire us to handle pet waste, but the real desire might be to reduce tenant complaints or enhance their property’s reputation. My advice to those early in their journey: ask your clients meaningful questions and truly listen to their answers. Go beyond the surface—there’s often a deeper reason behind why someone seeks your service. Pay attention, care about their pain points, and connect with them on a human level. When you do, you build relationships that last.

3. The Power of Delegation

One of the hardest but most rewarding lessons I’ve learned is the power of delegation. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your business. If you try to do everything yourself, you’ll burn out quickly and limit your growth. Delegation is essential for scaling your business. Personally, I learned to delegate tasks by involving my significant other and creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and checklists to ensure consistency in our service. When you delegate effectively, it frees up your time to focus on the areas of your business you’re passionate about—the areas that drive growth and generate revenue. For those just starting out, don’t be afraid to delegate responsibilities early. Trusting others with tasks allows you to scale your business while maintaining a consistent customer experience.

How would you describe your ideal client?

At Salazar Scoops, we’re proud of our strong reputation for delivering outstanding results to both residential and commercial clients. From property managers to dog owners, our clients value the high standards we uphold. We’re not the right fit for everyone, but if you find yourself nodding in agreement to any of the following, then we’re likely a perfect match.

So, who works with Salazar Scoops? We’re right for each other when:

• You’re located in Davis, Weber, or Salt Lake County, UT.
We love serving our local community, helping maintain clean, pet-friendly homes and properties. Whether you’re a dog owner or managing multiple properties, we’re dedicated to keeping your spaces clean and welcoming.

• You value QUALITY and RELIABILITY over the cheapest option.
Our clients understand that value goes beyond just the price tag. You’re looking for a service that’s dependable, thorough, and built on trust. We’re known for being consistent and always delivering on our promises, ensuring your property or yard stays in great shape.

• You’re a property manager of a dog-friendly multi-family property, rental housing operator, or community association.
Our services are designed to meet the specific needs of commercial properties. We help property managers maintain clean, well-kept common areas by offering regular scooping, pet waste station maintenance, and community clean-ups, all tailored to fit your property’s needs.

• You’re a busy dog owner who doesn’t have time to keep up with pet waste.
Life gets hectic, and we understand that cleaning up after your dog may not always be at the top of your priority list. Our residential clients appreciate having a reliable, hassle-free service that keeps their yard clean and safe for both their pets and their families.

• You want to maintain a high standard of cleanliness.
Whether you’re managing several properties or simply keeping your own yard in order, you take pride in having a clean, well-maintained space. Our services ensure that your yard or property is not only free of pet waste but also pleasant and enjoyable for everyone.

• You’re focused on enhancing tenant satisfaction and reducing complaints.
If you’re a property manager, your goal is to keep your tenants happy and proud of where they live. Our services help reduce complaints, create cleaner environments, and ultimately improve tenant retention.

And most importantly, we both want…

• A clean, well-maintained environment that brings pride and satisfaction.
Whether it’s your home, yard, or the common areas of a commercial property, we work to help you achieve a space that stands out for its cleanliness and attention to detail. We aim to create a positive, stress-free living experience for everyone—residents, tenants, and dogs alike.

If any or most of these sound like you, we’re almost certainly a great fit.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Images by Anthony Salazar

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience is often the x-factor that differentiates between mild and wild success. The stories of

Productivity
Beating Burnout

Often the key to having massive impact is the ability to keep going when others

Leadership Development
Finding Your Why

Not knowing why you are going wherever it is that you are going sounds silly,