Meet Chris Elias

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

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Chris with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I get my work ethic from my roots and the journey my family and I have walked. My parents were immigrants, and I was the first in my family born in this country. I watched them work incredibly hard just to give us a chance, even when times were tough. I felt that struggle firsthand, and it lit a fire in me early on. I started my first business at 17, determined to build something better not just for myself but for my future family.

Years later, that drive connected with something even more powerful—my wife Emily. She had been grooming for years with unmatched passion and care, and together we combined her expertise with my business mindset to create what is now a thriving brand built on love, trust, and hard work. Today we run multiple mobile pet grooming companies, including DapperTails and The Ruff Life, with a team of over 25 groomers across five states, and we’re growing fast.

What drives me now is legacy. I want our kids, Justin and James, to see that if you’re willing to show up every day, work with integrity, and pour your heart into what you do, anything is possible. My work ethic was born from struggle, shaped by experience, and fueled by love for my family, for our team, and for the future we’re building together.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

⸻

Our story started with a pair of clippers, a grooming table, and a vision. My wife Emily had been grooming dogs for over 15 years and built a loyal following with her heart, skill, and unmatched care. I came from the business side with a relentless drive to create something bigger than ourselves. Together, we built DapperTails, a mobile grooming company that has grown into a thriving brand with over 25 groomers, 20 vans, and operations across five states. What started as a hustle has now become a movement.

What makes what we do so special is the foundation it was built on. Real groomers, real families, and a genuine love for pets. We are not just another brand in the industry. We are the industry. We operate our own vans, train our own teams, and live this life every single day. We have created a proven system that blends high-end pet care with real operational excellence, all while keeping the heart of the business intact.

We recently launched our franchise model to bring this opportunity to other passionate pet lovers and entrepreneurs across the country. It is not just about scaling a business. It is about building freedom, community, and legacy for people who are ready to take the leap and create something meaningful. Whether it is a groomer who wants to own their own van or a couple like us who wants to build an empire together, we are here to make that happen.

The most exciting part is we are just getting started. We have new territories launching, more vans hitting the road, and big plans to keep pushing the boundaries of what mobile pet care can be.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, resourcefulness, and leading with heart.

Resilience kept me going through every setback. From starting my first business at 17 to running a multi-state operation, I’ve learned that pushing forward when things get tough is where growth happens.

Resourcefulness helped me figure things out without a roadmap. I didn’t wait for perfect tools or timing—I used what I had, stayed curious, and found creative solutions.

Leading with heart has been our secret weapon. People can feel when something is built with love and intention, and that’s what sets us apart.

My advice to anyone starting out: stay hungry, stay humble, and don’t let fear slow you down. Keep showing up and you’ll be amazed at what you can build.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, we’re always looking to connect with passionate, driven people who want to build something meaningful in the pet care space. Whether you’re an experienced groomer ready to take the next step, a couple looking to run a business together, or an entrepreneur who sees the value in a proven system, we want to hear from them!

We’re especially excited to partner with those who share our values—people who care deeply about animals, are committed to delivering excellence, and aren’t afraid of hard work. Our franchise model is built to support and empower, not just scale. If you’re looking for community, freedom, and a legacy you can be proud of, this could be the opportunity them.

Contact Info:

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
Portraits of Resilience

Sometimes just seeing resilience can change out mindset and unlock our own resilience. That’s our

Productivity
Perspectives on Staying Creative

We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists,

Confidence
Kicking Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

This is the year to kick the pesky imposter syndrome to the curb and move