April Spurlock shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi April, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
It starts with trying to get out from under the covers with 4-5 cats on the bed with me. Once I make it out and manage to get the bed made I go downstairs to make my coffee while being meowed at for Flea Treats and food by all 7 of my indoor cats. If everyone cooperates, that takes about 10-15 minutes. Time for another cup of joe, then outside to feed Chuck and Gary. With everyone fed, I can sit at my computer to check email, shipping and make a social media post for Flea Treats. When I’m done with that I pick up the food bowls and scoop the litter boxes – there are six. During all of this if my phone rings I answer questions and/or take phone orders. Adding in the time I spend petting everyone we’re probably at the 90 minute mark already.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
“Thank you for calling Flea Treats, this is April.” As one of the owners and president of FTI Pet Products, Inc. I answer all of our phone calls. Flea Treats is an awesome all-natural flea and tick preventative for dogs and cats in a delicious treat made with real liver, that is guaranteed to work. It’s a better, safer, all-natural option that contains no harmful insecticides or hormones, which has become increasingly important to today’s pet owners. As an added benefit, the B-Complex vitamins in Flea Treats promote a healthy coat and skin. Flea Treats have been making pets & their humans happy since 1980. Sometime in the 1990s I was at the fair with my mom, brother and sister. We were given a sample of Flea Treats so we tried them and have been using them ever since. While placing an order back in 2022 I learned the original owners were selling the company. Initially we were worried about Flea Treats continuing to be available. After much discussion we decided we really wanted to purchase the business and in January of 2023 we signed the papers. We are now working on getting Flea Treats into more retail locations as well as increasing our social media presence.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Mom always believed in me and told me I could do anything I set my mind to – where there’s a will there’s a way she would say. She taught me to treat others how I like to be treated – including animals. We had so many different animals as pets when we were growing up – rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, hamsters, dogs, chickens, ducks, pheasants, iguanas, chameleons, snakes, and even a goat! So, I believe in myself, respect others, and love all animals. I am so grateful for how I see myself and completely credit my mom.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
No. I’ve been discouraged, disappointed, frustrated, exasperated and even discriminated against, but giving up is not an option.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That hormones and insecticides/pesticides are safe to use for flea and tick control on our pets. There is data to support the many health issues and even deaths of pets. Just because they may be more convenient to use doesn’t mean they are safe – they are NOT!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
Hopefully, nothing! Especially since we (my brother, sister and I) bought Flea Treats – had we not gone for it, that would have been something to regret.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fleatreats.com
- Instagram: fleatreats1980
- Linkedin: FTI Pet Products, Inc. dba Flea Treats
- Facebook: FleaTreats
- Yelp: Flea Treats aka FTI Pet Products
- Youtube: @FleaTreats
- Other: TikTok: jimboceo Flea Treats
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
