Meet Breann Shook

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

Breann , we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

For me, the roots of generosity trace back to the humble beginnings of our pet products business, Grandma Lucy’s. Twenty-five years ago, my husband Eric and I were just a pair of wide-eyed entrepreneurs, brimming with enthusiasm but short on experience. I still remember those early days so vividly – the countless hours spent researching, the nervous excitement of meeting industry veterans, and most importantly, the incredible generosity of those who took time to guide us.

What struck me most during that period wasn’t just the wealth of knowledge we gained, but the selfless way people shared their expertise. Complete strangers would sit with us, offering precious insights about the pet product industry, sharing both their successes and mistakes. These experiences taught me something profound: generosity isn’t always about grand gestures or financial support. Sometimes, it’s as simple as offering your time, sharing your knowledge, or extending a helping hand to someone who’s just starting out.

Looking back, I realize that these moments fundamentally shaped my understanding of what it means to be generous. It’s amazing how even the smallest acts of kindness can create ripples that transform someone’s journey. Those early lessons continue to inspire me today, reminding me that we all have something valuable to share, no matter where we are in our own path.

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?

Sometimes the most meaningful ventures start with a simple problem seeking a solution. That’s exactly how Grandma Lucy’s, our all-natural pet food and treat company in Southern California, came to be. It all began with our beloved English Cocker Spaniel, Lucy, who at age 11 became incredibly finicky about her food. As pet parents dealing with a dog with allergies, we found ourselves in a frustrating cycle of trying to find treats that were both safe and appealing to her.

What started as a concern for our own pet turned into an eye-opening journey when we began investigating pet food ingredients. The discovery of what was commonly used in pet products at that time was, frankly, alarming. This led us to take matters into our own hands, cooking Lucy’s meals and treats at home. When our previously picky eater began enthusiastically devouring her homemade meals, we realized we might be onto something that could help other pet parents facing similar challenges.

But perhaps what I’m most excited to share is how our commitment to pet wellness has evolved beyond just nutrition. In 2019, my daughter Alex and I founded Project Pet RAK, an initiative that has grown far beyond our initial vision. What started as a way to reward random acts of kindness (RAK) while supporting pets through food donations has blossomed into a comprehensive program serving four crucial areas: service dogs, pet food banks, disaster relief, and K9 literacy programs.

The project has taken on an exciting new dimension with my son Gage. He’s created a Project Pet RAK club at his high school and is working on an ambitious plan to expand to other schools nationwide. His vision is to create a network of satellite clubs, making it easy for teens across the country to participate in this movement of kindness and pet support.

Project Pet RAK has also strategically partnered with various 501(c)(3) organizations to amplify our impact, creating a network that supports service dogs, therapy dogs, and pets in need. What makes this especially meaningful is how our customers become part of this mission simply by choosing Grandma Lucy’s products. Every purchase helps us donate more meals through Project Pet RAK.

Looking ahead, we continue to innovate and expand our ultra-premium pet food recipes while strengthening our giving initiatives. Whether it’s developing new solution-based nutrition options or growing our community outreach, we’re committed to being more than just a pet food company. When pet parents choose Grandma Lucy’s, they’re joining a community that genuinely cares about pet wellness and making a positive impact.

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?

When I reflect on the key qualities that shaped our journey at Grandma Lucy’s, three stand out as absolute game-changers. First and foremost is passion – but not just in the way you might think. One of my biggest “I wish I’d known sooner” moments was realizing how crucial it is to weave passion projects into your business DNA. Take our Project Pet RAK – it wasn’t just another initiative we launched; it became the heartbeat of our company. It’s fascinating how something that starts as a way to give back can transform your brand identity and forge deep, lasting connections within your community.

The second quality that proved invaluable was flexibility, particularly in your thinking. You know that saying about not seeing the forest for the trees? That’s exactly what can happen when you’re starting out. While we never wavered from our core mission of helping pets eat their way to health, we learned to be open-minded about how to get there. It’s like having a destination in mind but being willing to take different routes to reach it.

And speaking of different routes, that brings me to the third crucial quality: adaptability. Think of it as business evolution – what worked brilliantly in 2020 might not cut it in 2024. The trick isn’t just surviving change; it’s embracing it. Whether it’s launching new product lines or exploring unfamiliar markets, each pivot is an opportunity in disguise. I’ve learned that sometimes the best opportunities are hiding in places you haven’t even thought to look yet.

For those just starting their entrepreneurial journey, my advice would be to cultivate these qualities intentionally. Start small if you need to, but start somewhere. Maybe it’s dedicating a portion of your profits to a cause you care about, or perhaps it’s experimenting with a new product line that’s slightly outside your comfort zone. Being adaptable enough to evolve while staying true to your core values is the sweet spot you’re aiming for.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

You know what they say – teamwork makes the dream work! At Grandma Lucy’s and Project Pet RAK, we’re always thrilled to connect with fellow pet enthusiasts and organizations who share our vision of making the world a better place for our four-legged friends and their humans. We’re currently on the lookout for amazing partners who can help us expand our impact in several key areas.

Are you involved with K9 literacy programs? We love to meet organizations using therapy dogs to boost children’s reading confidence. We know how hard these dogs work and have created a specialized recipes to fuel them. Or perhaps you’re part of a disaster relief network, helping pets and their families during critical times? That’s definitely in our wheelhouse too. We’re also eager to partner with service dog training facilities and local pet food pantries – these unsung heroes doing incredible work in our communities.

The possibilities for collaboration are endless! Whether it’s joining forces for social media campaigns that spread awareness, co-hosting events that bring our communities together, or working on meaningful donation initiatives, we believe that together we can create something truly special. We’re even open to getting our team involved through volunteer opportunities and creating lasting partnerships that benefit both our organizations.

Here’s the exciting part – if any of this resonates with you, we want to hear your ideas! Drop us a line at CustomerService@GrandmaLucys.com and let’s start a conversation about how we can work together. Share your story, your vision, and how you think we could create something amazing together.

After all, when passionate people and organizations join forces, there’s no limit to the positive change we can create in the lives of pets and their people. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.grandmalucys.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandmalucys/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grandmalucys
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grandma-lucy’s
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrandmaLucys