We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Sroda a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding your purpose in life can be a long and winding journey, but for those who have a passion for animals, the path may become more clear. Caring for animals can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose that is hard to find elsewhere. It is a feeling of satisfaction that comes from knowing that you are making a positive impact on the lives of creatures that cannot always speak for themselves.
For those who have found their purpose in caring for animals such as myself, starting a business in pet care can be a natural progression. This is because we have a deep understanding of the needs of animals and a desire to provide the best possible care for them. After working in the corporate world for almost two decades, it was very clear to me that caring after pets, especially dogs, was my purpose, my passion, my heart and soul. Starting Peanuts Pals™ LLC was a no brainer. And to see what it has become since launching in November 2022 is simply unbelievable. I never take a day for granted being in this industry. The animals I have cared for and the people I have met have been such a blessing. Making a positive impact in my local community by caring for animals has made such a positive impact on my life. It’s been a fulfilling and rewarding experience and I can’t wait to see where this journey continues to take me.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hello everyone! My name is Michelle and I am the Owner and Founder of Peanuts Pals™ LLC. We provide professional pet care services in Denver CO including dog walking, pet sitting, equine care, show horse grooming, farm sitting, professional pet photography and are launching an enrichment product line in Fall 2023.
My team has over 50+ years experience with animals and our mission is to enhance the lives of our furry beloved pals by prioritizing their mental health and physical well-being. We believe that the key to a happy life for our pets is providing them with the best care possible, which includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, plenty of mental stimulation ,and lots of love. As professionals, we have the knowledge and experience required to provide the best care and have the skills needed to handle any situation that may arise. We are dedicated to our work, are up to date on any trainings or certifications needed, and always go above and beyond to ensure your pet is happy and healthy when they are in our care. Working with us offers you the peace of mind that you need to know your pet is in good hands!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, there are so many different experiences in my life that were impactful in my journey. Working different positions in the corporate world for almost 20 years provided a wealth of knowledge that I have applied to starting my business. In roles like management, marketing, operations, and luxury retail, I gained a variety of skills and qualities that are essential to running a successful business. For example, as a manager, I learned how to effectively lead a team and make strategic decisions. In marketing, I acquired skills in branding, advertising, and market research. In operations, I learned how to streamline processes and improve efficiency. And in luxury retail, I gained valuable customer service and sales experience.
All of these skills and qualities can be directly applied to starting and running your own business. For example, experience in management has helped me build and lead a strong team, while my marketing skills have helped me create a strong brand and promote my business to potential customers. My knowledge of operations has helped me optimize my business processes and ensure that everything runs smoothly, while my experience in luxury retail helps me provide excellent customer service.
Ultimately, the success of your business will depend on a variety of factors, including your own hard work, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit. However, the skills and knowledge that you gained in your previous roles can give you a strong foundation and help you navigate the challenges of starting and running a business. It’s very important to take everything you’ve learned from previous roles and from everyday life scenarios and apply them to what you want to do. What have you learned, what are you good at, and what are you passionate about? Take those things and run with them. You might be surprised at what you can accomplish but you won’t know unless you try!
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
I’ve been very fortunate enough to have some pretty amazing clients since starting Peanuts Pals™ LLC and I’m thankful for them everyday.
In an industry where you are providing care for a member of their family, my ideal client is someone who shares the same values as me regarding the importance of pet care, someone who is respectful of me and my business and someone who has good communication. These clients know the importance of hiring a reliable and trustworthy professional to take care of their pets. An ideal client values quality over price and is willing to pay for the premium services we provide such as personalized attention, regular updates on their pets well-being, and even respecting their home. Communication is also very big for me and I state this in every meet-and-greet I have. It’s key in any business and my clients are people that value open and honest communication. They are easy to get in touch with, respond to messages promptly, and are willing to provide feedback on our services.
Ultimately, my ideal client is someone who is passionate about their pets, values quality care and is willing to build a long-term relationship with me and my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.peanutspalsdenver.com & www.shoppeanutspals.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/peanutspalsdenver & instagram.com/shoppeanutspals
- Facebook: facebook.com/peanutspalsdenver
Image Credits
Brenna Nicole Photography & Eric Einstein Photography
