Building A More Meaningful Life

“My background was on the customer service side of things, so I learned how to talk with people, how to read people, how to listen – all of these skills prepared me for success with Snaggle Foot. This is a business where you get to know the customer and their pet, which is like family to them. In fact, over the past decade I’ve become very close with some of our customers and their pets.” Tom attended Ohio State University and earned his degree in Operations Management. “I can’t imagine starting a business without a solid understanding of financials. If you only love animals, but aren’t good at figures, then you’ll have an extra challenge to overcome. It’s important to have a set of business skills that allow you to manage the franchise profitably.” Tom’s business employs independent contractors, one has been with him for six years! In the beginning, his daughters would help out, and even his wife would do some visits. The biggest challenge to the business is finding good staff, according to Tom. “Finding someone reliable and trustworthy. That’s the most important thing. I am always looking for people that I’ve known for a while, that I know I can trust, who want to work with animals. Typically I find people through word-of-mouth. If I get a personal referral, my confidence level is stronger, and it’s more likely to work out.” Tom estimates he spends about 80% of his time out of the office actually doing visits. “I’ve learned how to streamline the office work, so I can be out doing what I love,” explains Tom.