10/16/2008
Zoom Groom Mobile Pet Spa
"Richard and I consider the help of the SBDC an invaluable resource. They were able to help us to avoid many of the traps and troubles that many new business owners fall into. Starting our business without help from Jim and the SBDC staff would have been much more difficult” added Laura. "
The Zoom Groom Mobile Pet Spa story truly reflects the perseverance and passion of founder Laura Ray and her husband Richard of Crestview, Florida. After coming to the Fort Walton Beach Small Business Development Center in October 2007, via the Veterans Business Outreach Center in Lynn Haven, Laura attended the Starting a Business workshop in Crestview and became clients of Certified Business Analyst Jim Snider. As a certified professional pet groomer with over 20 years experience in the U.S. and Europe, Laura saw a niche in the local pet grooming market that she could take advantage of, offering mobile grooming services to the residents of the Emerald Coast. Laura began working with Jim to determine the feasibility of the concept. “Although I had groomed pets in California and Arizona, I always worked in a shop that someone else owned” said Laura. While I performed management duties, the details of business ownership were things I had no experience with. Even when I was grooming pets at the military bases in Europe where Richard was stationed, it was more of an informal arrangement than a business”. Attending the Starting a Business workshop showed Laura the many requirements for establishing a business and got her started on the path of owning her own business in the fall of 2007. The Rays’ soon learned the meaning of adapt, improvise and overcome after a lack of access to startup capital and a medical emergency with Richard threatened to put an end to their dream. With the assistance of the SBDC, they constantly adapted their business plan to meet changing conditions. Through an internet search, Richard found a wrecked grooming van in New Jersey. While the van was not roadworthy, it did contain all of the needed equipment in undamaged condition. After making a personal loan to buy the equipment, they found a one-owner used van in eastern Ohio that was suitable for conversion. Initially Capital One agreed to finance that purchase but later backed out after being told it was for a small business startup. This was only a temporary setback however, as the dealership was able to work with Wachovia to finance the purchase. Although recovering from heart surgery weeks earlier, Richard flew to Pittsburgh, where the dealer picked him up and delivered the van. The same day, Richard drove the van to New Jersey for a three day stay, where the van roof was removed and a high-top roof was installed. Once all of the salvaged equipment was placed in the van, a three-day trip back to Florida and two months of work to install the conversion equipment led to a nearly complete van. Laura scoured grooming equipment catalogs for the small tools and accessories needed to complete the van, paying for those purchases with proceeds from yard sales, a tax refund, and the economic stimulus payment. The Rays’ then worked with Crestview sign shop Finishline Signs and Graphics for the eye-catching van graphics package. Richard’s expertise as a former Public Affairs Specialist in the Air Force allowed him to write print and radio ads and develop the company website at www.zoomgroompetspa.com. The business has been operating since May 2008 and continues to enjoy slow but steady growth and a growing client list. “Throughout the process, Jim and the Small Business Development Center staff were most helpful” said Laura. “Jim was always willing to look over our ever-evolving business plan and offer suggestions. He critiqued our web site and offered advice that made the web site more effective. Richard and I consider the help of the SBDC an invaluable resource. They were able to help us to avoid many of the traps and troubles that many new business owners fall into. Starting our business without help from Jim and the SBDC staff would have been much more difficult” added Laura.