Please, introduce yourself and your business.
Hey everyone, Franki here, co-founder of Eola Pets!
My brother Luis and I started Eola Pets back in 2016. We weren't some big corporation rolling into town.
We began as a local pet retail shop, just a brother and sister duo with a passion for happy pets, happy people, and a happy neighborhood (that's our motto!) We now offer dog daycare, dog walking & training, pet sitting, grooming and a dog bakery at our retail shop.
The name "Eola Pets" isn't just random either. It's a shout-out to Lake Eola, that popular park in downtown Orlando– we keep it hyper-local. We're all about being part of the community here.
How did you start your business?
So, fun fact: our parents were the real masterminds behind the inception. They've been running a fantastic pet care facility since way back in 2006 – practically a pet industry dynasty!
We always knew we wanted to follow in their paw-prints (sorry, couldn't resist), but we also wanted to carve our own niche.
That's why we decided to leap and appeal to a new market in the city. Now, we'll admit, we were a little cart-before-the-horse at first.
We snagged this awesome brick-and-mortar location, then spent the next year really getting to know our new clientele. Turns out, city pups have totally different needs than their suburban counterparts! Once we figured that out, we knew we were onto something special.
The best part? The trust we built with people stopping by the shop made it a breeze for them to switch over and use our services. It's all about building those relationships.
How much revenue was your best year?
2021 was a banner year for Eola Pets! We really kicked things into high gear, adding dog training and pack walking services to our repertoire. That, combined with a national feature on CNN, put us on the map in a big way.
The momentum continues – we opened a second location, our dream Enrichment Dog Day Camp! We're seeing steady growth of 10-15% year-over-year, and honestly, our sights are set on hitting that million-dollar revenue mark by 2024. We're excited for what the future holds for Eola Pets!
When did you notice traction when building your business? The “Oh S**t!” moment, what did that feel like?
We achieved significant milestones in 2019, including the onboarding of our first manager and receiving exceptional support from the city.
These developments solidified the positive trajectory of our hard work. However, 2020 presented unforeseen challenges, impacting our business alongside countless others.
Leveraging our strong client relationships, we proactively assessed their evolving needs. The rise of remote work and a surge in "pandemic puppy" adoptions prompted us to identify key areas for improvement: increased exercise and socialization opportunities for dogs, and readily available training solutions.
Following a strategic analysis, we implemented new programs specifically designed to address these identified needs. The success of these programs surpassed even our pre-pandemic achievements.
What was your childhood like? Were you slinging candy on the playground?
Creativity was my playground growing up. I spent hours lost in drawing and painting, reading, writing, playing legos.
My parents even had a kiln, so I got my hands dirty with some ceramics too. We were a big DIY family, always figuring things out with a "roll up your sleeves" mentality.
Even as a kid, I was a bit of an idea machine, constantly hatching business plans. Being a military brat meant I was used to adapting to new places and faces – a skill that definitely came in handy later.
And of course, there were always pets around. Lots of cats, and my first dog, a gorgeous golden retriever named Neon – he was a legend.
What has been your best marketing marketing channel?
You know, the best marketing we get is still just good old-fashioned word-of-mouth. We're lucky to be a tight-knit community here, and when people see our friendly team out and about (leash in hand, of course!), it's easy to strike up a conversation and hear about their awesome experiences with Eola Pets.
We also don't shy away from a good PR opportunity or a chance to partner with other local businesses.
Working together with folks we respect helps us spread the word and become even more ingrained in the neighborhood! It's all about building those relationships and making Eola Pets a familiar, trusted name for all things pets.
How many attempts at building something did you make before you found what you’re working on now?
Yes, entrepreneurship has always been my passion! Eola Pets is actually my first official venture, though I've been lucky to learn a lot from my brother, Luis, who's opened and sold a few businesses himself.
Eola Pets started with one idea, but we quickly realized the importance of adapting to what our customers truly need.
The business we are today is completely different from our initial plan, and that's something we love! We listen closely to the city's pet parents – they're the heart of what we do.
Understanding their priorities, what makes their lives easier, and what keeps their furry friends happy is our core mission. We strive to exceed expectations by delivering exactly what they need, and then some. It's been an amazing journey of learning and growth, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
What is your biggest overhead expense?
Payroll is our top expense. At Eola Pets, we believe in investing in our greatest asset – our people.
While some might see it as a cost, we view it as an investment in our future. A happy, well-compensated team is the backbone of any successful business, but especially one centered around exceptional pet care.
What’s the most important skill you’ve learned?
The most valuable skill I've developed at Eola Pets is the art of active listening. It extends beyond simply hearing what our clients say, but rather understanding the nuances behind their words and concerns.
Many pet owners entrust us with their beloved companions, and their anxieties or hesitations can be subtle.
Whether it's a worried glance when dropping off their pup or an unspoken concern about their pet's quirks, active listening allows us to tailor our services to their specific needs and exceed expectations.
Every detail matters, and that ability to truly listen builds trust with our clients.
However, the importance of active listening doesn't stop at our clientele. Fostering a strong, cohesive team requires the same level of attentiveness.
When we actively listen to our staff, we can effectively address their concerns, provide tailored training, and create a positive work environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Ultimately, active listening is the foundation for building strong relationships across the board – with both our pet-loving clients and our dedicated team. It's the cornerstone that keeps Eola Pets functioning smoothly and exceeding expectations for all our fur- friends (and their humans!)
What do you spend the majority of your time doing, in a given week?
Leading and empowering my team is a core focus of my day-to-day activities. My approach prioritizes providing both supportive guidance and opportunities for independent growth. This might involve one-on-one coaching with team leaders, reviewing progress on collaboratively defined goals, or facilitating various learning opportunities – from meetings and webinars to external training.
Essentially, I strive to foster a culture of continuous improvement where everyone feels empowered to contribute their expertise.
This approach ensures my team members are well-equipped to excel in their roles, with the ultimate goal of them operating autonomously and driving success for Eola Pets. While some course correction may be necessary at times, the overall aim is to cultivate a collaborative environment where everyone feels comfortable taking initiative and reaching their full potential.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when first starting your business?
In the real world, things usually take double the time and triple the budget you had in mind.
What’s a big problem you’ve faced as a business owner and what were the emotions behind it?
Being your own boss isn't all belly rubs. The biggest challenge for me was staying positive. There are days when you feel like you're running on fumes, nobody gets the struggle, and your bank account looks thin. Let's just say, being an entrepreneur can definitely test your resilience!
However, the rewards are equally significant. Witnessing Eola Pets evolve and solidify its place in the community has been incredibly fulfilling.
While the initial stages were marked by a relentless focus on growth and overcoming obstacles, the outpouring of positive feedback now presents a different kind of challenge – managing expectations and ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional service as we scale.
It's a constant process of learning and adaptation, but one that continues to be incredibly rewarding.
What is your best advice for someone who feels completely stuck?
Getting started in entrepreneurship requires a strategic balance between knowledge and action. I recommend a mentor, or shadowing someone you admire if you can find the opportunity.
Their guidance, particularly during periods of difficulty are invaluable.
And while education is undeniably crucial, it shouldn't become an impediment to progress. Cultivate your business acumen through ongoing learning initiatives, but don't allow the pursuit of perfection to lead to a state of inaction.
There's significant value in calculated risk-taking and learning from practical experiences. The combination of mentorship, continuous learning, and a willingness to take calculated risks is what makes successful entrepreneurs.
You can find more about Franki and Eolapets at,
Their instagram @eolapets
and website: www.eolapets.com
