327: Finding a love of business with Laura Breakstone

What does it mean to run a 'local' business and how do we foster a love for it? As business owners and entrepreneurs, we have to seek out things that inspire us; whether they're another business owner or something else. Laura Breakstone was inspired by a small pet supply store that gave her the idea for her business. She shares how she's maintained the local feel of her company, even as she's grown. Laura has used a very specific marketing tool to great success, and gives her insights into why it's so effective. She also walks us through her most popular services, and how she finds what to offer her clients. Main topics Importance of being 'local' Developing a love of business 5-house marketing rule Keeping things simple Being transparent Main takeaway: Find your inspiration for your business to keep you engaged and trying new things. About our guest: My name is Laura and I'm the owner of a local pet sitting and dog walking company that I created called ParaMount Pet Care. As a company, we strive to provide peace of mind to our clients that use us while they work and travel. I graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Veterinary and Biomedical science. Upon graduating, I had decided that going to vet school was not the appropriate route for me after all. One thing I was sure of was that I still wanted to spend the rest of my life working with animals in some capacity because that is my one true passion. I was immediately asked upon graduation to become a manager at the big chain pet store I had spent many of my high school and college breaks working at. I then switched gears a few short years later to a small independent retailer known as P&D Pet Supply in Mountain Top, PA. Working here made me fall in love with business and the idea of turning my passion for animal care into an actual business and career. After learning the "ins and outs" of small business and getting to know the clientele of P&D on such a personal level, my pet sitting business took off! I Officially launched the brand ParaMount Pet Care in November of 2020. I was able to leave my full time management position at P&D in April of 2021 to work in my company full time. Now, I am thrilled to say that I employ 10 pet care professionals, have some of the absolute best clients in the world (both the furry ones and their parents), and I am living out my dream every day! I wouldn't have it any other way! I couldn't thank each and everyone one of my clients enough for trusting my team with your finned, feathered and fur babies. I hope to continue to provide superior pet care to Luzerne County for many years to come and look forward to meeting so many more wonderful people and pets in the process. Links: facebook.com/petsittingnepa [email protected] https://nepapetsitting.com Check our Colleen Sedgwick: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/072-colleen-sedgwick-the-pet-nanny-coach Buy PSC Merch Give us a call! (636) 364-8260  Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months