Episode 74: Angie and Kyle Gallus- Creating Inclusion in the Pet Industry

Kyle and Angie are two former special education teachers that founded the company, Finley’s, in 2016 when they saw an opportunity to make a big impact in the community. Finley’s is a pet treat company that creates paid employment opportunities for people with disabilities. They give 50% of their profits to initiatives that provide employment training, accessibility, health & wellness, and advocacy platforms for people with disabilities. Kyle and Angie are so passionate about making a big impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and creating awareness throughout the community. This episode is hosted by Emma Benner. As a listener of the show, you can get 20% off your Finley’s order by using code “ILLUMINATE20”. We have a listener survey for The Illuminate Podcast that we would love if you filled it out. We want to hear from you to help better the show in the coming years and we would love if you took a few minutes to fill that out. Fill out the survey HERE. What we talked about: 2:35- Introduction to Angie and Kyle and what Finley’s is 6:10- The business model of Finley’s and how the ambassadors play a role in the business 8:00- The hiring process of their employees with disabilities (their ambassadors) and the jobs that they do within the company 13:00- Their giving initiatives of giving 50% of their profits back to provide employment training, accessibility, health and wellness and advocacy platforms for people with disabilities 15:35- What they wish that every company knew about hiring individuals with disabilities 20:10- Their goals to be a stepping stone for the ambassadors to grow into roles in other companies and areas of the community 22:50- Challenges that they faced at the beginnings of their company 26:50- When they realized the business was going to take off and be successful 28:35- Learning curves that they have had as they’ve stepped into business and management roles 33:00- Each of their unique strengths that they bring to Finley’s while being in business as a married couple 36:50- Things coming up that they are excited about 38:30- End of podcast questions Show notes: Get 20% off of your order at getfinleys.com by using the code “ILLUMINATE20” Fill out the listener survey here Finley’s Website Finley’s on Facebook Finley’s on Instagram Joshin Best Buddies Minnesota How I Built This with Guy Raz Angie’s book recommendation: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young Kyle’s book recommendation: So You Wanna Start a Brewery? by Tony Magee Follow The Illuminate Podcast: Illuminate Podcast on Instagram Illuminate Podcast on Twitter Illuminate Podcast on Facebook Follow Sandyboy Productions: Sandyboy Productions on Twitter Sandyboy Productions on Instagram *As a Finley’s ambassador we do earn from qualifying purchase.