Pampered Pup, Sabrina and Brad MacDowell
Sabrina MacDowell knew from a very early age she wanted to be in business for herself. At 18, she had a business plan and knew deep down that, eventually, she would get there. Having spent nearly her entire career in animal care and grooming, she added a business degree and paved the way for success. "I bought a house, renovated it, sold it, and used it for my down payment." I went to nine banks before I got a yes," says Sabrina. With strong determination, she was not afraid of the hard work it would take for her dream to come true. Now 26, Sabrina owns Pampered Pup, a place for owners to bring their dogs for quality care in Candia, NH. "My whole life, it was a dream to own my own business," remembers Sabrina.
Pampered Pup offers "state of the art" care, says Sabrina. "We care for dogs during the day and also board them- but what's different is our level of care." Pampered Pup offers grooming, daycare, boarding, and elevated services like mental enrichment and 1-on-1 play. Every employee goes through a carefully vetted process, including a 90-day probationary period. "I really care about the animals and look for the same qualities in my help," said Sabrina.
Sabrina's love for animals and desire to provide next-level care propelled her to start her own business. "I have always worked with dogs since the age of 16. I went to grooming school and was finishing my bachelor's in accounting," says Sabrina. "In my spare time, I worked on my business plan." Sabrina was trying to think of a way to finance her dream, and she and her husband decided to buy an old house. "I was 20, pregnant with my first child," says Sabrina. "We bought a home, renovated it, and sold it for more than double." She used the money to put down on buying an existing business. "I realized that my dreams were coming true," Sabrina comments.
Pampered Pup offers full-service grooming, nail trims, bathing, group play and individualized care. Their mental enrichment service includes dog puzzles, dog-safe flavored bubbles, other games, and basic obedience. "Anything their parents are struggling with, we try to help with," says Sabrina.
Excited to own her own business, Sabrina jumped in with both feet. She knew she had industry experience but lacked the experience of starting a business. Sabrina says, "I was lucky to have Mark McVeigh and Dennis Willson because they were enthusiastic, patient and knowledgeable," says Sabrina. The two mentors helped her with her business plan, buying an existing business, financials and projections. "They said, don't give up; you are going to hear 'no' a million times before you hear yes," Sabrina remembers. She did. She went to nine banks before she got a yes. Now, she owns a million-dollar business.
SCORE mentors were supportive and kept Sabrina on track. She took advantage of the business templates and made her business plan even more attractive to banks.
And from there, Sabrina purchased an existing business, re-branded it, increased revenue, and hired ten employees.
"You have to be tenacious; you have to be willing to go through hard times. I take it day by day," says Sabrina. "I persevered through every day because it is worth it."
"Go into it with an open mind; there's a reason they are mentors," says Sabrina. "Go into it like a sponge willing to absorb what they have to offer."
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