Today we’d like to introduce you to Care Rodgers.
Care, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Fenway rescued us in January 2014. I was managing a vet clinic at the time and wanted to be the best dog mom possible. We searched for local dog walkers and pet care but found nothing. The “fancy” overpriced places barely met our standards, and everything affordable seemed like borderline animal cruelty. This sparked it all; we couldn’t be the only ones who wanted high-end care for a low and reasonable cost. I made business cards, built my website, and most importantly, decided I would be the best. I named the business after Fenway, and four months later, I left my job and went full time working for myself with Fenway’s Runway!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Uncomfortable is growth – if you don’t plan on growing as an entrepreneur, then I don’t know what to tell you. No matter what happens, my best advice is; know what you want, know why you’re doing it, and know you are a badass. Believe in yourself, if you don’t, no one else will.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Fenway’s Runway – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Fenway’s Runway is a private in-home dog training, walking, & pet sitting service. We offer daycare at our house (great big fenced backyard), as well as customized care in your home.
Three things I’m particularly proud of are:
1) Every single client has booked a second visit or more.
2) Referrals! I love so much hearing from a new client that their friend had so many wonderful things to say about us that they just had to call me.
3) Yelp! Five stars going strong since the day we opened in 2014.
Certainly what sets me apart is Fenway – your fur baby isn’t in a loud room full of barking dogs and having a panic attack because you’re gone. They are at home snuggled with me or cuddling and playing with Fenway at our house.
Fenway is a trained support for animals.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
So many of our dog clients have anxiety being left alone or away from their parents. Fenway was trained specifically to help them cope and feel comforted during this time.
For me, I stuck with my niche; I searched dog groomers, dog food stores, pet accessory shops, and basically anything that had to do with dogs that didn’t compete with me. I even struck a deal with a restaurant to do a puppy happy hour every week in the summer that gives back to animal shelters!
Networking is all about YOU though, you could give a card to ten thousand people but if you look grumpy and messy, I promise you, no one will call. You really have to sell yourself and how awesome you are.
Contact Info:
- Website: FenwaysRunway.com
- Phone: 8086498106
- Email: FenwaysRunway@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/FenwaysRunway
- Facebook: Facebook.com/FenwaysRunway
- Other: Instagram.com/CareRodgers
Image Credit:
@carerodgers, @fenwaysrunway, @visual_palette
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
