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Meet Erik Kudrna of Camp Run-A-Mutt Kearny Mesa in Kearny Mesa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik Kudrna.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I graduated from Rutgers University in 1995 with a degree in Environmental Studies. I moved to San Diego to work in that field. That would not be the case, there were few opportunities and I ended up a receptionist at a financial services firm. When purchasing my auto insurance, the agent asked me if I was interested in working for The Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) as an Insurance Agent. I was trained in sales and customer service and I enjoyed making sure people were properly protected. While working at AAA, I enrolled in graduate school to pursue my MBA at night. I eventually left AAA to prepare for a new career after graduate school. It was during this time that I found work as a web designer for a small print company in San Diego called Found Image Press. After graduating with my MBA, I had the opportunity to work for a mortgage company as a loan officer. This was a very challenging role and I did not find it a good fit. I went to a staffing agency to get some insight on a new career, and they hired me as a recruiter. I spent the next 10 years in recruiting and headhunting, eventually landing at Solar Turbines as a corporate recruiter. I was there for 5 years when a once in a lifetime opportunity presented itself. I had the opportunity to purchase a franchise of Camp Run-A-Mutt. We are a cage free doggie day care and boarding facility. While it may sound like I play with puppies all day, it’s certainly not my primary role. We have approximately 40 employees. We have customers 24 hours a day and I firmly believe that if I had not had the various job roles and experiences that I would not be a success at Camp Run-A-Mutt.

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?
There have been many struggles. I have been on 100% commission for a number of years and it was always a roller coaster to make sure you were making money as well as ever increasing sales goals. There were difficult times while working as an HR Rep as well.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are a cage free doggie day care and boarding facility where you can watch your dog anywhere in the world on our Muttcams! We are known for our outdoor space and splash ponds, our excellent staff, and our flexible hours.

What were you like growing up?
I was very self-effacing as I was skinny and goofy. I was into sports soccer, baseball, gymnastics, diving, skateboarding, and surfing.

Pricing:

  • 1/2 day of day care (up to 6 hours) – $27
  • 1 full day of day care (6 hours or more) – $39
  • 1 night of boarding (includes day care on both sides of stay) – $65

Contact Info:

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.

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