Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Righter-Askin.
Hi Summer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well, I would love if my story started with “I woke up one day and decided to start Furry Paws Poo Crew”. How amazing if it were that simple, right? Like most small business owners, there’s typically some kind of path that led you to where you are right now, in this moment. I initially graduated college with a public relations degree and business management minor. I then worked in local radio for about 3 years as an intern and a promotions assistant at Mix 93.3 and somewhat managed a local band. After becoming burnt out and realizing a career in radio was not my passion, I went to graduate school at the University of Central Missouri and the University of Missouri-Columbia earning a master’s in education and an educational specialist degree in school psychology. I am currently in my 16th year as a school psychologist in an urban Kansas City, MO school district. While I love being a school psychologist and working with special education students, it can be very stressful at times, and I am not great at turning my brain off.
So a few years ago, I observed a woman pull up to my neighbors house, grab her tools, clean the yard, and leave in 5 minutes. The daydreaming started that day. When coworkers would discuss what they would do outside of education, I always shared my dream of scooping poop. They would all laugh. I would probably still be daydreaming about this small business if it weren’t for being diagnosed with cervical cancer last fall. I am very blessed as it was stage 0 and able to be treated surgically in January (thank you KU Med, women keep up on your screenings). This experience was enough of a game changer that once I returned to work in March I was mentally preparing for my small business. Enough time had passed daydreaming, it was time to act. So I did, officially launching June 26th and I’ve never been happier.
The best part is my 9-year-old son, Ryder, is involved in the business as my partner. While he doesn’t work with me every evening, he is a huge help, and I am incredibly grateful for the extra bonding time it provides us. Plus, he is learning responsibility, building a solid work ethic, the value of money earned, and the importance of saving money.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think as smooth as launching a new business can go, I’ve been very fortunate. I don’t think I would even use the words challenges or obstacles. Did I put too much pressure on myself to create the perfect business name? Yes! Did I know how to do any of the tech part of building a small business? Nope. However, I learned how to design a logo, buy a website domain, develop a business Facebook page, create marketing materials, etc. Actually I found real enjoyment in the process. I think it also proves to yourself how much you genuinely want something if you’re willing to push through difficulties.
Currently, and most likely a continued challenge, would be increasing clients. I mostly promote on Facebook organically, meaning I do not pay for ads. I have recently placed our business on Yelp and am working on a Google Business Profile. Also, I am learning how to create my own QR Code for promoting with car magnets. I have tried other marketing methods without much luck, like yard signs and flyers at local doggy daycares and groomers. I have also participated in three local dog events. Although these events have not landed new clients, I would recommend because it helped increase our recognition in our community. I am now becoming more involved in donating gift baskets for local fundraising events. Not only does it help to promote the business for an affordable cost as a new small business, but more importantly, it helps local organizations meet their fundraising goals. I am looking forward to being in a position with this business to help local organizations more consistently, with larger donations.
Small business is all about trial and error, and we’re learning as we go.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Furry Paws Poo Crew?
Well, Furry Paws Poo Crew is a pet waste removal business…aka we are pooper scoopers. I am so proud of finally starting this small business. It feels amazing to have something to call my own, while also being able to focus on helping others. A bonus is getting to share this with my son.
We currently service the Blue Springs and Grain Valley communities. As we continue to grow, my goal is to include additional communities. I would love for this small business to become large enough to hire school bus drivers interested in part-time work between shifts. As someone who is also married to an educator, I would love to help support others working in education.
It’s important to me that people know communication, striving to remain affordable, and providing great services are most important to me as a business owner. We want to help those with newborns, those with kids in sports, those with busy lives, those with health issues that may limit their mobility, and even those that love their furry family members but just do not want to spend their free time cleaning up stinky poo.
If people are looking for our services, they can find us on Facebook at Furry Paws Poo Crew or text/call 307-315-8462. Typically, I can provide an estimate with just a few questions and get you on the schedule.
The day of I will:
– Send a text 15-30 mins prior to our arrival,
– Enter the backyard with new booties,
– Clean all the stinky poo,
– Send a picture of the locked gate when we’ve completed the job.
All tools are disinfected after each yard and new booties worn. We also leave a doggie treat bag for your furry family members. Even if you are outside our current boundaries, you should follow our Facebook page to stay up-to-date for when we move into your community.
What makes you happy?
Oh, there are so many things that make me happy. I am lucky to have an amazing family and group of friends. We enjoy spending time at the family lake house. Ryder is a huge fan of tubing and I’m learning how to paddleboard. I enjoy traveling and photography. Spending quality time with my husband watching our shows or going on a date. Spending time with my son playing games or talking. Running a quick errand with my best friend that turns into half the day. Planting flowers in my pots with my hands in the dirt makes me happy. In the spring when you first hear the birds chirping again. The smell of rain. Listening to crime or mystery podcasts, especially Crime Junkies. I’m hooked. Finally, experiencing my small business grow and taking the poo chore off my client’s to-do lists. Nowadays, the smell of dog poo makes me happy because it means business is good LOL
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577604129510
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/furry-paws-poo-crew-blue-springs
- Other: furrypawspoocrew@gmail.com
