Meet Anndrea Gutierrez | Co-Founder and CFO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anndrea Gutierrez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anndrea, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I’d have to say that the singular reason for our success is Love. Our love of animals, our love for our clients, our love for our employees and our love for Jesus. Our passion for what we do comes from the love and kindness pets show us. The effect a pet has on a human is incredible. We are grateful for the love and joy that pets bring into our lives, and we are honored to be able to give back to them in any way we can. And we hope we our we are showing that at Balanced Dog.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have worked in customer service my entire career. Most don’t realize the patients it takes to work in a retail or customer based position. I have come home many times crying over the insensitivities some people try and insult you with but you realize after some time that most times they are the one hurting inside so, when my sister, Torina Yamada and I decided to open Balanced Dog we were definitely clear about one thing, the kind of avenue we’d take when it came to customer care and that was a “kill them with kindness,” approach. My 15 years experience was acknowledged when I worked for Kaiser Permanente. I was recognized as the top customer service rep of all of southern CA right before I started Balanced Dog. So, from the beginning I made certain that while on the field that we greeted every person that walked by regardless if they had a pet, their socioeconomic status, their race or gender. We just wanted to make certain that if they didn’t smile that day that we’d be the reason they would.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
You’re in Los Angeles, one of the greatest cities in the US, one week is not enough! But to start I’d take them to the mountains for a little snowball fight and skiing, then we’d move down into the desert where we’d visit Joshua Tree and it’s surrounding beauties! After a couple days exploring we’d head back down to the beach where I grew up. The Santa Monica Pier is iconic and that is something someone visiting LA cannot miss. At this point we have a day or two left, we could stay close to the city and go to Hollywood for a great night life or we could drive down to San Diego and enjoy it’s city. Subsequently, if we really wanted an adventure our last day we’d head to Mexico for a drink or two! There is so much to do in Los Angeles, I love that I am a native to this city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents. They have not only helped nurture my sister and I, but our business as well. Nick and Rosa Gutierrez have been an inspiration of ours, not only because they are our parents but because of the commitment, loyalty, and generosity they have shown during these last three years, in particular. They have helped setup and takedown at events, they are there if a mishap happens mechanically with the trailers, or when we just need assistance. They have been a huge support to our growth and we are blessed to have their encouragement, mentorship and love!

Website: https://www.balanceddg.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balanced.doggrooming/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Balanced.Here.There.Everywhere/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/balanced-dog-grooming-venice

Image Credits
Madi Nornes