Meet Manuel Pena | Pet Service Provider and Student

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

Hi Manuel, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
My business was the result of a long love for animals. Growing up I had the privilege of being able to keep all types of dogs, and other animals like birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, lizards, and many others. The deep bond I was able to nurture with each one of them led me to what I do today. I currently am a college student studying biotechnology and Exotic Animal training and management! My goal is to grow my pet service business to expand into service training. I hope to create more opportunities for those in need of a service animal to help produce a more functional day for our community members. I also hope to partner with local foster children in my community to teach them a new skill to provide them with an opportunity to create something of their own when they are able to. Being a foster youth myself, I find it important to include the kids that have been dealt a bad hand. Hands on work to focus their emotions and channel them into something they can feel proud and productive doing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe that the bond you form with your customers is the ultimate reward of what I do. Allowing me to take a beloved member of the family or even having me come to your home while you’re on vacation to tend to your fur-baby takes a lot of trust. I try to reciprocate that feeling to my customers. Allowing them to know who I am, and getting to know a little about their families is what drives my business.
Not to mention all the furry friends I make along the way!
My dogs brought me so much joy. So to help a family receive that same happiness and peace is all I aim for.
I decided one day that I would start this business. I grabbed my laptop and started getting my information in order and got to it. I got into the habit of thinking that all things had to be in order before I could start what it is I’m doing, but sometimes, you have to just go for it. Sounds cliche, but I didn’t believe it until I decided to try it out.

“The cave you fear to enter, holds the treasure you seek”
-Joseph Campbell

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The ultimate inspiration for starting my business was the passing of my two dogs, Speckle and Donut. They were two great pups that came into my life at the most important times. I dedicate every walk to them. Walking other dogs so they can feel the joy that my two boys felt.

My partner, Johanna, is also a huge inspiration and motivation for what I do. Being able to create something that we both can enjoy and take part in is something so rewarding. I’m glad to have Sweet Tea (Ventura County Derby Darling derby name) by my side.

Website: https://booksy.com/en-us/dl/show-business/1374077

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donutspetcare?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr