Tampa Bay's Latest Business News

Dog Rescuer Unleashes Caged Clients with Start of Mobile Grooming Business

Joel Hunter, SPCA Volunteer of the Year and Hurricane Katrina animal rescuer, started dog rescuing 15 years ago. He cares for at least 20 dogs at a time, many of which have special needs. His passion led him to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to start a business with devotion not matched by many.

Joel’s mobile grooming idea sparked after working with unhappily caged clients at a pet grooming academy and grooming shop. He knew he had the answer. After purchasing a dog grooming vehicle, he came the SBDC at the Central Florida Development Council to begin his new venture. Together, Joel and the SBDC developed his strategic marketing plan and began integrating Doggie Styles Grooming into the Lakeland Community.

“The SBDC gave me the tools and advice to make sound business decisions that have resulted in a successful business venture,” said Hunter.

In the first six months, the mobile grooming center grew more than 25 percent. Now, its operating hours have extended to early mornings and late evenings. Look for the Doggie Styles Grooming van as it makes frequent stops all around Lakeland.

Want Doggie Styles to style your canine? Contact Joel at joel@joelsdoggiestyles.com or 863-535-5169

The SBDC office in Polk Count has expanded. See schedule and contact details. Not in Polk? View our other locations in this region Main number: 813.905.5800

About Florida SBDC Network:

State Designated as Florida’s Principal Provider of Business Assistance, the Florida Small Business
Development Center Network has more than 30 locations from Pensacola to Key West. The SBDC at USF region spans a 10-county area providing free, one-on-one consulting and offering more than 300 entrepreneurial programs each year. Its Certified Business Analysts are specialized in industry-specific sectors to help small businesses make sound decisions in a complex and ever-changing marketplace.

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