Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Klanke.
Hi Michael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Kooler Dawg was inspired by my dog, Hunter. While quail hunting in the 100-degree Texas heat, he would drink from sand pockets filled with rainwater, staying cool even in extreme conditions. This experience made me realize that most hunters—and outdoor enthusiasts—bring a cooler along, so why not use that water for our dogs? Since dogs rely on their tongues to cool off, they need fresh water while running, hunting, or playing. A cooler is always nearby whether camping, boating, tailgating, or at the ball field. That’s why I created Kooler Dawg—so your four-legged companion can stay hydrated with fresh water straight from your cooler, making every adventure even more “kool.”
Additionally, we are motivated to make our world a better place and currently support the effort to help prevent youth suicide. My wife and I formed the non-profit organization, Prevention Intervention to bring awareness. For help and information go to pi-info988.org. Other support goes to Make-A-Wish, Meals On Wheels, and Ducks Unlimited and CCA.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Obstacle number one: When we first introduced Kooler Dawg, it took off quickly—so quickly that it went viral. Customers loved the idea and kept telling us how unique and helpful it was. But at the time, I was still working a full‑time job and couldn’t give the business the attention it needed to keep up with the demand. Rather than deliver anything less than great service, we made the tough decision to pause production until my retirement.
Now that I’m fully dedicated, Kooler Dawg is back—rebranded, refreshed, and ready to serve dog lovers everywhere.
Today’s world of e‑commerce is very different from the advertising landscape I knew before, but we’re embracing it wholeheartedly. We welcome every opportunity to reintroduce mykoolerdawg.com to pet parents who want something better for their dogs.
Kooler Dawg may be unlike anything you’ve used before, but once you understand how it works, you’ll be amazed by its simplicity and effectiveness. I’m confident your dog will love it even more than you do.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I spent my career as a Master Scheduler, working with a variety of companies on some of the world’s largest and most complex projects. What I loved most was the teamwork—being surrounded by smart, well‑rounded people and taking all that information, organizing it, and communicating it clearly to project leaders. That kind of collaboration brought out the best in me. My communication skills and my willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done always helped me stand out.
Because I worked as a contractor, I also had the chance to take on many different roles across the industry. Each one taught me something new and helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect.
Outside of work, I’ve always been drawn to learning and adventure. I learned to sail, learned to fly, and even owned my own airplane at one point. Those experiences shaped who I am—they taught me confidence, discipline, and how to stay calm when things get challenging.
At the end of the day, I try to approach everything with honesty, professionalism, and respect. I’ve always believed in being direct when it’s needed—able to “step on toes without messing up the shine”—while still maintaining strong relationships with the people I work with.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a good mentor means connecting with someone who’s not only successful, but also willing to share their time and experience. It’s that person who lets you pick their brain, talk through ideas, and learn from the way they think. Over time, you develop real respect and admiration for people who work incredibly hard—and sometimes get a little lucky along the way.
Pricing:
- Suggested Retail for any customer.
- Volume discounts for brick-and-mortar stores, large and sma..
- Discount structure for approved resellers.
- Free for rescue dogs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mykoolerdawg.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koolerdawg?igsh=djRjaW11d2k5anB2
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyKoolerDawg/
