Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Lopez.
Jennifer, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Years ago, I was a personal trainer and was employed at a number of MMA gyms. I always dreamed of having my own business, and finally opened a fitness studio out of my home.
While I enjoyed a level of success, it was a tough gig as there are thousands of gyms, fitness studios, and personal trainers in the Houston area.
Fast forward about three years, and David (my biz partner) entered my life. He’s a professional dog trainer and previously helped me train my two challenging rescue pups.
We began dating, and eventually, I moved in with him near downtown. This is when PupFit was born. One night, while brainstorming marketing ideas, we thought it would be so cool if we could blend our two passions: Fitness and dogs!
Enthusiastically, we ran with the idea, roughed out a business plan, and began trying on names for this new venture. “PupFit” was the perfect name, and defines the very nature of our business: Off leash Adventure Hiking for the urban dog!
Within the month, we launched our business and offered three services to Houston dog owners: Hiking, biking, and jogging. Although all three options were a hit, our Adventure Hikes became our flagship service. By popular demand we dropped the biking and jogging, and our Adventure Hikes took off!
In the beginning, we used our personal vehicles to pick up client dogs from their homes and commute to our hiking areas. Once finished, we’d transport the wet, muddy, stinky pups back to our downtown location. Once there, we’d break our backs bending over to bathe them with a garden hose, and towel drying them. After their bath, we’d load them into our vehicles, and drop them off at their homes. We worked very hard to get our business off the ground, and still do today.
Over the next year, we outgrew our vehicles and needed something bigger. We needed a “Pup Bus”. Not to mention, our personal vehicles were taking a beating from driving 130+ miles per day, and the interiors were trashed.
In order for us to buy a reliable van, we needed capital. We also needed funds for our website, marketing, shirts, and other supplies. We needed a small loan and began to reach out to banks, friends, and investors.
Without collateral, our loan and investment options were minimal. We found ourselves at a crossroads.
By chance, I had a small IRA that I never considered cashing out. This meager account was my life’s savings, and I can remember feeling extremely anxious about using it.
I’m not a big risk taker, especially when my friends and family advised me against it. However, I believed in our idea and was willing to do whatever it took to make it work. Sometimes, big calculated risks equals big rewards!
With the IRA funds, we were able to buy our first Pup Bus in the Spring of 2018. This purchase allowed us to double the number of clients we could accommodate each day. We purchased a second vehicle in the Summer of 2019.
As of today, David and I are no longer dating, but have a thriving business partnership! We have a custom built, industrial dog wash (our backs are much happier!), own two business vehicles, lease a beautiful 3,000 acre ranch to hike the dogs on, and have quadrupled our number of clients!
We are extremely fortunate to have outstanding clients who are loyal and recognize the value of our services. We take pride in knowing we’ve helped a lot of our clients find a solution to their pet’s unwanted behaviors, and given countless dogs the best day of their lives!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Fear.
Fear was my constant companion. I was afraid of being self-employed and not knowing where my paycheck was coming from. I mean, how was I going to pay my bills!? I was afraid of failure. I was afraid of a dog being injured. I was afraid of using my IRA funds. I was afraid of everything! -Learn to manage your fear.
Believing in our idea, and having the skills and funds to get us started, wasn’t enough. After all, there are plenty of great salons, restaurants, and other businesses that don’t make it past their first year.
We created a niche within the highly successful pet and fitness industries. -Be original…it helps reduce competition, and brings variety to your chosen field.
Please tell us about PupFit.
PupFit is an off leash, adventure hiking service for dogs. We take groups of dogs (15-20), per day, to a beautiful 3,000 acre ranch, for a day of fun, socialization, and exercise!
We have helped dozens of dog owners get rid of their pet’s unwanted behaviors. IE: eliminating in the house, digging up the yard, chewing furniture, nervous anxious energy, and helped morbidly obese dogs lose weight!
Our unique service is the only one of its kind in Houston, and we’re proud to be a part of this community!
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
In today’s business world, if there are any barriers, I would have to say it would be themselves.
There are plenty of successful women in the pet and fitness industries. However, I think it’s safe to say that we (women) get in our own way. We worry about things we can’t control. We focus on the problems instead of the solutions. We tend to put the needs of others before the needs of ourselves.
We tend to want things now. Some of us enter into things with a “if you build it, they will come” expectation. We need to learn a little patience. Research your chosen industry and learn as much as you can…apprenticeship is a great place to start.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1101 Elder St.
Houston, TX 77007 - Website: www.ipupfit.com
- Phone: 281-508-4769
- Email: info@ipupfit.com
- Instagram: pupfit
- Facebook: pupfit
Image Credit:
Jennifer Lopez (photographer), and David Hooks (editor)
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