In Rockwall County, small businesses play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community and supporting the local economy. One such business making a significant impact is “It’s Our Doody Pet Waste Service,” owned and operated by Mike Starr. In this edition of The Rockwall Times’ Entrepreneur Spotlight, we delve into the story behind this unique and essential service, uncovering the inspiration, challenges, rewards, and personal journey of its founder.
Inspiration and Beginnings
Mike Starr’s journey into entrepreneurship began with a simple yet profound desire: the freedom of working independently while building a legacy for his family. “The inspiration was basic at first,” Mike shares. “I wanted to have the freedom of working independently while building a legacy for my family.” This motivation led to the creation of “It’s Our Doody,” a pet waste removal service that addresses a niche yet crucial need within the community.
Overcoming Challenges
Starting a business in a niche industry like pet waste removal came with its own set of challenges. “Early on, the actual creation of the business model was an extreme challenge for me,” Mike recalls. “Being such a niche industry, it was hard to find guidance and appropriate standards while working a full-time job.” Despite these hurdles, Mike’s background in the Lawn Fertilization and Weed Control Industry provided him with the experience and determination needed to overcome these obstacles and establish a successful business.
Rewards and Growth
The rewards of running “It’s Our Doody” have been manifold. “Growing my brand into what it is today is the most rewarding experience,” Mike proudly states. “I am proud of what I have created and continue to grow and evolve all the time.” The business’s growth is evident with the launch of a new website and the addition of a second truck, highlighting Mike’s commitment to expanding and improving his services.
Client Testimonials
Customer satisfaction is a cornerstone of “It’s Our Doody,” and the feedback from clients speaks volumes about the quality and reliability of the service. One particularly memorable testimonial came from a client who praised the convenience and reliability of Mike’s service, wishing all services operated with the same level of excellence. Other clients have echoed similar sentiments, praising the company’s responsiveness, thoroughness, and dedication to providing exceptional service.
One client shared, “This company is great! They are super responsive, always on time, and never miss a beat (even on holidays)! They text me 15-20 minutes before they arrive so I can bring my dogs in. I have 3 dogs, and he takes his time to pick up all the waste and sends a photo! Price is reasonable. I highly recommend you try them out.”
Another client, who was fostering a Belgian Malinois momma with five pups, expressed immense gratitude for Mike’s service. “It’s Our Doody was a godsend when I signed up. At the time, I had a Foster Belgian Malinois momma with 5 pups. They were a handful! I spent so much time cleaning up poop inside from the pups I didn’t even want to go outside and clean up the moms. They came once a week and took care of my yard. When the pups were old enough, Mike came out and sprayed the grass to make it safe for the puppies to run around outside and not catch anything. The foster mom absolutely loved seeing Mike every week.”
Staying Updated and Industry Involvement
To stay updated with industry trends and best practices, Mike is actively involved in multiple associations and groups focused on pet waste management. He credits much of his knowledge to these groups and local business owners who have provided guidance and support. “I am a part of multiple different associations and groups that focus on pet waste,” Mike explains. “One of those being apaws.org and another newer one hosted by the owner of swoopscoops.com. I originally learned a great deal from another local business owner out of Fort Worth, Justin Owens with deptofdoody.com.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Mike’s journey has been filled with valuable lessons, and he offers sound advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. “Don’t give up. It is very taxing emotionally in the early years. You constantly think your business is going to fail and not going to work out. Keep learning, and that has been the key for me. You can always improve something.”
Personal Life and Community Impact
Running “It’s Our Doody” has had a significant impact on Mike’s personal life and relationship with his wife, Jennifer. “Starting a new business was very stressful for both of us in the beginning. We have grown closer than ever lately and continue to face new challenges and overcome them,” Mike shares.
Mike’s dedication to his clients is evident in the memorable stories he recounts, such as his interactions with Beau, a bird dog he has been servicing since the early days of his business. “Beau isn’t very fond of me, but I always throw treats after having him sit across the yard. Around a year into service, they had a new fence built, and he started chasing me out the gate. I became worried and brought it to the owner’s attention, and they came out the next two visits to help with the situation. Beau is very well trained, and all I simply needed to do was tell him to go inside, and he does every time without fail.”
Outside of work, Mike and Jennifer enjoy spending time with their family, especially their four-year-old who is active in Solar Soccer Club. They also enjoy cooking, walking their pups, and finding time for themselves to enjoy comedy shows, movies, and dinners out.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Mike has a clear vision for the future of “It’s Our Doody.” In January 2025, his little brother Dakota Starr will be joining as a co-owner, marking a significant step in the business’s growth. “Our vision is to continue to grow with our great cities around us. As they get bigger, so will we! We do want to have employees, and our hope is to expand our service area and possibly explore other locations around Texas.”
Conclusion
Mike Starr’s journey with “It’s Our Doody Pet Waste Service” is a testament to the power of perseverance, community support, and a commitment to excellence. Through hard work and dedication, Mike has built a business that not only provides an essential service but also fosters a sense of community and connection in Rockwall County. As “It’s Our Doody” continues to grow and evolve, it remains a shining example of the positive impact small businesses can have on their communities.
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