LEADERSHIP @7000ft NAHF

LEADERSHIP @ 7 000ft Advancing a Strong Community

KAREN & STEVE BUTLER

WHAT BROUGHT YOU INTO YOUR BUSINESS OR PROFESSION? We had a business in Phoenix, and after selling it and finding this business, we loved the idea, the location change and the challenge of taking on a new project! HOW LONG HAS YOUR COMPANY BEEN IN BUSINESS OR HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THIS PROFESSION? The business was opened in 1998, we purchased it in 2012 and got to work adding the two camp yards, private pet suites, several more dens, artificial grass and many more upgrades to provide the best quality boarding for Flagstaff pets. IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND CHANGE YOUR PROFESSIONAL PATH IN SOME WAY, WOULD YOU? IF NO, WHY NOT? Business wise, we would have looked for land rather then an existing industrial space and take more time to engage in seminars and classes right out of the gate. Personally, I wish we could have finished college. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY? Meeting the pets! They are very funny and bring so much joy- you can’t have a bad day, they won’t let you! We also love our pet parents. Like us they only want the best, so they are very willing to learn, listen and help us have such a positive atmosphere, not only for the dogs but to work in as well. The excitement dogs have coming in to see their friends always brightens our day. CO-OWNERS WAGS AND WHISKERS PET RESORT

1802 W Kristy Lane, Suite 300 Flagstaff, AZ (928) 214-9324

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT IN YOUR PROFESSION? Join the different groups out there for this industry, take seminars, meet your local vets, take HR classes, just become as knowledgeable about the industry as you can. Items you might not consider initially like chemicals, food, vaccines are things that you are going to need to be on top of, don’t let someone else educate you, do your own research. Keep an open mind and a willingness to learn. TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR PERSONAL SUCCESS? Our marriage of 38 years! We both have different backgrounds and training but are willing to listen to each other (most of the time), share a good sense of humor and are willing to get dirty. We would never ask our staff to do something we aren’t willing to do ourselves. DOES YOUR WORK DIFFER FROM THE EXTERNAL PERCEPTION OF WHAT YOU DO? IF YES, HOW SO? Yes, very much so. People don’t realize all the back-house stuff that goes on. Lots of cleaning, paperwork, follow up, making sure vaccines are good, pets are healthy, training staff, physical labor, repairs, marketing etc...it's not just playing with pups all day! Preparation and maintenance for county inspections is pretty intense, and we are so proud to have gotten a 100% every year! Our own dogs stay here during the day with us and we want the best quality space for them as well as every animal we host.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN OR TO BALANCE OUT YOUR WORKLIFE? Dinners out, family time, and we love to take our 4-wheeler out in the forest roads and explore. WHAT INSPIRES YOU OR REMOTIVATES YOU? Our grandchildren. We want them to be proud of us and to be able to say my Nana and Grampa were good at what they did. And as Steve always says, we have to look in the mirror every day and be able to smile back at ourselves. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO PUT DOWN ROOTS IN FLAGSTAFF? The weather, community, and a relief from the Phoenix heat! WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF BEING IN THE FLAGSTAFF COMMUNITY? The view, having four seasons and the night sky with beautiful stars! We love to sit outside at night and just look. WHAT PART OF YOUR LIFE TODAY COULD YOU NEVER HAVE ANTICIPATED 10 YEARS AGO? Being able to live here in beautiful Flagstaff full time.