7 minute read
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
IBPSA ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Jessica Finnegan
Tell us a little about yourself. Where is home for you? Pets? Hobbies? Random skills?
At 50 yrs old…. A “little” about myself is kind of hard! LOL I am #4 of 6 children in a large Irish family born in Pittsburgh, PA. I am very close to my siblings and family is so important to me. I am a huge fan of all animals but a special place in my heart for Great Danes. My total love bug was a 160 pound harlequin, Seamus!
I love all things outdoors. I spend my free time on the water swimming, kayaking, boating and just started paddle boarding. I find my peaceful place in cooking. I love bringing to life my mother’s wonderful recipes. Generation after generation… these meals have served as staples in our homes. I know she is smiling from heaven.
Give us a little information about key steps that you took during your career.
I have had a very unique career path. I have spent the last few decades developing as a leader, coach and mentor. I have led a variety of teams from 5 to over 100. My time was spent in non profit, profit, large corporations and many small business. I have worked hand in hand with entrepreneurs and investors building and opening businesses in many different industries.
The last 15 years I have spent directly in the pet hospitality and medical industry. I have put my hands on every position within the walls of the business up to my most recent, Director of Operations for one of the largest vet hospital and luxury pet resort in the US.
I have made it my life’s passion to lead, inspire, coach and mentor all levels of leaders. It is my passion and goal as the owner/CEO of Good Human / Your Pet Business Experts to be:
Identifiers of Business Gaps Creators of Solutions Client Acquisition Leader Financial Growth Manager Good Human focuses on the people problems and driving business solutions!
What has drawn you to the Pet Care industry?
What drew me to this industry was the emotionally driven collective of people who fill it. The passionate people who made up owners and leaders and seeing the need for development. Being in the industry I quickly realized there were currently wonderful and talented consultants and guides that addressed
animal behavior and training to be successful with the pets. But, when it came to the people – the team – the leaders there was little to offer.
I was told by one of my clients recently that our industry provides Step 1 (The basics of the Pet Business) and offers grand stories of the potential of Step 3 (Revenue Growth) but never before has she had a Step 2 addressed and achieved. Step 2 is the practical hands on problem solving, solution finding and step by step process to achieve the goals for their unique business. Others offered overviews and 60,000 feet concepts of how to. My team focuses on Step 2 Solutions!
What is the importance of associations (specifically this one!) for a small business owner?
Business owners know what is right in front of them daily. Imagine being in a rabbit hole and trying to guide a truck from outside. Being in a resort for many years I came to realize I thought I knew everything there was to know until I didn’t. Belonging to IBPSA takes owners out of that rabbit hole and encourages them to breathe in the benefits of the networking, sharing common and current issues with like minded people, to continue to learn and teach others and to feel part of something greater than yourself. Humans are built to be part of communities. IBPSA offers the platform for that. It is an absolute must!
How do you view the pet care industry is different from other industries in which you have been involved?
The largest differentiator has been that this is one industry that naturally drives candidates from a variety of other industries into it. This industry reminds me of Florida. A very small % of people are true Floridians. The majority are implants. The pet hospitality industry are filled with implants from other industries at a level of 2nd or 3rd career all seeking the fountain of youth with a wonderful and profitable business while finally having a true work/life balance!
What area(s) do you see the pet care industry needing more emphasis than it is generally getting from current business owners?
There needs to be a much higher intentional emphasis on the people! Everyone knows we are only as good as our teams; however, the comfort zone to many consultants and leaders goes to the animals. When staff become a focal point, the teaching moment is based around staff and working with animals. Although I can completely understand this critically important focus, this industry has done a disservice by not focusing on the team, healthy listening leaders, development and building a sustainable team that will drive results as a united front.
Good Human has focused our entire platform of teaching and coaching towards the TEAM. We believe when the nucleus is strong and grounded, everything else becomes clear and true results can begin.
What can you tell the membership to encourage them for the road ahead?
What our present situation of Covid-19 has proven very clearly to all of us is that the future is unpredictable. Just when we think we are in total control and our path is solid, the world turns us upside down and reminds us we are not totally in control.
Having a strong support system of like minded people to lean on in times of uncertainty was invaluable. We should continue to seek information, understand industry changes and learn from our peers. Associations like IBPSA help to provid the entire platform. IBPSA is the toolbox filled with all the necessary things you will need in order to run a successful pet business! With IBPSA and Good Human / Pet Business Experts you are set for success!!
What vision do you have for the future of your business? What vision do you have for the future of your business? (KEYNOTE) 3 3 Questions to ask as you enter discussions with potential partners. Questions to ask as you enter discussions with potential partners.
Dr. Steve Wolchinsky Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital - Laurel, MD Dr. Steve Wolchinsky NVA partner since 2017 Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital - Laurel, MD NVA partner since 2017
NO. NO. 01 01
Is it the right culture fi t for your team? Is it the right culture fi t for your team?
As you begin considering your opti ons for selling your pet resort business, As you begin considering your opti ons it’s important to fi nd a partner aligned for selling your pet resort business, with your values, respectf ul of the it’s important to fi nd a partner aligned individuality of what you’ve built, and with your values, respectf ul of the equipped to grow your business, while individuality of what you’ve built, and your team and culture remain intact. equipped to grow your business, while your team and culture remain intact. Ask around to fi nd out which buyers have the best reputati on for caring for Ask around to fi nd out which buyers pets and the people who love them. have the best reputati on for caring for pets and the people who love them.
NO. NO. 02 02
Are there fl exible deal structures? Are there fl exible deal structures?
Because selling your pet resort is such a personal decision, you’ll want to Because selling your pet resort is such understand what types of opti ons are a personal decision, you’ll want to available, and to what level they can understand what types of opti ons are tailor the terms to meet your needs. available, and to what level they can tailor the terms to meet your needs.
ASK IF THE BUYER CAN:
• Make 100% cash off ers with no ASK IF THE BUYER CAN: fi nance conti ngency • Make 100% cash off ers with no • Off er Joint Venture partnerships fi nance conti ngency for growth and fl exibility • Off er Joint Venture partnerships • Buy the real estate outright or for growth and fl exibility lease from you • Buy the real estate outright or lease from you
NO. NO. 03 03
How comprehensive are the support services? How comprehensive are the support services?
As you contemplate transiti oning your business, you’ll want to As you contemplate transiti oning know every aspect is covered. your business, you’ll want to Seek out a partner with a know every aspect is covered. dedicated team seasoned in Seek out a partner with a marketi ng (including digital dedicated team seasoned in adverti sing and social media marketi ng (including digital strategy), web development adverti sing and social media and hosti ng, client sati sfacti on strategy), web development surveys, IT, HR, accounti ng, and hosti ng, client sati sfacti on taxes, legal, call centers and more. surveys, IT, HR, accounti ng, taxes, legal, call centers and more.
