““Working with CEF’s Business Navigators gave me the opportunity to talk to about finances, marketing, and other topics that I have not seen offered with any other loan company.”"
– Kim Plache, Owner

Q&A with Owner, Kim Plache

Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc.
I started this business in the fall of 2014. I was always attracted to all sorts of pets since I never grew up with any. This business started out with dogs and cats, now it has grown to take care of the reptiles, rodents, cats and dogs and also the farm pets. We offer 15 minute visits, 1/2 hour visits/walks, 1 hour visits/walks and overnights. We customize each client's visits to what they want for their pet's needs. Extra's we provide for no additional cost: watering indoor plants, scooping the litter box, cleaning up the backyard dog poop, getting the client's mail, taking the trash/recycling cans out/in on trash day, cleaning up your pet's accidents. We are based in Loveland, Colorado and service the following towns: Loveland, Masonville, Ft Collins, Berthoud, Johnstown, Windsor and Greeley.

How did the idea for your business come about?
I always loved animals but had none growing up, so after speaking to a friend's daughter that just quit because of bad knees, I called her & got information on what insurance I needed to get & how to market myself.

How long have you been in your industry and what do you love most about your industry?
I started August 2014, after being in the medical field for over 30 years. The pet industry is a fast growing business. I love finding out from clients their needs for their pets & customize the care, comfort of their pets while the owner is away from their beloved pet.

What led your business to seek out new/additional funding?
My friend and office manager suggested in order for my business to really grow I needed an office space.

What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.?
My experience with finding funding was a little difficult. I went to my bank, they told me I have a cash flow problem. Probably looking for over a year for loans. I was looking for grants & other measures.

What ultimately made you decide to go with CEF as your lender?
I told my story, CEF listened and said I was accepted.

How did the funding you received from CEF make a difference for you, your employees, or even your community?
The funding secured my office space that we are now in and hire an administration assistant.

Tell us about some of the defining moments for you in your business, whether struggles or successes.
The struggles I have with getting the paperwork sent electronically to the CEF's assistant in a format they could piece together & review the company's financial books. Once that was finally completed their process seemed to run smoother.

Have you worked with our Business Navigation (coaching) team?
Yes

What difference has working with them made for your business?
I never had a loan company have other experts that I could talk to with finances , marketing or other things they office. It's a different approach then just giving businesses out money to survive.

What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business?
I'm looking for a growth spurt.