139: Leading the Way with Kylie Holliman-Rivera
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Summary:
Kylie Holliman-Rivera, owner of Fire Hydrant Pet Sitting, has been a leader in many arenas. This past year she led her team through Covid while also leading the conversation on the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement in the pet care industry. Kylie shares what caused her to move to full-time, what it’s like working with her husband in the company, and the success of pack walks in 2020. We also have a great conversation about BLM, staying engaged in the conversation, and how to speak your beliefs as a company.
Topics on this episode:
Overcoming hurdles
Her team through Covid
Pack walks
BLM and pet care
Recommended resources
Main take away? As pet care providers, we can continue to be part of the conversation around racism and stay engaged in solutions.
Links:
Check out Fire Hydrant Pet Sitting
Episode 67: Pet Care and BLM Pt 1.
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A VERY ROUGH TRANSCRIPT OF THE EPISODE
Provided by otter.ai
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
dogs, people, bit, owners, business, walks, clients, neighborhoods, day, pet sitter, fire hydrant, pet, community, feel, starting, mentioned, honestly, open, helps, books
SPEAKERS
Collin, Kylie
00:18
Hi, I'm Colin and I Megan
Collin 00:20
and this is petsitter. confessional
00:21
an open and honest discussion about life as a pet sitter.
00:28
Well, hello, everybody and
Collin 00:30
welcome back. Today we have Kylie holliman Rivera on the show. Now keen ear listeners will remember she was back on an episode 67 discussing the Black Lives Matter movement with Natasha. She joins us today to talk more about Black Lives Matter and the pet care industry and about the awesome company that she's built. So Kylie, thank you so much for coming on the show today. Could you tell us a little bit more about yourself?
Kylie 00:55
Yes, thank you so much for having me. But I'm back on I really appreciate it. So yes, my company is fire hydrant pet city. I am based out here in Southern California in the Inland Empire and St. Gabriel Valley area. And we do a little bit of North Orange County as well. I originally started the business out in Kansas City, Kansas. And then we moved out here in 2016. And I made it official to doing it full time. And it's been such a pleasure to be able to spend all day literally almost all day with animals. So since we are able to spend most of our days with animals, we offer dog walking services drop in visits and cat care.
01:35
That's awesome. And
Collin 01:36
now you I love the name. So what's the history behind that?
Kylie 01:39
Yes, so with fire hydrant pet sitting back in 2016, before we moved to California, I decided I Well, I didn't even know this was an industry. But I thought oh, it would be cool to have a business to do dog walking and everything. And so my husband, he's very creative. He went to school for animation, things like that. And so he's like, how about we do fire hydrant? petsitting? I'm like, Huh, that's interesting. And the whole thought behind it was because because since he's in animation, he's very cartoony and on in cartoons, dogs tend to pee on fire hydrants. And so he decided to just take that aspect. And it's called fire hydrant. petsitting. Yeah,
Collin 02:18
well, it's it's very distinctive, and it does conjure those images and that relationship. Yes,
02:26
exactly.
Collin 02:29
Now, now, back in 2018, you said you decided to take a full time, and he didn't even realize, you know, what can industry what was going on? What What was it like going full time back then?
Kylie 02:40
Ah, so gosh, it was such a process because look, you know, people talk about like, Oh, I'm going to do this, I'm going to do that. And it was kind of a shock. Because in 2017, I, late 2017, I found out this was even an industry. And so within six months, I was doing research, attending seminars, figuring out everything I can to do this full time. And in about February, I quit my job as an HR assistant, and just decided to take the leap. I just felt like it was time. And it's, I came upon a fork in the road, where it's like, I was either excelling and HR or I was excelling and petsitting. And I just had to pick one. And so throughout all the research and everything, I just went for it. And I've been doing it full time ever since.
Collin 03:30
Yeah. And you talked about that step of discovering the industry. I feel like that's a really common sentiment of going.
03:37
I'd like working with dogs is this is this a thing? And then googling some asking questions. And then that next step of, Oh, can I see myself doing that? Is
03:48
that something that
Collin 03:48
I could work in? So it's kind of like the self discovery process working through that?
Kylie 03:53
Uh huh. Yeah, I totally agree. And it's just like, I didn't even know like, there's background checks specifically for pet owners or pet CPR sort of certifications. And it's endless. It is literally its own industry.
Collin 04:07
It is and trying to figure out exactly how you fit in what all wired, as he went through that, as he went through that process of getting started, what was maybe the one or two biggest hurdles that you came across that you had to overcome.
Kylie 04:21
I was working down in Orange County for a marketing and sales firm. And to get down there, the people that live out in Southern California here, they know about the 57 The 57 is packed, it is booked if you say you have to drive down it in the morning, if you already know it's gonna take about two hours, especially from where I am. And so the first it was just like more personal where like I am getting pulled over, you know, because I was I to get to work on time I had to take the HIV lane, which you're not supposed to do if you have less than two people in the car. I'm sorry, I was breaking the law. But I had to get to work at the time. So I got pulled over. And I think it was like 1000 bucks. And that was just horrible. And then a little bit before that I got in a super bad car accident going to work, I was trying to get over and people here they have a tendency to just dead break. And I was looking at my blind spot. And so between the car accident, getting that $1,000 ticket, I'm just like, I need to, I need to stop. And around that time I attended this female web seminar, and it was called the she gathering. And it was out here in Chino Hills, and it was all about all these female entrepreneurs and how they just went for it. And it's like, it's all about taking 100% it's like, yes, you could do your pet sitting or do your HR. But whatever you choose to do, you just need to do it 100%. And that's how it will go. And so with all that accumulated within a matter of time, I quit my job and just did it.
05:51
Yeah,
Collin 05:52
trying to pinpoint that exact moment of like, what was the one thing that pushed me over it very rarely is the one thing, it's a combination of like this driving, you know, getting fed up of being on the 57 getting fed up with what's going on. And then you start looking around going, what's better out there, you know, how can I feed what I need to be doing? And then make making that switch and just going okay, like, I've got to make this work and jumping in both feet,
Kylie 06:19
was like a cherry on top. It's like, I'm done. Like, I gotta I gotta stop now. And yeah. I'm still thankful I really liked my job. I do want to say that I really did love my job. And it was a really hard decision. But at the end of the day, it's like, you know, I got to do what makes me happy. I discovered in myself that this is what I love to do.
Collin 06:44
Yeah, no, yeah, discovered in yourself. It's what you love to do. And sometimes it takes just barreling in and make with With this knowledge, and with this research and bringing in a team of people to help you. Yeah. And you know, and also recognizing, like, this is also hard work, right? This is all rainbows and butterflies, and fluffy kittens,
07:08
walking and dog, like, it's a lot more. But that
Collin 07:14
stuff becomes easier whenever you've got the full front of your passion driving it right? And exactly. And all of a sudden, you're aligned with what you want to be doing what you're passionate about. And those those hard times get blown through because of what your what you want to have happen.
Kylie 07:33
Most definitely. And just remembering that why like, why am I doing this, like, on those days, because of course, like, you know, being being self employed, being an entrepreneur, it's like you have those days where it's like, oh, my gosh, why did I do this? I could so easily just go back to that job where I work in nine to five getting a consistent paycheck. But it's just remembering that passion and that why keep it going.
Collin 07:56
Yeah, and reminding yourself that from time to time, right, keeping that forefront. So how do you how do you remind yourself of your why on those really tough days?
Kylie 08:06
My husband? Honestly, cheesy, I'm sorry. But honestly, it's it's him. We have really big dreams and goals for ourselves just like anybody. But um, you know, I just want to be able to take care of him and our future family. And, um, you know, when it's like when a dog is misbehaving, like, for example, today, a dog pooped in my car. And, of course, that's not great. And it sucks. The smell sucks. But you know, deep down, I really love dogs. And it was just a bad day, and I get to come home and my husband's like, you know what, it's okay, I get to come home and be here for him and with him and have that flexibility to be able to do that.
Collin 08:51
It sounds cheesy, but it's 100%. It's 100%. Genuine, right? Yeah. Because Yeah, whether it's a whether it's a husband, wife, a spouse, whether it's a best friend, whether it is just a core group of people around you, having that support, and and recognizing that you are working towards and for something bigger and larger than yourself at the end of the day, right? putting it into kind of context really helps, really helps because So, a lot of times we can get focused down in the mundane tasks and the nitty gritty of the details of the poop in the car now or you know,
Kylie 09:31
they're just deciding not to listen, or whatever it is, it's, you know, it's just a little snippet and you're right, it is the larger picture, but you just have to focus on
Collin 09:40
now, I'd love for you to tell us a little bit about the team that you have at fire hydrant,
Kylie 09:45
definitely. Um, so of course of COVID things happen and unfortunately, we don't have the big grand team as we used to. I missed that a lot and I was thankfully able to after And doing this full time, within six months, I was able to hire on people and stuff. So it was super rewarding. I love being able to offer jobs to people to help them accomplish and do what they love and pursue it. And some of our main values, fire hydrant with our clients and with our employees is, you know, just being transparent, you know, being transparent with each other, having great communication being reliable team player, because you know, things happen, and stuff. And so of course, you kind of have to help each other out. And I try a lot to keep everyone in touch. And I know what your experience with being in this field as well. You know, you don't see each other a lot. It's not like in an office where you're constantly seeing your co workers. And so before COVID, I was trying really hard to make sure that we got together at least once a month or so and just get together and chat. And so you can keep that connection.
Collin 10:58
I love how you put it that those values extended yes to the clients, but also to your own internal team, of making sure that that was something that was through and through true to you and true to what you wanted them and feel them to be included. And then you weren't that you were 100% backing
Kylie 11:15
and we do we try to commit like communication, I think is key because I feel like so many people think like, you know, there's just a lot, a lot of misunderstandings. And it's just like, you know what, let's just put it right out there. It didn't me interview process training process all the time, every single email, it's like, please let me know, if you have any questions, let me know, just no matter what, let me know, I just I would rather know that not know. And it's just like, I just want to make sure especially since we're not having a lot of face to face interaction anymore. And I just feel like that communication via text call, you know, whatever is so so so important.
Collin 11:49
It really does. I mean, it just it sounds so simple. But it's easy to forget, it's easy to get busy and forget to send those texts or those emails or not reply to them. It's it. It's easy to forget to do that, especially now where you're not. There's no no connections at all. Right? Yeah, it makes it makes it hard to do that. So what was that like? walking your team through through COVID it to the point where you guys aren't today?
Kylie 12:16
Yeah. Gosh, that whole thing, like I was looking back now we're kind of getting a little bit back to normal a little bit. It's stabilized a little bit more so scary. But in the beginning, it was Wow, I was such a haze. It was so scary. Because you know, some people are like, Oh my gosh, but like, you know, when you cough, it's like, oh my gosh, you have COVID and it's like it's okay, it's okay, I just gotta sneeze and stuff. And so every one was just very on edge. But it was just a lot of communication. It's like, How are you feeling? How are you doing? Do you have enough supplies? I know a pet sitter and Massachusetts, her dog walking business completely. She still doesn't think believe but during COVID it got shut down. And so she was making masks. And so I would ask my team like, hey, do you have mass? Do you have gloves? Like, what do you need, I can make sure you guys have all the cleaning supplies. So just ensuring their safety and making sure that they had everything to remain safe,
Collin 13:10
keeping them safe, whether they're you know, whether they're able to perform the the petsitting duties or not just at a personal level to have going, Hey, like we all need to be be taking care of each other and coming together right now.
Kylie 13:21
Yeah, exactly. And just constant check ins.
Collin 13:25
Yeah, because those you don't want little things to go by the wayside. Even in chaos of times like this, because those little things add up over time. And in combination with somebody else, you don't want to miss those.
Kylie 13:38
Exactly. And then with us being such a small business, you know, like, just as a team, with our clients, just everything like it's just I feel like it's very important to stay in touch, and to be there for one another as best as we can. And thankfully towards iPhone, it helps a little bit because you know how on iPhone, you can like, press the message and I can like like it for you or something. And it's like I read your message. I saw it. I just want to let you know, I heard it and stuff because yeah, things do sometimes go under the radar. And so of course you want to communicate that to them. And so it always helps having that little thing on iPhone messaging.
Collin 14:15
Yeah, at least just saying, received. I it didn't go to the void. I'm here. And you know, I will get back to you at some point.
14:25
Exactly.
Collin 14:26
You mentioned things are starting to get a little bit back to normal, how has that transition been for you? And what does that look like?
Kylie 14:34
So with the transition, we still are still taking precaution because COVID Of course, it's still, you know, a pandemic, it's still here, but and so we're still taking safety precautions, but for a while with the transition of it all. Some people were starting to go on vacations again. So instead of doing in person consultations, we started doing virtual consultations and we're we're able to FaceTime or zoom and they were able to share I was like, Okay, here's the cat food bowl, here's a little little box, things like that just to help make sure to keep a safe distance. And so we were still able to do our job safely yet, make sure that the owners are safe as well. And then with that, like we made sure to do a deep clean whenever after we were done with our services. It's like, let's just deep clean everything. But with things starting to pick back up again, people are starting to go back to work. We're just starting to understand like how what to do. We just started to do in person consultation, but of course, still practicing social distancing. It's been nice, and we're getting there.
Collin 15:37
Yeah, it was, you know, it is it is really nice to start doing more in person stuff. I know when when we did our first virtual and then our first socially distance meeting, it was like, this is kind of weird, because I'm used to like, yeah, people's hands and like getting in your dog's face, or meeting your dog and really like, meeting you. And now I feel it's kind of it was really awkward to be going through, though. So I was curious, you know, you're starting to do some more in person, how much of the virtual meet and greets? Are you still going to offer moving forward? Or do you split? Do you see those sticking around as at least as an option for clients?
Kylie 16:13
Definitely, definitely sticking around, especially since the news has been saying that this may stick around for a couple years, I just don't want to, I don't want to put anybody at risk. You know, as a pet sitter, dog walker, I am here to help you out. And I don't want to make life more challenging for you by like, you know, I we none of us has been tested positive. None of us has been around anybody with COVID. But knock on wood. But it is it's just like so I of course do want to offer that. Because it is easier. And
Collin 16:46
yeah, it may not be what your first preference is. But if it makes Yeah, it makes a client more at ease. And you can exactly meet their needs in that way. That that's that's a whole nother that's a whole nother conversation, right is meeting the client's needs making sure that they are comfortable.
Kylie 17:01
Of course, of course. And especially because like you said, we do prefer in person consultations a lot more, because then you can see so much the dog behavior, how they respond to which parent, they listen to more, you can see it in action. And I love the consultations where things fail a little bit because of course, like, you know, the owners are like, Oh my gosh, my dogs being so embarrassing, or they pee or they do something they never do. And I'm like, No, I'm glad. I'm glad I'm seeing this, because then I know, instead of seeing this perfect happy dog that it's like, no, he is supposed to, I want to see them. And so yeah, you're on the phone, it is very challenging to get a good feel. And so I am looking forward to seeing people again, but also just being human, I really miss seeing people.
17:50
Like I want to I want to do something
Collin 17:55
it really it really is a getting used to that way of operation with hopes for the future. Knowing that we'll we'll get there eventually. And slowly but surely, and just keeping all the safety measures in place as long as possible. And yeah, as you as you keep saying to make sure that everybody is safe and feels like they are being heard and that they're being that their concerns are being met to
18:18
exactly what's definitely 100%
Collin 18:20
now, you know, you mentioned that your husband is a graphic designer, and he helped you with the name. What What is it like working with him as part of your team and with fire hydrant.
Kylie 18:32
so helpful, so helpful, um, since like, it costs money to do those things, you know, to buy a logo and to, you know, do marketing, everything, you know, to have those designs, it costs money. And so I'm very thankful that he's able to do it, but it's just been so helpful, because he's so creative. And we're such opposite minded that we come together really well. and stuff and it's just been so helpful, honestly.
Collin 19:01
It is, but you know, you mentioned like being being opposites. And again, whether this is you know, having a business partner or a friend, that is not exactly like you helps because you're able to bounce ideas off each other and have different viewpoints going into solving a problem, knowing that you're gonna solve it a different way. Knowing that you're probably gonna butt heads an awful lot, but
19:28
when we get there we get there.
Collin 19:32
So what what is it like walking that line between the business relationship and the personal relationship? together?
Kylie 19:39
Yeah. So um, so we used to live in apartment, and when we lived in the apartment, my office desk, it was in our bedroom, so it just kind of and then you know, then you have your living room because it's apartment. It's not a lot of space. So it's just like I was constantly working. And since I was at home, there was just no boundaries at all. And so Thankfully, last Christmas, we were able to move. And ever since then it has been amazing because we got a little bit bigger place. So now I have my office. So whatever work related stuff I have, it stays in my office. And even with him, he has his mancave. And so he can do his work, whatever. And his and it just, it helps separate things so much by having those boundaries.
Collin 20:25
Yeah, dedicated space and dedicated time to those. Yes. And you know, like, when I'm in my office, it's work when I leave that door. No more work. And yeah, it's just gonna kind of transition transition phases as you go from from work to personal life, especially when you're working in close proximity with each other. It just yeah, that's really invaluable.
Kylie 20:47
Yeah, it really is. And like you said, his space has been number one, and even when we try to violate the time, and so it's like, hey, do you mind if I talk to you about business real fast? I'm sorry, but I'll make it really quick. I love you.
21:01
I need to talk to you about this.
Collin 21:04
Yeah, we do we do that too. Like, okay, we're gonna talk about business at dinner time. And then, you know, invariably, one of us is like, okay, so I got a message about business. Just talk to me really quick, I
Kylie 21:20
totally understand what happens. But being able to respect that and respect each other and have those boundaries is huge.
Collin 21:29
Yeah, it helps it helps make it work. And, again, whether that's a, that's a business partner that you know, you're not married to, and you're just working together on thing, you know, yes, having those boundaries and being clear about them, and knowing and trusting that the other person has not just your best interest at heart, but also your business's best interest at heart. So when they come to you with something, being able to trust them and say, Okay, this is obviously very important, right. Now, let's go ahead and talk about this. And then let's move on
21:56
is definitely, most definitely, definitely agree.
Collin 21:59
I did want to pick your brain a little bit on the pack box that you run, and that you operate in the service. What are those look like?
Kylie 22:06
Yeah, so the pack walks we word it's, like, unofficial. But with COVID. Since things slowed down so much, we wanted to make sure that the experience was still there, not just like, oh, because like, you know, the owners are home. So it's kind of a, it's a tiny bit awkward. And so it's like, you know what, let's just go on a road trip, let's make this fun for the dogs. And then it makes it fun for the owners because they see that their dogs are having fun. And so with the pack walks, we just we slowly integrate the dogs, it's like, okay, they do get together, they do good together, let's walk all four of them together. And so today, we did six dogs, and it's like, okay, they're all happy. They're also cute and happy and going along. And it's been so much fun. And the owners have just loved it. Because then they may not be able to socialize, but their dogs, at least you're socializing and stuff. And so it's been very beneficial all around.
Collin 23:01
It's taking that going. Okay, like, obviously, walks are still beneficial, and people still. And yeah, let's let's let's add a twist to this and make it just a little bit more enticing and make it a little bit more, more more different. And change it up a little bit.
Kylie 23:16
Exactly, exactly. And it's just, yeah, it's just really nice. And it helps enhance the experience a little bit more. And hopefully they stay with us since COVID. has been like, you know, it's happening a lot longer than we expected. And so it's like the least we could do is make sure as a thank you for staying with us. Like we're here to care for your dog. We love them. We want to be here for them.
Collin 23:38
Yeah, absolutely. No. Do you have a specific place that you always take them that you have a license for? Or there's just areas that you're able to go to?
Kylie 23:46
Yeah, no, no license on no specific areas. We are licensed to start. We don't have pack Walker? Yes. But we walk around neighborhoods. And so depending on the neighborhood here, we've had a lot of heat waves and stuff. So we just kind of do the best we can with that. And so we tend to go to neighborhoods with more shade, and everything. And then I try to go to slower neighborhoods, because it like like today I was walking six dogs, it is very hard to walk six dogs on a sidewalk and a human. And so we tend to walk in the streets and stuff. And so we try to go towards the shady, quiet neighborhoods and the dogs love it. Yeah. And then the neighbors love it too. Because it's like, oh my gosh, look at that crazy girl out there with all those dogs. But a lot of people are like you're brave, you're so brave for doing that. It's like okay, so it's good feedback.
Collin 24:39
Sure, a little bit more exposure in those areas because it is you know, call it not to call it a spectacle but it is probably out of the ordinary for those people just to see. Right and so I'm sure that is an interesting way of getting some attention on the on the business too.
Kylie 24:56
Yeah, most definitely. And you know, we got we got our shirts, we got our fanny packs. We actually use gardening belts instead of fanny packs, because the gardening belt has so many more pockets than a fanny pack. And so we're just loaded. So we have that around our waist all these leashes and yeah, we're ready.
Collin 25:16
Now, you know, what, what was that like for you learning to offer that kind of service?
Kylie 25:21
You know, it was it was a very beneficial learning process. It took time because you have to learn the dog behavior. So of course, it's doing that research and understanding like, Okay, how are we going to make sure that these dogs do okay? And so of course, we made sure to meet the dogs outside. And once we realize who gets along, then we just we slowly add dogs to the pack. But it's definitely a lot of making sure you know the behavior of dogs. And make sure you that you know, that specific dog. It's like, Okay, if they're for riles up in the back, is that normal for them? Or is that more of they're about to attack? Is their tail down? Is their tail up? Like what are their ears saying, and it's just kind of knowing that specific dog in order to make sure that we can continue with these pack walks and knowing how, what, what triggers them even it's like, Okay, if we have all these dogs that trigger squirrels, then we should definitely avoid parks, and try to go somewhere. And so it's definitely just making sure to know the dog and making sure that they can get along with others.
Collin 26:24
Yeah, it sounds like, you know, just being almost hyper attentive, throughout the entirety of that, and really, either take, I'm sure you take notes about specific dogs, or at least make note about the owners, and triggers and things like that for him to?
Kylie 26:41
Definitely, definitely. And it is, and we do report cards for clients. And so if I noticed a new trigger or something like that, like something like for example, some dogs, the metal grates on sidewalks, some dogs don't like to go over those for some reason. I think it's just a feeling and the sounds, I get it, but I make sure to let the owners know. So then they're aware, and then we can we try to practice. So then it's like, okay, we're going over it. And hopefully you can get to one day where they're totally fine. and stuff. But yeah, we always make sure if even if it's where they're, you know, their feces are a little bit different that day, we always make sure to let the clients know and communicate that and it is really just being hyper aware of how that dog is in and out.
Collin 27:24
Yeah, and I like that of kind of communicating these progress reports to the owners. Like hey, yeah, they didn't like going over crates before. But now we're getting closer to them. And you know, exactly. Owners love hearing that. But their dogs making sure that their dogs making progress and and it tells them that you're paying enough attention and actively working with them on that.
Kylie 27:45
Mm hmm. Yeah, definitely. Which is so so important to us. Because it's like I pet sitting and dog walking. It's a it's a luxury expense. You know, we're not needed. If you had to pick like what had to go first. We're we're out. And so we always try to make sure to go that extra mile, that extra step to make sure that hey, we're here to help you in more ways than one.
Collin 28:08
Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. We have been taking care of a young Weimer, Reiner. Yes, he's really young and really, really skittish. And I, you know, it was one of the first times where I realized that, yeah, like, the owner is going to be really excited to hear that he walked past a, you know, a backhoe today on his owner was super excited about that, because it was a new experience. And he like rocked it. And it was like, okay, like, this is we can we're gonna work with him on this. It's like, yeah, approached a really interesting, you know, like bird house today. And we walked past it without a problem. And she loves hearing those kind of updates
Kylie 28:50
do and I was like, I was, like, I have a dog walker come by. And it's those little things that just make it and it's just like, oh, like, my dog. My dog loves their sitter, like, that's fantastic. And they're doing so well. That is awesome. Yeah. And it's those little things just reporting back on that really do make a difference.
Collin 29:10
Yeah, it helps to, you know, telling that story to have that experience that you had with them, and to build that rapport that builds that trust further.
Kylie 29:19
Yeah, definitely. Definitely. Like we're in the we're trying to hire people right now. And one of the questions we ask is like, what is one of your, like, professional accomplishments? And when I like asked that question, I always like think it's just like, gosh, like the amount of accomplishments that we've had as pet sitters and dog walkers. And they're so silly, because like you like what you said with the Wymer runner. He walked by a truck it made a lot of noise, but he did it we you know, it's a little things but to be able to overcome that and know that it was you that did that and helped him it's just, it is really nice and so rewarding.
Collin 29:58
Yeah, yeah, it It is. And it's a good reminder of reminding ourselves that to have especially on those days where you're like, what am I even doing? Like, come on? I don't even know why I'm doing this remote saying, gotta remind you those maybe keep a list on a post it note.
30:22
czar days go by?
Collin 30:24
Does it has absolutely no thinking thinking about the future of your company? What kind of plans do you have in place? And what are you? What are you dreaming for?
Kylie 30:35
Yeah, so unfortunately, I'm a jack of all trades. My brother, he's the master of one, he focuses on one thing at a time, me I have to dabble in everything. So I try to be an adult to my side. But we always have to explore so but right now we're really trying really hard to open up a facility out here and Southern California. And we have hopes to of course, expand out to Kansas City back into my hometown, because they were super dog friendly. But out here before, before COVID hit, you know, we would go to all these events. And so many people would ask, do you board? Do you have people that like our doors to come stay with you? And I got asked that so much. And it's like, you know what we need to we need to look into that. And so that's been one of our projects that we've been trying to get together.
Collin 31:29
Yeah, that's really exciting. Ya know, when people say, oh, jack of all trades, that's just a serial entrepreneur. That's what that is. So yeah.
Kylie 31:40
Great, it's just, it's really bad sometimes when it comes to focus.
Collin 31:45
Right, I understand. I understand that. I'm fascinated by that. Because, you know, it seems to be a lot of people fall into two camps, either you're going to own a facility, or you're going to do the dog walks. So what is it about running an operating facility that kind of draws your attention to doing that?
Kylie 32:03
So what draws me to open up a facility is because it's more dogs. And because, honestly, that really is because, you know, like I said, with the pack walks, so many people love seeing their dogs socialized, you know, because they're like our kids nowadays, um, even now minds at my feet, you know, he's always find me there. And it's just, it's a connection. And so to know that our dogs are going places and making their own friends having a blast, and then you know, they come home and nap when they get home. So it's like, that's like, great feeling. Like, okay, I did my job as a dog, mom. But it's just to be able to have all those dogs together, bringing in a community of dogs, and just having it all, it just seems so fun. And to be able to give our clients that sense of relief that, hey, your dog is being cared for, and we get to do it. So it's a win win for everybody. But yes, it's very exciting for all
Collin 33:03
It sounds like you're going man, like, I would love to be able to provide that service for you. So how can I get my way, and make sure that it stays, you know, it within our core values?
Kylie 33:14
Exactly, exactly. And like, we've even looked into software to where it's like, you know, we, while the doors at the daycare, we can send updates still there, all that and it's like, we could still be able to maintain that communication, which is, again, something we highly value.
Collin 33:28
I do want to switch gears a little bit here and talk more about the Black Lives Matter movement. And I do have to say that if people have not listened to your great discussion with Natasha back on episode 67, they really need to, because I thought it was it was very well done very genuine, and gave some really great context about the movement and what it and what it means. So I did want to ask you more specifically, being a black business owner, how does that impact how you operate and run your business as a pet? So
Kylie 33:58
yeah, let's definitely, um, since I am, I'm half black and half white, I have to, you know, I always have to take extra precautions, because it's how people see me, unfortunately, the first thing they see is my skin color. And so we always have to make sure it's like, hey, do the neighbors know that we're coming? Did they know that we're coming up these times, because of course, seeing an African American at night and the neighborhood that they've never seen him in is it's not a safe situation. And so we always have to make sure that the neighbors know. We make sure that it's like, hey, the alarm? Are we good? Does that alarm company? No. We just always have to make sure it's like, Hey, everybody else knows that I'm entering your house. And so we just always have to try to make connections you know, we're also bonded and insurance. We have everything to make sure just to make sure that others feel comfortable working with us.
Collin 34:54
Right off the bat the sound kind of small precautions of Oh, did you let them write? It sounds simple. But if it's not a matter of safety or life and death for you, you might not think about checking that. Yeah, especially Yeah, especially if you are a business owner, and you have staff, you know, making sure their safety too, and having those protocols in place protocols in place.
Kylie 35:14
Yeah, we had a situation like that a couple years ago, where the neighbor didn't know he's used to see me. But we did have another, another worker with us. And she was a lot darker than me. And he didn't, he wasn't familiar with her. And I felt so bad for her. Gosh, um, you know, she got done with the job. And she was typing up the report. And then he decides to open up her passenger door. And it's like, It freaks her out. Because it was late night, it was late at night, it was about an eight o'clock visit it was during the winter, so it was a little bit, it got dark earlier. And then this man is just opening the door asking her what she's doing, why were you in this house and all that stuff. And so to know that that happened to one of my employees, like I it's just, I want my team to feel safe. And so we made sure to let the owner know and stuff, but it was, it sucks. It's like he opened this on females car door and just totally violated her space. And yeah, there's just
Collin 36:12
it's a reminder of those kind of interactions can happen at any time. Right? And yeah, and to have if you have not thought through those kind of policies, those kind of communications with the owner with the neighbors with the community, like us know, right, right now is a really great time to do that.
Kylie 36:30
Yeah, exactly. Exactly. And it's just, of course, these things can happen to anybody. It's just for African Americans, blacks, it's it, it hurts a lot. Because once the cops are called, it's a totally different situation. We, of course, as we've seen, it's not handled the same. You
Collin 36:50
hate watching that. It's It's It's just mind blowing. Right? And yeah, as pet as pet sitter, sometimes we can feel like okay, but like, I just walked dogs, like, I just I take care of people. So like, what if what difference can I make? In my cat, my community? What would you have to say to those people?
Kylie 37:07
Yeah, most definitely. I'm honestly, just educating, educating yourself. For example, like one of the books I highly recommend is the color of law. That one, it's more about neighborhoods, you know, a lot of people aren't exposed to African Americans, just because they're not in their neighborhoods, or they didn't go to the same school, or PSAs, and stuff like that. And in this book, they mentioned a lot about why that is, and how America and many organizations really did try to make sure everything stayed segregated. And so honestly, just educating yourself, and to make them feel free to ask questions, anything to become aware of it, honestly.
Collin 37:47
Yeah. And and then making that a part of your business and how you operate and know that that is both a personal belief and way of operating and a business, right? Whether you whether you like it or not like that, like that is going to be that becomes part of how you operate. And and making sure we are out in the community, we do talk with a wide, diverse group of people. You might not, you might not think of it or think about it at first, but we really do we really do cut across all sorts of divides in the United States. And so that it starts knowing that it starts with us first and foremost. Yeah.
Kylie 38:21
Yeah. And making sure that we're each doing our part. And, you know, there's so many things like just even sharing it on the news, like me, I'm sorry, on your social media, you know, of course, fat, check the article, and make sure that it's legit, that it's not so bad to bias or anything. But honestly, just a simple Google research and then looking at the source, you know, just the Internet has so much that, you know, so many people did it 2030 years ago,
Collin 38:47
realizing that the tools and the information are there, it's now our responsibility to that's our response. It's not going to land in our lap. It's not nobody's gonna do that part. Yeah. we've, we've got to go and do that. And you mentioned, you mentioned posting it on your social media. I know many people may be afraid to post stuff, especially on their business accounts for fear of backlash or things like that. What advice would you give to a business owner who's afraid to speak up about their beliefs in their community,
Kylie 39:19
my advice would be, of course, to be professional about it. Of course, politics get wrapped in it, oh, very, very quickly. But if you just kind of be professional about it, it is important to speak up. Because, of course, your values as a company and who you attract and who your clients are at all. It all plays a part and stuff. And so to be able to speak up about it is so important. And it's like we mentioned earlier, it's part of the bigger picture, you know, and how the community is and because because your business is part of that community, it's important to know that you're there for your community, and know that you fight for equality because that's like that's all men were created equal and Yeah, it is very important to be able to speak about it. And just because again, a lot of people aren't familiar with it. And so if you are sharing it, doing it professional, professionally and educating people that way,
Collin 40:12
it does start with, with with being professional. And, and, and part of that too is going, Okay, well, one of my policies, say for my business, do I have statements in there? About about racism about inclusivity? Do I have those in there? I mean, I may go well, but I believe that but is in your policies, is it part of your business, and start start there, and then speak out from your policies, when you when you're communicating? This is just who we are? As a business? Yeah, this is how we operate
Kylie 40:42
and taking a stand. And that again, it just, it helps tie in your community. And hopefully, that can urge another small business or to do the same, and it can just really unite the area.
Collin 40:54
Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. And just, you know, searching out those, and, and having that conversation with them about that, and knowing this is where we stand, and this is how we're going to keep moving forward.
41:05
Definitely.
Collin 41:06
So on that, on that eye to the future, and to keep moving forward. how can how can we as business owners, and as pet sitters, make sure that we keep making advances and stay engaged in this conversation?
Kylie 41:17
Definitely, honestly, doing what we're doing now, honestly, just talking about it, even though we may not be able to get on in person meet in person anymore, as much, but we could still go on zoom calls, you know, we could still invite other people to be like, hey, there's a zoom call about this, if you're interested, come join us, we're just having a little discussion about it. And it could just be open and friendly, to where it's no judgement. And it's just like, if you have questions, ask them. I've even told a lot of my Facebook friends, it's like, because I grew up in the Midwest, there wasn't a ton of mixed people or a lot of African Americans, you know, going to my schools. And so it's just like, you know, what, like, asking me a question, it's totally okay. And I feel like, as long as we keep that open mind, open mindedness and conversation going, I think it's very beneficial, beneficial towards businesses and just individuals.
Collin 42:06
Yeah, and whether that zoom call is with local businesses, about, about that conversation, or at a more personal level to friends, family, people that, you know, reaching out to them just offer exactly say, hey, let's get together and talk about this because everybody else, so we need is what
Kylie 42:24
I was probably talking, you know, and if you all kind of go in there with again, with that open minds, and just like having agreement, like, we're just talking, we're just trying to understand each other's point of view. And, you know, make sure that we're all on the same page and respect each other. You
Collin 42:39
know, I understand how it's awkward to have also growing up in the Midwest, my school and exposure was almost zero, I think there are two people but have considered their sound mix. Right. And that was through my entire Yeah, kindergarten through high school graduation. And so I ever had, you know, I never had an opportunity to have those kind of conversations growing up. So those had to happen later in life and being Hmm, just just just asking questions, you know, what, what's it? What's it growing up? You know, what, what are some of your lived experiences, because I don't, I don't have those same ones and sitting down and listening.
Kylie 43:13
And that's so important. And it's like, I hope that people don't feel like to, like their ego, or that doesn't feel stupid for asking a weird question. It's like, No, you don't know. And that's okay. And we would prefer you to know, and so that's great that even like you, like you said, You've acknowledged, it's just like, Oh my gosh, like, I didn't know that stuff. And that's all it takes. Honestly, it's just admitting it and then taking action on it.
Collin 43:37
Yeah. And bringing other people into that conversation too. And just just learning, right? We're just trying to learn more about people about an alleged experience in the country and across the nation that, you know, you might not have exposure to and that's fine, but learning about it is that next step.
Kylie 43:56
Exactly, exactly. Like on my personal Instagram, I, I'm very big in the bookstagram community, I love books. I love reading. And, you know, that's just been a specially with a good group of friends of mine, that's been a very big thing is, you know, last month it was Latina heritage, Heritage Month. And so with that, we try to read a lot of books by the Latinx community, you know, and just being able to educate ourselves and to hear their side of the stories and just, you know, exposing yourself and learning different ways.
Collin 44:28
Being a big reader. I know, you mentioned the color of law. What are some other of your favorite resources,
Kylie 44:33
all my resources or books, I don't know any websites at the moment. It's on my head. But I really liked between, between the World and Me, that one was really great, because, you know, the author, he grew up in them, you know, a 70s 80s and 90s. And, of course, how blacks African Americans retreated back then, is a little bit different. Now. You know, we were able to experience a black president back then that was no Even like, how could you even see that? You know, so I definitely loved that one, the color of law. And stamp is a really good one as well. It's, it's very, it's a lot of history. But again, to educate yourself if you take it bits by bits, and it's just like, let's learn a little bit here, learn a bit, a little bit there. It's really nice and stuff.
Collin 45:20
It's that history that that we all need to learn. It's that history that we need to, to have to be reading and to be learning about, because that's the history that impact how we are today. And exactly acknowledging that.
Kylie 45:33
Exactly, exactly. And some, like there's fictional books too. But of course, like authors, they always write from a space that they know. And so like, that I forgot the author's name, but she Right, right, salvage the bones and sing unburied sing. And with that she shares about African American families down in the south after Katrina, and what they go through and how their lives are just they're even different from mine, because they're from the south, you know, and it's just so interesting to read and what they have to deal with. And yeah, it's really, it's very informational.
Collin 46:07
Yeah, absolutely. And I'll have links to those books that you mentioned in the show notes. And on our websites, people can click right through those and start reading as soon as they can. And because that's, that's really important. And I, I'm gonna grab a few of those myself, because those are interesting. So thank you for those recommendations. Yes.
46:31
About bus all day, but
Collin 46:38
that will be that'll be follow up to this to this episode. too. I
Kylie 46:44
do recommend that books too. I got them all.
Collin 46:48
Well, let's, let's let's maybe, uh, you know, what about Okay, what about some petsitting books and pet sitting recommendation resources?
Kylie 46:55
Yes. So I'm reading one right now. It's called good old dog. So it helps you learn how to take care of your dog as they get older. Of course, as we mentioned, that I am trying to open up a facility. So I'm reading how to start a dog or a Dog Boarding business. And then I read a bunch of Kristen Morrison books, like how to start a dog sitting business in 30 days. And let's see, trying to remember the other one, a six figure pet sitting business is another one person
47:26
in front of me, like
47:31
he does have quite a few. So it's okay, if she
47:33
dies.
Kylie 47:38
She's awesome. I've been able to meet her in person a few times. And she's she's very sweet. I enjoy your company.
Collin 47:45
Oh, that's, that's awesome. That's really cool. Thank you for those resources. Okay, this has been wonderfully enjoyable. I thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to come on and talk with us and share about the history of your company. And while the exciting stuff that you have moving forward, and then all the work that we can be doing on ourselves and contributing to the conversation of the Black Lives Matter movement. But I know people are going to want to get in touch and pick your brain more on all these topics. So how best to get connected.
Kylie 48:16
Yes, they can follow us on Instagram or Instagram is fire hydrant. petsitting ko. And then they can also contact us through email, which is Hello at fire hydrant. petsitting. calm.
Collin 48:29
Very good. And I'll have again links to those and all the resources that you've listed in the show notes and on the website. That's all it's all good. So once again, thank you so much, Kylie.
Kylie 48:46
Thank you. I really appreciate it. Thank you so much for having me on here.
Collin 48:50
I love Kylie's story of leading through the challenges that COVID has brought upon her and her company. But she has such a wonderful view for the future and an optimistic outlook that is just really contagious. And then open and honest discussion about life as a black business owner in America through the Black Lives Matter movement is really touching and I think should be very encouraging to us as pet sitters in the industry. There's a lot of work to do. But there's a lot of hope, as well, a lot of things that we can help contribute to the conversation to help bring communities together, to have better conversations so that we can be better together. I want to thank our sponsors for this week. Our wonderful patrons for making this show possible, head on over to petsitter confessional.com slash support to find out what being a Patreon means, and all that comes along with it. It's hard to believe but this is the last episode of 2020 What a wonderful, crazy, terrifying year. It has been. And thank you for being with us through it all. And thank you for listening and contributing and being a part of the ongoing conversation, we really truly could not be doing this without you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you and we wish you a wonderful, happy new year. We're looking forward to 2021 and all of the exciting things that are in store
