UCEDC - News Item
Hounds on the Hudson
Three years after closing on her UCEDC loan, Kim Pamperin's business, Hounds on the Hudson, is now the top dog in the North Jersey doggie daycare industry.
According to Pamperin, "About four years ago, after leaving corporate America, I became a dog walker and caretaker to help pay the bills, in between freelance graphic design gigs. It was during this time that I rediscovered my passion for dogs. I saw the need for a pet utopia-a place where dog owners could confidently leave their pets, but also a place that dogs just loved to visit. I created Hounds on the Hudson to fulfill that dream."
Pamperin went about fulfilling that dream responsibly. She graduated from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority's ETI (Entrepreneurial Training Institute) program, began researching financing options for her business, and approached UCEDC for a loan.
Ellen McHenry, Director of UCEDC Financial Programs, states, "The Hounds on the Hudson loan application was very well prepared. Ms. Pamperin included her industry-specific experience, a complete market analysis, and realistic projections for both the start-up and growth phases of her business."
Ms. Pamperin opened her business in spring of 2006 after receiving UCEDC funding in December 2005. As an added bonus to her loan, UCEDC provided Ms. Pamperin with free one-on-one business mentoring services. UCEDC's business mentor stayed in touch with Ms. Pamperin during the early phase of her business, offering assistance in marketing, accounting, and financials.
Ms. Pamperin explains that preparing a thorough business plan was key to opening her business. In addition, the UCEDC mentor acted as a sounding board and offered good advice regarding different day-to-day aspects of operating her business.
In the eighteen months since receiving a UCEDC loan, Ms. Pamperin has expanded Hounds on the Hudson to include 12 employees and has increased her services to create new revenue from dog grooming, training, and a small retail selection of dog-related products. Moreover, she expects to see a profit at the end of this fiscal year!
Posted: 07/01/2008
Hounds on the Hudson
A top quality doggie daycare for the topdog in your life!
