Client Corner

This client was featured in March 2003. The information in this profile was accurate at the time of writing. Please contact us if you believe something should be changed.

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Connie Apling, Owner
K9 Playhouse
Waterloo, Iowa

Corporate downsizing and a life-long love for animals paved the road for this new Cedar Valley entrepreneur. Taking advantage of a layoff, after 20 years of service in the corporate world, Connie Apling began to research a niche she knew was missing from the local pet-care industry. With a little inspiration from a dog-walking article, and a little guidance from the UNI Regional Business Center, Connie opened K9 Playhouse , a doggie daycare, in January 2003.

With an idea in place and no clue how to start, Connie called the UNI RBC for help in December of 2001. After her counseling appointment, she enrolled in a Fast Trac Entrepreneurial Training class, which she said was the turning point. The class helped her put together her business plan and secure financing.

When asked of her greatest hurdle, Connie replied that coordinating everything was a struggle. Contractors, bids, rezoning - it seemed everything went over budget. She wants upcoming entrepreneurs to know there are many sleepless nights in the beginning. Meeting and greeting new dogs and their owners is very rewarding, however, and more than compensates for the long nights.

"K9 Playhouse, Where K9 Kids Come to Play" says it all! The dogs have a beautiful indoor playroom, and they are crated only at naptime. K9 Playhouse is not a kennel, although it is subject to the same licensing and inspection requirements. There are no overnight stays and the playground is not typically used as a daily facility. Most of the dogs come 2 to 3 days per week. Stay-at-home pet owners utilize K9's services also, bringing their pets in to socialize with other dogs. Connie is building a fenced-in arena outside for springtime weather.

In two months, Connie has seen a positive community response to her unique service. "Since opening I have 15 people who have purchased either 10 or 20 day passes, with about another 5 or so who simply purchase one day passes," she says. Trying it out for a day is about all it takes to sell the Playhouse. The dogs love it, and the owners are tickled to have a social outlet for their furry "kids".

Pet owners interested in the K9 Playhouse attend a 20 minute Meet and Greet session. For more information, you can reach Connie at 319-296-2553 or her website at www.k9playhouse.com . K9 Playhouse is located at 5222 Weiden Road in Waterloo, south of the Crossroads area off Shaulis Rd.