Today we’d like to introduce you to Hugh Graf.
Hugh, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It’s all because of Max.
If we had not adopted our rescue pup Max, Green Paws Pet Market would have never been born.
When we adopted Max he came with a host of digestive problems. The traditional veterinary approach of pills and “prescription” foods didn’t help at all.
Frustrated and worried about Max, we sought the help of a local holistic vet who led us to explore options that included homeopathic remedies and a switch to a species-appropriate raw diet. Within days of adopting this treatment, Max was on the mend.
Seeing how a natural approach had helped Max, we began researching what is going into the pet foods and treats heavily marketed by the big companies and often pushed by many veterinarians. What we found was appalling. Kind of what you see when you watch the Netflix documentary, “Pet Fooled”.
That’s when we decided to start Green Paws Pet Market. Since we opened in January 2010, we’ve worked hard to make sure that we stay true to our founding principles: Only carry high-quality and healthy foods and treats from safe and reliable sources, provide solid nutritional advice putting the best interests of the pet first, and work hard to make sure every customer is happy.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Anytime you put your own savings into something new and unknown, it can be scary. Sure, we had a business plan and we were confident in our ability to make Green Paws work, but there’s always a bit of trepidation when taking risk. Besides, we were starting our business in the middle of the Great Recession. But we figured, risk is risk and it doesn’t matter when you take it, only that you do take it. The old “nothing ventured, nothing gained” thing.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We were the first to really sell only and exclusively healthy foods and treats for pets. There are others that have popped up since we opened our doors nearly 10 years ago, but we were the first real health food store for dogs and cats.
Our customers know that they can count on us for honest help with their pet’s diet and that we will only carry truly healthy foods, treats, and natural products. They know that all of our food and treats are free of wheat, corn, soy, added glutens, by-products, and never from China. They know that they can trust us and that we’re really looking out for their pet’s best interest.
I think that’s what we’re most proud of. That our customers trust us and, I believe, like us. We’re a local, neighborhood shop and a small business. Many of the folks that come here are our neighbors and friends. It’s a great feeling to know that we’re helping our neighbors and our community one dog and one cat at a time.
What were you like growing up?
Let’s just say the nuns had their hands full and leave it at that.
Contact Info:
- Address: Green Paws Pet Market
10037 Cleary Blvd.,
Plantation, FL 33324 - Website: www.GreenPaws.biz
- Phone: (954) 832-3200
- Email: GreenPaws@comcast.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenpawspetmarket/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenPawsPetMarket
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/GreenPaws_
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/green-paws-pet-market-plantation
Image Credit:
Green Paws Pet Market, Inc.
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