Gone To The Dogs - And Loving It!

February 24, 2014. Company of Women Publishes Sue's Story!

Sue Quinn was in the banking industry for 32 years. Now she runs a huge 18,700 square foot facility devoted specifically for dogs in the south east end of Mississauga. It's called Kamp K-9. How did she get from banking to her own business? By going back to what she loves; her passion - dogs.
 
Sue has always loved dogs and when her position at the bank was downsized, she got the chance. But it hasn't been easy.
 
Sue was born in Montreal and moved to Mississauga when she was four years old. Sue started with the bank as a typist in downtown Toronto and moved up from there. Her positions varied but often were related to customer service and supporting individuals and businesses.
All of which prepared her well for eventually opening her own. In 2008, Sue was laid off and so she decided to make some brave career choices.

Sue knew she wanted to leave corporate life but what next?  To help her decide, she took a job in the doggy daycare trade. Sue loved working with the dogs and their owners, driving the ‘dog taxi’ and looking after her canine friends during the day.

She explored her options for working with animals and decided to open a dog care and wellness centre.  As a single mom trying to manage home life and a new business, her son Ryan became involved too, helping in the business.

Sue started learning everything she could about running her own business. She read books, attended seminars and participated in courses. Soon, Kamp K-9 was born!  But it was difficult to find financing. Finally, a major bank did agree to lend Sue the money for leaseholds and the equipment to start her business.
 
Finding an appropriate building was also a major challenge. Sue needed a sympathetic landlord, a large space inside as well as green space outside for dogs to run and play in and, according to the City By-laws, lots of parking. She found the ideal building but lost it. Twice. And she wasn’t able to find anything else that was as suitable for her needs. However, when her ideal building became available again, Sue grabbed it. The third time was the charm.
 
Sue opened the doors of Kamp K-9 in October 2012. Kamp K-9 is a ‘one-stop dog spot’ offering a full range of services such as boarding, daycare, grooming, and training. There is a “do-it-yourself” dog wash as well as alternative therapies. Sue’s business is now thriving, with new dog clients coming in every day. While the Dragons on Dragon’s Den chose not to invest, Sue received numerous offers of support as well as new clients after the show aired.  

Sue’s main advice to new entrepreneurs is to never give up. It took her four years, but she stuck with it and made her dream come to life.  She’s gone to the dogs, and loving it.