Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dewar Gaines, Owner of Gaines Family Farmstead, located in Birmingham, AL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Gaines Family Farmstead is a family-owned, family-operated, all-natural, American-made sweet potato dog treat company. We take an American-grown sweet potato, pull it out of the ground, cut/form the taters into different shapes and then dehydrate them. You can find our treats in around 1,500 pet specialty stores nationwide!

Tell us about yourself

For over three generations, the Gaines family has been a dog family. We’ve raised purebreds of all kinds, including weimaraners, samoyeds, Irish setters, miniature chihuahuas, border collies, and poodles (just to name a few). We’ve also opened our doors and our hearts to rescue dogs, giving them their furever home. Raising dogs has been as much a part of our family as breathing. Each dog is a member of the family. They are trained, disciplined, and pampered-- we even take them on vacations... Because we are dog people, we are in constant contact with our veterinarian seeking advice on the best, healthiest food and treats. Frustrated and fed up with the subpar selection, we decided to address the problem ourselves.

Once again, we consulted our family vet, this time on the health benefits of sweet potatoes in canine diets, and then conducted some independent research of our own. Boy, did we learn a lot? Our family believes what we discovered deserves to be shared with other like-minded dog folks. Gaines Family Farmstead Sweet Potato Dog Treats is the culmination of our research and hard work, and we’re delighted to share them with you!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As any start-up owner will tell you, simply making it through the everyday grind is a big accomplishment. However, if I had to select one singular accomplishment we are most proud of, it would be surviving as a business through Covid.

Approximately 75% of the business we sell to were shut down for an extended period of time. I am incredibly proud of our team for persevering through those challenging times!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest thing about being a business owner is also what I consider to be the most exciting! No two days are ever the same! On Monday, we might have a shipment of products that are missing on an 18-wheeler somewhere, and on Tuesday, we might be dealing with a disgruntled customer. There is never a shortage of problems to overcome.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Don't Quit.
  2. Take Risks.
  3. Hire Slow and Fire Fast!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Entrepreneurs seem to be glorified by American culture, but what you don't see is the blood, sweat, and tears that go into being a successful entrepreneur.... but Entrepreneurship isn't for everyone. For anyone that is interested in starting their own business, is currently running their own business, or needs help to grow their business, my email is included. Hit me up anytime to bounce ideas! I love talking shop!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://gainesfamilyfarmstead.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GainesFamilyFarmstead
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gainesfamilyfarmstead/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gaines-family-farmstead/


If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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