1. Tell us about your business; and what is your business philosophy?
My wife and I love pets. We’ve had dogs and cats all our lives. We also foster all kinds of dogs (it’s been Greyhounds lately) and our current dog, King, is #115 for us. We wanted to do something that we felt strongly about and Earthwise was a purrr-fect fit.
As far as our philosophy, love what you do, be the best at it and provide the absolute best customer service possible.
2. Why are you passionate about your commitment to United Way’s Community Investment Fund?
It's all about local. Invest in local every chance possible, to help create the best community possible. United way is local, helping local, so it was an easy choice.
3. What is something interesting or surprising that most people don’t know about you?
I am the stadium announcer for Gator soccer and baseball.
4. What would your older self tell your younger self?
Both of our adult children work at the store with us, and my daughter has always loved scary movies. But in every movie the bad guy/monster would get shot and everyone would assume he was dead, but he was always gone when they looked back. So, I've always told my kids "never stop shooting" which is actually much deeper than it was meant to be. It can mean never give up, never stop trying, follow through on what you meant to do, a whole lot of things.
I would tell my younger self to sit back and enjoy the ride.
5. Favorite quote?
"If you're the smartest guy in the room, then you're in the wrong room."
Small businesses play a critical role in maintaining a thriving local economy. They are no less important to the success of United Way, as we endeavor to improve lives through our work in education, income, and health. Our Small Business Partners are an important, growing family of donors, who are vital to helping us meet the needs of our community.
To learn more about how you and your business can support United Way, contact Chris Wells at cwells@unitedwayncfl.org or (352) 316-0666.