Meet Rachel Shannon | small business owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Shannon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
From a young age, I was immersed in the world of entrepreneurship through my upbringing in a Ma and Pa grocery store in Butte, Montana. Growing up in that environment, I developed a deep-seated appreciation for the sense of community that a local shop fosters. The interactions with customers, the personalized service, and the unique charm of a neighborhood business left a lasting impact on me.

While I didn’t initially possess formal business expertise, the experience of being raised in a family-owned business instilled in me the values of hard work, dedication, and a genuine passion for connecting with people. I’ve always felt that I was meant to carry on the tradition of owning a local establishment.

I may not have had the textbook business knowledge initially, but I’ve never shied away from a challenge. I saw an opportunity to create a space where the community could come together, much like the one I grew up in. Starting my own business became not just a professional endeavor but a personal mission to contribute to the vibrancy and connectivity of the local community.

Through a commitment to learning, adaptability, and a hands-on approach, I embraced the challenge of entrepreneurship. I believe my experiences have equipped me with a unique perspective and a genuine understanding of what it takes to make a local business thrive. It’s this deep-seated connection and the belief in the power of community that has driven me to start and build my own business.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Dee-O-Gee is more than just a pet store – it’s a holistic destination that caters to the well-being of pets, providing a personalized experience that sets it apart from the rest. What defines us is the genuine one-on-one connection we establish with our customers. When you step into our store, we don’t just know your name; we know your pet’s name, and we’re committed to guiding you toward the best choices for your furry family member’s health.

The journey to where Dee-O-Gee stands today was anything but easy, marked by challenges that tested both resilience and determination. During the planning phase, the world was hit by the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19. As if that wasn’t enough, the process was further complicated by the passing of both my parents. It was undoubtedly the most challenging time of my life.

In the face of adversity, I turned to my sources of strength: reading books, staying present in the moment, and finding solace in prayer. These practices not only kept my mind occupied during the tough times but also served as anchors to stay focused on my dreams.

One pivotal book that resonated deeply with me on this entrepreneurial journey was “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero. The concept of having faith, seeking signs to move forward, and not allowing external negativity to derail dreams became my guiding philosophy. This mindset propelled me forward even when the path seemed daunting.

Amidst the search for entrepreneurship opportunities, I discovered a small startup in Montana, my home state. Conversations about buying into their franchise ensued, and it felt like a perfect match. With prior experience working in a local store and a deep passion for pets, it aligned seamlessly with my vision for Dee-O-Gee. The love for animals and the knowledge I had acquired over the years made this venture not just a business but a heartfelt pursuit.

What sets Dee-O-Gee apart is not just the products on the shelves but the genuine care and expertise we provide. Our commitment to personalized service, even during the most challenging times, defines us. We want the world to know that Dee-O-Gee is more than a pet store; it’s a community hub where pet health and happiness take center stage. We look forward to continuing this journey, sharing our passion, and making a positive impact on the lives of pets and their owners.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

FIrst we would start in the heart of Longmont, Colorado, our business naturally began its journey right here. The transformation of our main street has been nothing short of spectacular, with an array of outstanding restaurants and activities that contribute to the thriving local scene. Having witnessed Longmont’s impressive growth over the past two decades, we’ve proudly positioned ourselves to compete with the best.

Our next stop on this Colorado adventure would undoubtedly be the breathtaking Estes Park, home to the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain National Park. The sheer beauty of the park never fails to captivate visitors, leaving them in awe of the majestic landscapes.

For sports enthusiasts, a visit to Denver to catch a game is a must. Denver boasts some of the best teams, ensuring that attending a sports event is not only entertaining but a truly enjoyable experience. The electric atmosphere adds to the thrill of cheering on our favorite teams.

A personal favorite destination is the Garden of the Gods, a place that truly takes your breath away with its stunning rock formations and natural beauty. It’s a testament to the awe-inspiring landscapes that Colorado has to offer.

Lastly, experiencing a concert in Colorado is incomplete without a visit to Red Rocks. Widely regarded as a magical venue but you can’t go wrong at any concert venue in Colorado. I love them all.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my husband, whose unwavering belief in my potential empowered me to transition from being a stay-at-home mom for over 20 years to becoming a successful businesswoman. Despite having had sporadic jobs during that time, nothing fulfilled me until my husband and I had a pivotal conversation about starting a business. Today, we are proud owners of Dee-O-Gee.

His investment, both in terms of trust and financial support, became the cornerstone of this venture. His confidence in me served as the encouragement I needed to persevere during challenging times. Starting a business requires faith, and his belief in my capabilities fueled my determination to keep moving forward.

During the planning phase of Dee-O-Gee, I immersed myself in learning and sought guidance from Jen Sincero through her books and coaching program. The insights from her work became a guiding light, and I found inspiration to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Reading her books repeatedly provided valuable perspectives that shaped our business journey.

I also want to acknowledge the importance of faith in oneself and the venture. It’s this unwavering belief that propelled me forward. The journey from being a stay-at-home mom to successfully owning Dee-O-Gee underscores the significance of resilience, determination, and the support of a loving partner.

This shoutout goes beyond my personal journey; it’s a celebration of belief, encouragement, and personal growth. I hope my experience inspires others contemplating a similar leap into entrepreneurship.

Website: Longmont.Dee-o-gee.com

Instagram: @Deeogeeloco

Facebook: facebook.com/DeeOGeeLongmont

Image Credits
Photo with the dog and myself at the pond was taken by a local photographer Kendra Blattner