Meet Beth Miller | Founder of Wagtown, 501(c)(3) and Creator of SMART Dog Park Certification

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

Hi Beth, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Possibilities. I am drawn to the “what if” factor, particularly when it’s my idea. I’m okay with that at this stage of my career. Narcissism is a common color (self-painted, naturally) of creatives. We believe that we can change the world through a nugget that blooms into a game changer. We believe reaching out and grabbing that carrot is possible.

The best thing about being what I call a “possibilitarian” is that you become a magnet for others who are chasing dreams, looking for allies, and cheering others on. They know the tough row of a solodisruptor. These almost reliable waves of serendipity – finding each other, are inspiring. Nearly every single time I think, “I’m just dog tired. I wonder if I could skip this one,” I push myself to go and meet the very person I needed to meet.

Perhaps I’m putting it out there into the universe. I’m not sure why it keeps happening. Serendipitous possibilities. I’m inspired every time it happens.

All right, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
After a career that I loved, I took a leap of faith to create Wagtown, my nonprofit. I made a commitment to myself that I would achieve mission first and be commercially successful second. My long-term gold is to raise enough revenue through a for-profit initiative to make Wagtown’s work “impact-free” for local fundraising efforts. If I can pull this off, I can self-fund the work to create resources, projects, and programs that encourage and facilitate more authentic and responsible dog friendliness.

My strengths from the beginning have been the ability to see big-picture challenges and solutions. The ability to envision what’s possible and then create a path for success for others has proven to be a powerful force for good. I plan to change the world, through dog friendliness initiatives, powered by my resilience, determination, and expertise.

Building a brand from scratch has been a tough road, but enjoyable. After years of helping for profit, non-for-profit, governmental, organizations, I am putting my money (literally) where my mouth is. My brand is more than happy dogs and their families. My brand is the path to better communities for all of us…one wag at a time.

My leap into the future was more a leap into the mosh pit! There have consistently been people that appear just when I need them to arrive. Together, we have bonded over the do-gooder factor and we’re making changes worldwide.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ooh! Good question. First thing: I’d do my homework to see where I can safely and considerately take my dog along.

1) Dog-friendly patios

2) Dock diving and dog bucket list items

3) Check out the local off-leash scene

4) Make the most of my pre-selected dog-friendly accommodation

5) Meet up with other dog lovers who can give the scoop on dog fun in the area

6) Find trail systems to explore with my dog

7) Make plans with new friends to dine and say bon voyage at a dog-friendly local destination

8) Thank each person/business for their accommodation of the entire family…including dogs

If I surround myself with the local dog people, I’ll have instant access to their “welcome waggin'” info

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Agreed! We get so much further when we spread a wide net of attraction. In my case, people and opportunities have presented themselves as a result of a “long-term view” about relationships. If I can carve off a portion of my professional and personal life to help others, it will come back to me tenfold. In my “formative years,” my mentor was a higher-ranking director. He and I hit it off from the beginning. I followed his brain around and soaked up as much as I could. We both think strategically first and creatively second (well, most of the time). That solid foundation, combined with an upbringing surrounded by game-changers, gave me as surety that I could meld together my passions for the greater good. Thank you, Mr. Perry Martin. I wouldn’t be here were it not for you.

Website: www.smartdogpark.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/wagtown.

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/bethamiller

Twitter: www.twitter.com/wagtown

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wagtown.org

Youtube: https://youtu.be/oBz4jbLK6Vw

Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/16154017/admin/