Rocket Dogs K-9 Aquatics & Wellness Center LLC (November 2019)

“I’m a disabled vet and can’t work. I have health issues and can’t tolerate doing many everyday tasks, but I can work with dogs and I can do water therapy.”

Branch: U.S. Army

Years Served: 4

First Job After Service: I used my GI bill to attended Nursing School as I had three kids to raise on my own. My first job was as a nurse. I was determined to give my kids a good home by myself.

Did you use military benefits when starting Rocket Dogs K-9 Aquatics & Wellness Center?

There were no benefits available for me. Thanks to Paul Smith, with the small business program, he helped get a bank to back me. That was the hardest part. Getting a bank to finance me. It was a struggle not to give up but being a veteran I was not about to give up and by the grace of God and my unwillingness to give up is paying off.

Military skill most used in business: My military experience gave me the strength to go forward. I can do anything if I set my mind to it. It gave me the tools, strength, self-esteem, and the wisdom to move forward with a dream that nobody thought I would accomplish.

What changed that made you want to start a business?

My medical issues got in the way of my nursing career and interfered with going to school to be a veterinary technician. Dogs are my passion so I got involved with dock dogs and from there decided that it would be awesome if dogs could swim and practice all year. Then I thought with our North Dakota winters, wouldn’t it be awesome if hunters could keep their dogs conditioned during the offseason. I then decided to put all my thoughts, training and experience to work.

What words of encouragement do you have for fellow veteran entrepreneurs?

Go for it if it’s your passion. I put up everything I own for Rocket Dogs, but my kids are grown and I feel like I really have nothing to lose. I would have lost myself if I didn’t try.

Many veterans struggle with finding a sense of purpose when reintegrating into the civilian world. How can getting involved in the business community help with that reintegration process?

Trying to fit in after I experienced war was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I’ve been lost for years trying to keep up with modern technology and trying to fit in. Since I have started this journey, when I should be retiring, I have met some amazing people. If you have a dream, fight for it. Don’t give up, don’t quit, use your experience to gain prosperity where you never thought possible.