Susan Fife is a veterinarian and the owner and operator of Animal Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care in Brookville, Ohio. She started the business in 2011 with the desire to bring preventative care to clients and their pets, integrating holistic medicine with conventional practices. Animal Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care is the second-place winner in Nav’s latest Business Grant round, here’s a bit more about the business and what makes them tick.
About the Business
What makes your business unique?
I don’t just do conventional veterinary medicine and heal illnesses but I offer a preventative health program and athletic conditioning to enable people to extend the life and health of their pets.
What’s the most challenging thing about running the company?
Being able to pay bills while not being business-minded. Our biggest current challenge is making renovations of the existing building.
Was there ever a time where you thought you might give up?
Almost every day.
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What I’ve Learned
What was the biggest mistake you made when you were starting the company?
Not finding a base of operations sooner.
What’s the smartest thing you did when you were first starting out?
Establishing a precedent of healthcare.
What’s the most rewarding thing about running the company?
The pets and the bond between owner and pet. I love being able to offer the healthcare and preventative programs that I believe in.
What’s the small business community like in your area?
It’s a farm community bordering a high volume city. I was able to get word out about my business by word of mouth and introductions to local veterinarians.
What advice would you give to a new entrepreneur?
Be persistent.
Funding the Business
How did you get the money to start the company?
Offering years of veterinary care. I haven’t used any type of financing yet, but hope to get a loan soon.
How will you use the prize money from Nav?
The grant from Nav will help me to establish/fix the electrical in the building that I am renovating so that further renovations can progress.
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Connor Wilson
Connor Wilson is a former Content Manager at Nav. With experience in loan underwriting and credit review, he brings a strong desire to help business owners make the best financial decisions possible to every piece he writes and edits.