featured business
GET TO KNOW...
Susan Suggs, owner of Paws Around Town
01. What did you want to be when you were a kid?
I wanted to be a nurse or a school teacher or veterinarian.
02. What was your first job?
After raising my three children, I was a licensed counselor working in the field of addictions. I worked in two hospitals and then had a private practice until 2003.
03. What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy playing with my dogs or reading books. I also enjoy an evening at home with my husband and family gatherings.
04. What's the best advice you've ever received?
Probably never give up on a dream and be careful who you share it with along the way.
05. How long have you been in business and how did you get started?
My daughter and I opened this business in Dallas, Texas in 2001. We have always loved animals and owned a horse farm while she was growing up. Uptown Dallas did not have any place to shop for dogs and that is where she lived. I still had my private practice so she operated the store and I would drive to Dallas on the weekends and help her.
06. Why do you choose to operate your business in Oklahoma as opposed to somewhere else?
Having been in Dallas for almost 3 years I knew I did not want to move to Dallas. I like living in Oklahoma City and have lived in Oklahoma all of my life. I graduated from OU and I love the traditions of Oklahoma and our Universities.
07. Why do you think its important to keep it local?
I am all about private enterprise and small businesses. I love the history of our state and of our cities that have prospered with local "mom and pop" stores. It will be a very sad day for me if all towns and cities start looking just alike and the only way to shop is a chain store or online. I know this is a possibility if we as citizens of Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas take all of our business to chain stores or online stores. Local businesses depend on their local customers and work very hard at making them happy. By the same token, I hope our customers continue to depend on us.
08. What locally owned business (other than your own) could you not live without?
Where do I start. Northpark is all locally owned and I shop at this mall a lot. I couldn't tell you which one I would want to live without. I also hope I never have to give up Johnnies hamburgers and onion rings or Rococo's crab cakes.
09. Our Facebook fans want to know: What is it that sets you apart from the national chains and promotes loyal, repeat customers?
We appreciate our customers and do special orders everyday for them. They can talk to us about our products. They know that our dog foods and treats are healthy and fresh because that is all we will handle. We spend as much time as it takes so that our customer can feel they know about the product they are purchasing. Our customers can trust us to give them the latest information and we will take time to learn about their dogs' special needs. I think the most important thing is that we offer a shopping experience when someone shops in our store that makes them want to come back again. Many customers bring their dogs with them because it is a fun outing for their dogs and we love to help spoil them. We love helping rescues with their adoptions and most every month their is a special event going on at the store. Our sales staff is terrific and they all love animals. We care about our customers and work at putting the money they spend with us to good use by continuing to offer the latest and best products on the market for them to purchase. Last but certainly not least, we sell the best dog and cat food available so that customers' pets can live long, healthy lives. There is a labor of love that goes into taking care of our four legged companions. We work at helping people in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas be able to provide the best.
10. Our Twitter followers want to know: What drives you to keep doing what you do?
Helping people feed their animals the best food and treats available and knowing our staff of educated employees help people take care of their pets' health and well being, tells us we are in the right business. Because of our love for animals it gives us pleasure to see other people love their pets. I will continue to search for and offer the best choice of products available because that is what drives me to keep doing what I am doing.
