Exploring Life & Business with Geoffrey Capco of Uncle Jeffs Pet sitting and more…

Today we’d like to introduce you to Geoffrey Capco.

Hi Geoffrey , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my business in the year 2000, I was at the age where I was not being considered for employment as a sales representative. I had a small business 10 years before that, and I was quite successful in communications business. I was squeezed out because of the industry going digital and there was a lot of fraud in the industry. I had accumulated a nice savings account but when I decided to look for work it was apparent I was too experienced for entry level and was not being offered enough money. I was down to my last 1000 dollars, and I figured I had to make a choice to either take a menial job or start my own business. It was a gamble, but I am a dedicated worker, and I knew I did not have a lot of time to get started. I have always loved animals so I figured I would try something new and do something I have a passion for. I went to the Dog park with my beautiful Sheltie, and I got an idea. The rest was history, and I am still working my business 25 yeas later. I made a ton of money and now I am enjoying the one thing in my life that makes me happy, my horse. Because of my business, I can schedule my day the way I want and ride and train on my horse 4 days a week and still run my business. I made a ton of money by giving my clients what they desperately need and that is being responsible, always being there for them and peace of mind. I worked every day for years and it paid off. I have a beautiful home in the valley, and I enjoy riding and sharing my horse with all my friends and family. I am still available 7 days a week for dog and cat boarding, and I love it! I want my clients’ pets to experience their stay at Uncle Jeff’s as though they never left home! When I was at the park, I realized that there was incredible amount of people there with multiple dogs. I knew at that moment that there could be a need for a service like dog walking. I went home to office depot and bought a ream of orange paper and hand wrote with a magic marker, I tried to come up with a catchy name, but nothing seemed personal enough. I eventually called my business “Uncle Jeff’s Pet Sitting”. I posted these flyers everywhere I could and almost immediately I started getting calls. After a month I was working 7 days a week. Customers started inquiring about boarding and I started that part of the business, I lived in a one-bedroom apartment at the time so multiple dog boarding was not feasible. I had accumulated quite a bit of business by then, so I looked for a house for rent, I moved to Woodland Hills and my business exploded with new clients. With the recession looming I figured I better try to diversify so I took some classes on Dog training and watched hundreds of Cesar Milans shows. I listened to the Pet Show with Warren Eckstein to get more information. I knew that would not be enough, so I started an anesthesia free dental cleaning service for dogs. Since I had a nice size house, I started my grooming service for dogs in the backyard. I had requests for in overnight in home client dog sitting and multiple visits to clients’ homes to feed and walk the dogs and cats. I had requests to pick up and drop off my client’s pets, so I bought a brand-new Hummer and started a pet transport for pets to the veterinarian, and anything pet related. I eventually started boarding cats that most people had a great need for. Since I loved horses, I offered a feeding and mucking service to horse owners that had horse property. I don’t remember ever taking a day off for twenty years. The diverse services I implemented paid off and I still enjoy working to this day. I wouldn’t do anything else, it gives me the freedom to schedule my appointment and things I like to do and enjoy riding my horse 4 days a week. I eventually was able to afford to buy my own horse. He is a beautiful American Show horse, Arabian Saddlebred and I board him at a big ranch in Old Agoura. We train in the English jumping area. I feel blessed that I was able to have such a wonderful and successful business that allowed me to experience the American dream. I wouldn’t do anything else, and I am still doing this 25 years later. My clients love me because I love their family pets. They even call me their “Their Pets favorite Uncle”

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was hard work, but nothing is smooth. I found a way to make it work. It took a lot of work because my business grew so fast. I became diverse and offered more and more services and that is how I got though the recession.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I have a full-service business., I don’t know anyone in the industry that does what I do. I board Dogs and Cats. Dog Walking, Doggie day care, Grooming services, Dental Cleaning service for Dogs, and In home visits and overnight stays. I also offer Pet Transport to the vet or home or anything that they need on a local basis. Pickup and delivery pet transport.

I am known for Personal home style boarding and mobile Dental Cleaning services.
I think my home Style pet boarding is and was unique.

I am proud of the name of by business. Most people tell me that is what they were drawn to, and I thought it was more personable than just a generic name.

I am a former Vet Tech, and I am very concerned about the health and well-being of my clients’ pets. I want my clients to have peace of mind when they leave their precious pets with Uncle Jeff’s pet sitting and more… I offer daily updates, pictures and videos of their pets while they are away on business or vacation or anything else that might come up. I offer extended stay and last-minute stays. I can administer injections and meds for most illnesses.

What makes you happy?
Having a full house of happy animals and riding my beautiful American Show horse,007

Pricing:

• $65,oo per day for boarding
• discount for two or more dogs or cats
• Dental Cleaning$140.00
• Cat Boarding 45 per day discount for 2 or more
• Grooming services to be determined

Contact Info:

• Website: www,unclejeffspetsitting.com
• Instagram: Chronicles of 007
• Facebook: Geoffrey Capco
• Twitter: unclejeffs2

Image Credits
Jerry Cowart photographer

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