Today we’d like to introduce you to Demetra Markopoulos.
Hi Demetra, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in an entrepreneurial family. My parents owned bars and restaurants, and from a young age, I was helping them with their businesses, always knowing that I wanted to own my own business one day. I’ve worked in corporate America, for start-ups, and also dabbled in the fitness industry. Aside from the entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic that my parents instilled in me, my professional experience lies in business development, building and growing businesses, marketing, and leading teams. That said, having a young child, I didn’t want to jeopardize my time with him. I began thinking about and researching businesses where I could include my son, have fun, and solve a problem. And that brings us to DoodyCalls! I loved the concept– the idea was comical, yet it fulfills a need, solves a problem, and positively impacts the environment. Our services allow dog owners to enjoy the best part of owning a pet while we handle the more unpleasant aspect. Plus, dog poop is an environmental pollutant and health hazard. As a mom, I’m even more cognizant of the environment around me, and while I love dogs, I don’t want my son (or myself) to step in their poop. What a great way to help solve this problem than to offer a service that takes care of it for pet owners. People are busy, they want convenience, they want to spend time doing things they love, so this is one less thing to worry about. And for commercial properties, it’s the same concept. We provide the waste stations, so dog owners have a place to dispose of the waste, and ensure the grounds are clean, not just for the aesthetic appeal but also to protect the environment.
Now, back to my son– he’s my “assistant” and loves to help out whenever he can. I love that I can be a role model and lead by example, teaching him responsibility and a strong work ethic at a young age, much like my parents taught me. It’s a family business, and we’re having a great time taking care of doody, one scoop at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh goodness, no! Starting a business is challenging. It takes hard work, dedication, a financial investment, good time management skills, and a vision. I’ve had to juggle being a mom, being a business owner, and pursuing my career. First was ensuring I had the capital to start the business. Then, it was determining if I should take the risk and how I was going to be able to manage and build the business along with my other obligations and responsibilities. Some days are harder than others, but it’s all about continuing to move forward and take the right actions. For me, it was really about prioritizing and learning where I should dedicate my time, when to delegate, and when to ask for help. I don’t give up. No matter how difficult the day, I lift up my chin and keep going. On the more challenging days, it’s good to remember the vision. It’s not easy, but when I can make a customer happy, gain a new one, and reflect on the progress I’ve made, it makes it all worth it.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about DoodyCalls of Los Angeles?
DoodyCalls is a pet waste removal company– aka poop scooping. We service residential homes, commercial properties, multifamily communities, neighborhood associations, HOAs, local municipalities, and parks to provide economical pet waste management, keeping the environment safe and clean. Services include residential pet waste removal, common area cleaning, and pet waste station installation and maintenance. We stand behind our services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and can customize a program to fit your needs.
In regard to what sets us apart– we are committed to safe and responsible waste management practices, and we always strive to be at the forefront of the industry. We’re the #1 recognized pet waste removal brand in the United States, always prioritizing safety and hygiene while solving pet waste problems for the environment. As a woman-owned and locally operated business, you can count on our commitment to deliver an excellent experience.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Tough question! I love Los Angeles for many reasons— the lifestyle, the weather (sunshine, of course), the diversity of people, and the opportunities. As cliche as it sounds, it’s amazing to be able to go to the beach and see snow in the mountains on the same day! And there’s something for everyone here, whether you’re interested in the outdoors, the arts, entertainment, sports, food, culture, and so on. I’m also slightly obsessed with palm trees, and I get to see them every day.
As far as what I don’t like, it’s likely the same as most Angelenos. The traffic, the cost of living, the smog– I can do without all of these things. And lately, the crime and homeless problem is becoming more prevalent.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.doodycalls.com/los-angeles/
- Instagram: @doodycallslosangeles
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoodyCallsLosAngeles
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/doodycalls-los-angeles-los-angeles
Image Credits
Danette Mitchell
