Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Fox.
Robin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It was September 11, 2001 that became the impetus for me to start A Fox & Hounds. I won’t get personal, but let’s just say that when I got home I evaluated my life – as many of us did – and only had my animals around me.
On that day, I decided that I wanted to work for myself in the pet care field. I began to prepare a foundation and move in that direction by quitting my job, selling my house and starting my education in pet care. I studied first at North Shore Community College then at Mt. Ida College where I obtained a Certificate in Grooming and then realized I didn’t want to be a groomer! I also took an entrepreneurship course at the University of Massachusetts and concluded that I wasn’t in a position to open my own business at that time.
Back to the corporate world I went for six years, where I held a number of positions for the US division of an international (UK) company. I started as an assistant for the VP of sales then shortly after became the assistant to the CEO and the executive team. I worked in various capacities, including human resources, public relations, office and facilities management and my most favorite… event planning, which allowed me the opportunity to travel and eat and drink lots of good stuff! All the while, though, I had A Fox & Hounds (even the business name) in the back of my head and volunteered at several different animal shelters. Then the best part happened… I got laid off!
I honed up on my pet care skills, wrote my business plan and in January 2010, with help from a few friends and family, I opened the doors to A Fox & Hounds in Hingham. Now looking back, despite all of the hurdles and challenges I’ve had to deal with and overcome, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else in the world – well except maybe being Harry Connick Jr.’s wife – because you see, this isn’t a job or a career, it’s my life.
Last year, we expanded our business and opened A Fox & Hounds Petit, our small-dog specific location, also in Norwell and are currently working on opening a third location. Simultaneous with opening Petit, I was accepted as a scholar in the Goldman Sachs 10k Small Business Program in conjunction with Babson College which has given me the tools to continue to grow the business.
I love my team, I love my customers and I totally adore the dogs. They have brought meaning to my life.
Has it been a smooth road?
I can’t imagine any business owner cruising a smooth road and my experience is no different – from complaining neighbors to malicious landlords to challenging town bylaws. Blood, sweat and tears – I’ve done all of that but the most important thing is that I’ve overcome all of these obstacles which proves to me that I am indeed doing what I was meant to do.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with A Fox & Hounds pet care – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
A Fox & Hounds pet care opened in January 2010 in Hingham, MA to provide high-level animal care and customer service in Dog Day Care, Boarding and Grooming. In October 2013, we moved one town south to Norwell, MA and added transportation services and in the summer of 2015, home visits were added to our portfolio.
With more than 7,000 square feet of indoor, climate-controlled space and 4,000 square feet of fenced-in outdoor play area, we are one of the largest facilities in the area. Additionally, we have several special needs rooms which are available for pets who are either recovering from an injury, very old or unsocial.
To maintain safety for both staff and our animal friends, our team members are educated and trained in animal behavior and all of our staff has experience working with dogs in a group setting. Our business model follows an open and cage-free daycare environment.
For dog owners whose dogs have fear or social-behavior issues, our team members work to develop customized programs to make the dogs more confident and balanced which helps them adjust to outside situations a little easier.
In September 2016, we opened our second location – A Fox & Hounds Petit – located just a short walk from our main facility. Petit offers a caring environment tailored especially for smaller dogs.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The communities in our immediate area are very tight-knit groups. At the drop of a hat, they come together as a whole to help in any way they can should someone be in need. It’s this kind of community that helps small-businesses like mine flourish. Many of our clients are more like friends and family – it’s this inclusion that makes us feel like we belong.
Contact Info:
- Address: 12 Grove Street or 119 Washington Street, Norwell MA
- Website: afoxandhounds.com
- Phone: 781-871-2369
- Email: afandh@afandh.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/A-Fox-Hounds-Pet-Care-320661782258/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/a-fox-and-hounds-pet-care-norwell
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
