About 20 years into my design career, I spent a season scooping yards for a local Colorado business called Pet Scoop. It wasn’t the beginning of my career. It was right in the middle of it — during a strange and uncertain chapter while I was living in Denver.
At the time, I had just come out of a layoff and a role that wasn’t the right fit at an even worse company. I made the decision to move to Colorado without a job lined up, trusting that something would work out. It wasn’t polished or strategic. It was simply a moment of transition and recalibration.
So I took the opportunity to work with Pet Scoop.
The work was physical and demanding. Snow, freezing mornings, and long days were the norm. Some yards took more than an hour to clean, and consistency mattered. Customers depended on the service regardless of weather or circumstances. That level of reliability stayed with me. Small business owners don’t get to skip hard days. They show up anyway.
What surprised me most was the people. The owner was a former engineer. Many of my coworkers had college degrees and professional backgrounds. They weren’t there because they lacked ambition. They were searching for something tangible and fulfilling. Something grounded and real.
The customers reinforced this perspective. They loved their dogs deeply. A clean yard meant peace of mind, a safe place for their pets, and one less thing to worry about in their busy lives. It reminded me that every business, no matter the industry, exists because people care deeply about something.
One of the unexpected gifts of this season was the quiet. I spent hours outside, with dogs, and with my own thoughts. On a good day, I completed more than 25 houses. I left each one knowing I had made someone’s day a little easier. That kind of immediate, tangible impact is powerful.
This experience reshaped my view of work and leadership. It reminded me that careers are rarely linear and that no honest work is beneath us. It also deepened my respect for the grit, resilience, and commitment behind every small business.
Today, when I partner with entrepreneurs and organizations, I bring those lessons with me. Whether I’m building a brand, designing a website, or helping a business grow, my focus is always on creating real value. Because behind every business is a real person who has put in long hours, taken risks, and shown up even when it was hard.
Sometimes the most uncertain chapters in our careers end up shaping us the most. And sometimes, the most meaningful lessons come from the most unexpected places.
Ready to Feel Confident in Your Brand?
If you’re in Lawrence (or the Kansas City area) and you’re ready to sharpen your message, refresh your brand, or build a website that actually supports your business—let’s talk. I’ll ask the right questions, bring structure to the process, and help you move forward with clarity.
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