We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ruby Ballesteros a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ruby, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

The most significant risk I ever took was quitting a 20-year career with no employment lined up.

When I get asked how I got into pet care, my answer is simple. By accident! Having given an employer 15 years of my dedicated life, I suddenly realized that no matter how many hours I gave without complaint or how hard I worked for the stellar end-of-the-year performance review, I was just a number. This realization came when a long-time mentor passed away from a heart attack. The next day, his office was cleared to prepare for the new person. I was in utter shock and disgust that this man who had given over 20 years of his life to this employer was quickly boxed up in less than 24 hours.

I did not resign immediately afterward, but what pushed my decision was my desire to go back to school and earn a degree in graphic design. I’ve always had a passion for art. However, I worked in a team that traveled 90% of the time, and we put in at least 17-hour work days. I asked to stay grounded for one year to allow me to pass my first-year curriculum in school and was given the answer no. I was simply just a number. That was the time I said I quit! No job lined up and struggling interview after interview.

During my corporate career, I had three pets: two kitties and my rescue pup. Traveling extensively was tough without spending time with my fur babies, so it was relieving that I was now at home with them. Between interviews, I worked small gigs, such as Uber and Lift driving. During a last interview, I was taken to dinner and was asked by the hiring manager, “What are your plans for retirement?”
Without missing a beat, I immediately said, “Own a ridiculous amount of land and rescue as many animals as possible!” Soon after, I found an advertisement for dog walking. Could this be a coincidence? Is this even a legit job posting? I went for it and immediately fell in love!

I gave myself six months to determine whether I would continue to enjoy being scratched up, pooped on, bumped, bitten, hissed, getting smelly, getting thrown up on, cleaning up diarrhea, and standing in the rain, cold, and heat. The answer was passionately yes, and RubyRed’s Pet Care opened in January 2020. Right before the pandemic!

Like many businesses, I was affected as more families stayed home, but with extreme determination and grit, I pushed through and survived without government assistance. At that time, micro businesses were not worth saving, so I was passed over when grant opportunities were available. That’s ok. I made it like a dog and kicked grass over that poop and kept it moving.

We recently celebrated our fourth anniversary, continuing to grow and thrive in an ever-changing economy. Looking back, I couldn’t be more proud of the work, sweat, and tears I put into my business- for my business, not for a stone-cold brick-and-mortar.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I tell folks that I am a “Big City Farm Girl.” I grew up in Houston, TX, and have had pets since I was five. My grandparents lived on a small ranch in south Texas, where I played with the farm animals during the summertime. There is a wonderful beauty in connecting with animals and appreciating who they are. ​
As a pet parent and a full-time entrepreneur, I understand it’s challenging to take the time to care for our pets as they deserve. With that in mind, I wanted to create a service catered to our fur babies and their pet parents. Pet care is more than just belly rubs. It’s a professional service and a passion.

Our mission is to set the standard of professional pet care in our local community. We strive to earn the trust of our pet parents by offering peace of mind and alleviating the stress of leaving their pets in the care of others. We proudly provide outstanding pet care services using technology, innovation, and customizable care for our pack that goes beyond treats and belly rubs.

We celebrate four years since our doors opened this year and couldn’t be more excited! Because of clients’ continuous support, we have pushed through uncertain times and kept our furry dream alive!

In 2019, after 20 years of a corporate career in business management, human resources, training, and development, I drastically changed my career path. Little did I know that this decision would lead me to a new endeavor in pet care. My only regret is not starting sooner!

I started RubyRed’s Pet Care in January 2020 with only grocery bags for poop bags and borrowing my pup’s spare leashes and treats. Being a fur mom and using past pet care services, I knew what type of business I wanted to create and what kind of service I wanted to give my pack members.

Four years later, I have cared for over 300 pets, raised over 100 puppies and kittens, and said goodbye to many others as they crossed the rainbow bridge. I am extraordinarily blessed to be in a service-providing business that allows me to bond with these special fur kids and connect with their paw parents.

No words can describe how thankful I am to have been offered such a worthwhile opportunity, and it’s because of their trust and support.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

There are several ways to keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty. One effective method is regularly sending newsletters or updates via email or social media. Pet parents enjoy seeing their “Instagram Famous” pets on social media. Believe it or not, some of these kids gain fans! Social media posting allows others a sneak peek of what life is like in your business.

Newsletters are a great source of relevant and valuable information. They often include updates about new pet products, company news, helpful tips and advice, and local community events. By participating in community events and sharing this information with your audience, you can show that your business cares about the community it serves.

Pet care is a personal service, so a considerable aspect of the business is connecting with clients and building long-lasting relationships- something a cold corporation lacks.

Personalized follow-up messages after a service or interaction can also strengthen the bond between a brand and its clients. Finally, providing exceptional customer service and promptly addressing any issues or concerns can go a long way in building trust and loyalty with clients.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele is the reputation and confidence of my business.

Building a solid reputation is one of the business’s most challenging but crucial tasks. To do so, you have to look in the mirror and ask yourself how you want to represent yourself and, thus, your business.

The answer will help you meet other professionals and potential clients who may not take your industry seriously. I found this very early on in pet care. Our line of work may lead some to view us only as pet sitters; we are, in fact, professional business owners, entrepreneurs, CEOs, founders, directors, and chairpersons of our respective pet care businesses.

When I realized many people viewed my industry as “cutesy, ” I knew I had to change that mindset quickly, or I would not be taken seriously as a business owner. Therefore, I worked my paws to the bone to represent a serious and professional business.

I set a professional standard by connecting with my clients and taking their needs seriously, not just petting their “cutesy” pet. Their trust was of the utmost importance as we entered their homes, and they entrusted us with the lives of their precious furry family members. This trust is delicate and one that must be continuously nurtured.

When you build a strong reputation, you wear it like a professional uniform; others will feel it and be drawn to you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rubyredspetcare.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/rubyredspetcare
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/rubyredspetcare
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/rubyredspetcare

Image Credits
Kimberly Oakley (professional photos) and Ruby Ballesteros (pet photos)