We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ben Guilherme. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ben below.

Ben, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

Being a business owner undoubtedly comes with its own set of challenges. Going from a typical 9-to-5 job to owning a business means shifting from a structured schedule to working six days a week, often well beyond the usual 40-hour workweek. There’s always something that demands your attention, and while there are days when you need to find work to keep the business moving forward, that’s just part of the game. After all, growth is the ultimate goal, right? In short, yes – everyone wants success. But the path to getting there often feels like a never-ending grind.

The pressures are relentless. Extra expenses and surprise repairs can pop up at any time, and suddenly, you’re juggling rent, payroll, and other looming financial obligations. It can be overwhelming, mentally and emotionally. You face moments where the weight of it all seems unbearable, but the reality is you can’t always show it — whether to your team, clients, or peers. I used to think that owning my own business would mean less stress, perhaps more time and definitely more financial freedom. What I’ve learned, though, is that it’s both exactly that and none of it at the same time.

The mental toll of managing business taxes, payroll, bills, and unexpected hurdles can be draining. But then, there are those moments when you see the bigger picture. The hard work, the long hours, the sacrifices — they start to pay off. The pieces begin to fall into place, and you realize why you chose this path. I chose to build something of my own, to create a thriving environment not only for myself but for my employees as well. I made the decision to invest in my future, to make a change, and to not be a part of someone else’s dream but to build my own.

As I look at how far I’ve come, I know this is just the beginning. Running my own business has been rewarding beyond words. But my bigger dream? It’s to grow beyond this, to create a company that’s just as successful — with multiple locations, an even bigger impact, and a legacy that can inspire others. The journey has only just started.

Ben, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Before becoming a pet groomer, I spent nearly 10 years as a horse trainer, working with some of the most remarkable animals I still admire today. Over the years, I had the privilege of winning numerous regional and national titles and traveling across the country, from California to Tulsa, Oklahoma. After deciding to step away from horse training, I relocated to Dallas, Texas, in 2017 and started working part-time at Starbucks as a barista. While this wasn’t the career I expected, it provided me with valuable time management and customer service skills.

One customer, in particular, left a lasting impression on me. She came in multiple times a week for her vanilla scone and specific drink. I made it a point to have it ready for her before she arrived, and this simple act of kindness helped her through a tough time in her life. She later gave me a handmade gift, which I still cherish today. This interaction taught me the power of small gestures and the impact they can have on others.

While working at Starbucks, I still wanted to stay connected to animals, so I began showing dogs in 2020. I had always been involved with animals, and dog showing quickly became a new passion. I’ve shown a variety of breeds, from French Bulldogs to Poodles, and the experience reignited my love for working with animals. Through this, a friend offered me the opportunity to buy his pet grooming business, which I ultimately passed on, but the idea of pursuing grooming stuck with me.

Determined to learn more about the grooming industry, I started from scratch. I groomed dogs for free to gain hands-on experience and spent countless hours watching grooming tutorials. Eventually, I took a mobile grooming job, which gave me the opportunity to practice and refine my skills. After a year, I felt ready for more knowledge and experience, so I joined White Rock Pet Grooming in 2021, where owner Chris Lacquement helped me further hone my craft. Chris encouraged me to push beyond my limits, and I became one of the hardest-working groomers in the shop.

In 2022, Chris and I made a life-changing decision—we purchased Urban Dogg Pet Grooming, where I took on the role of handling inside operations and customer service. The business quickly grew, and within six months, we received our first recognition: being nominated for the Advocate Award. Although we took second place to White Rock Pet Grooming, I was incredibly proud, as they were the place that had taught me so much.

Since then, Urban Dogg has continued to receive accolades, including being named one of D Best’s Top 5 Groomers in Dallas and winning the 2024 Advocate Award. I’ve been featured on podcasts, and my business continues to thrive. My mission has always been to create a welcoming, stress-free grooming environment where pets feel loved and their owners feel heard. The success of Urban Dogg proves that with hard work, dedication, and a passion for what you do, anything is possible.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of growth and new clientele for my business has been Google Reviews. I know what you might be thinking “That’s it? No Instagram, no Facebook, or any other social media?” When I first opened my store, I honestly didn’t have the time for social media. I did try to be creative with posts, videos, and updates, but my days were already long. starting at 5 a.m. and not getting home until 6 p.m. I also attempted door knocking and dropping off flyers at local homes and apartment complexes, but those efforts didn’t seem to bring in new clients.

What really made the difference was focusing on my clients and encouraging them to leave reviews. The steady stream of positive feedback boosted my visibility far more than any social media post could. While this approach may not work for everyone, it’s been the most effective strategy for me.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in this industry is that you simply can’t make everyone happy, no matter how hard you try. It’s never easy to hear that a client is unhappy, and even when you go above and beyond to accommodate them, sometimes they still leave unsatisfied or post a negative review. That can be tough—it can eat away at you, causing sleepless nights and long-term stress as you replay the situation in your mind, wondering what you could have done differently.

The truth is, not every client is the right fit, and that’s okay. It’s important to understand that it’s perfectly fine to part ways politely, knowing you did everything in your power to make things right. This is something I wish I had learned sooner: not to internalize someone else’s emotions or take their dissatisfaction personally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Urbandogg.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dallasurbandogg/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbandoggdallas/