We were lucky to catch up with Mary Werde recently and have shared our conversation below.
Mary, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
Growing up in a rural town with limited resources, life was a constant struggle, filled with daily challenges and hard work. Escaping to the nearby mountains became my refuge—a place where I could release the pent-up frustrations of life. Rock climbing became my passion, steering me away from the risky paths my classmates often took. It was there that I discovered the power of setting goals, pushing my limits, and achieving the seemingly impossible by trusting in my abilities. Along the way, I forged lifelong friendships with those who inspired me to strive for greatness.
These profound lessons and my supportive network propelled me to become the entrepreneur I am today. I founded a consulting company, InCo Ideas, inspired by these experiences. It’s like a “swap meet for humanity,” where experts and philanthropic innovators collaborate to help others achieve their aspirations. One of my most significant breakthroughs came when Isaac Caldiero, the first million-dollar winner of American Ninja Warrior, approached me to manage him. It was a full-circle moment. Venturing into management and representation was a huge learning curve, requiring a leap of faith in my ability to elevate his brand.
With determination, I built meaningful connections in the industry, linking with organizations like USANA, USA Ninja Association, and the International Olympic Committee Broadcasting. These efforts led to opportunities like the Anaheim 2024 Ninja Qualifying Event for the 2028 Olympic Games. Despite my initial hesitancy to step into an arena outside of my expertise, my persistence paid off. I met incredible athletes like Jessie Graff and Karsten Williams, forming influential connections.
Investing time and money into my goals brought two new clients on board. Karsten Williams, an American Ninja Warrior and entrepreneur, hired me for management and representation. Jessie Graff, a stuntwoman, American Ninja Warrior, and inventor, is collaborating with InCo Ideas to promote her innovative “Hero Heels” an illusion stunt shoe. This marked the beginning of an incredible journey filled with new challenges, making every moment of living my best life worthwhile.
Growing up in a rural community taught me resilience and resourcefulness. My dad, a self-made entrepreneur, instilled in me the ability to find solutions where others saw obstacles. This foundation led me to become skilled in diagnosing and repairing machines, especially HVAC systems. Along my journey, As a single mother of four and a teacher, I was determined, against all odds, to investing in myself. As a stroke of luck, I seridipedusly met and become fast friends with an industry expert and mentor on, “Words With Friends”. Despite the major challenges that came with juggling all I was doing, I successfully patented an anti-anxiety dog harness.
These valuable lessons and experiences gave me the strength to take a major leap into a new industry. Two years ago, We launched The Fun Pet Group, inspired by the idea that pets should bring joy to everyone. Recognizing the underserved Hispanic pet owner market, we introduced the Perros Y Gatos TM Line with Perro Pinatas, Perro Pelo Locos and more. Honestly,as a woman in a male-dominated industry, proving my worth was tough, but I knew I could overcome it.
Since opening, I have become the main shareholder, and we are set to expand into Walmart, convenience stores, and Petco Mexico by 2025!
This grand adventure has shown me that everyone needs help and the faith that their ideas and goals can be accomplished. I now use my experiences and the skills of others to help guide them to their ultimate goals. Through InCo Ideas, my consulting company, we have created a “swap meet for humanity” where experts come together to guide inventors, entrepreneurs and philanthropists to bring it onward and upward!
Nothing about what I have been doing has been guaranteed, there is a huge learning curve and emotional toll but it was worth the investment in my education and dreams.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My dad, a self-made entrepreneur, instilled in me the ability to find solutions where others saw obstacles. This foundation led me to become skilled in diagnosing and repairing machines, especially HVAC systems. Along my journey, As a single mother of four and a teacher, I was determined, against all odds, to investing in myself. As a stroke of luck, I seridipedusly met and become fast friends with an industry expert and mentor on, “Words With Friends”. Despite the major challenges that came with juggling all I was doing, I successfully patented an anti-anxiety dog harness.
These valuable lessons and experiences gave me the strength to take a major leap into a new industry. Two years ago, We launched The Fun Pet Group, inspired by the idea that pets should bring joy to everyone. Recognizing the underserved Hispanic pet owner market, we introduced the Perros Y Gatos TM Line with Perro Pinatas, Perro Pelo Locos and more. Honestly,as a woman in a male-dominated industry, proving my worth was tough, but I knew I could overcome it.
Since opening, I have become the main shareholder, and we are set to expand into Walmart, convenience stores, and Petco Mexico by 2025!
This grand adventure has shown me that everyone needs help and the faith that their ideas and goals can be accomplished. I now use my experiences and the skills of others to help guide them to their ultimate goals. Through InCo Ideas, my consulting company, we have created a “swap meet for humanity” where experts come together to guide inventors, entrepreneurs and philanthropists to bring it onward and upward!
Nothing about what I have been doing has been guaranteed, there is a huge learning curve and emotional toll but it was worth the investment in my education and dreams.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Growing up in a rural and poor community,“Sink or Swim” wasn’t just a saying, it was a way of life.
My dad, a self-made entrepreneur, instilled in me the ability to find solutions where others saw obstacles. This foundation led me to become skilled in diagnosing, repairing and retrofitting appliances and HVAC.
It is a valuable foundation that helped me to be able to “problem solve not problem make”, in life.
Late in life, as a newly single mom of four, I found myself without a home, support system or job. It wasn’t an easy challenge to go back to school full time, work as a crisis support teacher, and prioritize my dreams but, I was determined, against all odds, to invest in myself.
With the help of mentors and good friends, I was able to overcome the major challenges that came with juggling all I was doing andI was able to successfully patent an anti-anxiety dog harness!
All of these challenges have shown me that everyone needs help, faith that their ideas, and goals can be accomplished.
I now use my experiences and the skills of others to help guide them to their ultimate goals.
Through InCo Ideas, my consulting company, we have created a “swap meet for humanity” where experts come together to guide inventors, entrepreneurs and philanthropists to bring it onward and upward!
Nothing about what I have been doing has been guaranteed, there is a huge learning curve and emotional toll but it was worth the investment in my education and dreams.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Working as a full time Science teacher at a local highschool I started to attend pet tradeshows to understand the industry and find a buyer for my Anti-anxiety harness. During our research my partner and CEO recognized a huge and underserved market, the Hispanic pet owner. The pet industry is a $303 billion dollar industry and Hispanic pet owners make up roughly 20% and No one was meeting their needs or celebrating thier rich culture and heritage.
Thats when The Fun Pet Group was born.
It has been one of my greatest challenges. As an inexperienced woman in a male-dominated industry, proving my worth was never easy, but I knew I could show my value.
Now, two years of side huslting later, we introduced the Perros Y Gatos™ Line!
We have the one and only Patented Perro Pinata™, a refillable plush rope toy that can be filled with treats. Followed by our Perro Pelo Locos™, a push up dog treat, that mirrors the Hersey hit candy for humans, Pelo Pello Loco.
Since opening our doors, I have become the main shareholder, have been invited to Wal-Mart Open call, and will be in convenience stores and Petco Mexico by 2025!
For most of my adult life I have worked in mental health, “troubled teen” programs and even fostered to adopt. These experiences have shown me that everyone has something to offer and having a team is essential to success.
InCo Ideas consulting was created to accomplish this.
InCo or In Collaboration Ideas is run on the belief that everyone has value and together we can accomplish big things, while giving back. We work to bring inventions, concepts, brands, and goals to life through collaboration.
Any group or person that helps or needs help to Feed, Educate, Encourage or Develop others, we want to help!
Since opening in 2017, I have helped inventors, businesses, and others make meaningful connections and propel the project forward. I am currently working with, Issac Caldiero, 1st winning American Ninja Warrior, Karsten Williams, American Ninja Warrior, Jessie Graff, Stunt woman, American Ninja Warrior and Inventor, K.C. Boutiette Olympic Speed Skater, Jon Van Den Bosch Distribution, Boise Ketamine Clinic and other high quality clientel.
Hustling is a way of life for me and my passion is to help others grow and develop and through persuing my passions and “side hustles” I have created a life that makes me proud.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.incoideas.com, www.funpetgroup.com
- Instagram: @Incoideas @Funpetgroup
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-werde-11563913b/
Image Credits
Isaac Caldiero, Nathalie Dupree, Neil Werde, David Blatte, Erin Turgeson, Russ Cress, Michealene Cristini Risley, Dr. Geoff Rudy, Peter Rappaport.