Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Preston Douglas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Preston , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
Two Risks, Two Careers: A Journey of Faith and Determination
For those who don’t know, I was a truck driver for seven years. And for those unfamiliar with the industry, there are two types of truckers: company drivers and owner-operators. Four years into my career, I found myself wanting more—a desire to become the man I believed God created me to be. After months of prayer, I took a leap of faith and bought my own semi-truck.
The initial excitement was short-lived as reality quickly set in: a truck that isn’t moving is a truck that’s costing. And for months, mine wasn’t moving. As an owner-operator, I had two choices: lease on with a company, meaning I’d run under their authority, they’d find the freight, take a percentage, and everyone would make money—or operate under my own authority, which meant finding my own freight and keeping all the earnings. The catch? Running under your own numbers requires owning a trailer as well, and all I had was the truck.
Then, one day in Illinois, I came across Manchester Motor Freight, a company willing to take me on despite my limited owner-operator experience. They offered me a shot at hauling containers out of rail yards in Denver. That opportunity changed everything. In just two years, I was able to pay off my truck, take my wife on vacations across the country, and watch my bank account grow. But then, a new desire took root—a move from Colorado to Texas.
This led to my next leap of faith. Initially, Manchester Motor Freight believed their clients would provide enough work to keep me busy in Texas. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. And as I learned the hard way, a truck that isn’t moving isn’t making money. So there I was, in a new city, in a new state, with no income.
What does a trucker do when his wheels stop turning? He pivots. In August 2023, my wife and I made a bold decision: we sold the truck and started a mobile dog grooming business. The first year was anything but easy, but we found our footing, built our reputation, and by God’s grace, Bigfoot Pet Mobile Grooming has made its mark in the East Dallas area. And we’re just getting started.
Find out more about us at www.bigfootpet.com!
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.
Bigfoot Pet Mobile Grooming: Luxury Grooming at Your Doorstep
If you’re a pet owner in the East Dallas area looking for high-quality, stress-free grooming for your furry friend, Bigfoot Pet Mobile Grooming is here to serve you. We bring a luxurious Texas-style grooming experience right to your doorstep, ensuring your pet receives top-tier care without the hassle of a trip to the salon. But our story isn’t just about grooming—it’s about faith, risk, and a commitment to excellence.
Our Journey: From the Open Road to Pet Grooming
Bigfoot Pet Mobile Grooming wasn’t built overnight—it was born out of a leap of faith and a deep desire to serve pets and their owners in a way that makes life easier. Before grooming, I (Preston) spent seven years as a truck driver, four of which I spent as an owner-operator running my own semi-truck. That experience taught me the value of hard work, dedication, and taking risks.
After growing my trucking business and paying off my truck, my wife and I decided to move from Colorado to Texas, expecting to continue my work in the industry. Unfortunately, the freight opportunities we anticipated didn’t materialize, and in a business where “if the wheels aren’t turning, you’re not earning,” I found myself at a crossroads.
With no income coming in and a strong desire to build something meaningful, we sold the truck and took another leap of faith—this time into the world of mobile dog grooming.
What Sets Bigfoot Pet Mobile Grooming Apart?
While there are plenty of pet grooming services out there, Bigfoot Pet Mobile Grooming stands out for several reasons:
1. Convenience Without Compromise
We bring the grooming salon to you. No more stressful car rides, waiting in busy salons, or worrying about your pet being in an unfamiliar environment for hours. With our fully equipped mobile unit, we provide a personalized, one-on-one grooming experience right outside your home.
2. Texas-Style Luxury Grooming
We believe that grooming isn’t just a necessity—it’s an experience. Our grooming services go beyond the basics, offering high-quality products, expert care, and a gentle touch that makes pets look and feel their best.
3. A Stress-Free Experience for Your Pet
Many pets experience anxiety when being dropped off at a grooming salon. With us, they receive individual attention in a calm, quiet environment—which means a happier, more relaxed pet.
4. A Groomer Who Cares
This business isn’t just about making money—it’s about building relationships with pets and their owners. Having transitioned from trucking to grooming, I understand the value of trust, reliability, and excellent service. My wife and I take great pride in the work we do, treating every pet like they’re part of our own family.
Bigfoot Pet Mobile Grooming: Here to Stay
Though our journey started on the road, we’ve found our true passion in helping pet owners give their furry companions the best grooming experience possible. The first year wasn’t easy, but by God’s grace, Bigfoot Pet Mobile Grooming has grown into a trusted name in the East Dallas area—and we’re just getting started.
If you’re looking for top-tier mobile grooming in Richardson, Garland, Sachse, Rowlett, Rockwall, Wylie, Royse City, and surrounding areas, we’d love to serve you and your pet!
Book an appointment today at www.bigfootpet.com and experience the Bigfoot difference!
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
The capital for Bigfoot Pet Mobile Grooming actually came from selling my semi-truck—and let me tell you, that wasn’t an easy decision.
For seven years, trucking was my life. The last four of those, I was an owner-operator, meaning I owned my own truck and ran my own business. That truck wasn’t just a vehicle—it was my livelihood, my independence, and the foundation of the life my wife and I had built.
When we moved from Colorado to Texas, I planned to keep trucking. I had a partnership lined up that was supposed to keep me busy with freight. But things didn’t work out, and in trucking, if your wheels aren’t turning, you’re not making money.
Suddenly, I was stuck. New state, no steady income, and a truck that was just sitting there costing me money. I had two choices: hold onto the truck and hope things turned around, or take a leap of faith into something completely different.
After a lot of prayer and late-night talks, we made the call—sell the truck and use that money to start Bigfoot Pet Mobile Grooming. That sale gave us just enough to buy and outfit our mobile grooming unit and cover the costs of getting the business off the ground.
It was a huge risk, but one that paid off. That truck, which had been my key to financial freedom in trucking, became the stepping stone to something even bigger—a business that lets us serve pet owners, work for ourselves, and make a real impact in our community.
Now, Bigfoot Pet Mobile Grooming is a trusted name in the East Dallas area, bringing luxury, stress-free grooming right to people’s doorsteps. Selling that truck felt like closing a chapter at the time, but looking back, it was really just the start of an even better journey.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Honestly, it comes down to trust, community involvement, and happy customers spreading the word. From the start, we focused on making sure every dog we groom not only looks great but also has a stress-free, comfortable experience. Pet owners notice when you genuinely care, and that’s helped us build strong relationships with our clients.
Google Reviews Have Been a Game-Changer
One of the biggest things that’s helped us grow is Google reviews. We always encourage happy customers to leave a review, and over time, those have really helped build credibility. Let’s be real—when people are looking for a new service, they check the reviews first. Seeing real feedback from other pet owners makes them feel more confident about booking with us, and that’s made a huge difference in getting new clients.
Giving Back to Local Shelters
Another big part of building our reputation has been our involvement with local animal shelters. We’ve worked with rescues to groom shelter dogs, helping them look and feel their best while they wait for their forever homes. Not only is it something we love doing, but it’s also helped us connect with pet owners who care about supporting businesses that give back.
Consistency & Customer Care
At the end of the day, being reliable, doing great work, and treating every dog like our own is what’s helped us earn people’s trust. Whether it’s through positive reviews, community involvement, or just delivering top-notch service every time, we’ve built our reputation by showing up and doing our best. And we plan to keep doing exactly that!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bigfootpet.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/bigfoot_pet
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/bigfootpet
- Twitter: https://Twitter.com/bigfootpet
- Youtube: @Bigfootpetmobilegrooming
