Making the Leap: My Career Path from Corporate World to Pet Care
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
by Gloria Gutierrez, Franchise Owner, Woofie’s
As the first person in my family to attend college, I knew the value of hard work and dedication from a young age. My parents immigrated to the United States from Cuba and instilled this work ethic in me, shaping my relentless drive to succeed.
For over 25 years, I worked in a corporate setting across various industries including banking, entertainment, and real estate investment. But the 9-to-5 burnout was real, and I had grown tired of the corporate grind. I longed for a job that would provide me with a better work-life balance. One day while scrolling through LinkedIn in search of new opportunities, I stumbled upon Woofie’s – a pet care franchise offering pet sitting, dog walking, and mobile pet spa services. That’s when I had a lightbulb moment: I thought hey, maybe it’s time for a change. I loved the idea of working with pets, specifically dogs, and paired with my years of corporate experience, knew I had the acumen required to start my own business.
After some contemplation, I decided the least I could do was learn more about the company. I reached out for more information and conducted extensive research on the industry, the brand, and its competitors. I soon discovered Woofie’s was more than just a business – it was built on a heartfelt mission to provide unparalleled care for pets and peace of mind for their owners. That deeply resonated with me, and I knew I wanted to be part of it. Before signing on, I had also had a conversation with Amy Addington, the brand president, that truly sealed the deal. Amy not only shared my passion for pets, but also had a vision for building a compassionate, women-led company that would elevate the professionalism of the pet care industry. This only further confirmed this opportunity was the right path for me.
Once I officially onboarded, I began learning the ropes of the business. Woofie’s parent company, Authority Brands, provided me and my team with an exceptional training program and ongoing support. Even with my corporate background, the training was much more in-depth than anything I had experienced before. From pet care 101 to mastering the basics of operations, this was all new territory for me, and I quickly learned there were a lot of moving parts to a business. Even so, I felt equipped with the necessary skills and confidence to run my business on day one. And then I hit the ground running! After months of training, I officially opened my location in Torrance, CA in May 2024. As I reflect on the last year, I see how my professional journey has been a transformative experience. By taking a leap of faith and leaving behind the familiar and comfortable corporate world, I found a more fulfilling path that brings me purpose. I created a space where I could feel good about what I was doing every day while also meeting a growing market demand. Now, I wake up every day knowing that I’m making a difference in my community, providing high-quality pet care services with the same level of attention and compassion I would expect for my own pets.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue building a strong foundation for my business while developing lasting relationships with my clients. Philanthropy is also incredibly important to me, and I’ve been integrating more charitable initiatives into my day-to-day operations. Operating in Southern California, where wildfires have impacted so many families, has been heartbreaking. I want to use my platform to offer services that can help in any way possible. Additionally, I’m deeply committed to pet-related causes and have recently partnered with local animal organizations to offer complimentary services and discounts for rescue animals. Being able to support these incredible organizations in my community brings me so much joy.
Beyond my business, my greatest inspiration is my family. I want to show my two daughters that they can carve their own paths and pursue careers they truly love. My youngest daughter even works alongside me, and watching her learn and grow within the business has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. I hope to set an example for them, and for other women, that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Change can be scary, but when you find something you’re passionate about, it can certainly be worth the leap. I encourage women from all backgrounds and careers to follow their dreams and seek out opportunities that align with their values. Passion, dedication, and the right support system has the potential to turn any dream into a thriving business. If I can do it, so can you!
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