Tina's Corner The question of the month: Why pet sitting?  :) As many of you know, I have always been an entrepreneur.  As a child I remember being asked the obvious question: "what do you want to be when you grow up?".  Ever since I was a child, I knew that I wanted to own my own business.  I did not have entrepreneurs in my family so I have never been able to pinpoint where I first got the self-employment spark. While attending Arroyo Grande High School I started a business making chocolate candy and sold them at several local stores and restaurants: I was only 14 years old yet I was making $90 per week (this seemed like millions as a teenager)!   My first business after high school was Tina's Ark Pet Sitting based in Arroyo Grande.  I provided pet sitting services for six years all over SLO County.  I would service up to 15 clients per day on major holidays and grew my company to employ 13 staff members in two different counties.  By the time I sold by business we were providing services to over 450 local families. As a mother, I founded SLO County Sitters, Inc. out of my own needs and desires for high quality childcare services.  Our company growth has exceeded my expectations in one short year.  We have an amazing (truly AMAZING) staff in place and the infrastructure to support our newest division: pet sitting!  The addition of our pet sitting division is a natural fit for my company and one that I am very excited about.  There local residents like myself, who have children and there are others who have furry children.  Our goal is the same for both: exceptional service which is custom tailored and delivered right to your front door.  The pet sitting business will have the same name but will be kept as a completely separate division.  We are actively interviewing and contracting with pet professionals around the county.  We have Ag Science students, Veterinary Technicians, professional pet sitters and even a local woman who trained under Cesar Millan!  We will be adhering to our motto of, "when only the best will do: SLO County Sitters, Inc". My goal is to personally be available to answer any questions or comments.  My direct cell phone number is (805) 365-5028 and my email address is tina@slocountysitters.com Thank you to everyone who has assisted in making my first year such a success.  I am thankful everyday for the blessings in my life and this adventure has been surreal.  Happy Holidays!    Hug your children and your pets!  -Tina Porter    ...read more