Meet the GM – Wicker Park
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Nick, the dynamic and dedicated manager of our Wicker Park location. Nick’s journey to Pups Pet Club is an inspiring one, marked by a deep passion for animals and a diverse background. Nick brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine love for animals to our team. He is committed to providing the best possible care for our furry clients and fostering a welcoming, supportive environment for both pets and their parents. Read below to see what Nick had to say!
- Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to Pups Pet Club?
I am a Marine Corps veteran who attended college using the GI bill. I was fortunate enough to complete my masters degree in accounting and I then gave the corporate world a try. Unfortunately I quickly found myself unhappy after years of accounting work and decided to make a drastic shift from accounting to animal welfare.
- What previous industries or roles have you worked in before joining Pups Pet Club?
I have been working full time jobs since I was 15. My first job was working at a movie theater, which was followed by me joining the Marine Corps where I served as a helicopter mechanic. After the corps I attended college and also worked as a manager at Walmart during the pandemic, quite the eye opening experience. My most recent roles before PUPS was an accountant for one of the firms that owns skyscrapers on Wacker Drive.
- How do your previous experiences contribute to your role here?
I like to think each of my previous experiences help in different and unique ways. The Marine Corps taught me discipline, Walmart taught me to be open minded and creative with solutions, and my accounting jobs gave me great attention to detail.
- What do you enjoy most about being a General Manager at Pups Pet Club?
I enjoy opening the store and seeing our first few dogs come in for the day. The dogs I work with all bring their own unique personalities and energy to the store and it’s hard to be unhappy when you see their wagging tails arrive.
- Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had with a pet or pet parent at the club?
When I was within my first month at Pups Pet Club we had a trial day who was a 6 month old pup with zero daycare or dog park experience. The dog was struggling to build their confidence and showed immense anxiety, getting them through the door was a challenge. I considered this dog my “project dog” and made it my mission every day to do 1 on 1 time, positive reinforcement, and extended relief walks. It was by week two that this dog had made a complete 180 and even the pet parent remarked that “He now knows when its time to go to daycare and jumps into the door, excited to arrive, he loves it here now”.
- What does excellent care mean to you, and how do you ensure it’s provided at your club?
Excellent care means a pet parent truly trusts us with the welfare of their pet. We like to think of ourselves as the “Aunt” or “Uncle” of the pet parent, a family member that they can reliably drop their dog off for the day and know their animal will be loved and cared for like they are family.
- What do you love most about working with dogs and their owners?
I love that all of our dogs have wildly unique personalities, temperaments, and quirks. Whether it’s the youngest pup with the energy of a velociraptor or the oldest pup in the room who enjoys being a spectator to all of the day’s excitement I firmly believe each dog can thrive at our daycare.
- Anything else you would like to know?
If you are ever interested in helping out animals in your community I highly recommend the Anti-Cruelty Society in River North. I have worked directly with them for volunteer work, and have even coordinated large corporate events with them. They love working with like minded animal lovers and have a wonderful staff.
Learn more about our Wicker Park Club here.
