A new year is an opportunity to start fresh. A chance to reevaluate where you’ve been and plan for new goals and directions.

For Floofins & Co. founder, Kristin Skelton, 2020 is not just any year. On April 1st, her suburban dog walking company will celebrate 10 years in business. In addition to that milestone, Floofins & Co. was selected as the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2020 Business of the Year!

If you think about the times you most need pet care service you can understand the challenges that come from high volume work during holidays and prime vacation periods. Further, everyone has a story about a time something went wrong when they left their pet to the care of someone else. Which means staffing choices are paramount to success.

So, as Kristin approaches two big milestones in 2020, we checked in to find out what was on her agenda for 2020.

What was your reaction to being named the 2020 NAPPS Business of the Year?

“I am so proud of our team! We are ecstatic to be named the 2020 NAPPS Business of the Year.”

You’re balancing a lot of things at the moment. What do you think will be the biggest challenge in 2020?

“Unlike the “Uber” of pet care app format companies, I believe nothing good will come from quick hiring and expansion. We are looking at how the hiring process is changing due to technology and the Millennial generation’s different work and communication style.

Providing stellar care for our clients is first and foremost, and that is facilitated by nurturing and supporting our staff members. The hiring process at Floofins is deliberately comprehensive in order to select “diamonds” in the pet care staff industry. Once hired, staff attend quarterly meetings; take an eight course online series called Floofin U that covers standard operation procedures and care for dogs, cats, birds, chickens, rabbits, reptiles and fish; and certification in pet first aid/CPR.

Staff are rewarded with “I survived the holidays” parties, summer barbeques and other incentives. All full-time employees are offered health care and paid time off. Plans are in the works to add a company sponsored 401K or SEP plan. Keeping up with these changes, as well as all of the legal changes coming down the pipe, will be a challenge to navigate in order to remain compliant and competitive.”

Do you have any specific goals for 2020?

“We consider ourselves a boutique pet care service – personal and local, but with all the bells and whistles of the big tech companies. Our goal is to be a leader in the use of technology while simultaneously maintaining the high level of personal touch that clients and employees have come to expect.”

Read the full article in Professional Pet Sitter here.