We had the good fortune of connecting with Anne Blanton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anne, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
I was very blessed to have worked at Sam’s Club in the very beginning, so I was mentored by many great business leaders to include Sam Walton himself. I was selected to attend their first marketing associates leadership school in Bentonville, AK and that allowed us to share valuable feedback with corporate that improved policies. So many of Sam Walton’s philosophies and quotes stay with me today, over 3 decades later! It helps me focus on providing excellent customer service as well as sound business practices.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In my industry, most agencies use contractors (1099 staff). While that allows for overall savings in overhead and a larger , part time staff, I felt that it was much better to hire a more professional staff. This allows us to have a better quality staff and also better protection for the clients we serve. I offer a flexible schedule and a 401K, as well as the most competitive pay I can afford. As a result I have a highly educated staff with a low turnover, which is unusual not only in this industry, but also in the US in general. I only wish I had started from day one with employees vs staff!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first spot would be a trip to the trail at Murphy Candler Park or the trail in Ashford Forest! I love nature, and hikes, and these two parks are a little bit of forest in a large metro area! It’s great for most people and ages, short, not difficult, and you may see a deer or a fox, etc! I would then follow up with lunch at my favorite local Mexican restaurant, Los Bravos, on Johnson Ferry. Next would be a trip to Stone Mountain to enjoy all the features there as well as a hike up the mountain! That would be followed up with a trip to the Village Corner Restaurant, Tavern, and Bakery for German food!
Of course many people would want to explore Lenox Square and Phipps and I’m always up for a trip to Johnny Rocket’s!
For a more formal dining experience I would take someone to Arnett’s Chop Shop or Haven, and for a relaxed evening or lunch
Grindhouse Killer Burgers, all of which are in my home city of Brookhaven!
Speaking of food….my all time favorite feature is Buford Highway and all of the many different restaurants along that corridor! I love having a “taste of the world” in my own backyard! I also love visiting some of the grocery stores both big and small!
Finally, I absolute love Plaza Fiesta! It is an amazing experience very much like being in a Latin country and with all the different booths and stores you can find virtually anything! There are also some excellent restaurants and bakeries there!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First off, I need to recognize my friend and colleague, Shannon Centola, for her leadership and for recruiting me into the pet sitting industry! Shannon has built up Atlanta’s largest and most prestigious pet sitting agencies. Secondly, and not less importantly, my family has endured some of the sacrifices made during holidays and long hours while I worked hard to build my business. My family has also helped with the success of the agency as employees and supporting our mission of providing the best care possible!

Website: www.brookhavenbarks.com

Instagram: brookhaven_barks

Facebook: Brookhaven Barks

Image Credits
Dante Gamboa

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