Meet Dwanson Clark: Dog Expert

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

Hi Dwanson, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
My end goal is simple – I want to be a resource for my community. My entrepreneurial journey, from day one, has always been about more than making money. I am blessed to be able to do what I do with such ease, the money will continue to come. By the end of my professional career, I want my company to be the number one reference in pet care.

What should our readers know about your business?
Direct Affect Bully Kennel is the premier dog company. We are not your common, ordinary “dog breeders.” Yes, we have produced some of the most well-rounded puppies that posses the look, are structurally sound, extremely healthy and intelligent, with a temperament to die for within the state of NC. However, that is just a small facet of who we are. Like the Bully Breed, the stigma of our youth, has a negative undertone. We are here to change ALL OF THAT!!

Here at Direct Affect Bully Kennel, we know what facing adversity feels like, but “what’s the world without enigma?” We take our knowledge, talent, skills and abilities with courage, effective communication, and discipline to teach our dogs and at-risk youth in our area how to behave and move in a society that already thinks the worst of us.

At this moment, I am most proud of the awareness, support and referrals that we have been getting. I remember coming home from active duty in 2016 (Proud US Navy veteran) and thinking “what am I going to do with my life now?” I was “set up” for success with all of this military experience, a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, working on completing a Master’s Degree….so I thought – just to find out that I wasn’t as marketable as I thought I was…based on the tangible things I had. I was really low, depressed, ready to just quit and end it all. I would pray and try to stay positive in front of people but it felt like nothing was working. Then one day, I heard this soft, sweet whisper and it basically told me to use my dogs to help make a change in the world. After that, I went head on observing and learning dog behavior. I ended up getting a job as an Admissions Counselor at my alma mater, North Carolina Central University, where I encountered so many youth, from different backgrounds who felt like I was just the easiest person in the world to talk to and be open with. At that moment, I knew I was on the right path. Ironically, I eventually ended up getting fired from that position. A few weeks before I was fired, that same soft, sweet voice whispered to me “expand your territory.” After being fired, no real income, feeling down on my luck AGAIN, I hear that same voice whisper “I opened up time for you to work in your purpose.” I took that, and ran with it, and haven’t looked back since.

This journey has not been easy by far. I overcame the challenges by praying, staying humble, and always pushing through setbacks. I’ve learned over the years that in business, there are no failures, just ways that didn’t work. I’ve also learned: as a business owner, you definitely work for everyone else; it’s imperative that you rest (your brain and body); it’s ok to take criticism from others (there is usually something that you could’ve done differently); everybody is not going to like your brand/product and that’s ok; IT’S JUST BUSINESS, stop taking it personal; write down things and make plans; “You gotta pay to play;” stay true to your WHY……when times get hard and you want to quit (because those times will come and they hit HARD), your WHY will keep you moving forward! Love what you do….the minute you stop loving it, it’s time to switch it up.

The world needs Direction and Changing and Direct Affect Bully Kennel is being the change we want to see! Teach our youth, protect our future.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Faith Community Church in the morning, Cloud’s Brewery for brunch in the afternoon – Sunday Ponysaurus for drinks – Monday
Nuvo Taco – Tuesday
Heavenly Buffaloes & Smoking Bull (Cigar Bar), Skewers (open mic night) – Wednesday
North Hills area – Thursday
Ride over to Cary Towne Centre and hit Cinnebowl – Friday
It’s a Southern Thing, Briar Creek area and Crabtree Valley Mall – Saturday Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve always wanted to say this in my BET Award acceptance speech (LOL):

First of all, I give all thanks, praise, glory and honor to GOD, my Father, for the passion and desire to work with animals. Secondly, I have to thank my wife Candace, for her unwavering tough love, support, and encouragement…without her being in my corner, I don’t think any of this would have been possible. I’d also like to thank Benjamin Bessant for introducing me to the world of dogs and being an outstanding mentor. To all of my family, friends, clients, customers, supporters and future supporters, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!!

Website: www.dabkennel.com

Instagram: @DABKENNEL

Linkedin: Dwanson Clark

Twitter: @DABKennel

Facebook: @DirectAffectBullyKennel

Youtube: Direct Affect