Meet Victor Collins | Business Owner

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

Hi Victor, how do you think about risk?
When I think of risk, I think about how attached or detached I can be with things. And honestly, the practice of being detached has helped me explore more and take more risk in life because I don’t think about what I can lose or come from a scarcity mindset. As a result, I feel comfortable with adventure, with meeting new people and going new places.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is a doggy daycare, boarding and pet spa facility located in Atlanta – Smyrna. I purchased my business after experiencing challenges with leaving my dog alone when I needed to travel or have long days at work. I got to the point where I would drive my dog all the way back to North Carolina when I had to travel because I felt secure knowing my family could care for him like I would. My business is a franchise and what is unique about us is that we first do not breed discriminate against any dog. We believe all dogs can be in social environments and with the proper dog management and specialized play groups dog daycare is very healthy for the dogs and for the pet parents. I am most proud to have been awarded this franchise because its taken a lot of sacrifice and money earn over the years to start but also to have a territory in the community I live means a lot. Personally, I believe in the power of hyper local economies. I believe in small business, I believe in community. I am also fortunate to have found a franchisor who’s beliefs align with my own interns of values.

I got to where I am today with the help of my family, friends and supporters. I have a ton of people who believe in me and I would not be where I am if it were not for my community of supporters. Teachers – all levels, professionals, high school friends, college friends, church friends. I am a culmination of the people I have crossed in life and their influence on me.

Business is never easy – it’s hard financially, it’s hard mentally, it’s a huge commitment of time and in my opinion you have to put great energy into your brand. I am always working toward offering an authentic, organic product that people need and believe in. It’s also hard training people for leadership with you vision.

The best way I have overcome my challenges has been learning through trial and error. Also taking initiative to continue to learn about leadership and organizational behavior. Having a lot humility goes a long way. I’ve also learned that you can be patient with expectation and you can have accountability with love. I’ve learned that you should never devalue your service and you have to teach your clients your value – some times people never see what goes into making sure you create the experience beyond their expectations and what sacrifices come with greatness.

I want the world to know that for me business is a platform to empower our communities. And building a strong business is never about building me solely but in building stronger communities. Positively impacting communities is more important to me before profitability. And my brand is one that teaches integrity and principles first and profitability 2nd. My brand its educating staff and clients. And my story is you don’t always have to go to the ivy leagues to be great. Just have a dream, a team and some fortitude.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When visiting Atlanta its always cool to go to a Falcons, Hawks, United or Braves game depending on the time of year. My favorite place to go for entertainment is The Battery because you can find restaurants, bars and entertainment all 4 seasons of the year and if you are lucky you can see fireworks at night. Of course, visiting the Coke Museum is pretty cool and we’d definitely have to do the Porche experience. A few of my favorite restaurants are Barcelona wine bar, I love Columbia food so there is place called La Abuela’s which is awesome! I also like coffee so there is a cool place called Hansel and Gretel which is a place I frequent just to have a down moment or to do some work. I would also take a friend. If its warm we can shoot the Hooch on the Chattahoochee River.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shout out my father because he has always encouraged me to be an entrepreneur. And at every step of the way has been there to help me build all of my businesses. My dad has dropped everything on multiple occasions even his own things to help me with my things and has traveled far across manystates whenever I have needed him to help me with my endeavors. So thank you dad!

Website: https://houndstownusa.com/locations/atlanta-smyrna/

Instagram: houndstownatlantasmyrna

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houndstownatlsmyrna