Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Coffey.
Hi Kristin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
If you had asked me in high school what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have told you that I planned to own my own printing company. During my junior year, I attended the Jackson Area Career Center for their Visual Communications program, initially intending to become an Interior Designer. However, I developed a strong passion for the printing industry. After graduating, I enrolled at Ferris State University (Go Dawgs!) to study Graphic Media Management, earning my Bachelor of Science degree in 2016. Between 2011 and 2016, I gained hands-on experience working with industrial printers and learning how to prepare artwork and files for print, which I truly enjoyed—and still do.
At age 23, I found myself experiencing burnout, though I didn’t know what that was at the time—I just knew I disliked going to work. I particularly enjoyed the customer service aspect, working with clients to bring their ideas to life on paper, but I felt I needed something different. I transitioned from a full-time customer service role to part-time and began working at a small pet store called PetPeople (in Ann Arbor MI), right as COVID-19 hit. During the lockdown, the printing company I previously worked for was able to remain open by printing learning materials, and I was laid off from PetPeople with the option to return once restrictions eased. In 2021, when the world reopened, I returned to full-time work at PetPeople as an Assistant Manager and leaving the printing company completely. Which turned out to be one of my best decisions.
While seeking a new direction, I realized my passion for animals was strong. I love animals and even considered returning to school to become a veterinary technician or pursue a career in veterinary medicine. However, working at PetPeople provided exactly what I needed. When Hollywood Feed acquired PetPeople, I chose to stay on staff. I appreciated that my personal goals aligned with the company’s mission and that as an employee, I would receive additional training and development opportunities to better serve our customers.
Shortly thereafter, I was promoted to Store Manager, a role that allowed me to grow significantly. I’ve learned a great deal, built meaningful relationships with customers and community partners, and collaborated with various shelters and rescues—something I didn’t initially expect to do. Additionally, I continue to use skills from my degree; I’ve realized how much design work goes into making products look appealing on the shelves. Reflecting on my journey, I see that ten years ago, I envisioned a very different path. The truth is, life has a way of guiding us exactly where we’re meant to be. It may take some people longer to arrive there, but ultimately, we all reach the destination we’re meant for.
Animals are truly remarkable creatures, and I believe we, as humans, have a responsibility to care for them. Every day, I have the opportunity to assist pet owners in enhancing the well-being of their animals. This is made possible through the knowledge gained from over 40 hours of industry-leading training and continuing education each year, as well as the collaboration with numerous community and rescue partners. I am grateful for all the individuals I have had the chance to learn from.
In addition, I recently began fostering dogs with one of our partner rescue organizations. Our store has hosted approximately 20 adoption events over the past year and a half, and we have participated in many community events to support our partners and help them continue their valuable work. We aimed to hold at least one adoption event each month. Over the last five months, we have aligned with three different rescues, successfully bringing all of them into our events. My new goal is to host two of rescues every month and the other every other month, with the aim of reaching around 20 additional adoptions events by the end of the year. We have several other events planned from now until the end of the year as well.
Supporting animals and their well-being has brought immense joy into my life. I am grateful for the career change that allowed me to pursue this passion. I also have two dogs of my own who enjoy the fact that I work at a pet store—so much so that I often spend part of my paycheck on them. They are truly my babies, and I would do anything for them. As I continue to foster more dogs, I look forward to the positive impact I can have and the many animals I hope to find loving homes for.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Is it ever an easy journey? We all face our own challenges and obstacles. Growing up, I moved frequently, which meant adapting to new schools and educational systems. It wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school that my English teacher recognized signs of dyslexia. By then, I had developed some workarounds, but I continued to struggle daily. In addition to these difficulties, I was also experiencing mental health issues prior to COVID-19. Attending therapy was instrumental in prompting me to consider a career change. My therapist helped me realize that I am not a failure simply because I am not working in the field related to my degree. Instead, I am successful—one of the few in my family to earn a college degree—and I can apply my education in many different ways. As I mentioned earlier, I use my degree every day. I completed a minor in management because I initially envisioned owning my own business and needed to learn how to manage employees. I also leverage my creative skills when designing flyers for events, reorganizing shelves for new items, and more. Once I accepted that I wouldn’t be working in the printing industry, I was able to recognize the growth opportunities available to me. I started as a part-time key holder and was promoted to assistant store manager and then to store manager. This progression has allowed me to build relationships with customers and the community that I otherwise wouldn’t have had. Most importantly, I get to help animals every day, which is the primary reason I love my job. It’s always about the animals for me—thinking about how I can better support them. When I focus on that perspective, my personal struggles become less significant because there’s always an animal out there that needs my help.
In high school and college, I was a cheerleader, and part of what I learned was to leave my problems at the edge of the mat. When I come to work, I leave my problems at the door and, usually, I don’t take them home with me. Often, something at work—a positive interaction or a cute dog walking in—helps put things into perspective and makes my worries fade away.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hollywood Feed?
With more than 175 locations across 19 states, Hollywood Feed provides an assortment of American-made pet foods, regionally sourced treats, and other pet products that all meet Hollywood Feed’s high standards for use and consumption by its customers’ beloved pets. We are proud to partner with hundreds of pet rescue organizations across the country, sponsor dog parks in various communities we serve, and donate more than 100,000 pounds of pet food to area shelters and rescues annually.
We have more than 1,400 Feed Team members in its ‘pack’ of employees and is both a retailer and an employer of choice. In fact, Hollywood Feed has regularly been featured by Top Workplaces and Best Places to Work; was named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers for 2022 (ranking #1 in the pet care category); and was named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Customer Service for 2024.
In addition to natural and holistic pet food and treat offerings, we proudly feature our own line of Georgia Smoked, Hollywood Feed Select Treats and Mississippi Made items including pet beds, collars, leashes, and more. Hollywood Feed locations are open 7 days a week all year, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
Hollywood Feed proudly stands by our brand promise: If your pet doesn’t love it or if you don’t love it, we will gladly replace or refund it. You can learn more about us at hollywoodfeed.com and facebook.com/hwfeed.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Oh boy, that is tough. Growing up in the late 1990s and early 2000s, I experienced many memorable moments, largely because we spent a lot of time outdoors. If I had to choose a particular memory, it would probably involve my grandfather, John. He passed away in 2001, but he was an incredible person. He loved all of his grandchildren, and I like to think I was his favorite, and he shared a special bond with dogs, just as I do. He bred Pit Bulls and American Bulldogs, and I often helped him care for the dogs. Whenever a mama dog had puppies, I was usually right there, spending time with them. These experiences likely sparked my lifelong love for animals.
Additionally, my aunt and uncle had many animals while I was growing up, including bunnies, ducks, chickens, and at one point, a goat. I vividly remember an incident when the baby chicks and ducklings got loose, and we had to catch them — it was both chaotic and hilarious. Another memorable moment was bringing home our family Labrador, Bear, during my senior year of high school. He was a wonderful dog. Overall, there are many fond memories, most of which involved animals in some capacity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Hollywoodfeed.com
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/hwfeed
