Exploring Life & Business with Alli McDonough of Fido & Stitch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alli McDonough

Hi Alli, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Fido & Stitch out of my desire to be my own boss, the need for specialty pet retail & grooming in Greater Grand Rapids, and of course my love for dogs! I started Fido & Stitch at our downtown location in 2015 and now have two locations, serving downtown Grand Rapids and downtown Rockford. I started being the only employee, working every day all day, to employing family members part-time, and now have a team of 19 amazing people including both front desk employees & some of the best groomer in West Michigan! We have come to focus on being a premium salon in the area, offering all-inclusive services, and focusing on an stress-free environment and rehabilitating dogs who have come to fear grooming. One of our managers is a certified fear-free groomer, and our staff uses a variety of positive reinforcement techniques to help dogs have a positive grooming experience. I love focusing on community, and supporting the community I am in through events, sponsorships and through the local chamber of commerce.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all! Especially with COVID smack dab in the middle of my 10 years of being in business. I have navigated a lot of hard times, as well as a lot of positive opportunity, all of which brought me to where I am today. I have realized the difficulties that come with being a business owner, and sometimes the isolation that comes along with it. I am in awe of other business owners daily, with everything we have to go through and things we have to navigate.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a specialty pet supplies store and all-inclusive grooming salon, with locations downtown Grand Rapids and downtown Rockford. We offer specialty pet products, including our popular Bone Bar, a variety of premium bulk treats, quality walking gear and birthday products to help celebrate your pup’s milestones! I am so proud to have built a quality brand that people can be proud to work for, especially groomers. Groomers provide a much needed, and often under-appreciated service, that is very much needed in every community! We provide a transparent environment, where clients can see the hard work my groomers put in day in and day out. Where clients can see that we use positive reinforcement and a welcoming environment to try and make groomer visits as pleasant as possible for dogs! Grooming is frequently a fearful event for pups, and we don’t want it to be that way, and help work with clients to make it a great experience for both them and their pup. We also don’t “nickel & dime” people into purchasing add-ons, and unnecessary things with their groom; we provide everything to make their dog look and feel their best. This includes using premium shampoo, where my groomers are trained in using shampoo and conditioner that is ideal for that dog’s coat & skin. Every dog is different and we treat them as such. We also have options for cooperative care, where my groomers spend extra time to train dogs in positive behavior while grooming, where dogs may have had a negative experience in the past, my groomers help to undo that. I couldn’t be where I am today without my awesome team, and my past employees who have since left for other endeavors!

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
As a business owner, you are consistently learning and changing. There are so many factors that are changing on a regular basis, that we have to think of new innovative ways to do things frequently. What may have worked a year ago, no longer works. You also were many hats as a business owner, which is fun at times, but also not very fun at the same time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fidoandstitch.com
• Instagram: @fidostitch @fidostitchrockford
• Facebook: Fido & Stitch Grand Rapids, Fido & Stitch Rockford