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Super Scooper deals with rover’s leftovers
When Joel Roberts tells friends and family that his business is picking up, he means it. The Newbury Park resident scoops poop for a living and three years ago started The Super Scooper, a dog waste disposal service. Roberts got the idea after hearing his friends complain about cleaning up after their dogs. Though most people would wrinkle their noses at the very idea, Roberts doesn’t mind rolling up his sleeves and doo-ing the dirty work. "That’s what I’m banking on," he said. "I’m hoping more people feel that way." At first, Roberts didn’t know how to start a business of this sort. But he researched similar businesses on the Internet and contacted the city of Thousand Oaks to learn about disposal regulations. Then, he had business cards printed and gave them to area pet stores and veterinarian clinics. To further promote his company, Roberts put a sign to the side of his truck and ran ads in local papers. During his first year, Roberts worked another part-time job to make ends meet. But business improved during his second year, and it went full time. Now, after three years, Roberts has 47 clients throughout Ventura County and in Calabasas. He charges clients based on how many dogs they have and how often he visits them. The average customer with two dogs pays about $40 a month for a once-a-week visit; $60 for semiweekly visits. Roberts also performs additional services, such as washing concrete dog runs and cleaning cat litter pans. "Where there’s a need, there’s a service," said the 30-year-old entrepreneur. Before scooping waste, Roberts worked in a number of customer service jobs. The avid animal lover, however, grew tired of working for other people, and decided to strike out on his own. While the dog waste disposal business isn’t a prolific industry, a recent Internet search revealed a smattering of businesses across the country. Their names can be interesting: Doggy Doody Duty, Pawfessional Pet Handlers and Rovers Leftovers are a few examples. And the industry has its own trade association, known as aPaws. According to the aPaws website, dog waste is more than just a nuisance. It’s a health hazard that carries bacteria and parasites, such as roundworm, which is harmful to humans, especially pregnant women. When improperly disposed of, dog waste also contributes to water pollution. Roberts said he wants to expand Super Scooper into a full-service animal care business that includes dog walking and pet food delivery. He also plans to marry his fiancée, Diane Nowoczien, next year. They have a 13-month-old son, four cats and no dogs. For more information, contact Roberts at (805) 390-4341. |
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