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by MoeGo on Nov 22, 2024 1:28:44 PM
The Barker House, located in Plympton, Massachusetts, is not your typical daycare and boarding facility – and neither is its founder, Amber Bartlett. With a Doctor of Psychology and 14 years of corporate experience, Amber set out to solve a problem she faced herself: finding a facility she could trust to care for her pets like family.
In September 2020, Amber opened The Barker House with a vision to provide a premium experience for pets — one that felt as warm, reassuring, and caring as a family home. In less than a year, The Barker House was operating at full capacity, and within 18 months, its revenue had grown by 300%.
Alongside running The Barker House, she launched StrengthPoint Consulting, a business dedicated to helping other entrepreneurs – many in the pet care industry – apply the psychology of communication to better manage their teams.
About Amber
With a Doctor of Psychology and 14 years of corporate experience, Amber blends her expertise and passion for pets through her boutique boarding & daycare facility The Barker House, and her consulting business StrengthPoint Consulting.
Achievements
The Barker House: Nothing More Valuable than Peace of Mind
Amber reimagined what a dog boarding facility could be when she founded The Barker House. She didn’t want to create just another dog boarding facility or simply make her career switch worthwhile.
Therefore, instead of creating a standard space focused solely on functionality, her vision for The Barker House is to create a space where every detail – from spacious luxury suites to turn-down service – was designed to deliver a premium, worry-free experience for both pets and their owners.
At The Barker House, dogs enjoy a personalized, high-end experience that feels more like a boutique hotel than a traditional kennel. Spacious luxury suites are complemented by thoughtful touches like: bedtime stories, calming music, special treats, soft nightlights, and even fresh eggs from the farm for breakfast.
Here is what pet parents have said about Amber and The Barker House:
- "I have never met anyone who truly loves dogs as much as Amber"
- "If I were a dog, I would beg to have Amber as my mom"
- "I have never met dogs as spoiled as Amber's!"
- "Amber doesn't just love dogs; she understands them."
StrengthPoint Consulting: Bridging the Gap Between Pets, People, and Communication
At StrengthPoint Consulting, Amber's work addresses a crucial yet often overlooked truth about the pet care industry: it’s not just about pets – it’s about people who are paying the bills. Many pet care business owners started their businesses because they love pets, but are not necessarily big fans of human interaction. However, as Amber likes to say, “There’s always someone on the other side of the leash.”
Amber offers workshops, personalized coaching, and a signature three-month program with live monthly sessions. Her focus is on helping business owners master two key areas of communication:
Client Communication
Pet parents want to feel confident that their furry family members are in good hands. Amber helps business owners:
- Build strong, trust-based relationships with clients.
- Navigate tough conversations, such as pricing changes or service issues.
- Deliver an exceptional customer experience that leaves clients feeling cared for and understood.
Employee Communication
Managing a team in a fast-paced, emotionally charged environment like pet care can be challenging. Amber teaches business owners how to:
- Build trust and foster teamwork among employees.
- Approach difficult conversations as opportunities.
- Be a leader, not a boss.
- Master the art of feedback.
- Establish boundaries.
Amber’s approach recognizes that for pet care businesses to thrive, owners must excel in both employee and client interactions. “You can’t run a successful pet care business without managing the people side of things,” she explains. “Your team is your foundation, and your clients are your lifeline. Effective communication is what brings it all together.”
Through Amber’s consulting service, she’s on a mission to empower more entrepreneurs to succeed in the pet care industry. By bridging the gap between pets and the humans who care for them, she’s setting a new standard for what the industry can achieve.
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