Today we’d like to introduce you to Melinda Meche.
Melinda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born in Beaumont and studied at Lamar University. I earned my associate degree in Engineering 1983 and was so excited to start my new work venture. In 2009, the construction market came to a halt in the Fort Worth area and that was my sign that I needed to change careers and start something I loved and was passionate about. So, in 2009, I started a small dog walking and pet sitting business. I quickly realized that there was so much more to dogs and that I wanted to learn more about their behaviors. In 2010, I went to a dog training school, near Austin. When I returned home, I started doing some in-home training and also worked for a training center nearby. It didn’t take me long to realize that I loved this business, working with people and dogs every day is a dream job.
I decided to open Lucky Dog Training in 2013. I found a quaint spot on the border of Keller and Fort Worth that was perfect for starting my new venture. I started out on my own, doing everything by myself… it was a lot of work. However, I was raised by my hard working single mom and she taught me that great things take time and they never come easy. Within a couple of years, I was overwhelmed with how fast my clientele had grown. It was time to hire another trainer and let go of some of the other duties that were taking my time. I wanted to focus on a new and bigger place for us to grow in to. After a few fails at tying up another lease in a larger location, I saw that a furniture store just around the corner from our current location was closing down. I quickly reached out to the owner and struck a deal that would get us into that building. The next 6 months of my life were definitely the defining moments of my business. And I am sure that ALL business owners go thru this at some point… I had many restless nights and spent a lot of days crying, wondering if I could really pull this off. My life consisted of 14 hour work days, 7 days a week, work, work and more work. I did everything from getting permits, to doing the construction, all while I was still running the business and training clients. There were many days and nights when I didn’t think I would see the finish line. But, I was surrounded by friends and family that help me keep the faith!
In April of 2017, we made the move into our new location. At this time, I only had one of the rooms ready for us to start training. I continued for the next 9 months to prepare and re-do the other portions of the 12,000 sq ft building. In November, I opened another 8000 sq. ft. for our amazing agility training room. And in December, I opened the 1500 sq. ft. retail store. I am currently waiting for one more space in the building to be vacated. At that time we will add another training room, totaling 15,000 sq. ft.
I never imagined this place would be mine. I’m in awe each time I walk thru the door. I would also like to add that I didn’t do it alone, my clients, friends, and family volunteered their time to help me make Lucky Dog what it is today and I am forever thankful to each of them!
My personal quote: Life is an adventure and you are the steering wheel. You have a gas and brake pedal, use them wisely!
Way back in 2013, I struck out on her own to open “Lucky Dog Training,” a positive reinforcement-based training facility that focused on the human side of dog training. The first year was a lot of hard work and a lot of learning, but it paid off! The Lucky Dog family continued to grow as Dresden joined in the spring of 2015, and we eventually outgrew the small building we occupied. In April of 2017, we moved to our new location and rebranded to “Lucky Dog Training Center.” In this new facility, we have space to grow and hold more classes, workshops, seminars, and more! Katie and Lauren have joined since and we’re so excited to have such a great team.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Dealing with construction companies, timelines and finding honest people that do good work. Working with the city for permits is very time consuming and can also be a struggle at times.
The hardest part of my business is finding great employees. This is always a challenge and I feel blessed with the employees I have today.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Lucky Dog Training Center story. Tell us more about the business.
We provide dog training to dogs and their owners to help provide a better life for both of them. We teach group classes starting at puppy age thru advanced, tricks and other fun things but our main specialty is Agility, Rally, and other sports. We also have a retail store that provides our clients with training products, dog food, and products to help enrich their dog’s life.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Well, of course, there is always luck but I truly believe that faith has the final outcome.
Pricing:
- Group Classes – $120-$200
- Private Lessons – $45 – $500
- In-home training $165 – $500
Contact Info:
- Address: Lucky Dog Training Center
5824 Kroger Dr.
Keller, Texas 76244 - Website: www.luckydogkeller.com
- Phone: 817-741-dogs (3647)
- Email: info@luckydogtrainingcenter.com
- Instagram: https://www.twitter.com/luckydogtraining
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luckydogtraining
Image Credit:
Katie Romig
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