Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Raimo. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Remember that movie Field of Dreams? The one where that voice keeps saying, “If you build it, they will come…”
Well, that’s sort of what founders Chris and Meg Raimo felt was happening to them shortly before they conceived the idea for the Happy Cat Hotel & Spa. The couple had owned and operated their original business venture, Home Sweet Home Pet Care, a house-call animal care service that provided dog walking pet sitting when they heard that voice whisper to them.
At that time, it was widely accepted that it was better to leave your pets home than to put them in a kennel – especially cats. When it came to visiting those same cats, however, Chris, Meg, and their team began to notice that their feline friends were not doing so well. Cats that were typically withdrawn or aloof began pining for affection while others would regress and develop a stir-crazy mentality that would bring about fits of destruction, urinating, and hunger strikes.
Entrepreneurs that they are, Chris and Meg, started asking questions. What does it matter that a cat is home in its normal environment if its home is barren of contact and socialization? What does the place matter to a truly social creature?
From there, the founders started answering the questions and developing a solution. What if the cat didn’t stay home but went instead to a place that provided enrichment all day long? Would they adapt? Behavioral research shows they will. Give them places to climb, hide, run, and rest; offer them physical touch and affection as well as interactive replications of play and hunting, and they will not only adapt but THRIVE. In other words, create a place just for cats.
Not a cattery, not a kennel, but a feline oasis – the most luxurious and enriching hotel for cats ever created. Add a cat spa, retail supply, and gift shop, and you have The Happy Cat Hotel & Spa.
The voice was right!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’d say deciding to launch our franchise during Covid. We had worked for two years getting ready to franchise, and just as we were about to do it, Covid hit. I pushed it off for a couple months, but in May 2020, we launched. It seemed crazy, but I knew there was a path through the trees. I didn’t expect much since there was virtually no business at the time, but we maneuvered through with creativity, generated revenue, and remained forthright and transparent in everything that was happening with our operation. We signed our first franchisee at the end of the year. They just broke a single-year record for profit.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Happy Cat Hotel & Spa. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
The Happy Cat Hotel & Spa is a one-of-a-kind establishment dedicated to providing unparalleled care and happiness for cats and their owners. We specialize in top-tier boarding and grooming services tailored exclusively for cats, creating a safe, comfortable, and stress-free haven for feline guests while their owners are away. What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to feline happiness. We believe that happy cats make for happy owners and, ultimately, happier homes. This philosophy drives our approach to every aspect of our business, from spacious and individually themed rooms to webcams and daily updates that allow owners to check in on their beloved pets. Our dedication to enrichment, personalized care, and ensuring a secure environment for every cat makes us a leader in the industry. We’re most proud of the trust and loyalty we’ve earned from cat lovers across the country. Additionally, with the growing need for Happy Cat locations, we are excited to offer franchising opportunities for entrepreneurs who share our passion for feline well-being. We invite readers to experience the Happy Cat difference for themselves and join us in creating a world where every cat is a happy cat.
What were you like growing up?
Introverted but not antisocial. Enjoyed sports (hockey, baseball, basketball) 7/10 athleticism. I was never the best, but was always caught people off guard as to how good I was. I was quiet, so they called me the silent assassin. Laid back. No drama. I let everyone else flex. I didn’t have interest in it. Insecure. No confidence outside of my circle. Whether girls or activities or what, if it was new or unknown, I assumed I was no good. Don’t know why that is exactly. Had loving parents who never knocked us down. Clowny. Had great fun with my inner circle of friends, who are all still my best friends today. 37 years! Creative. We didn’t have a lot of money, so always using imagination to create what we didn’t have. Hard worker. Went to work with Dad on the weekends as long as I can remember. 6? 7? Started washing dishes at 14.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://happycatfranchising.com/our-story/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happy_cat_hotel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happycathotelfranchising
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/happy-cat-hotel/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwD-U41agy5t30itsA9t0zw
- Other: https://happycathotel.com/
