Today we’d like to introduce you to Margaret and Bill Mason.
The Mason family has been serving the Dallas community with pet services of many types for almost 70 years. It all started in the late 1950’s in Carrollton, Texas when the family opened an innovative place called, SNUG HARBOR. Out in the country one could host large parties or individuals come to hunt, shoot, fish or even have your bird dog trained at the DOG COLLEGE, at the resort. People from all over the country and all walks of life came for the experience. Later in the 1960’s the first hotel for dogs and cats, Masons Pet Inn was founded on Harry Hines, now where the highways 35 and 635 meet.
Later, another location opened on McKinney Avenue that’s now UPTOWN with additional services. WB Mason (DAD) was the Dog Physiologist. We trained, groomed and had a pick-up and delivery service. WB soon retired and Bill his son took over the operation. In the 1980’s a land boom came and we moved to Lewisville. After so many years of being in the pet boarding business in 1997 Bill and Margaret Mason found a great little house on Lovers Lane that we call Bill Bonze Bathhouse and Bone Boutique. A cozy comfortable converted home to bring your pet to be pampered, loved and cared for as if they were our own.
Has it been a smooth road?
Any small business starting out struggles for a few years. Our main struggle was to get the customers to travel to the end of Lovers Lane. We pioneered this block with the pets. Most homes had lawyers, dance teachers, etc. So it took a while to get the word of mouth advertising out there. We were firm believers in all natural for everything we carried and used. Finding hypo shampoo, safe dog treats, dog foods that were not cornmeal based. Toys were really hard to find that were durable and not plastic. Around 1999 a few small wholesalers got on to the natural and safe bandwagon, so choices were more readily available. We started for the first 2 years with the two of us and added as the years and business picked up. In our 20 years we now have 13 employees.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Billi Bonze Bathhouse & Bone Boutique story. Tell us more about the business.
Billi Bonze is another of our Mason family experiences in the Pet business, a one of a kind grooming salon. We have employees that have been with us from 9 to 16 years out of our 20. We love our work and care about what we do. Most shops have only a few employees and the pets have to stay all day. So, we pride ourselves in the fact we can walk, water, groom along with the TLC and get those babies back in a timely manner.
It’s truly amazing that in all these years our advertising is word of mouth or a stop in the dog parks to ask, “where did you get your dog groomed?” It’s an honor to know our customers have confidence in our service and to be awarded several times, by the people’s choice BEST GROOMER in the BEST of BIG D magazine.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
A successful business takes more than one thing. You have to have a passion and love for what you do and surround yourself with others that feel the same. Being open, honest and communicative with your staff. Let them know you expect the same from them with questions, concerns and of course new ideas. You give teal customer service to your customers.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The Pet industry is only going to get bigger and better. Baby Boomers and many empty nesters need to have a source of comfort and companionship such as, a pet and it really rounds out a family. It is more and more being cautious of the chemicals and bad things in the food, treats and shampoos. We are getting more knowledgeable about our health and habits and it goes for our family pets too. Some of the children who come with the parent to pick up their dog expound that the dog is treated better than they are being treated. Just like a sibling!
Contact Info:
- Address: 4225 W Lovers Lane,
Dallas, Texas 75209 - Website: bbonze.net
- Phone: 214-350-2963
- Email: billibonze1@gmail.com
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