A Cambridge pet waste removal service has earned its third major small business award this year, the latest from a national organization dedicated to empowering people with mental health and addiction challenges.
Today the 2024 RISE Rotman Family Entrepreneur of the Year Award was presented to The Poop Valet and its founder and co-owner Rick Couchman.
Earlier this year the Cambridge business won the New Business of the Year award from the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce and the New Venture of the Year from the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.
The award from Rise recognizes the struggles Couchman overcame to reach his business goals.
Before launching The Poop Valet, he was a social worker and part-time sports reporter whose career was sidelined by depression and anxiety that led to multiple hospitalizations over a 14-year period.
The idea for the two-year old business began when he was around a campfire with friends and family and the discussion turned to the business of "unsightly backyards and smelly dog poop."
When his wife, Sherry, encouraged him to pursue his idea in 2022, the couple had no idea how quickly it would grow.
Within four months, Rick was working full-time serving more than 70 recurring weekly clients in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, and Ayr.
“My confidence has gone through the roof,” Couchman told Rise. “I’ve become a champion for mental health, so I speak about it openly and on all my socials. I’ve really improved my outlook.”
In a press release, Couchman said all three awards affirm the company's "exceptional growth, customer-focused approach and commitment to delivering innovative solutions for pet owners and communities."
“We are deeply honoured to be recognized by such esteemed organizations,” said Couchman. “These awards reflect the hard work of our dedicated team, the trust of our clients, and the values we uphold as a local business committed to excellence, reliability, and community service.”
