Kutztown University SBDC Client Success Story

Nicole and Eric Ray worked for 30 years in the corporate world before deciding to make a change and do something fun with work! Growing up, Nicole and Eric’s homes were not complete without a family dog. Having pets taught them responsibility, love and patience.

Eric and Nicole’s dog, Kodi, was the main inspiration to open Diggity Dawg Daycare Resort & Spa. Nicole had been driving to West Chester often for work and found a daycare for Kodi nearby. It was rewarding for both. Kodi was able to get attention and exercise and it eased Nicole’s mind knowing he was having fun and being properly looked after. She realized this was the new career she was seeking.

Nicole decided to leave her corporate job while Eric continued to work in construction. Together, they planned to open a dog daycare, grooming and boarding facility near their home in the Berks County area. They found a location in Wyomissing but were not interested in the year-to-year lease requirement. Nicole and Eric first approached SCORE for help in starting a small business for the first time. SCORE recommended they speak with the Kutztown University SBDC for the assistance they were seeking. Mark Rentschler assisted them during the long process of choosing the right location and dealing with the subsequent zoning and legal issues required to obtain their final location in Wernersville. Mark also assisted the Rays with preparing the necessary financial projections to obtain financing from M&T Bank.

Eric put his construction background to use and completed much of the work needed to make the changes they wanted to the building. All work has been completed and the business opened in January 2020. The facility has three indoor play areas and four outdoor play areas. Dogs will be carefully placed into appropriate play groups based on temperament. Diggity Dawg Daycare Resort & Spa also offers a variety of services including dog training, daycare, grooming and boarding, all at a reasonable price. The daycare and spa are open Monday through Friday from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm with boarding year-round. The business is excited to provide dogs with a unique experience during their stay! Diggity Dawg Daycare Resort & Spa welcomes dogs of all sizes and breeds and promises to provide your dogs with a clean, safe, fun and stress-free environment while they are away from you.