Meet Antonio Rodriguez | Owner & Dog Parent

We had the good fortune of connecting with Antonio Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Antonio, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea for Shampooch Dog Wash & Grooming was born about 15 years ago! Kathye, one of the owners, has always loved big dogs. She had a Great Dane, Duke, who was the sweetest boy. Washing Duke was a challenge due to his size and stature. Kathye had a difficult time washing him in the bathroom and in the yard; she ended up with backaches, hair and shampoo everywhere, dirty towels, and a mess to clean up after…not to mention having to buy all the supplies to wash Duke – shampoo, conditioner, towels, brushes, dryer, etc.

We spoke to other pet parents and whether they owned small or large dogs, they had similar issues at home! We thought “there must be an easier way to do this!” And to our surprise, there wasn’t! The idea of Shampooch was born from wanting to help other dog parents (and specially dogs) have a comfortable, hassle-free space to wash their beloved furry friends…no mess, no clean-up after, no backaches…and at a reasonable price!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Kathye has over 15 years of teaching experience. As an educator, she has worked with (and made an impact in the lives of) inner-city elementary and middle-school children in Miami-Dade and Broward. It has definitely not been easy…the resource and organizational challenges of our school system are very real and very palpable. Kathye was able to create a safe and loving learning environment for children, where they looked forward to going, learning, and growing. Kathye’s passion, dedication, and hard-work ethic have been the driving force behind her success, and what best prepared her to become a business owner.

Antonio is an accomplished marketer and creative visual merchandiser. He has worked with fashion brands in New York City and Miami, amassing over 15 years of experience propelling brand growth, expanding customers segments, developing partnerships, and creating uniquely branded consumer experiences. He is also an MBA graduate from Florida Atlantic University. The unique mix of creativity and analytics, coupled with the ability to think outside the box have made Antonio stand out on his field, preparing him for entrepreneurship.

Both Kathye and Antonio are extremely passionate about dogs, their nuances and sweet personalities. Shampooch is the result of that passion.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
You can’t visit South Florida and not go to the beach…so that is destination number one! Fort Lauderdale beach is our go-to due to proximity, but with such an extensive coastline, the options are endless.

We must definitely stop by Shampooch for a tour of the best dog washing & grooming place in town!
While in the Flagler Village area, we must hit up Softea for the best soft-serve + iced tea combo!!! A serving of Coco my Taro is an unmissable experience! Another hidden gem is Glitch, an arcade bar with cool retro video games to bring out your inner child while having adult beverages.

We must take a trip south for the best sunset view at Southpoint Beach in the Miami Beach area. While there, we must stop for cuban food at Havana 1957 and walk around Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive to do some shopping and people-watch.

We would also hit up Coconut Grove for some art and more good food!

A few other favorite spots down south are Brickell City Centre for some shopping, Casa Tua for the best Italian food, Tacology for the best tacos, Momosan Wynwood for the best sushi and Japanese food in midtown, a tour of Wynwood Walls for the coolest and most hip graffiti art, Manta for the best Peruvian-fusion food, and Bakan for a refreshing after dinner drink!

Back up north in the Fort Lauderdale area, we need to hit up Las Olas Blvd for more local shopping, a margarita at Dos Caminos, and some pizza at Mister O1.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Our lovely little shop would not be possible without the support of our lovely families! Thank you for standing behind us and giving us your unconditional support day after day!

Website: www.shampoochftl.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/shampooch_ftl/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShampoochFtl/

Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/shampooch-pet-wash-and-grooming-fort-lauderdale