Becoming an etre-poo-neur wasn’t easy, but it literally changed Rick’s life in profound ways! Read on for his backstory…
Picking Up Dog Poop Save My Life!
I didn’t start my business because I loved dog poop — I started it because I wanted my life back.
After years of battling depression and anxiety (I was on a disability pension for 14 years. In that timespan, I was hospitalized in the mental health ward 13 times. Yikes!)
The Turning Point…
I reached a point where I needed to rebuild from the ground up. The traditional 9-to-5 world wasn’t built for the challenges I was facing, so I created something that was. I had enjoyed a long career in social services and communications before the darkness of mental illness kicked in What began as a small idea — picking up where others didn’t want to — became The Poop Valet, a thriving dog waste removal service rooted in reliability, community, and care.
A Champion Of Mental Health…
I now speak openily about my experiences, and offer to speak with anyone who wants to hear my story or to ask for any kind of help. And as a company, we give a generous quarterly donation to charities that provide assistance to folks with mental health issues, including the incredible Partners With Paws, a local service dog organization that provides trained service dogs to those with psychatric needs.
Today…
At The Poop Valet, we serve homeowners, property managers, and pet-friendly businesses who simply want one less thing to worry about. But this business is more than scooping poop — it’s about dignity. It’s about building trust, showing up consistently, and solving an everyday problem in a way that actually makes people’s lives easier (and yards cleaner).
Ongoing Battle…
I’ve overcome personal setbacks, stigma around mental health, and the uphill climb of starting a business from scratch. What keeps me going is knowing we’re not just offering a service — we’re giving people time back, peace of mind, and yes, cleaner shoes.
If you’re looking to connect, collaborate, or just want to talk shop about turning challenges into opportunity — I’m all ears (and yes, I’m used to the smell).
