The Poop Valet Origin Story
Rick's Story
From the couch to the route—a journey powered by purpose.
From Disability to Founder
14 years on the couch. Then one campfire changed everything.
For Rick Couchman, life wasn't supposed to be this way. After building a career in social work and communications at Rogers Radio Group in Kitchener, a series of mental health challenges put that future on hold.
"I was on disability for 14 years for significant mental health, depression, anxiety and borderline personality," says Rick. "I just couldn't hold jobs for long because I catastrophize everything. I always thought even if I made a small mistake, they were going to fire me. The anxiety was horrible."
That depression kept him in a pattern of isolation and despair—until his wife, Sherry, encouraged him to do something radical: get off the couch and become an entrepreneur.
The Spark
One campfire. One complaint. One opportunity.
What started as a brainstorming session became the moment everything shifted. Rick and Sherry were enjoying an evening around a campfire with family and friends when the idea appeared—almost by accident.
"There were a bunch of dogs running around and they were doing their thing when my brother-in-law said, 'I wish somebody could pick up this poop for me,'" laughs Rick. "I started wondering if there was a company that does that, and it got me thinking."
A quick search revealed hundreds of dog waste removal companies across the United States. But around the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge-Guelph area? Nothing. That gap in the market, combined with his wife's encouragement, crystallized into a business idea.
"I did some research and found out there were hundreds of companies in the U.S. that do this, but around here it's just not a thing so I saw a niche and thought why not grow it?"
Growing Up Fast
Started with one client in December 2022. It took off.
"This was only supposed to be a couple of mornings a week, just to get me off the couch, but it just took off," says Rick. What began as a part-time hobby exploded into unexpected demand when a local news article about the new venture was published.
The company welcomed its first client in December 2022 and quickly built a following. Sherry, who works for the Region of Waterloo, joined the effort part-time, handling administrative work, client communication, and even scooping yards on evenings and weekends. The couple successfully implemented a CRM system to streamline onboarding, optimize route density, and improve their communication and payment processes.
"By the end of this year we'll do more than $100,000 in revenue, which isn't bad for a part time hobby," says Rick, joking he never "brings his work home".
Beyond the Scoop
Built on purpose. Powered by heart.
Mental Health Mission
Rick credits his mental health journey with shaping The Poop Valet's values. The company actively supports causes important to him, including regular donations to Partners with Paws, a Breslau-based organization that provides trained service dogs to assist those living with mental health issues.
"We donate gift baskets regularly to dog rescue organizations or charities that are specifically pet related," says Rick. "We also give a quarterly donation to an organization that's really important to me called Partners with Paws."
Rick and Sherry also dream of expanding sustainable employment opportunities to people living with mental health issues—giving others the same second chance that The Poop Valet gave to Rick.
Environmental Impact
Beyond the mental health mission, Rick and Sherry are committed to protecting the environment. They recognize the real health risks posed by accumulated dog waste in yards—toxins that contaminate soil and create unsafe spaces for families.
"I think of the impacts of what happens if you don't have a clean yard," says Sherry. "One of the things I've learned through all this is how much bad stuff (toxins) is in dog poop and why it really needs to be cleaned up, especially if you're wanting to have your family out in that space."
The company responsibly disposes of approximately 1.5 tons of dog waste per month in partnership with a local landfill, creating a cleaner, healthier community one yard at a time.
The Road Ahead
From hobby to legacy.
Today, The Poop Valet operates from Rick and Sherry's Hespeler home with two trucks, serving approximately 80 clients weekly or biweekly, plus many one-time service calls. The company is expanding into commercial services—installing and maintaining pet waste stations for property management companies.
"I would say about one per cent of dog owners in our area know about us," says Rick, "so that means there is a ninety-nine per cent chance for growth opportunities." He sees potential expansion into Orangeville, Fergus, Elora, and London, and dreams of hiring and mentoring others who've faced similar mental health challenges.
Rick's journey from 14 years of isolation to running a thriving, purpose-driven business proves one simple truth: sometimes the best ideas come from the simplest conversations—and sometimes the best cure for personal struggle is building something that helps others.
