Meet Stephanie Dehn | Owner and Founder of Contigo Dogs

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

Hi Stephanie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always loved sales, and selling things to people that meet their needs in more ways than one. I started Contigo Dogs during the pandemic shortly after losing my job. I had moved in with my parents and had recently started raising service dogs. We spent a lot of time outdoors with our dogs and they always would come back with disgusting collars and leashes covered in filth. I started doing some research and found Biothane ®️, a waterproof, stain resistant and stink resistant material. I began to make prototypes of collars and leashes, tested them with our dogs,. Later on some friends liked them and wanted to buy them from me. I decided to open up my online shop shortly after!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I can remember vividly, it was a Friday night at my high school, which in Michigan that can only mean one thing; football games. My marketing teacher had asked a few of her students to help her sell some coupon books. I don’t care for or understand American football so I volunteered. Once we got the books I read through it to see what it all included and noticed they had 4 tickets that could be used for any game including todays. Based on the retail price of box office tickets and what the coupon book was selling for it made much more sense for people to buy the book. Between knowledge, people skills and a knack for reading body language I sold over 300 books. That night I realized I could sell anything I ever found value in. Fast forward to today I have 1 retail location with 3 employees and thousands of happy, loyal customers. When I opened Contigo Dogs store front I knew I wanted it to be more than a boutique pet store, I wanted my store to be a pillar of our community, a fountain of constant flowing information, and place of comfort and support for others. Today 70% of what we have in store is small business, at least 20% of that is Michigan made. I strive to support small business owners around the world, I know how hard it is when you’re starting out and no one takes you seriously (even yourself). I also want pet parents that are struggling or feeling overwhelmed to know they aren’t alone, and that the pet community, though confusing at times, is always ready with open arms (and paws) to help. Much like my first Friday Football night, I want to make sure customers get items of value for them and their furry companions. I know how hard it is to earn a dollar in todays economy and I’m not shy about all the late nights I’ve stayed up thinking about how we can do better.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many different seasonal activities here in Traverse City that an itinerary would vary greatly year round. Based on what TC is known for and how beautiful it is in the fall, I’d say we would walk around downtown, get some coffee and explore some of the local small businesses. Since it would inevitably rain we have to go to the Grand Traverse Commons and see all of the cute shops (including Contigo Dogs) and get brunch at Red Spire since they have dog friendly patios. If my friend wanted to go to a winery I’d take them to Left Foot Charlie, Mari Vineyards or Two Lads (depending on where we are in town). We would also hike Empire Bluff Trail to see MI beautiful coastline. We would also check out Jacob’s Farm and Gallagher’s for pumpkins and all things Fall. Lunch locations: Little Fleet, Zest and the Burrow. Dinner locations include: Amical, Red Ginger, and Oakys (Interlochen).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank my parents and husband for being my biggest supporters ever. I couldn’t be where I am without them. With all the highs and lows of starting a business my husband has been a rock and truly the foundation for so much of my success. My parents have never doubted, questioned, or pushed back on ANY of my ideas, and for that I am forever grateful. Eu te amo família!

Website: www.contigodogs.com

Instagram: @contigodogs