by LYDIA COBB | photos by Tyler McElhaney
Pets Included
People always have goals for optimal health. At family-owned EarthWise Pet Supply here in Carmel Valley, pets are included. EarthWise offers everyday solutions for the wellbeing of pets and their families. They just celebrated their first year as an integrated destination for most pets’ needs (outside of the veterinarian’s office).
EarthWise carries competitively priced top brands in all-natural products: Stella & Chewy’s, Acana, and Zignature, for example. Pet foods are sourced and made in the USA and Canada, many with recyclable packaging. Professional grooming services and do-it-yourself dog washes feature cruelty-free products that are safe for pets and the environment. The groomer adjusts schedules so that dogs can be in and out quickly.
EarthWise is part of the NPM Franchising family, which is ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the Top New Franchises, and among the Top 500. EarthWise owner Norma Gervais blended careers. She had previously worked for a franchisor and also owned a pet sitting business. “I felt that it was the perfect opportunity for me to combine my franchise experience and my passion for the health and care of animals,” said Norma, who also holds an MBA in marketing. Norma is assisted by her husband, John, who is the director of surveys for a local family company. Their son, Ian, who holds retail experience, is the store’s manager. They are trained in nutritional education by the franchisor and in products by each manufacturer.
At the end of the day, they go home to the pets they have rescued. Their yellow Labrador, Abbey, came to them overweight. She suffered skin allergies. She’s the face of the store – now that she’s active and allergy-free. But there are other “Abbeys” out there.
“Giving back to the community is a key ingredient to our business success,” shared Norma, as she described how they raise funds for nonprofits and schools, and primarily for animal rescue organizations. They also host store adoption events. Norma serves on the advisory board for the Lucky Duck Foundation, which donated $150,000 to Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Pet Encounter therapy program.
“We make it a point to get to know our customers and their pets and find out if they are sensitive to particular foods,” added Norma. She takes the time to listen and offer solutions. Sometimes a thank you is also by an offered paw, a lick on the cheek, or a purr.
AT-A-GLANCE
Name of Business: EarthWise Pet Supply
Owners: Norma and John Gervais
Manager: Ian Alvarez
Address: 7805 Highland Village Pl. Suite G-101,
San Diego, CA 92129
Website: www.earthwisepet.com/sandiego-carmelvalley
Email: sandiego@earthwisepet.com
Phone: 858-449-4992
Description of Business: The mission of family-owned EarthWise Pet Supply is to better the lives of pets and their owners through nutrition education, grooming and DIY pet washing services, exceptional customer service, all-natural products, and sustainable business practices.