Sarah Pezak

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

My name is Sarah Pezak, and I am originally from Hunter Mountain, NY, but I have lived the past 25 years in New Jersey. I am a trainer specializing in behavior, a groomer, and a pet nutrition advocate.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

My husband and I live in Rahway, NJ, and we love how community-oriented it is.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

I decided I wanted to own my own dog grooming business after working with other salons and wanting to do things a little differently. I’ve worked in the corporate world as well as mom-and-pops, and while I learned something from every place I was employed, I felt something was lacking.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

Never give up. It’s hard, especially in the beginning. You’ll want to give up many times. Don’t. Nothing worth having comes easy - but hard work pays off.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

I read a new rescue’s body language and behavior while they were at my shop and informed the owner of what I saw and what to keep an eye on with her current dog. A month or so later, the owner came in telling me I was right, and because of our conversation, her other dog avoided an injury. Being able to understand a language that’s not our own helps me help owners who can’t interpret that language, and in turn, I can help the dogs.

Whenever I see people put into practice things we’ve spoken about, whether it be training related, food related, or grooming related, it always means so much to me. Many of my customers really put in the work at home for their dog and it shows - and when someone cares enough about their dog to make changes and adjust their own life for the well-being of their animal, it means the world to me.

Where do you see your company in the future?

While I never had dreams of being a big conglomerate or giant store, I do see Diamond in the Ruff being around for a long time. I’d rather be known as the shop that adheres to strong ethics and morals than the one that’s only in it to get rich. Leaving a legacy of honesty and trust is most important to me.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

That’s a tough one. While this answer may seem negative, it’s unfortunately a rough truth in this industry. Not every groomer or trainer is a good one. There aren’t really regulations in the grooming and training world - so unfortunately anyone can call themselves one and needs to provide no proof. Finding a good one goes back to the customer doing their homework and hearing from other people about their experiences. I’d like to believe things will change in the future, for the sake of the animals in our care; but until then, don’t believe every nice website. Talk to these professionals, ask questions, and hold them to a higher standard.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

One of my biggest struggles is the business aspect. My forte is not numbers and business; it’s dogs. So that has always been the hardest part for me. But I’m lucky to have a husband whose strengths are my weaknesses. Building a good team is paramount to a successful business.

Who was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

Oh man. I grew up in the 90s, so I’m just going to be totally honest and say I loved the Backstreet Boys. My favorite athlete was Mia Hamm because I played a lot of sports growing up.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

I want to thank my wonderful employees, my mother and father (without whom I wouldn’t have a shop at all), my sister (whose wisdom and guidance have always helped me) and above all, my husband - who put his business to the side so we could grow the shop to its full potential.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Our website, www.ditrnj.com, as well as Instagram @ditr_nj and Facebook, Diamond in the Ruff Pet Spa.