Open for Business: Hounds Town USA

Hounds Town USA
New York-based dog day care and boarding business Hounds Town USA expanded June 8 to the Queen City. Husband and wife franchisees Mark and Kelly Harper of Republic opened their facility at 1907 S. Stewart Ave. in an office park the couple owns near the Sunshine Street and Glenstone Avenue intersection. Mark Harper said he manages the nearly 6,300-square-foot Hounds Town USA, leading a nine-employee staff. He said startup costs exceeded $500,000, which includes a $49,000 franchise fee. Founded in 2000, Hounds Town USA has more than 60 locations nationwide, with over 20 more listed as coming soon on its website. The Springfield store is the second Missouri location, following one in St. Charles, according to the website. Dog day care rates range from $30-$35 per day, while daily boarding costs range from $49-$69. The store also has a pet spa offering baths, nail trims and teeth brushing. Baths begin at $40. Owner of four dogs, Harper said he and his wife vetted several companies before becoming Hounds Town USA franchisees.
Phone: 417-340-9757
Web: HoundsTownUSA.com

417 Closets
Home storage solutions venture 417 Closets has opened, with company owner and distributor Mark Long acquiring his business license on June 17. Based off custom closet manufacturer California Closets, Long said the local business provides closet organizing systems for mudrooms, pantries, laundry rooms, home offices and other storage spaces. Long said the process starts with a free consultation, where he measures the space, and can give customers a quote. Long previously owned Garage Experts of Southwest Missouri, which installed cabinets, epoxy floors and storage systems into homes. He sold the business for an undisclosed price to Brookline Doorworks earlier this year. Long said he currently is the only employee but plans to hire staff in the future. Startup costs for the home-based business were around $70,000, he said. Prices for installations vary.
Phone: 417-844-8813
Web: 417Closets.com

Webster County Market Animal Show and Sale
With a desire to support agriculture among local youth, several Marshfield-area residents formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit Webster County Market Animal Show and Sale Inc. Blair Gann said she founded the nonprofit March 6 with Justin Cron and Ryleigh Bouldin, adding startup costs were around $3,000. Aside from Gann, Cron and Bouldin, the organization’s board consists of Hoover Case and Bruce Bradley. The all-volunteer nonprofit held its inaugural Webster County Market Animal Show and Sale on June 29 in Marshfield. Gann said $20,000 was brought in at the live auction and divided among the exhibitors. Sponsors are already committed to next year’s event, she said, adding the nonprofit also desires to provide scholarships and grants for youth investing in agriculture.
Phone: 417-241-2580
Email: blair.gann@centralbank.net