Nestled in the scenic rural community of Alvadore, just outside of Eugene, Oregon, Orchard Point Kennels has quickly become a beloved hub for dog boarding and training services.
Reopened on June 1, 2023, Orchard Point Kennels is more than just a business—it reflects one family's dedication to dogs, born from their deep-rooted passion for rescue work. Located on 4.5 acres, it shares a fence with a local park that overlooks Oregon's second-largest reservoir, creating a tranquil environment that captures the hearts of clients and their furry companions alike.
The story behind Orchard Point Kennels is one of resilience and vision. The family, already operating a rescue, found themselves struggling financially due to the high level of competition and the demands of maintaining a small team. In a moment of inspiration, they decided to leverage their skills in boarding and training, seizing the opportunity to tour the Orchard Point Kennels property when it became available. As Jonah Misner, COO, said, “We listen when the universe sends a clear message, and look at where we are now!"
With a team of over 10 employees and contractors, Orchard Point Kennels blends a mix of family members, University of Oregon students, and local community members who all share a love for dogs. Jonah explains, “We are a family-run business, with roots and experience stemming from 10+ years of working a family dog rescue." His role in the business focuses on building the brand and managing the back-end operations, allowing his parents to focus on what they do best—working with the dogs.
For Jonah, the creativity involved in running Orchard Point Kennels is his favorite part of the job. With a PR and visual marketing background from the University of Oregon, he relishes the opportunity to apply his skills to this venture. “Being new and in a smaller city, the opportunities are relatively limitless," he says. “It's a joy to test new ideas and tell our story."
As Orchard Point Kennels began to grow, they recognized the need for a software platform that could support their unique business model and accommodate their expansion. After trying a boutique platform, they transitioned to Gingr, a decision that significantly impacted their operations. Jonah notes, “We needed a platform we'd never have to move from ever again. Something that met all of our needs and is always looking to improve. Gingr offered that level of support and tailoring to our way of doing things."
One of Orchard Point Kennels' favorite features of Gingr is the ability to log in as a customer through the Owner Portal. This feature has been a game-changer for troubleshooting client issues, especially when customers struggle to navigate the system. “With this feature, you can go in and see what box they left unchecked or button they didn't press, and guide them to the end of the request," Jonah explains. “Generally, they don't have to call back after these walkthroughs, which is a real treat."
Gingr has also helped Orchard Point Kennels address a common problem in the pet-care industry: clients not fulfilling their end of the booking process. Jonah appreciates the booking restrictions Gingr offers, which prevent clients from finalizing appointments without completing necessary steps like updating immunizations or settling overdue invoices. “They have to complete their homework to even get a booking request in," he says.
Reflecting on how Gingr has transformed their business, Jonah shares, “Gingr has allowed us to enforce organization amongst our team. With many loopholes in less automated systems, team members can be lazy and 'get to it later.' But if you're not on your A-game, it can be cumbersome to correct mistakes. When it comes to taking care of people's loved ones, being organized is super important. Gingr allowing us to do that has made our team more confident."
Orchard Point Kennels may be a young business, but with their stunning location, passionate team, and the right tools in place, they're set to continue making waves in the Eugene area and beyond.
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