Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

My name is Sam, and I'd like to share the story of how Indiana Bones Dog Adventures came to be. It's a tale of hope, courage, and seizing opportunities when they arise. I'll start by saying that I didn't always know what my true calling was. After graduating with a mechanical engineering degree, I spent 15 years in that field, but it never felt quite right. Deep down, I knew I needed a change, a chance to find work that truly fulfilled me. When I immigrated to Canada from Brazil, it was a fresh start. One day, the monotony of my engineering job became too much, and I confided to my partner that I couldn't continue down that path. With their support as my safety net, I decided to take a leap of faith and restart my career. However, I faced a dilemma - I was never that kid who was exceptionally gifted at one thing, like drawing, that clearly pointed to a dream career path. It was a daunting prospect to change paths after so many years, but sometimes you have to embrace fear to find what you're truly passionate about. I stumbled upon a dog walking job, and on my second day of training, I was taken into the beautiful forests of North Vancouver with a pack of dogs. That's when the idea struck me - what if I could bring dogs from Vancouver to these incredible mountain trails for off-leash adventures? With determination and a lot of research, I started putting the pieces together. Naming the company was a creative process that led me to "Indiana Bones Dog Adventures" - a nod to the spirit of exploration and adventure that would define the business. The early days were challenging, but my passion drove me forward. Within a year, I had 150 dogs and three vehicles running hikes. By the second year, that number had doubled. I finally found a career that brought me true joy and fulfillment. Looking back, I realize that I didn't need to be a prodigy at any one thing. My strengths lie in being a versatile creator, able to wear many hats – finance, marketing, and project management. Most importantly, I followed my heart and found a way to combine my love for dogs with the great outdoors. If I, someone who struggles with social anxiety, could take this leap and find happiness as an entrepreneur, then I believe anyone can achieve their dreams. It starts with listening to your gut, embracing change, and having the courage to create something new if nothing else fits quite right.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

Indiana Bones Dog Adventures is deeply committed to supporting and uplifting its local community in Vancouver. The company has launched several initiatives to foster a strong sense of community and give back to those in need. Bones Dog Adventures is deeply committed to supporting and uplifting its local community in Vancouver. Indiana Bones Dog Adventures has launched the INDY Cares initiative to support clients facing temporary financial hardship. The program offers a 25% discount on dog hiking services for 4 months to 14 selected clients, with a waiting list to ensure fairness. This discreet program aims to alleviate stress and guilt for owners unable to provide their dogs with outdoor adventures due to financial constraints. Indiana Bones is committed to making their services accessible to all dog owners and believes every canine deserves the opportunity to explore nature. This initiative motivated a few other clients to donate to the cause. Indiana Bones has also partnered with Routific, a local business that specializes in route optimization software. By using Routific's technology, Indiana Bones has been able to streamline its operations, reduce fuel consumption, and minimize its carbon footprint. This partnership shows our commitment to local businesses, sustainability and environmental responsibility. To bring the community together, Indiana Bones hosts an annual pumpkin carving contest. This fun and creative event encourages dog owners and their furry friends to showcase their artistic talents while fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition. The contest has become a much-anticipated tradition, with participants eagerly awaiting the opportunity to showcase their pumpkin masterpieces. Through its various community support initiatives, and commitment to professional development, Indiana Bones Dog Adventures has established itself as a responsible and caring member of the Vancouver community. The company's efforts have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the strong support and loyalty it receives from its clients, employees, and the broader community.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Indiana Bones Dog Adventures should win the Business Impact Award from Small Business BC for several compelling reasons: Community Support: Through our INDY initiative, Indiana Bones provides financial assistance to clients facing temporary hardship, offering a 25% discount on dog hiking services. Living Wage Employer: Indiana Bones has committed to paying their staff and contracted workers a living wage. Certified as a Living Wage Employer with Living Wage for Families BC. This demonstrates our dedication to supporting their employees and accelerating positive social change in the community. Innovative Services: Indiana Bones offers unique services like taking dogs from Vancouver to the North Shore for off-leash adventures on challenging trails. This provides dogs with opportunities to explore the great outdoors, unleash their instincts, and engage in physical activities that promote their well-being. Commitment to Sustainability: By prioritizing the welfare of dogs and the environment, Indiana Bones demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable practices. Their dedicated team ensures the safe return of furry adventurers to their homes, while also fostering a community where dogs and their owners can enjoy nature together. Priority to Local Businesses. Positive Impact on Clients: Indiana Bones has received glowing reviews from clients, with one stating that their service has been a "total game-changer" for their young dog. The dog's excitement for the hikes and subsequent calm and happiness throughout the day has made life easier for the entire family. In summary, Indiana Bones Dog Adventures' commitment to supporting their community, employees, and the environment, combined with their innovative services and positive impact on clients, make them a strong contender for the Business Impact Award from Small Business BC.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

I am gay, a visible minority (Latin American) and have S.A.D. (Social Anxiety Disorder), the struggles I had in the past won't be perpetuated. Indiana Bones is for everyone in every community. In addition to its community outreach efforts, Indiana Bones is committed to providing its employees with unparalleled benefits and support. As a certified Living Wage Employer, the company ensures that all staff members earn a fair and livable wage, enabling them to meet their basic needs and participate actively in their communities. Indiana Bones also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes commute reimbursement, waterproof boots, casual dress, dental and vision care, extended health benefits, disability insurance, life insurance, and roadside assistance. These benefits demonstrate the company's dedication to the well-being and satisfaction of its employees. Furthermore, Indiana Bones recognizes the importance of ongoing education and professional development. The company provides its employees with opportunities to attend dog first aid training courses and obtain dog trainer certifications. This investment in their staff's knowledge and skills not only enhances the quality of service provided to clients but also shows Indiana Bones' commitment to fostering a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. To further support its employees, Indiana Bones offers an extra income program. This initiative allows staff members to earn additional income through optional services like boarding and dog-sitting - 85% of the total charged from the client is given to the employee. Finally, Indiana Bones demonstrates its appreciation for its canine clients by offering a 50% discount on hikes for the dogs of its employees. This gesture acknowledges the important role that dogs play in the lives of the company's staff and reinforces the strong bond between humans and their furry companions.

Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?

Indiana Bones Dog Adventures should win the Premier's People's Choice Award for several compelling reasons: 1. Bringing Joy to Clients: Through our engaging Instagram presence, we showcase the pure happiness and excitement our dog hiking adventures bring to clients and their furry friends. Our vibrant social media showcases the incredible bond between dogs and their owners as they explore the great outdoors together. 2. Commitment to the Client Experience: At Indiana Bones, we make our clients an integral part of the adventure. We share photos and videos that allow them to feel connected to their dogs' experiences, even when they can't be there in person. Our dedication to providing an exceptional client experience sets us apart. 3. Continuous Improvement: We are constantly striving to enhance every aspect of our business, from operations to customer service. Our real-time ETA feature allows clients to plan their days with confidence, knowing exactly when we will arrive to pick up their dogs. This attention to detail demonstrates our commitment to making their lives easier. 4. Exclusive Perks: Our membership plan offers a range of exclusive benefits, including discounts, priority booking, and special events. These perks show our appreciation for our loyal clients and their dogs, fostering a strong sense of community. 5. Community Engagement: Indiana Bones brings people together through fun and engaging contests, like our annual pumpkin carving festival. These events showcase the creativity and spirit of our clients while strengthening the bonds within our community. Our unwavering dedication to providing exceptional service, creating memorable experiences, and fostering a supportive community has earned us the loyalty and admiration of our clients. We believe that Indiana Bones Dog Adventures is the clear choice for the Premier's People's Choice Award, as we continue to set the standard for dog hiking services in Vancouver.