REAL-WORLD RESULTS
FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

The Challenge

Jamie Schwoerer purchased Laughing Dogs Daycare a few years ago. Schwoerer had a dog training business and she worked with the previous owner from time to time. She considered purchasing the company earlier and combining it with her business, but the timing didn’t feel right. But then the previous owner, and Schwoerer’s friend and colleague, passed away unexpectedly, which left employees and clients unsure about the company’s future. Schwoerer saw the business as a good match for her skills, and she saw growth opportunities for the company too. The purchase was completed soon after; however, even as she quickly moved to re-establish confidence in clients and staff, she faced significant challenges. 

Schwoerer’s first problem came from the slow Internet connections through their previous provider, Frontier Communications. The business relies on fast Internet for its WiFi, email, and cloud-based reservation and payment system. But Frontier consistently delivered slow and inconsistent bandwidth impacting the daycare’s ability to run its business. The second challenge came from slow video quality. Located between Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Laughing Dogs attracts dog owners who commute to and from both cities. To instill trust in the facility, Schwoerer uses cameras mounted in the daycare to provide dog owners with assurance that their dogs are in a safe and caring environment. However, the video quality was so poor that clients complained. 

The Solution

As the saying goes, “timing is everything.” Soon after taking over the business, Schwoerer received a post card announcing that Spectrum Business was available in her area. She spoke with a Spectrum Business representative and together they decided a bundled package of Internet, Voice and TV would meet the company’s current and future needs. This package provides the fast Internet connections needed for better access to the cloud app for both employees and clients.

The increased bandwidth also made it possible to ensure the live video feeds were running properly so clients can check on their dogs at any time. By accessing the live video on the company’s website, owners can see exactly what their dogs are doing and how Schwoerer and her team care for them.

The Result

The high-speed connection supports the all-important cloud app so clients can sign up for daycare and make payments at their convenience. By providing reliable video feeds, Schwoerer reassures her existing clients that Laughing Dogs is the place to be. Schwoerer explains, “It gives people peace of mind knowing they can check on their dogs at any time. Ultimately, it helps us with transparency—they can see we’re doing the things we say we are doing.”

Schwoerer has also been pleased with the customer service she has received from Spectrum Business. Rather than the slow responses she had experienced with her previous provider, she can call at any time and talk to an individual who can answer her questions on the spot. With Spectrum Business providing the stability and reliability in the company’s systems, the business is up and running and paying for itself. Schwoerer can now concentrate on her clients and developing new services. Within six months of purchasing the company, Schwoerer is confident that she is in a position to grow the business.