Stephen Ochs: Founder of Fetch Park a Dog-Friendly Social Hub

Episode Summary

Stephen Oaks, founder of Fetch Park, discusses his vision of creating a dog-friendly social hub in Atlanta. Fetch Park offers a safe environment for dogs and a community space for humans, aiming to reduce phone usage and foster connections. Despite initial funding challenges, Oaks expanded to five locations and plans future national expansion. The park features events like comedy nights, live music, and high-end art exhibits. Oaks emphasizes the importance of community and authenticity, highlighting the success of his 86-proof Bark Batch bourbon and the positive impact on local communities. He also mentions the importance of vaccinations and behavioral controls for dogs.

Fetch Park's Concept and Community Vision

• Brad introduces Stephen Ochs, the founder of Fetch Park, and highlights the unique social hub concept for dogs and people.
• Stephen Ochs emphasizes the goal of creating a happy and social environment where people can meet their neighbors and get off their phones.
• Brad shares that his kids love Fetch Park for its social and dog-friendly atmosphere.
• Stephen discusses the anti-social nature of traditional dog parks and his desire to build community through Fetch Park.

Atlanta's Melting Pot and Fetch Park's Appeal

• Brad and Stephen discuss Atlanta's diverse population and how Fetch Park caters to people from different backgrounds.
• Stephen explains that Fetch Park offers more than just a dog park, with events like comedy nights, bands, and sports viewing.
• Stephen emphasizes that Fetch Park is not just for dog owners but for anyone seeking a social and happy environment.
• Brad and Stephen talk about the importance of community and connection, especially in today's isolated world.

Stephen's Background and Personal Connection to Dogs

• Brad inquires about Stephen's background with dogs, mentioning that his parents bred dogs.
• Stephen shares that he had a boxer while in college and had a supportive community to watch his dog when he was away.
• Stephen stresses the importance of community and connection in raising dogs.
• Brad and Stephen discuss the need for community and connection in human life, especially for younger generations.

Expansion Plans and Challenges

• Brad mentions that Stephen's wife suggested a Fetch Park in Forsyth County, and Stephen explains that they are currently focusing on expansion outside Georgia.
• Stephen talks about the challenges of raising funding for the first Fetch Park and the importance of community support.
• Stephen shares the story of raising funds through athlete friends and the athlete mentality of proving doubters wrong.
• Brad and Stephen discuss the importance of vision and persistence in entrepreneurship.

Community Engagement and Personal Stories

• Stephen shares that Fetch Park has hosted 14 engagements and mentions a touching story of three older gentlemen who visited Fetch Park after their chemo treatments.
• Stephen reflects on the importance of creating a happy environment and the impact it has on people's lives.
• Brad and Stephen discuss the positive vibe and excitement at Fetch Park, especially for dog owners.
• Stephen talks about the long hours and dedication required to run Fetch Park, despite the challenges.

Nonprofit Experience and Business Lessons

• Stephen shares his experience with the Enduring Hearts charity and how it helped him raise funds for Fetch Park.
• Stephen emphasizes the value of working with nonprofits to gain experience in budgeting and event planning.
• Brad and Stephen discuss the importance of learning from nonprofit work and applying those skills to business.
• Stephen talks about the challenges of getting permits and dealing with city officials when starting a new business.

Membership and Safety at Fetch Park

• Stephen explains the membership system at Fetch Park, which includes profiles for dogs with behavior notes and vaccination requirements.
• Stephen emphasizes the importance of safety and the strike system for dogs with behavior issues.
• Brad and Stephen discuss the differences between Fetch Park and traditional dog parks, highlighting the focus on safety and community.
• Stephen shares the story of a blind lab that visits Fetch Park and the joy it brings to its owner.

Live Events and Creative Initiatives

• Stephen talks about the various live events at Fetch Park, including comedy nights, live music, and trivia.
• Stephen shares examples of creative events like turning a park into a high-end art gallery and a fashion show.
• Brad and Stephen discuss the importance of offering unique and creative experiences at Fetch Park.
• Stephen emphasizes the goal of making Fetch Park a place where people can enjoy activities they wouldn't normally bring their dogs to.

Fetch Park's Brand and Marketing Strategy

• Stephen explains the branding strategy for Fetch Park, which is based on his personal experiences and values.
• Stephen emphasizes the importance of authenticity and not faking the brand.
• Brad and Stephen discuss the effectiveness of a strong brand and the role of marketing in building a community.
• Stephen shares the story of the 86 proof Bark Batch bourbon and its significance in raising funds for Fetch Park.

Future Plans and Expansion

• Stephen talks about the future plans for Fetch Park, including expanding outside Georgia and opening new locations.
• Stephen mentions the importance of understanding the model fully before expanding and the current focus on national expansion.
• Brad and Stephen discuss the potential for Fetch Park to become a national brand and the importance of maintaining the core values.
• Stephen shares the vision of creating a large-scale concert with dogs off-leash and setting a Guinness World Record.

Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

• Stephen emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the role of Fetch Park in bringing people together.
• Brad and Stephen discuss the potential for collaborations with other brands and organizations to enhance the Fetch Park experience.
• Stephen shares the story of his parents' reaction to the success of Fetch Park and the pride they feel.
• Brad and Stephen reflect on the importance of persistence, community, and authenticity in achieving success.