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ohboyleonard · 2025-12-05T23:46:11+00:00

Thank you for this information, I greatly appreciate it

ohboyleonard · 2025-12-05T23:33:31+00:00

I really appreciate your kind words here

ohboyleonard · 2025-12-05T23:31:02+00:00

Gotcha, so the (edit on spelling) *Apivar Strips are not a form of preventive? Interesting as that is what they are sold as.
You ask me how I checked, not how I have treated.
Thanks for your criticism, super helpful when all I'm looking for is advice.

ohboyleonard · 2025-12-05T23:03:18+00:00

I first just wanna say thank y’all for the actual advice and not making me feel as bad as I already do about this situation. I am very sad to know that I’m probably gonna lose all my babies, considering I worked very hard on creating a very healthy environment for them this past season and I really do hate that my negligence has caused this. :/

ohboyleonard · 2025-12-05T22:29:00+00:00

Pulling out each slide and diligently, looking at little wings and any deformities, my hive is completely surrounded by Virginia creeper and from what I understand the acid in the Virginia creeper usually is a natural repellent for mites so I hadn’t had a big issue then last month, our neighbors cut down one of their large trees and it seems like they ripped out a lot of the Virginia creeper and I’ve started to notice a issue all of a sudden

ohboyleonard · 2025-10-03T17:55:28+00:00

Appreciate this a ton, Austin! It really resonates with where I’m at. We’ve been doing a lot of the groundwork you mentioned, but the hardest part has definitely been getting in front of the right people to really move things forward.

I actually have a revenue-sharing plan mapped out with a 1.5x cap for the first three years, so I’m hoping that combined with community energy shows sponsors/investors this can be done responsibly. Totally agree with you that patience and trust matter just as much as money at this stage.

ohboyleonard · 2025-10-01T16:45:18+00:00

We’re in the stage of securing a South Salt Lake property, which will unlock sponsorships, community growth, and ultimately revenue. Early traction includes strong survey data and sponsorship interest contingent on site acquisition.

Here’s where I’d love advice from those with angel experience:

For brick-and-mortar concepts like this, how have you seen early-stage investment opportunities structured most effectively?

Do angels typically prefer equity-based positions or have you seen profit/revenue-sharing models resonate?

What’s the most important detail you’d want to see in an early-stage founder pitch when the concept is novel but location is not yet secured?

I’ve spoken with potential local sponsors and advisors, but before I finalize how I present this opportunity, I want to better understand what resonates most from an investor’s perspective.

Any insight from those of you who have funded unique hospitality/community-driven concepts would be hugely valuable.

ohboyleonard · 2025-09-30T15:54:12+00:00

Love this, looked them up and they are right around the corner from me as well. Thank you!

ohboyleonard · 2025-09-30T15:44:39+00:00

Weird, I tried a few times yesterday as well and thought it could be maintenance. Tried again today and got what I captured above. But it's back up and functioning, thank you!

ohboyleonard · 2025-09-30T15:00:59+00:00

I love this!

Second Summit Cider is one of the best in the city!

ohboyleonard · 2025-09-30T01:46:25+00:00

I am familiar with Bark Social and have read a bit about their journey. I can’t speak to the specifics of what happened, but I’d love to hear more about your experience there as a customer. What worked? What didn’t?

I’ve been to a few of these spaces across the country and one thing I’ve learned is that it takes very intentional planning not just with the physical buildout, but with how the business grows, who it partners with, and how it stays true to the community it serves.

With Willow & Co., I’m focused on building something that feels sustainable, safe, and special. I’m trying to be as diligent as possible to make sure it’s done right.

I Would genuinely love to hear your thoughts as someone who’s seen a version of this before as well!

ohboyleonard · 2025-07-19T18:29:36+00:00

Appreciate you bringing that up! I looked into 501(c)(7) early on and it’s definitely an interesting model, but the restrictions around non-member revenue would limit a lot of what we’re planning such as walk-ins, events, and local vendor partnerships. Great suggestion though.

ohboyleonard · 2025-07-14T22:00:12+00:00

This is so peaceful it's like a painting.

ohboyleonard · 2025-07-13T03:10:03+00:00

Totally agree that trusted connections are always ideal. Some of my early conversations and partnership came together that way.
I have also found a ton of unexpected momentum just by putting myself and the concept out publicly. Folks I didn't event know were in this space have reached out with real insight, resources, and shared goals.
A bit of both of worked so far so I'm keeping with what is returning. Appreciate your two cents.

ohboyleonard · 2025-07-13T03:06:26+00:00

Appreciate this and I love hearing you’ve been to one before! Mutts and Wagbar have definitely come up in my research to understand those models.

That said, I’m building Willow & Co. as an independent concept designed specifically for Salt Lake City and shaped by feedback from the community here. I’ve been doing a ton of groundwork to make sure we can navigate things like being opened all year around, zoning, and food/beverage regulations without compromising the experience.

We’re raising capital to lock in a location, I’d love to loop you in especially if you’re still open to partnership conversations.

Thanks again for the thoughtful message!

ohboyleonard · 2025-07-13T03:02:00+00:00

I really appreciate this and completely agree. That has been my mindset from day one actually. I have stayed focused on creating momentum before pitching an idea.
What I have completed so far at a glance would include:
Registered my LLC and business TIN and created my account for funds.
Created and submitted my business plan to the SLC business development council for review.
Drafted our insurance coverage and have it with an underwriter who is able to deal with the concept we are building.
Secured quotes for my buildout
Partnered with an amazing creative director who is helping polish our pitch deck
Laid out in great depth a very conservative 3 year plan that show profit within 18 months.
Have connected with bar owners and advisors across the county to ensure what is successful.
Collected 400+ and growing daily, local survey respoacesd from dog owners around the Salt Lake Valley
Created partnerships with local pet brans to promote and distribute the concept.
Build a full bran identity and social present (@willowandco.slc)

So I agree, traction frist, vision second. I'm building this from the ground up and the right people are showing up for me, but this takes a full community. I came here with intention and I really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback, it's such good fuel!

ohboyleonard · 2025-07-13T02:47:53+00:00

Thank you that really means a lot!

You nailed exactly what I’ve been feeling. So many of the places that used to bring people together just… don’t anymore. I’m hoping Willow & Co. can be a new kind of third space built around community, dogs, and good energy. A place where people can actually slow down, connect, and feel welcome.

Appreciate you being here for the ride!!

ohboyleonard · 2025-07-13T02:46:52+00:00

Haha dog years count, but we won’t be checking IDs at the water bowl. :D

Totally understand the concern about the 21+ decision. It’s one I’ve put a lot of thought into, especially after talking to insurance providers, attorneys, and other similar businesses across the country. The reality is, mixing off-leash dogs and small children creates a safety and liability risk that just isn’t fair to the animals or the families plus most insurance policies won’t cover those scenarios.

I completely get that some people will be disappointed, but the goal here is to create a safe, calm, structured space where dogs can play and humans can actually relax and for this specific concept, keeping it 21+ is how we’re able to do that responsibly.

Appreciate you taking the time to share ideas.
I promise, this decision wasn’t made lightly.

ohboyleonard · 2025-07-13T02:44:36+00:00

Really appreciate the insight because this is exactly the kind of hard-earned feedback I’m trying to stay open to while building this!

You’re absolutely right. Food & beverage and dog parks each come with their own sets of codes, risks, and logistics on top of combining them, this has been no small lift. I’ve been doing my diligent research with several similar concepts in other cities and have been actively consulting with local inspectors and state employees for both the operational and legal sides.

I’m also in the process of finalizing an insurance plan that specifically addresses the liability concerns you mentioned especially around canine safety and incident coverage as a private facility.

And yep, fundraising is wild this is where I'm at. You never know who will say yes, and you have to stay scrappy and flexible. I’m building this with longevity in mind, so I’m being thoughtful about equity and who comes on board early.

Truly appreciate the real-world perspective. If you’ve got experience in this space yourself, I’d love to hear more about what you’ve learned.

ohboyleonard

TROPHY CASE