Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Tamborski.
Hi Samantha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I first started at Wild Paws in August of 2024, I had just graduated with a Master’s in Public Affairs and was eager to dive into a new challenge. My initial role as a part-time dog walker and pet sitter was something I took on with enthusiasm, but I never imagined how quickly things would change. After just four months, Angela, the owner and founder of Wild Paws, asked me to take on the role of General Manager.
When I jumped into my new role, Wild Paws was in the early stages of scaling. There was no formal management structure beyond Angela, and much of the day-to-day operations were done informally. Angela saw a little twinkle in my eye — a drive to help grow the business and a passion for animals and people. I wasn’t entirely sure what taking on that responsibility would entail, but I eagerly said yes, ready to take on the challenge.
The transition from part-time staff to running the business was a steep learning curve. I had to adapt quickly, balancing leadership with hands-on involvement. I learned how to manage a team, create processes, and shape the company culture from the ground up. In those early months, I often felt like I was building the plane as I was flying it — figuring out what worked for the business in the “now”, while keeping an eye on our long-term goals.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Personally, it was overwhelming at times to step into a leadership role without a clear roadmap. I was learning how to walk and run at the same time so to speak– learning what it meant to manage a team, build processes, and make strategic decisions all at once. There were moments of doubt and imposter syndrome, especially in the begining when I didn’t yet feel equipped to make quick decisions.
From the business side, one of our greatest struggles was hiring and retaining part-time staff who were committed to the long-term vision of the company. We experienced a lot of turnover, which made it difficult to maintain consistency and morale. Many of the long-time staff members were resistant to change, having grown used to a more relaxed and informal structure. Introducing new systems and expectations created some friction, and managing that transition required patience and an overall commitment to our goals.
It was a lot of trial and error — especially in hiring. We had to let go of strategies (and people) that no longer served our goals and continually experiment with new approaches until something worked. What I learned is that growth doesn’t come from doing things the way they’ve always been done. It comes from a willingness to keep trying, to listen to feedback, and to remain focused on creating an altruistic yet goal oriented organization.
Despite the challenges, the transformation has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve built a strong three-tiered leadership team and doubled in size. Personally, I’ve grown more confident and capable, and professionally, I’ve had the chance to help shape a company that I deeply believe in.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Wild Paws?
We specialize in providing premium dog walking, pet sitting, and care services with a personalized, people-first approach. Founded by Angela, Wild Paws started with the simple goal of offering top-notch care for pets in a way that also supported the needs of their owners. Since my arrival in August 2024, we’ve grown substantially, expanding our team while maintaining our commitment to high-quality, compassionate care for every pet we work with.
What sets us apart from others is our holistic approach to pet care combined with an emphasis on creating a genuine experience for both pets and their owners. We’re not just a typical pet service; we truly see ourselves as partners with pet owners in creating a balanced and enriching life– being the “fun aunt” for their pets. Whether it’s a simple walk around the block or an overnight stay in the comfort of their home, we truly go the extra mile to ensure our services are tailored to each pet’s specific needs. Our team is trained to work with animals of all temperaments and backgrounds, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
What I’m most proud of as part of the Wild Paws brand is how we’ve scaled while staying true to our people-first values. When I began the role of General Manager, we were in the very early stages of scaling the business. We didn’t have a formal management structure in place, and I didn’t have all the answers. But over time, we’ve grown to a three-tiered leadership model, doubled our team size, and laid a foundation that allows us to continue growing sustainably. I’m proud that, throughout this growth, we’ve kept our focus on building a company culture that values loyalty, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to quality care.
We also take a unique approach when it comes to staffing, which is something we’ve had to refine along the way. We prioritize long-term employee satisfaction by ensuring that our team members have the support they need to succeed and grow within the company. The stability and loyalty we’ve built within our staff are key to the consistency of the services we offer.
Wild Paws is about building relationships — both with pets and their owners. We want our clients to know that we’re not just in this for the service; we’re in it because we love animals and want to be a part of their well-being, even when their owners are busy, traveling, or working long hours. Our goal is to become a trusted partner in our clients’ lives, offering peace of mind by ensuring their pets are happy, healthy, and well cared for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildpawscolorado.com/
- Instagram: @wildpawscolorado
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildPawsColorado
- Twitter: @WildPaws__
Image Credits
Samantha Tamborski
