The United States offers immense opportunities for those who dare to dream big, work hard, and adapt to new challenges. Few embody this essence of resilience more than immigrants, who navigate unfamiliar landscapes, overcome language barriers, and pave their paths for a better future. Jose Menendez is one of them. He grew up in a low-income family in Peru. Arriving in the US with no intention of starting a business, he established K9 Experts LLC, a canine care company.
When Menendez first came to the Land of Opportunity, he had no clear direction. He had always loved dogs and begun learning about training in his home country, but a chance encounter changed everything. While exploring his new surroundings, he walked past a dog daycare and, out of curiosity, stepped inside. "Something about me must've radiated enthusiasm because although I spoke little English, I was hired on the spot," he shares.
Still, Menendez knew he had to learn English as quickly as possible. He then immersed himself completely, avoiding Spanish media and conversations and watching children's television shows and news programs. Within six months of absorbing the sounds and structure of the language, he was proficient enough to communicate effectively. His commitment to learning has never wavered since then.
Menendez's passion for dogs and eagerness to learn bore fruit. He climbed from an entry-level handler to a managerial position at the daycare in less than a year. Besides caring for dogs, he sought to understand every aspect of the business. Menendez studied canine behavior, training techniques, and more. He eventually moved on to another daycare, taking on similar responsibilities. At the time, a thought lingered in his mind. He realized could do it on his own.
This realization motivated Menendez to pursue formal education in dog training and grooming. He enrolled in courses, studied canine behavior, and spent two years under the mentorship of an experienced trainer. Each step gained him the knowledge and confidence he needed to branch out.
Life has other plans for Menendez, however. He developed carpal tunnel syndrome after years of hard work, forcing him to take a break from physically demanding tasks. Ever resilient, he focused on what he could do: walking dogs for friends. After a few years, he found himself managing a team of 10 people and handling hundreds of dogs daily.
Menendez built his business step by step, creating a website, printing brochures, and networking at dog parks and events. His venture was thriving until another personal hardship hit. His spouse was diagnosed with leukemia. The business suffered as Menendez devoted himself to being a caretaker.
After his partner's recovery, Menendez boldly purchased the very dog daycare where he once worked. "It was a full-circle moment. I thought, 'I finally achieved the dream I spoke into existence years earlier,'" he shares. Still, the timing was unfortunate. The COVID-19 pandemic struck shortly after he took ownership, draining his finances and threatening his business's survival. When his spouse tragically passed away, the weight of grief and financial burdens left him at his lowest point. He could've given up, but he leaned on his love for himself to pull himself back up.
Menendez adapted during the pandemic as he saw a surge in dog adoptions. He introduced remote training services, utilizing video calls to coach new pet owners. As restrictions eased, he and his new business partner, Michael, began offering in-person services again. They rented a small rural property, providing daycare and boarding services. They saved enough over time to purchase a larger property with ample space for dogs to roam.
Expanding the business required sacrifice. The business partners didn't take a salary for two years to reinvest every dollar into growth. Thankfully, their strategy paid off. Now, K9 Experts LLC welcomes around 80 dogs daily and is preparing for an expansion.
Menendez emphasizes the lessons that shaped his success. Firstly, mastering English enabled him to communicate effectively, gain knowledge, and build relationships. He also credits self-education as an important factor. Most importantly, he points to resilience. He met every setback with adaptability and problem-solving, never allowing challenges to stop him.
To those who desire to traverse a similar path as him, Menendez advises: "Dream big. I visualized myself in a big house with a big farm, playing with dogs. You have to dream bigger than you think you can so you can reach something even better."
