The founders and owners of Dee-O-Gee, a dog and cat store in Bozeman, will deliver the keynote speech at the 13th annual Montana State University Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship Entrepreneur Day, set for Monday, Oct. 17.
Josh and Holly Allen will share their story during a keynote lecture, “Dee-O-Gee: From retail boutique start-up in Montana to national expansion,” set for 1-2 p.m. in SUB Ballroom A. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Both native Montanans and past MSU students, Josh and Holly Allen started Dee-O-Gee in Bozeman in the fall of 2008, after they said they sensed a gap in the local pet supply marketplace. Holly Allen had previous experience as a lead veterinary technician at a local vet clinic and knew the pet product and service landscape well, she added.
Since the initial launch of Dee-O-Gee with one other employee (a pet groomer, who is still currently employed at Dee-O-Gee), Dee-O-Gee has grown to two Bozeman locations with 18 employees. This spring, the Allens launched a franchise model for Dee-O-Gee and are currently searching for pet-loving entrepreneurs from across Montana and the United States with whom to partner.
The MSU Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship hosts Entrepreneur Day as part of its commitment to enhance entrepreneurial spirit and education in the area, as well as improve the economic development of the state. In addition to the event’s keynote lecture, college faculty and current business students will facilitate group workshops that are designed for high school students interested in business and entrepreneurship.
For more information, contact Linda Ward at (406) 994-1995 or lward@montana.edu.
