Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonah Misner.
Hi Jonah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Orchard Point Kennels was founded in the 1950s by the Wagner family. When the father passed away in the 90s, the business closed with him. The property sat vacant until 2023, when Ryan and Jonah (current co-owners) caught wind that it was going up for sale and had an idea. While the facility had great bones for a kennel, many of the outbuildings had become a hoarding case. A massive renovation was required.
The property plays a crucial role in our story because it’s one of the best things about our business. We offer 11 fully fenced yards across 4.5 acres of outdoor play space where dogs just get to be dogs. There are no concrete floors, rubber mats, or hardwood. Only the grass and open space they deserve.
Our entire family has taken on this revitalization project and business together. Grandparents, brothers, sisters, husbands, and wives have all been a part of the multi-year process of bringing OPK to where it is today. We still have a long way to go, but we are very proud of the work we’ve done and are excited to keep rolling up our sleeves.
Our background with dogs runs fairly deep. Like most families, we’ve always had dogs in our household as pets. But in 2013, Mandy (also a co-owner) founded Sevadog Rescue, which is still operating to this day. The kids who work at OPK today were also fundamental to Sevadog’s success, helping save hundreds of dogs and families in need. Ryan and Mandy began dog training alongside the rescue in 2017, focusing on one simple question: how do we keep dogs in homes?
Education was the answer. As the training program grew, the demand for boarding and daycare naturally followed. Jonah and Ryan put their heads together, and OPK was reopened with that same mission in mind. By creating a safe, exciting, and education-rich space for dogs, we help pet parents learn to live harmoniously with their dogs, while providing a trusted team to look after them when life gets busy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Dog people generally know dogs, but often lack a business background. We’ve had to work tremendously hard to learn that what works in a rescue environment isn’t always the same standard of care that paying clients expect.
We’ve also had to learn how to work together as a family and knowing when to wear our “business hats” and when to wear our “family hats,” as we like to say. It took time to figure out how to leave workplace disagreements and challenges at the door so we don’t bring them home. We’ve come a long way, but we always know there is room to grow.
This business supports real families like our dedicated team and the clients who depend on us to look after their dogs. It can be a tough balance to set healthy professional boundaries while maintaining those close personal relationships.
The hardest struggle of all, though, is when dogs pass away. Our team builds real relationships full of love and affection for every guest we host, and it hits us deeply and personally every time we lose a member of our OPK family.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Orchard Point Kennels is an all-in-one dog care facility offering premium overnight boarding, daycare, seasonal scent enrichment events, and a variety of private and group training options.
Here is what sets us apart:
– We are the largest outdoor kennel in Lane County, with over 3 acres of fully fenced play space.
– We have Eugene’s only dedicated Enrichment Gym, a specialized space designed to provide engaging mental stimulation activities.
– Our lodgings are spread across multiple buildings. This separation drastically reduces the high noise levels you typically experience at other kennels, creating a calmer more relaxing environment.
– We are the only facility in the area that hosts seasonal scent work events.
– We keep you connected with high-quality photos. Unlike many kennels in Eugene, we maintain an active online presence and send regular text message updates during your dog’s overnight stay. You get to see your dog having fun through direct texts, social media posts and website features.
– We offer unique water activities. Because our property borders a county park and lake, the dogs can join in on exciting excursions like lake walks and swimming.
– As a brand, we are incredibly proud of our client feedback. Being the only facility with a 5-star rating across Google, Yelp, and Facebook is a massive honor and we are deeply grateful to the clients who have shared their stories.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
– SCORE Business Mentoring has been a life saver.
– SBDC from Lane Community College has been a tremendous help.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.orchardpointkennel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orchardpointkennels/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=A5SH9actYajOW6tQE4uiLi-
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrchardPointKennels/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/orchard-point-kennels-eugene-2
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@orchardpointkennels?referer_url=www-orchardpointkennel-com.filesusr.com%2Fhtml%2Fb6821e_c08977fbaa57255229ac6b5da3c95ccd.html&refer=creator_embed&embed_source=121374463%2C121468991%2C121439635%2C121749182%2C121433650%2C121404359%2C122775750%2C121497414%2C122349556%2C122221973%2C122122240%2C121351166%2C121811500%2C121960941%2C122780352%2C122774852%2C122122244%2C122774848%2C122122243%2C122122242%2C121487028%2C122809469%2C122258714%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%2C121885509%3Bnull%3Bembed_creator_card
