Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

The Neon Dragon was built for the underdogs. The dogs that don’t fit the mold and the people who don’t either. We started it because the pet industry is full of conveyor belts, corner cutting, and mediocrity. We believed dogs and their people deserved better. So we built something different. A rebellion against average. A place where care, craft, and standards actually matter.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by the dogs who need us most. The anxious ones, the neglected ones, the underdogs who haven’t always been treated kindly. Seeing a dog walk in scared and leave feeling safe, clean, and cared for reminds me why this work matters. The Neon Dragon was built as a rebellion against mediocre care, and every dog who leaves happier than they arrived keeps that fire alive.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 to launch the Neon Dragon Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping dogs and the people who love them. The foundation would help families facing financial hardship afford urgent veterinary care, and provide scholarships for people who cannot afford tuition to attend the Neon Dragon Grooming Academy so they can learn a trade, build a career, and create a better life working with dogs.