Stephanie McGregor

Thirty-year-old Stephanie McGregor is the proud owner of The Paw Shop, a pet food and supply store located in Cranbrook. Back in 2007, the business began as a small kiosk in the Tamarack Mall. McGregor opened her well-known downtown shop a year later.

The Paw Shop plays a huge role in the community, and McGregor’s positive demeanor has earned her a solid reputation. She is a committed supporter of the local SPCA branch and organizes the annual (and extremely popular) weiner dog races during Cranbrook’s Sam Steele Days. She also took the time to answer a few of our questions about her work and life.

How did you come to choose this line of work?

I was working in the human services field . . . I was feeling pretty burnt out and knew I needed a change in my life. I have always loved dogs, and I knew I wanted to work with them in some capacity, but wasn’t quite sure until I visited a pet specialty store in Missoula, Montana. I immediately thought Cranbrook needed something similar.

What is it about your work that has you excited to get out of bed in the morning?

I absolutely love the people I get to interact with on a daily basis. People shop and work at The Paw Shop because they love their pets and want to do what is best for them, and that is exactly why I am here. Of course, I love that I get to see all of the pets that come in for a visit as well.

What’s your focus for 2016?

My focus has always been to provide customer service that goes above and beyond what is expected. I will continue to make this my focus for 2016.

Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur in the Kootenays?

I was born and raised here in the Kootenays and have always loved the area. Outdoor recreation is such a huge part of my life; I love that I can walk out my door and be at a trailhead within five minutes. I have always called this place home and wanted to provide a service for people and their pets that was not here. Thankfully, Cranbrook is a very supportive community and this support has been a contribution to my success.