Most people in the world of business would tell you that, starting a business (that will soon be a household name) on your own is impossible. Today, I can confidently tell you, it can be done! No fancy agencies, politican connections or experience. How did I make it work? Focus on the goal. Everyday, I completed at least 1 task towards my goal. Patents, trademarks, industrial designs, incorporating a company, sales, marketing, web design and advertising. I learned and executed it all; in 5 years. Now, I am on my way selling LitterHouses all over the world. It's been amazing.
But wait, the road has been long and frightening.
When searching for capital, caution is the only way to proceed. I spent 4 years searching for a commercial lender, financier, venture capitalist, private lenders, anyone I could get contact information for. Many, many scam artists, promising to put capital into your business; but never delivering. The fees are called many things; finders fee, due diligence fee, agent fees, all rip off terms. What it amounts to is money out of your pocket and into theirs. Never do business with someone you can't meet (they live too far away) or that won't meet with you. And always read and re read every document, before you give it to your lawyer to read. Many important points may not come to light until it is too late. Hind sight is always 20/20.
In the end, (July 2007) I had been run around enough. I purchased our industrial molds on my own. No fuss, no fees. My success came in the way of a government loan. (Who would have guessed) I had applied 2 years prior and was turned down. Another tip: Until you've been turned down 3 times, you should continue to ask. The loan was a god send. What a break, good terms, honest dealings, straight talk. I felt like I was in a dream. Governments and their programs change.
Now I am experiencing different challenges and the worlds economics are taking its toll. But the LitterHouse is a product that the world needs. It was made by a cat lover, for cat owners.
I admit to making some mistakes throughout the past 6 years, learning curve. But I will continue to spread the word about the LitterHouse and its many benefits for cats and their owners. My advice,to new business owners or those thinking of starting a business. Always use caution, read everything 3 times and trust in yourself. Gut reactions are usually right.

Our task to market and sell the LitterHouse began in February this year. Well it began much earlier than that really. Our first shipment of LitterHouses arrived in Feb/08. Here are a list of our accomplishments to date.

In February we attended the All About Pets Show, it was our first big debut; and it went very well. Our product was so well received, that we have been invited to attend other cat shows throughout the year. Our next invitation extends to the Queens Quay on July 12&13/08

In April we began our door to door sales campaign and by the end of May 08, we have 14 stores throughout Canada selling our LitterHouses. We also began our internet campaign which included a goal to be #1 on Google.

In June we have made some of our largest strides to date. We have receive interest from many countries around the world and now we are beginning to receive orders. Australia, New Zealand, Ireland.
Our biggest success this month has be reaching the goal of #1 on Google. We are now listed on page 1 of Google searching the words litter box. We are now on page 3 under search word litterbox.
What's next?

July08 I'll tell you what's next. International interest and the threat of fraud. I recently received an order from someone who makes his own credit cards. Wow! Luckly I'm cautious. No order went out and the fruadulant parties received no money. It is very important to verify the name and address on the card before accepting the order. The name this person disclosed was not the name registered to the card. Merchant services offers this security measure to call and verify. Verification can be done on every order. Espeically the big ones!
On a lighter note, we have added 2 more stores to our family of retailers. Visit www.litterhouse.com
to view a retailer near you. We also have a new logo.
Well it's August now and we are still going strong. We have added many new stores over the past few weeks and many more interested. Some retailers are starting to talk about Christmas. We have decided to go to the PiJac trade show in Mississauga Ontario. It will be our first trade show. We are hoping to get some larger orders from this show.
Looks like we have another fraud contacting us. That's the second one this year. You have to be cautious and one tell tale sign is when they request to supply there own shipping. Be careful. The PiJac show is September 21-22/08.
Nearing the end of August and we have over 40 stores carrying the LitterHouse. We are hard at work doing search engine opitimization and cold calling stores in southern Ontario.

Well here we are in September and we're getting ready for the big Pijac show. This could be the opportunity we have been waiting for. There will be buyers from all over the world there. We have spent the last 3 weeks preparing product and trying to perfect out booth appearance. The show cost $1500.00 for admission and we got the last booth available #747. Very exciting!! We are hoping to sell 5000 units at the show.
Also our retail store list has increased to over 50 stores carrying the LitterHouse. It's long days and persistence, that earns you the rewards.
We have been trying new colours for the LitterHouse. Watch for news of the next colour coming soon.

October has started with a bang. Our segment on the Dragon's Den has now aired and many people are responding. Sales have increased and we have been offered another opportunity to be on T.V. On Tuesday, Oct. 14/08 we will be taping "The Jon Dore Television Show" as professional inventors. It's a chance to have some fun, be recognized for our efforts and hopefully give viewers some insight into the extreme commitment and determination it requires to grow a successful business. It should prove to be and interesting day.

Always know who your dealing with. The internet, while simplifying business; also makes it more difficult.

Doogans- Orangeville, ON.
Kitty Cat Shack- Calgary,Alberta,
#1 Pet Centre- Cambridge, ON.
Feed All Pet Shop- Stratford, ON.
Global Pets- Fergus, ON.
Doogans- NewMarket, ON.
The Pet Shop- Alliston, ON.
Boutique du Chat- Montreal, PQ.
Bio Paw- Pickering, ON.
Global Pet Foods- Newmarket, ON.
House Of Pucci- Toronto, ON
Missionhill Persians & Exotics- Kelowna, BC.
Chopper's Pet Supplies- Invermere, BC.
Pets Wonderful- Toronto, ON.
D'Arcy ARC - Winnipeg, MB
Animalerie Felix Enr - Chateauguay, PQ
Menagerie Pet Shop - Toronto, ON.
Global Pet Foods - Bloor St W. Toronto, ON
Ryans Pet Foods - Mississauga, ON
Global Pet Foods - Kingsway Rd. Toronto, ON
Purrfect Pet Supplies - Etobicoke, ON.
The PetShop - Keele St North York, ON.
Global Pet Foods - Young St. Toronto, ON.
Concord Pet Shop - Hwy 7 Concord, ON.
The Pet Shoppe - Queen St. E. Toronto, ON.
Global Pet Foods - Brampton, ON.
Global Pet Foods - Beaches, Toronto, ON.
Pet Palace - Bayview Rd. North York, ON.
Global Pet Foods - Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON.
Pet Mart - Mississauga, ON.
Global Pet Foods - Bolton, ON.
Global Pet Foods - Markham, ON.
The Pet Pantry - Guelph, ON.
The Fergus Pet Shop - Fergus, ON.
Budson Farm & Feed - Erin, ON.
Ryans Quality Pet Foods - Guelph, ON.
Pet Emporium - Cambridge, ON.
Fergus Pet Shop Too - Guelph,ON.