Downtown Hartford Business Owner Enjoys Being Part of the Community

Naturally Dogs & Cats Owner Robert Marshall talked to the Hartford Chamber of Commerce about the value of becoming involved in the Chamber and what he enjoys most about his business location.Why did you join the Hartford Chamber of Commerce?ROBERT MARSHALL: I joined the Hartford Chamber of Commerce to network with other businesses to get the word out that my business exists downtown and to find new customers.Why Hartford? How did you decide on the location for your business?BOB: I chose downtown Hartford for my business six years ago. I realized there many pet owners downtown had nowhere to go to buy food and treats and there was no sense of community within the pet community downtown and there was a need to create one. I was looking for somewhere central on the bus line so all of Hartford’s neighborhoods could be serviced by my store; even if my customers didn’t have a car, they could get good solid advice and food for their pets.Tell us about the neighborhood and what makes it unique.BOB: The downtown neighborhood is great because all the small business owners with storefronts make an effort to get to know each other. There’s great diversity in the downtown neighborhood. There are so many pet-friendly businesses my customers can go to. I encourage people to come downtown and visit our parks and other businesses and eat outside at our restaurants that accepts pets. Downtown is very walkable and pet friendly.What’s the best thing about living/working in Hartford? BOB: The best thing about working and owning a business in downtown Hartford is the sense of community. I enjoy being part of the community and making it a better place to work and live.Find out more about Naturally Dogs & Catsnaturallydogsandcats.com | Facebook | Instagram