Christine Whelan FEO, October 27, 2022, VOL. 4 ISSUE 5
Kathy Legault Says It’s Been A Labour Of Love
The 4th annual RPA Women Entrepreneur Awards, presented by the Society of Professional Accountants of Canada, announced five winners of the 2022 awards on October 3. The winners were honoured with RPA Woman Entrepreneur Awards as part of the Small Business Week Celebrations planned by the Society of Professional Accountants of Canada on Saturday, October 15 at Sandman Signature Mississauga Hotel.
The winners in each of the award categories are leaders who have not only risen to meet the challenge of keeping their businesses afloat during the years under pandemic lockdown but also help keep the Canadian economy going at a time when it’s needed the most. This year’s recipients span sectors that include Agriculture (Organic Fertilizer), Dog Training School, Innovate and E-Learning Company, Wellness Industry (Good Night Sleep), and Medical & Health Services.
Kathy Legault of Fort Erie attended the awards ceremony on October 15 to accept her award as a businesswoman representing the Dog Training School sector.
Born and raised in St. Catharines, Kathy has been in the Fort Erie area now for 23 years. She serves the Fort Erie area as a dog trainer and proprietor of PEPP K-9 Dog Training Services.
The awards ceremony was incredible for Kathy. “The actual award is heavy glass. It’s like an Academy Award. It was so exciting.”
She added, “You don’t do things for awards, but it was nice to be recognized among peers. They had thousands of applicants and it was a really tough decision.”
When asked why she thought she was chosen out of all the applicants, the dog trainer answered humbly, “It seemed they liked that I give back to the community.”
Kathy’s Own Training
“In 2011, I took a year-long apprenticeship with dog trainer Dave McMahon. The required number of hours was around 720. I doubled that easily, just because I wanted to learn from every dog and person.”
Kathy said she still takes courses. “You can never profess to know everything about every dog in every scenario. I’ve learned all kinds of things over the years.”
Describing a couple of training experiences. “I took a course, through the shelter, for calming essential oils for dogs that are safe.” She added, “Many people put diffusers on, which are not safe for dogs.”
“I learned dock diving and got a certificate through Michael Ellis, who is a well-known dog trainer in the US.”
St. John Ambulance
Legault worked for nine years with St. John Ambulance as a Dog Therapy Coordinator. “I worked along with another girl on all the programs at St. John’s involving kids.” They introduced programs that are now provincially recognized.
“I did several tours of duty at St. John’s, as well as put time in as a volunteer,” she shared lightheartedly. The programs were a labour of love. We made colouring books for kids.”
She introduced the Paws for Stories reading programs in schools and libraries.
Kathy Legault, Dog Trainer
Kathy is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. She is also trained as a Provincial Evaluator and has personally conducted Team Evaluations.
“I don’t think we’re dog trainers. I could train any dog. We’re people trainers. We teach people how to own their dog.”
Legault found that there was a huge niche in the market and started a group puppy class. “I created the first class in the area.
“I also provide written material so the owners have something to follow when they get home. I provide it digitally now to save paper and expense.”
Kathy trains others to be trainers. “I’ve had one other woman who was an apprentice.” This was a positive experience for Kathy. “But then she moved away.”
Kathy Legault, The Businesswoman
This is not Kathy’s only business. “I have been an entrepreneur for 30 years. I also help my husband run his business.”
When asked if Kathy had a message for other women who are thinking about going into business, she replied, “I think that the best thing for any woman considering going into business is to find a mentor. Someone like me, who has been there, done that.
To those women, “Find somebody who is willing to mentor you. There are so many things that you can avoid when you learn from somebody else’s experience.”
When I asked Kathy about her mentor, she shared, “My mentor was from the BDC (Business Development Centre). I took a workshop with the BDC because I had opened a store.” At the time, she was a Certified Floral Designer.
“If someone came to me and asked me to mentor them, I probably would. But there are also professional businesses like the Business Development Centre that have programs to help with developing a business.”
The trainer is always looking for help, both in the roles of apprentice and volunteer. Extra hands with the classes would be appreciated.
“I’ve had kids come who want to get hours for school.” Kathy accepts community service hours arrangements.
“I wouldn’t put them in harm’s way, obviously,” Kathy assured. “It would be a safe environment.”
Passing On Her Knowledge
“At some point, I would love to pass everything on. “I’d love to hand over the reins at some point. Knowledge is a terrible thing to waste.”
For more details and to register for classes, go to the website www.peppk9.com where you will find an automatic booking site.
She always provides a personal touch. “I then chat with them right away.”
About the RPA Women Entrepreneur Awards
The RPA Women Entrepreneur Awards recognize the country’s leading female entrepreneurs in small to medium-sized businesses. The awards are an initiative of The Society of Professional Accountants of Canada as part of their community involvement and working towards Women’s Empowerment through Women’s Entrepreneurship, recognition of their achievements, and contribution to society.
Photo provided by Kathy Legault
