Now a Ponte Vedra resident, Bob Schafer grew up in northeastern Ohio and eventually attended University of Michigan. His degree led him to work in Cincinnati in the financial field. Eventually, Bob and his wife moved to the Boston area, where they lived for over 20 years, and together, they built a software company which they eventually sold. In 2005, though, the couple moved to Ponte Vedra for a change of scenery and weather.
Bob’s “day job” now consists of frequent travel for his consulting business, which carries him throughout the United States. But if that didn’t keep him busy enough, in 2013, he started a private label pet shampoo company along with his partner, a senior chemist for a (human) salon-quality hair care products company.
The idea to create salon-quality pet bathing products came when the chemist realized how many people called the manufacturer asking, “Is it okay to use this shampoo on my dog?” The chemist’s response was, “Expensive, but most definitely safe.” The chemist called Bob, and after discussing how important pets obviously are to the average consumer today, the two created “Pawsmetics.” Pawsmetics utilizes natural ingredients like chamomile, marigold and kelp extracts, aloe and vitamins to create everything from pet shampoo to pet insect repellent to detangling and deodorizing sprays.
The process of developing the brand’s name recognition has been more of a side job for Bob at this point, as he continues to travel and consult regularly for his main work. His goal is to advance the company to the point that he could work on Pawsmetics full time. “Pawsmetics gives me an outlet to help,” Bob says.
“I love how people with pets are so relaxed and easy going. Pawsmetics is very rewarding, very fun, and provides a great relief from my day job of technical work,” Bob shares. He sees so many rescue groups in the area that are barely making ends meet, and he knows that through this company, he can help.
From donating shampoos for charity dog washes to contributing a portion of the proceeds to local groups, Bob feels he has found a way to use his resources to make a difference in the local pet community, but he dreams of doing much more. By growing and developing Pawsmetics, he hopes to one day make that dream a reality. In the meantime, Bob and his 12-year-old Golden Retriever Chap spend their free hours continuing to make a “pawsitive” impact on their community.
Learn more about Pawsmetics online at www.pawsmetics.com. Photography by David Steele.