TAMPA, Fla. — Marc Betourney had been working in finance for six years before having a change of heart and doing what many people dream of: quitting.
Marc said he had his letter of resignation all typed up and ready to go.
"I went home, poured myself a beer, sat down and was like, alright! What’s next?”
What was next was even more beer, but instead of just drinking it, he and his wife Meghan had a different idea.
Craft Canine Treats is a combination of all the things this local couple loves: Craft beer, dogs and local products.
“The product that we’re selling, it really resonates with a wide range of people. In terms of if you enjoy craft beer, or if you’re an animal lover, or if you’re even just into environmentally friendly products because our product is sustainable, you know, recycling those spent grains. It’s just a way to connect to a wide range of people and bring them together about something they care about," Marc said.
All of the dog treats are regulated by the Department of Agriculture for nutrition. The treats are made with all-natural, human grade ingredients.
"There is nothing in these treats that you yourself couldn’t eat," Meghan said.
The main ingredient: recycled beer brewing grains.
Craft Canine treats get most of their grains from Six Ten Brewery and Brew Bus in Tampa. Both breweries donate their used grains to the business and they get a second life as healthy dog treats.
The Betourney's rescue dog, Boston, has a crucial role in the business.
"He is what we call our director of quality control," Meghan explained with Marc adding, "He gets to sample all of the treats before they go out. Especially when we roll out a new flavor, he gets to try them before they hit the market."
Boston is not the only dog to benefit from these treats. Craft Canine donates a portion of profits to a different local animal organization every month. A partnership that just made sense to the couple.
"I think just seeing how many animals are available for adoption, and the limited resources these rescue groups are working with. And owning rescue pets, it was just an instant connection. It just made sense, and any little bit of money we could provide them with, we saw the impact it was making,” Marc said.
The company is getting ready to celebrate its one year anniversary.
As the couple looks to the future, in true Tampa Bay area fashion, they are focused on their home.
"It’s about the community where we live. And those are the people we love providing those products for," Marc said.
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