DOUG SPIEGELHAUER + MIKE HALLIGAN

Small Business

What do you do? We run a new company making dog food that people (and their dogs) can feel good about. We call it Scratch! When

did you start? Mike Halligan: It all happened quite quickly. I had the idea in January last year, quit my job in February, and we launched in September. Why did you choose that path? Doug Spiegelhauer: In my last job, a lot of my work was designing and making dog food and treats for large brands. I became very frustrated about how often ingredient quality is sacrificed to meet a retail price point. When you know the tricks around labelling rules, it’s hard to shop for pet food again. What inspires you? MH: I love to figure out ways of doing things better. DS: It’s fantastic to hear stories of other people and businesses, especially when they manage to combine impact with success. What are you working on right now? DS: Adding Sydney as a second shipping location, aside from Melbourne. MH: We’re only five months old, but Scratch seems to be really resonating, so we’re trying to make sure we don’t grow too fast and can keep up what makes us good, for thousands of new dogs! What do you stand for? MH: Transparency, higher quality ingredients and non-judgmental guidance to a better way. Best piece of advice you’ve received? DS: That overnight success often takes 10 years! It’s important to be patient. Which tool could you not do without? DS: Excel. Managing stock so we never let any puppies down, and managing cash flow as it’s vital to stay afloat. Biggest challenge so far? MH: Getting the word out. It’s a very noisy world, and no one’s used to buying dog food from a brand directly. Few even buy it online, for that matter! What thought keeps you going through the hard times? DS: Every day we get customer feedback saying that their dog loves Scratch and they’re getting healthier. Shiny coats, less allergies and great poos! That keeps us motivated. What does winning a Good Stuff award mean to you? MH: It’s huge – up there with the feeling of our very first sale! There were some amazingly crafted products and businesses, so we feel very lucky. What’s your next goal? MH: Five thousand dogs eating Scratch! We think that’s where you start to have enough scale to do new things and make an even more transparent supply chain. Where can we see your work? scratchpetfood.com.au or on Instagram at @worldofscratch. Small business judge Tess Mccabe says: With a highly resolved brand identity, website design and marketing experience, it’s obvious this industry-disrupting idea began with heart. Mike and Doug understand the devotion dog owners bestow on their furry family members, and they’re speaking to a growing market who want to give ethically-minded businesses their dollars (without compromising on value for money or service).