ITASCA DOG LODGE A DREAM COME TRUE FOR OWNER-OPERATOR TIFFINEY BARTZ

By Andrea Busche

Tiffiney

Bartz is living her best life. A lifelong animal lover, this 36-year-old mom of three is the owner of Itasca Dog Lodge, a dog boarding business she opened at 27386 Jess Harry Road in Grand Rapids in the spring of 2017. Her business is much more than just a boarding facility. With amenities like couches, comfy beds and blankets, and even TVs tuned in to dog- friendly programming, Bartz makes sure the dogs feel like they are part of her “pack.”

Best of all? The dog lodge is just 50 yards from her home. So, in addition to attending to the canines in her care, she can focus on her kids, her husband, and the smooth running of her household at the same time.

“This is my dream,” she said. “To be here with the kids and animals, running my own business.”

Early love for animals

Bartz grew up in an environment which taught her a few important lessons: the value of hard work, and the love of animals. Bartz’ mother, Bonnie Stotts, is the owner of Beier’s Greenhouse in Grand Rapids.

Growing up, Bartz and her older brother Jarrod often helped their mom with the business.

“My mom introduced us to a strong work ethic,” Bartz said. “There wasn’t a lot of room for goofing off, and everyone had to pitch in.”

When she wasn’t busy with school and the family business, however, Bartz’ true passion was for animals. She loved horseback riding, and spent many weekends taking her horse, Image, to shows. She also had a special collie named Pal.

Education

After graduating from Grand Rapids High School in 2001, Bartz’ life took a series of twists and turns as she figured out her life’s purpose. First, she attended the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis.

Around this time, her cousin told her about a program called Youth with a Mission, a Christian missionary and outreach group. Through this program, Bartz traveled to Azerbaijan, where she taught English for three months. The experience was transformative for Bartz, who has always had a strong Christian faith.

“It was humbling,” she said. “I think I brought the biggest suitcase made in the U.S., and when I went home it was almost empty. Others needed what I had, so I gave everything away.”

Bartz earned an Associate of Arts degree from Itasca Community College. Later, she attended the University of WisconsinStout, where she graduated with a degree in their hotel, restaurant and tourism program.

As a young adult, Bartz began a romantic relationship with her future husband, Jacob, who was, and still is, her brother’s best friend.

“There are pictures of us together at 3 and 5 years old,” she said. “I’ve known him my whole life.”

Taste of entrepreneurship

While in college, Bartz started Heavenly Pet Sitting, a small pet sitting business, to help finance her education. She loved working with the animals and discovered that she also enjoyed the entrepreneurship aspect of the work.

After graduation, she returned to Grand Rapids. She worked for Timberlake Lodge for a time, and later got a job as a marketing associate at Sysco, where she remained for over seven years.

“I knew in my gut that someday I’d open my own business,” Bartz said. “Sysco allowed me to save money so I could eventually go out on my own.”

Tiffiney and Jacob were married in 2009. Jacob is also an entrepreneur: he owns and operates Bartz Contracting.

The couple knew they wanted a large chunk of land where they could eventually have animals and raise a family. Initially, they bought 20 acres, where they built their dream home: a five-bedroom, four-bathroom home, which is well-suited for the Bartz family, which now includes three children: Karsten, Myles and Georgia. They later added another 10 acres to their property, bringing the total acreage to 30.

The Bartz family also includes two beloved dogs: Foxy, a Jack Russell terrier mix, and Gertie, a nine-monthold bernedoodle.

She has her daddy’s eyes,