Douglas Feed & Pet Supply

It’s not everyday that one successfully jumps from one career field to a completely unrelated industry, but that’s just how Craig and DeeDee Lyman describe their move from mortgage industry professionals to owners of four local businesses. Today, nearly two decades after making the leap into entrepreneurship, the couple and their businesses continue to thrive, thanks to a commitment to community, a passion for animals, and a dedication to fostering relationships with their clients.
 

The family’s jump into entrepreneurship occurred after a series of setbacks in Craig’s 20-year career in the mortgage lending industry. “I was laid off for a seventh time from the mortgage business at Merrill Lynch, so we decided to purchase a business and be in control of our own destiny,” Craig shares. “Since purchasing the business in 2007, we have grown four- or five-fold and acquired the property on Douglas Boulevard.” DeeDee and Craig eventually grew from owning one business to owning four; they now operate Douglas Feed and Pet Supply, Granite Bay Paw Spa, Douglas Tack and Apparel, and Tuckers Kettle Corn and Lemonade. And while the pair does say that their days of running the cash registers are behind them, that doesn’t mean they’re not hands-on owners: Craig can often be found carrying bags of feed to cars, and DeeDee loves helping with the baby chicks in the chicken barn or assisting with large apparel orders. “We absolutely love our clients and what we do,” they say. 

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They describe Douglas Feed and Pet Supply as an animal lover’s destination for all animals, large, small, and every size in between. They aim to help their clients’ favorite creatures live healthy and happy lives by providing the best tools and feed available. The Lymans’ background lends itself to running this type of business. The pair live in Lincoln on a small ranch where they once had horses but now share the space with their three Corgis (and sometimes a litter of puppies!). They have a large garden on the ranch that they tend, and when they have time, the couple pursues a variety of hobbies, including sailing, photography, family game nights, and participating in parades. After years of running their businesses, they’re now focused on building relationships, fundraising, and working on events.

 

Community is at the heart of the couple’s businesses. The Lymans stress the importance of supporting those in their community during both highs and lows. One story they shared demonstrates this passion for helping others. “One of our delivery drivers saw a customer's home on fire, and their barn had burned down,” DeeDee recalls. “The driver came back, we loaded the truck up with the feed and supplies we knew they needed, and we had it delivered the very same day free to them before they even called us. They were crying after we showed up and couldn't believe the community they lived in.” Forming relationships with their clients has always been a priority; Craig and DeeDee share that their employees know many customers by name—and their animals’ names too! 

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After nearly two decades as entrepreneurs, the Lymans aim to continue on their mission of serving the people and pets of the Granite Bay community. They’re excited to expand into other outlets, such as offering workwear and innovating their home delivery options, all with the goal of bringing 100% satisfaction to their clients and their animal charges.