Inspiring Conversations with Patrick Holton of Woof ‘n Hoof

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Holton.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? 
I served 4 years active duty, in the Air Force. Upon completion of my enlistment, I started working for Pepsi. I rose through the ranks in the beverage industry and moved around the US as my positions in the beverage industry changed. My yearning for the East Coast never went away, I grew up in Charleston SC, and wanted to get back to the area. A Sales Manager opportunity with Pepsi opened up in Beaufort SC, and I jumped at it. I met my wife shortly after moving to Beaufort. Two years after marriage, my wife was diagnosed with cancer and wanted to be closer to Duke where she was receiving treatments. We decided on the Charlotte area and quickly fell in love with Mint Hill. I began working in sales for a national hardware company, calling on local independent hardware stores up and down the East Coast. I loved my company, my job, and especially my customers but over time the travel got to be pretty extensive and not offering much home time. I got home one night after traveling all week and knew a change was needed. We had always talked about owning our own business, and that’s where things began. We started searching for something we not only had a passion for but also wanted to plant roots and a part of the community. While searching, I found an ad for a feed & tack store in East Charlotte. I was immediately excited but not getting my hopes up as East Charlotte is a big area. My wife said, “If it’s the Woof ‘n Hoof, we’re buying it.” We started the process and quickly found out it was the Woof ‘n Hoof. We were already customers and familiar with the store and knew the potential. We were already heavily involved with some dog rescues, and having a huge love of animals, we were very excited for the possibilities. I basically cashed out any money I had saved to purchase Woof ‘n Hoof. The buying process was long and stressful, but I was able to pull it off. 

I immediately began getting involved with the town and wanted to learn more. I started going to every monthly Board of Commissioners meeting to educate myself on what was going on. Local politics was never on my radar, ever. In 2019, I decided to throw my hat in the ring and run for one of the four Commissioner seats. I won one of the seats, and that began my term to give back to the town that has given so much to me. While I pride myself on not being a politician but a citizen of our town that is vested in its future, I found myself running again in 2021. Serving the town during the pandemic was certainly different and educational. 

I can be found every day manning the register at Woof ‘n Hoof, meeting with citizens about town issues, or maybe even doing a flower delivery for The Mint Hill Flower Market. I’m blessed beyond measure to live, work, and play in the great town of Mint Hill, NC. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been far from smooth. Never owning my own business before offered up a myriad of challenges. I met each one as a learning experience and an opportunity to grow. My wife’s battle with cancer ended in February 2020. While still reeling from the loss of losing my wife, one of my longtime employees was senselessly murdered in a hit-and-run. A few weeks later Covid-19 hit the nation, and we ventured into a state of unknown. 

We’ve been impressed with Woof ‘n Hoof, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Woof ‘n Hoof has been around for more than 30 years. Upon purchasing the business, I began to slowly remodel and transition inventory to offer more variety and better brands. The stores’ slogan has been “Big or Small, We Feed Them All”; from hamsters to horses, we have it or can get it. Customer service is the main priority at the store. We make sure to greet customers as they walk in offer advice and suggestions to customers in regard to food, treats, toys, etc. Always offering to carry out items to their vehicles while ensuring they have a pleasant experience at the store. As the town evolves, I’m constantly trying to evolve with it. Bringing in new items/brands based on customer feedback, trying to have available what they are looking for. 

2023 was a continuation of changes at Woof ‘n Hoof. I worked for months rebranding the store’s logo, we launched it January 1st, and I couldn’t be prouder of the results. 

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Adapt and overcome and control what you can control. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/woofnhoofmh
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/woofnhoofminthill