Scent of success: Vet lives entrepreneurial dream with Walmart deal

A veterinarian risked a steady, safe career to become an entrepreneur and develop a different animal-care model. That includes partnering with a retail giant.

  • By Brian Hartz
  • | 6:00 a.m. July 19, 2019
  • | 0 Free Articles Remaining!
Mark Wemple. Essentials PetCare COO Christine Battista, left, and co-founder Doug Spiker with Annie, their rescue dog that inspired them to start the company.
Mark Wemple. Essentials PetCare COO Christine Battista, left, and co-founder Doug Spiker with Annie, their rescue dog that inspired them to start the company.
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As far back as high school, Douglas Spiker aspired to be a veterinarian, which he accomplished. The industry innovation goals came much later. Those, in partnership with a global retail behemoth, are a work in progress.  

 

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