Impact Story: Rick Couchman

The Poop Valet
Cambridge, ON

Peer Supported Startup Program

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Rick Couchman’s journey into entrepreneurship began not in a boardroom or a store, but while sitting around a campfire with family – including two dogs. When one of the dogs answered nature’s call, Rick’s brother-in-law commented, “If only there was someone who would pick that up for me!”

With that inspiration, Rick’s business was born. For nearly two years, The Poop Valet has offered a variety of yard clean-up options to help dog owners in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Ayr, and Guelph, Ontario, keep their lawns tidy.

Rick never expected to be an entrepreneur. After studying psychology and sociology, he worked in social services for many years while also working part-time as a sports reporter. However, his career was disrupted by debilitating depression and anxiety that led to multiple hospitalizations over a 14-year period. These mental health challenges, including struggles with self-confidence, made it very challenging for Rick to maintain regular employment.

When the idea of a pet waste removal company came about, Rick’s wife, Sherry, encouraged him to pursue it. “She told me, ‘On your good days, you’ll do fine, and on your bad days, you can always rebook,” Rick says. “I started out fully intending for it to be a part-time business.”

But the universe had other ideas. Within four months, Rick was working full-time on the business, which quickly grew its roster to more than 70 recurring weekly clients. Sherry joined him as a business partner, and they hired their first staff member soon after.

Early in his entrepreneurial journey, Rick signed up for Rise’s Peer Supported Startup Program (PSSP). He liked the program’s peer-centric approach and continues to be actively engaged with the Rise Community, an online platform for clients and alumni to access ongoing support. “I really enjoy having that connection,” he says. “The communication is excellent, and the community forums have been very valuable.”

Not only a business success, The Poop Valet has also made a significant impact in Rick’s life on a personal level. “My confidence has gone through the roof,” he says. “I’ve become a champion for mental health, so I speak about it openly and on all my socials. I’ve really improved my outlook.”

The Poop Valet is also a valuable service for community members experiencing various challenges. Seniors, people with disabilities and those recovering from injuries or other health setbacks all use the service regularly.

The popularity of The Poop Valet speaks to just how necessary the service is. Despite his thriving business, Rick does occasionally encounter naysayers. On a recent trip to Tim Horton’s, Rick says a woman saw his “Poop Valet” truck and commented that she didn’t understand why people don’t pick up their own dog waste. “I could say the same of people who go to Tim Horton’s for a coffee instead of making it at home,” Rick says. “[The Poop Valet] is a service, just like lawn care or car detailing or anything else.

“Some of our clients have shared how much this service has changed their lives. We fill a niche, and it makes a difference for people.”

Rick Couchman was our 2024 Rotman Family Entrepreneur of the Year.

Visit www.thepoopvalet.ca to learn more.