FREDDY: Founder of FXV Digital Design
JILL: Owner of Berks Pet Care
Lives in Spring Township
What motivated you to start your business in Greater Reading?
Freddy: I moved here in 2009 from Florida just to be closer to home (NY). I had a family to take care of, and I needed to make a move in order to buy a house and support my wife and two daughters. I took on a job in 2011, was fired in 2016, and that inspired me to finally get out of my basement and become a member of the Greater Reading professional community. I haven’t looked back since.
Jill: Greater Reading is filled with passionate pet owners who treat their pets like family, and I wanted to be a trusted part of that support system.
How has the local community contributed to the success of your business?
Freddy: The local community is why you succeed. Once you gain the trust of the local community, they talk amongst themselves and you start to see a change in your every day. Greater Reading is a very small place, but powerful, and can literally make or break you.
Jill: We love building relationships with pet parents and their pets, and we’re grateful for the referrals, kind reviews and the sense of community that makes our work so rewarding. Whether it’s partnering with local shelters, participating in community events or just seeing familiar faces every day, we couldn’t do it without them!
What’s been your biggest challenge as a business owner here, and how did you overcome it?
Freddy: Finding the right people to grow my business with. I’ve been actively hiring since 2021, but I never really had success until 2023. I realized hiring someone I could vibe with was way more important than a skillset. Not to say they couldn’t have zero experience, but hiring a person you wouldn’t mind hanging out with on a daily basis leads to the creation of awesome content. It’s like
any other relationship; when the vibe is there, only great things come out of it.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in the area?
Jill: Embrace the close-knit community! Word-of-mouth is powerful here, so focus on building genuine relationships and delivering top-quality service. Trust and reputation are everything in a smaller community. Also, don’t be afraid to network—connect with other local businesses (even your competition!), support community events and get involved. The more you invest in Greater Reading, the more the community will support you in return!
What’s your go-to place or activity in Greater Reading when you need to unwind?
Freddy: I love going to shows, especially at Reverb. I’m a metalhead at heart, and being able to see bands I love in a more intimate setting reminds me of growing up in NYC back in the ’90s.
Jill: I love all the dog friendly trails in the area—Nolde Forest, Wyomissing, Blue Marsh, Antietam Lake. It’s endless! So many beautiful areas to get outside with your dog and unwind in nature.
