Courtney Emken

Courtney Emken and her husband Bart opened DogBoy’s Dog Ranch in 1995. Pioneers in the pet industry, DogBoy’s was the first dog daycare to offer group play in Texas, the first pet care facility to commit to science-based positive reinforcement training, and the first to require dogs be spayed or neutered for lodging or daycare. The child of entrepreneurs and artists, Courtney used her business degree, creativity and drive to carry DogBoy’s from a tiny mom & pop biz to an internationally known and award-winning pet care facility, grossing over $1.5M a year. Courtney’s ppassion for small business and growing entrepreneurs carried down to her employees, who were taught open book management so they understood how businesses work, and many have gone on to chart their own paths in the dog world. After 26 years, Courtney & Bart sold their property and retired early. Courtney loves knitting, traveling, spoiling her dog, and sharing her business acumen serving on nonprofit boards and committees.nonprofit boards and committees.