Small Businesses, Big Impact: American Express’ Shop Small Initiative Aligns with Community Values

Originally published by American Express.

Life for furry companions in the New York City area is hopefully a little tastier, courtesy to Woofbowl, a nutritional food truck dedicated to our four-legged friend's. Founded by husband-and-wife team Ron and Solo Holloway, this small business has a big mission, serving not just the city’s canines, but the veterans who’ve given their all.

Dogs play an extraordinary role in supporting a military veteran like Ron, who grapples with PTSD. To address this, they welcomed two French Bulldogs, Latto and Dino, into their family. Solo, an electrical and biochemical engineer, observed a remarkable transformation in their dogs after a dietary shift and thus conceived the idea of serving more wholesome dog food. Soon after, the Woofbowl food truck became a reality.

Let’s visit the unique, dog-friendly enterprise: 

Owner: Ron and Solo Holloway

Location: NYC

Amex-backing: One of 350 small businesses selected to receive grant funding through the 2022 Backing Small Businesses grant program in the U.S.

Mission: To set new standards for dog treats and to create their own.

“When you spend with a small business, the dollars go further in your community,” said Solo.

“When you see companies like American Express support small businesses, it says a lot about their values,” said Ron. “When you Shop Small, you could turn around a whole neighborhood. Whatever values that small business has you’re choosing to keep in your community. You get a say.”

While Ron and Solo are listed as the owners above, they (jokingly) recognize their pup Latto as the real CEO!