Emily and Nicholas Conley built Ruff Pine Dog Treats in Waterboro after deciding they wanted better ingredients for their own dogs, Willow and Blue. What began as homemade treats for their pets quickly grew when family and friends saw how much their dogs loved them, inspiring the couple to turn the idea into a business.
Today, Ruff Pine Dog Treats creates all natural dog treats made with no additives or preservatives. The company focuses on single and minimal ingredient treats, including Maine inspired biscuits and custom products. For the Conleys, the business is rooted in quality and intention, giving them the freedom to shape its direction while building something that reflects their values.
Emily and Nicholas enjoyed the control that came with running their own company but found it difficult to ever fully clock out. As the business grew, they reached out to Maine SBDC for help with scaling, wholesale strategy, pricing, and profit margins.
Business Advisor Dion Olmstead helped the Conleys map out profit margins for both retail and wholesale, while also helping them prepare for the NEM trade show. Reflecting on that support, they said, “They have great resources and know a lot of people in the Maine community. If Dion didn’t know the answer, he most likely knew someone who did.”
That support came at an important time as Ruff Pine Dog Treats expanded into wholesale. In just the last few months, the business has grown into more than 50 stores, a major milestone for the company and a sign of strong demand for its products.
Born and raised in Maine, Emily and Nicholas are high school sweethearts, parents of two, and longtime outdoor enthusiasts who also run another business, Detail Dynasty LLC. Looking ahead, they want to keep building Ruff Pine Dog Treats by partnering with even more retail stores and growing a business that began with treats for their own dogs. In a major recent milestone, they announced that Ruff Pine Dog Treats will be carried in 24 American Airlines Admirals Club lounges across 11 airports.