Unleashing her vision
For Jen Hanna, dogs have always been family. But as someone who traveled often for her career, Jen struggled to find a place she trusted to care for her dogs the way she wanted. That challenge planted a seed: what if she could create a space where dogs were treated with the same love and attention they received at home, easing the worries of dog owners. Inspired by high-end dog care facilities in larger cities, Jen set out to bring that concept to Greenville.
Jen carefully crafted her business plan. She focused on securing funding, finding the right location, and navigating the challenges of starting a business. Her vision remained clear and in 2017, Noble Dog Hotel opened its doors at Hampton Station.
Building a community: For dogs AND people
Noble Dog Hotel reflects Jen’s belief that dogs are integral to the family. With amenities designed for safety, comfort, and fun, the hotel has become a trusted resource for dog owners in the community. “People are trusting us with their family members,” Jen says. “It’s not something we take lightly.”
Jen’s emphasis on developing a strong team is key to the Noble Dog Hotel’s success. With a staff of 30, Jen takes pride in the environment and culture they have built. “I’m very fortunate to have such a great team,” she says. “They carry the same values and care whether I’m there or not, which is incredibly rare.”
Resilience in the face of adversity
Like many business owners, Jen faced challenges when COVID-19 struck in 2020. “Our revenue dropped by 75 percent,” she says. “People weren’t traveling, so there was no need for boarding.” Despite the uncertainty, Jen found ways to adapt. Daycare services picked up and PPP loans helped sustain her team. “Dogs didn’t have a six-foot rule or wear masks,” Jen says. “But it was a tough time, and I’m proud of how we got through it together.”
Becoming Empowered by CommunityWorks
Just a year after opening, Noble Dog Hotel had already outgrown its space. Revenue was strong, but lack of cash flow made expansion difficult. That is when Jen turned to CommunityWorks and received a small business loan that expanded Noble Dog Hotel to a 15,000-square-foot facility.
For Jen, every step of her journey has been connected to her love of the community. “I think CommunityWorks is so vital to our community and to small business owners, especially minority business owners,” she says. “One thing that makes Greenville special is small business, and it generates so much revenue for our community and our city. The work that CommunityWorks does is crucial for small businesses.”
In addition to running Noble Dog Hotel, Jen is also the director of the Canine Healing Project, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap between shelter dogs and people in need. The project rescues dogs, rehabilitates them, and helps them fulfill a greater purpose through adoption and therapy programs.
