His entrepreneurial spirit and the chance to run his own business led Jeff Hobart to take over Grooms by Leah in 2010.

“My fear is to sit back one day and say, ‘I didn’t try [an idea], but I should have,’” Hobart said. “I want to sit in my rocking chair and say, ‘I tried everything I ever wanted to do.’”

Hobart bought the Cedar Park dog grooming and boarding shop from its original owner, Leah McLendon, five years ago after he retired from a 36-year sales career in the restaurant supply business.

“I didn’t change the name because we had loyal customers,” Hobart said, adding that his customer base has more than quadrupled in the past five years.

Grooms by Leah offers basic grooming services that includes a full wash and cut, nail clipping, ear cleaning and anal expression. Additional services include nail dremeling, or filing; teeth brushing; and hair coloring for special occasions. Pricing is based on the dog’s size and the overall condition of the dog’s coat.

“I want to make the dog comfortable so he enjoys coming in here,” said Hobart, who has two poodles of his own.

Overnight boarding is also available for a nightly fee. The shop can accommodate about 25 dogs, and customers are asked to bring their dog’s bedding and preferred food.

Karen Timmermann of Leander, who has been a frequent customer since she adopted her Shih Tzu from a rescue group four years ago, said she likes being able to see the groomers at work in the front of the shop.

“I don’t have any worries about [my dog] when she’s there,” Timmermann said. “This is my first experience with dog grooming, and [they] make it easy for me.”

Grooms by Leah

1406 N. Bell Blvd., Cedar Park
512-528-1718
www.groomsbyleah.com,
www.facebook.com/groomsbyleah
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.