Meet Cindy Dunston Quirk:
Passionate entrepreneur and Chief Dog Lover at Scout & Zoe’s®, Cindy Dunston Quirk has dedicated her life to improving the health and happiness of pets worldwide. Growing up surrounded by pups, her lifelong love for furry companions has been the driving force behind her innovative endeavors in the pet care industry.
Pioneering Pet Care: Scout & Zoe’s® from the Ground Up
From humble beginnings in her garage, Cindy poured her heart and soul into building Scout & Zoe’s® into a global brand. With a focus on quality, safety, and innovation, she expanded the company’s offerings to include a wide range of products, including many species but catering to dogs, cats, and even horses. Through dedication and determination, Cindy turned her passion into a thriving business, with products now sold in over 10,000 stores worldwide.
Innovative Initiatives: Revolutionizing the Pet Industry
Scout & Zoe’s® has been at the forefront of innovation in the pet industry, introducing groundbreaking products that promote sustainability and nutrition. In 2012, the company became the first to utilize invasive Asian Carp body parts as treats for dogs, effectively addressing environmental concerns while providing nutritious options for pets.
Additionally, in November 2019, Scout & Zoe’s® made history again by creating pet treats with Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL), known for their sustainability and high nutritional value. By pioneering the use of these innovative ingredients, Cindy continues to lead the way in revolutionizing pet care and promoting environmental stewardship.
Empowering Communities: Making a Positive Impact
At the heart of Scout & Zoe’s® is a commitment to giving back to the community. The company partners with organizations that empower intellectually challenged adults by providing them with job skills training and opportunities to pack treats. Through these partnerships, individuals are able to earn a living while gaining independence and contributing to their communities.
Three Pillars of Purpose: Do Good for the Pet, Earth, and Community
Scout & Zoe’s® is built on three pillars: do good for the pet, do good for the Earth, and do good for the community. Everything the company does is guided by these principles, ensuring that every product and initiative contributes to the well-being of pets, the planet, and the people and their pets who call it home.
Educational Foundations: A Journey of Learning and Growth
Cindy’s educational journey provided her with the knowledge and skills to excel in her chosen field. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on Marketing and Advertising from Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business. This foundation in business laid the groundwork for her future success as an entrepreneur and leader in the pet care industry.
Continued Learning and Professional Development
In addition to her formal education, Cindy has continually sought out opportunities for professional growth and development. Throughout her career, she has embraced new challenges and experiences, from founding her own non-profit organization, Scouting for the Cure® (www.scoutingforthecure.com), to spearheading innovative product development initiatives. Through her dedication to learning and self-improvement, Cindy has remained at the forefront of the ever-evolving pet care industry.
A Vision for the Future: Continuing the Legacy
As Cindy looks to the future, her vision for Scout & Zoe’s® remains clear: to make a positive impact on the lives of pets and their owners around the world. With a steadfast commitment to quality, innovation, and compassion, she will continue to lead the charge in advancing the field of pet care and advocating for canine health research. Through her unwavering dedication and boundless passion, Cindy Dunston Quirk is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the world of pet care.
5 leadership lessons
- Passion Fuels Innovation: Let your passion drive you to create solutions to challenges you’re passionate about.
- Commitment to Quality: Strive for excellence in everything you do, ensuring that quality remains at the forefront of your endeavors.
- Empathy Builds Connection: Show empathy and understanding towards others, fostering strong connections and building a supportive community.
- Continuous Learning: Embrace opportunities for growth and development, constantly seeking to expand your knowledge and skills.
- Purpose-Driven Leadership: Lead with purpose and vision, inspiring others to join you in making a positive impact on the world.
Editorial note
In closing, we commend Cindy Dunston Quirk for her remarkable dedication to canine wellness and innovation in the pet care industry. We invite other executives to share their inspiring journeys at executivesdiary.com/blog/submit-biography. It’s a platform dedicated to showcasing the diverse experiences and leadership insights of professionals like you, and best of all, it’s completely free of cost. Let’s celebrate and learn from each other’s successes and challenges, shaping a brighter future together.
