We had the good fortune of connecting with Bruce Antonoff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bruce, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I got laid off from work… a friend suggested that I go to the car auction and I purchase a few cars to flip to make some money until I got hired. I purchased three vehicles. My sister in Los Angeles asked me to sell one of her extra cars, then another sister of mine in Carlsbad asked me to sell one of her extra cars… I found myself with five vehicles and no income. I thought, how can I make money off the five cars that I have? The idea of transportation came to mind and San Diego Pet Driver was born.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Caring. I would describe caring as a crucial element in my line of work. So many people have told me, I don’t know what I would have done without your help. People are often shaken up and emotional when their pet is lying sick on the floor. When I come, I guide the client along and help them load the pet into our vehicle and we head directly to the vet. It was not easy in the beginning as not much work would come in as people did not know about my services (from transportation to boarding to watching their pet while they are out of town). In the last 13 years I have built up a good client base and I get calls from new clients all the time. The lessons I’ve learned are to be early to the job, be calm and lovingly listen to the client and get their pet to the vet for care as soon as possible and be supportive.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Coronado Island is beautiful, we could go to the Hotel Del Coronado for lunch and to walk. La Jolla is also beautiful, we could see the seals and walk the boardwalk. Mr. A’s has a fantastic view of downtown San Diego.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The 24 hour vets have been so wonderful in recommending me. If I get a call at 9:00 PM on a Sunday night from a person with a sick pet, I know exactly where to take them. The staff at Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego are amazing and are always willing to help at all hours.

Website: www.sandiegopetdriver.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sdpd.driver
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/san-diego-pet-driver-san-diego?osq=san+diego+pet+driver

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.