QK Dogs – Case Study
QK Dogs (Quinebaug Kennels) is a premier dog training and care facility in Canterbury, Connecticut, offering companion and hunting dog training, luxury boarding, grooming, fitness, enrichment programs, senior dog care, and premium pet products. Led by nationally recognized trainer and author Jennifer Broome, QK Dogs has grown over more than two decades from a regional kennel into a top-rated, state-of-the-art facility certified by the Department of Agriculture and trusted by discerning dog owners across New England.
Upfront Clarity served as QK Dogs’ fractional CFO and strategic advisor through multiple phases of growth—starting with securing Jennifer’s first SBA loan and later guiding her through a complex, year-long SBA 504 financing process to consolidate operations and build The Lodge at QK Dogs, a major expansion that changed the trajectory of the business. Beyond lending and capital planning, Upfront Clarity supported QK Dogs with business development and core operational infrastructure: employee management and evaluation, HR systems and an employee manual, payroll, business metrics, technology and software upgrades, and the ongoing “numbers and projections” work that underpins confident decision-making.
By bringing structure to the financials, installing practical systems, and acting as a steady, candid thought partner alongside QK’s accountant and bookkeeper, Upfront Clarity helped transform QK Dogs from a passionate owner-led operation into a more scalable, strategically managed business—enabling Jennifer and her team to focus on what they do best: delivering exceptional, expert care for dogs and peace of mind for their owners.
Testimonial from Jennifer B.:
“For more than 20 years, John Ireland has been one of the most valuable professional relationships in my business life. When I was building Quinebaug Kennels (QK Dogs), John helped me secure my first SBA loan—then, a decade later, guided me through the year-long process of obtaining a major 504 loan to consolidate and build The Lodge at QK Dogs. Those milestones changed the trajectory of my company, and John’s steady leadership, clarity, and expertise were a major reason we succeeded.
John has supported me far beyond lending. He has helped me with employee management and evaluation, business metrics, payroll, updating business software and technology, to developing an employee manual—plus all the “numbers and projections” work that many business owners find intimidating, exhausting, and easy to avoid. John makes the technical feel manageable. He explains things clearly, builds practical systems, and helps you understand your business with confidence.
What I value most is that John is both supportive and honest. He is kind, smart, even-tempered, and genuinely enjoyable to work with—but he will also play devil’s advocate when needed, ensuring you see both the upside and the risk so you can make sound decisions. He has been an essential partner alongside my accountant and bookkeeper, helping keep our books in order and enabling QK Dogs to grow strategically.
If you are a business owner who wants real clarity, strong guidance, and a trusted advisor who can help you make wise decisions, I cannot recommend John and Upfront Clarity highly enough.”
Jennifer B.