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Dr. Kelly Hunt Presents SBA Military Veterans Award to Owner Elissa Weimer at Paw & Order Dog Training
Elissa Weimer, owner of Paw & Order Dog Training, was recently honored as the Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Pittsburgh District. Dr. Kelly Hunt, the district director, presented the award to Weimer during the 61st annual National Small Business Week.
Weimer, a military veteran who served in the Army National Guard, decided to pursue her dream of starting her own business after graduating at the top of her class in criminal justice. Despite having a lucrative job offer from the FBI, she followed her passion for working with dogs and launched Paw & Order 11 years ago.
Together with her husband, Steve Sentner, Weimer has grown Paw & Order into a regional success, offering in-home training, stay-and-train programs, and group classes at their 22-acre farm and training center in Smith Township. They also have nine franchised locations in various states.
Both Hunt and Weimer, who are military veterans, emphasized the similarities between the skills needed in the military and those required to run a small business. Weimer credits her military experience with giving her the confidence to pursue her entrepreneurial goals.
Living on their dream property, Weimer and Sentner have created a haven for not only dogs but also a variety of other animals. Despite her initial career aspirations, Weimer finds her work with Paw & Order to be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Receiving the Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year award was a fitting birthday present for Weimer, who continues to make a positive impact in her community through her business.
