Although Brittany Schlup, owner of Premium Pets, a natural pet market and self-service pet wash providing nutrient-rich pet food, works in the pet industry, the heart of her mission is developing relationships with people.
Holding roles as an entrepreneur, volunteer, mentee, wife, and dog mom, strong relationships are at the heart of every dimension in her life.
“The biggest lesson we’ve learned in business is the importance of building relationships with people,” Brittany says. “It opened up so many paths for our growth last year and going into 2021. I know, without a doubt, it’s the people in this community that we will depend on to keep our business momentum moving forward.”
People like Donna Deetz, a seasoned entrepreneur and owner of multiple businesses, have been integral to Brittany’s growth as an entrepreneur.
“She’s been a mentor to me without even realizing it, but I’m truly thankful for her always connecting me to her close friends,” Brittany says.
A fervent advocate of East Side businesses and residents, Donna is Brittany’s go-to resource when she is in need of business advice, connections, or feedback on a new business idea, and she was a key influence when deciding where to open Brittany’s first store.
Relationships like these have catalyzed Brittany’s own community involvement. As secretary of the East Side Business Association, a member of the West Side Business Association, member of PEO, and praise team leader at Concord Baptist Church, Brittany knows being involved is what brings people together.
“I believe most people want to make a positive contribution to their community,” she says. “It allows for relationship building, helps others in need, and engages all participants of all ages. In a time when community involvement has been suppressed, I’ve seen people coming together in creative ways to support families, businesses, schools, and organizations like never before.”
Brittany finds encouragement and motivation from Jefferson City locals who are fighting to keep the economy and community strong. She has also organized multiple dog walks, gatherings, and events partnering with local businesses to bring people and pets together to socialize and make new friends.
An ardent advocate for community betterment and the development of the people within it, Brittany is very passionate about higher education and college retention. After graduating from the University of Missouri in 2011, she was selected as an advisor for the Missouri College Advising Corps, an organization that recruits recent college graduates to serve as full-time college advisors in high schools with high percentages of students at risk of not going to college. Guiding students and families through the process of planning for life after post-secondary education is still one of her fondest memories.
Encouraging others, and encouraging herself, Brittany firmly stands by her belief that “the greatest risk in life is not taking one.”
JOB TITLE
Owner of Premium Pets
EDUCATION
California High School grad, Bachelor of Journalism with emphasis in strategic communications from the University of Missouri
FAMILY
Rex and Cindy Martensen (parents); Rachel Martensen, Rozalyn Martensen, and Wyatt Martensen (siblings); Rolle, Grizzly, Prim, Piper, and Meg (pets).
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Facebook – @premiumpetsjc
Instagram – @premiumpetsjc
FAVORITE PLACE IN JEFFERSON CITY
Walking along the Greenway Trail or going to the Ice Cream Factory.
FAVORITE APP
Pinterest.
MOST USED SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM
Facebook.
FAVORITE MUSICIAN OF THE MOMENT
Lauren Daigle.
WHAT THREE WORDS BEST DESCRIBE YOU?
Enthusiastic, futuristic, and empathetic.
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