The Poop Valet Origin
From corporate career to disability to entrepreneur.
A journey powered by purpose.
From Disability to Founder
For Rick Couchman, life wasn't supposed to be this way. After building a career in social service work, a part-time reporter covering the Toronto Maple Leafs, and communications positions at Rogers Radio Group and a local Health Unit, a series of mental health challenges put that future on hold.
"I was on disability for 14 years for significant mental health, depression, and anxiety," says Rick. "I just couldn't hold jobs for long because I catastrophize everything. I always thought even if I made a small mistake, they were going to fire me. The anxiety was horrible."
That depression kept him in a pattern of isolation and despair—until his wife, Sherry, encouraged him to do something radical: get off the couch and become an entrepreneur.
The Spark
What started as a brainstorming session became the moment everything shifted. Rick and Sherry were enjoying an evening around a campfire with family and friends when the idea appeared—almost by accident.
"There were a bunch of dogs running around and they were doing their thing when my brother-in-law said, 'I wish somebody could pick up this poop for me,'" laughs Rick. "I started wondering if there was a company that does that, and it got me thinking."
A quick search revealed hundreds of dog waste removal companies across the United States. But around the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge-Guelph area? Nothing. That gap in the market, combined with his wife's encouragement, crystallized into a business idea.
"I did some research and found out there were hundreds of companies in the U.S. that do this, but around here it's just not a thing so I saw a niche and thought why not grow it?"
Growing Up Fast
"This was only supposed to be a couple of mornings a week, just to get me off the couch, but it just took off," says Rick. What began as a part-time hobby exploded into unexpected demand when a local news article about the new venture was published.
The company welcomed its first client in December 2022 and quickly built a following. Sherry, who works for the Region of Waterloo, joined the effort part-time, handling administrative work, client communication, and even scooping yards on evenings and weekends. The couple successfully implemented a CRM system to streamline onboarding, optimize route density, and improve their communication and payment processes.
Industry leadership
Rick's hands-on experience now reaches beyond the yards The Poop Valet serves. Over the past two years, he has been invited to teach live online sessions for new pooper-scooper business owners on how to start, operate, and scale a professional pet waste removal company.
Teaching the industry
Rick has taught Zoom sessions through three online communities serving pooper-scooper operators, sharing real-world lessons in startup planning, daily operations, route growth, and scaling.
Podcasts & video
Rick has appeared on podcasts and YouTube programs to discuss pet waste removal, entrepreneurship, business growth, and the personal journey behind The Poop Valet.
National recognition
Rise honoured Rick with its national 2024 Rotman Family Entrepreneur of the Year award, recognizing his business achievement and resilience after overcoming significant personal challenges. Rise was established through the Rotman family with the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management and CAMH.
5.0 average Google rating from 244 reviews.
“Such a great service. Always professional, always helpful, and the post visit follow up confirming the gate into my yard is secure provides so much peace of mind.”
Lisa“Thanks so much to Dom for helping me get my yard back in shape. I was overwhelmed by having to tackle the clean up. I have back issues, so cleaning up after my pup was difficult. The customer service and communication were wonderful. Thank you!”
Melissa Quinney“The Poop Valet team is amazing. We have enjoyed the service for years, the team is responsive and professional. Great job!”
Judy Goetz“Rick his team are absolutely great, Much, much, much appreciative of their great work and attention to detail. I don’t think I would trust anybody else or would want to Because I know I have poop valet and Rick.”
Kristopher Brazier“The owner and the tech who came out were both so helpful in getting my doggie mess cleaned up. The tech asked questions along the way and did a super job! I just can’t thank them enough!”
Sue Kazimer“I highly recommend Poop Valet! They provided me with a price over the phone, and I was very happy with the price—it was very reasonable. The gentleman who came out was extremely friendly and professional. He did a great job, made sure our gate was securely closed when he was finished, and even had us come outside to inspect the work before he left. Great service from start to finish! I would definitely recommend Poop Valet to anyone looking for reliable and friendly dog waste removal service. 🐾”
Ann Marie Seymour“Great communication, comes when they say they will. Cleans very well and always ensures the gate is locked when they leave. Their bi-weekly services have definitely helped out our busy family by taking one large task off of our plate!”
Jessica Postma“Rating-only review”
brent karai“Great service”
gimme. tna“Always a great experience! So thankful foe Rick and his team!”
Emma M“They did an incredible job and price is very fair. We did a one time spring clean up after not being out to clean all winter and they got everything tidied up and had it looking perfect! Super happy with their service, would definitely book them again.”
Ashley Porter“Does a great job . Worth it after a long winter”
Brian Lucas“Rating-only review”
Brock Jarrell“Good and fast service.”
Edan Shitrit“The team from Poop Valet did a great job on the spring cleaning of our yard. The dogs are happy. They were professional and communicated clearly, so we could give them the time they needed to get it all done. We recommend their services.”
JP MacSween“Hi I had Poop Valet come for the spring clean up yesterday Wed.. Was not able to go out to check the backyard after they left. Did go out today to do the daily clean up. Back yard was perfect. I am not able to do the clean up once the snow and ice comes. I would highly recommend them. They do have weekly, monthly if that is something you may need. If that time comes will definitely reach out. Thank you again, great job. J Mc”
Joan Mccartney“We have been using the Poop Valet for about two months now. They have done a wonderful job. We also love the report that tells us about what they saw when they were cleaning up our backyard.”
Sheila Nikolich“I was very impressed with the friendliness, efficiency, thorough cleaning, and ease of communication with the Company. I would definitely recommend if you're looking for this type of service. 5/5”
Dianna Troschke“This year we decided to hire Poop Valet to clean up our yard. I have a Newfoundland and Siberian Husky so you can image what it looked like after this winter we had. The owners were amazing from start to finish and my yard looks amazing!!! It is so worth it!! Thanks again Poop Valet for saving my back!”
Debbie Cordeiro“The team at PoopValet did a wonderful job - fast and friendly. You won’t be disappointed!”
Alex TibbsBeyond the Scoop
Rick credits his mental health journey with shaping The Poop Valet's values. The company actively supports causes important to him, including regular donations to service dog organizations that provide trained dogs to assist those living with mental health issues.
"We donate gift baskets regularly to dog rescue organizations or charities that are specifically pet related," says Rick. "We actively support the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth."
Rick and Sherry also dream of expanding sustainable employment opportunities to people living with mental health issues—giving others the same second chance that The Poop Valet gave to Rick.
Beyond the mental health mission, Rick and Sherry are committed to protecting the environment. They recognize the real health risks posed by accumulated dog waste in yards—toxins that contaminate soil and create unsafe spaces for families.
"I think of the impacts of what happens if you don't have a clean yard," says Sherry. "One of the things I've learned through all this is how much bad stuff (toxins) is in dog poop and why it really needs to be cleaned up, especially if you're wanting to have your family out in that space."
The company responsibly disposes of approximately 1.5 tons of dog waste per month, creating a cleaner, healthier community one yard at a time.
The Road Ahead
Today, The Poop Valet operates from Rick and Sherry's Hespeler home with two trucks, serving well over 100 clients weekly or biweekly, plus many one-time service calls. The company is expanding into commercial services—installing and maintaining pet waste stations for property management companies.
"I would say about one per cent of dog owners in our area know about us," says Rick, "so that means there is a ninety-nine per cent chance for growth opportunities." He sees potential expansion into Orangeville, Fergus, Elora, and London, and dreams of hiring and mentoring others who've faced similar mental health challenges.
Rick's journey from 14 years of isolation to running a thriving, purpose-driven business proves one simple truth: sometimes the best ideas come from the simplest conversations—and sometimes the best cure for personal struggle is building something that helps others.
Join the local families Rick and Sherry clean up after every week.
Get Started TodayClean Paws Guarantee • No contracts • Off-site waste removal • Background-checked crew • Locally owned
