Mark Schottland, owner of Dogtopia of Nashville, worked in the financial services industry for 11 years, but a strong entrepreneurial spirit drove him to join the ranks of corporate dropouts and find a business he could call his own. Not just any business, but one he could feel a passion for and that would truly service a need in the community.

While enrolled in Vanderbilt's MBA program, he acquired a pair of Siberian Huskies and soon understood the pains of leaving his dogs at home alone while he was away at class. Natural chewers and diggers, it soon became clear that the puppies would need some attention throughout the day. Mark found the Dogtopia franchise opportunity and researched the dog daycare concept. He was immediately drawn to the Dogtopia philosophy of treating each dog in its care like members of the family. He loved that the dogs would not be fenced in, but would be out in social groups, playing with one another and receiving unlimited attention and love while their parents were away at work or on vacation.

Mark and his wife Kate live in Nashville's 12^th South District with their 2 Siberian Huskies, Martin and Willie. The pair enjoy pulling their owners all over the streets of Nashville and its parks on a daily basis.