An Interview with Scott Pendleton, Owner of Heritage Veterinary Care

For over a century, small animals, rabbits, and birds have found a safe haven in the Cadiz Animal Clinic in Cadiz Ohio. In 1992, Dr. Scott Pendleton took over the reins of this historic practice, now called Heritage Veterinary Care, and immediately got to work providing veterinary care to the animals in the community and its surrounding areas. Although he enjoyed being a part of the clinic’s strong and continuing reputation, it was clear to him early on that he needed to update facilities to provide a higher standard of care. With this idea in mind and advice from a friend, he knew his next step for success was finding a bank to help him fund the creation of his new facility. Scott reached out and connected with Consumers National Bank. This was the beginning of a fulfilling partnership.

1. Tell us a little about your business, yourself, and your role in the business.

As an exclusive, small animal clinic out in rural Ohio, every day is a new day to help furry and feathered friends. With a team of 22 staff members and three veterinary doctors, Heritage Veterinary Care is providing much needed assistance to the animals of Hopedale, Ohio and the surrounding areas.

Scott Pendleton: Three years ago, I realized that I either was going to have to close the doors and walk away or build a new clinic. I decided to keep going and build a new clinic.

Dr. Pendleton and his team moved from Cadiz Animal Clinic to Heritage Veterinary Care as they needed to move to a new town where there was an opportunity to see his vision become a reality.

Scott Pendleton: When I purchased Cadiz Clinic in 1992, I was a solo practitioner up until we moved to the new clinic. Even as a solo practitioner, we went from $980,000 to $2.6 million in revenue in three years. Our team grew as well, from a team of six employees to 22.

2. What was it that initially got you banking with Consumers National Bank?

Scott had been in search of the right lending option to create his new clinic. Working with big banks had become extremely difficult. Scott knew he needed a local bank that could understand his plans and help put them into action. The story of his start with Consumers National Bank is as simple as hearing a success story from a friend. His friend had built a million-dollar automotive repair and tire shop and was extremely happy with the results. This was enough to give Scott the push he needed to connect with Consumers National Bank and chat with Ken Peterson at the local branch. 

Ken Peterson: Dr. Pendleton was hesitant at first with the dollar amounts required for the investment. However, he knew some board members from the bank, and they gave him the confidence to pursue his dream. We were happy to be able to help him complete his endeavor. 

3. How did your Consumers National Bank lender provide your business with the help it needed to succeed?

Consumers National Bank takes pride in making a difference for their clients. Any project they believe can support and grow the community has their vote of confidence. For Scott, Consumers National Bank provided stability that other banks couldn’t offer him.

Scott Pendleton: Consumers helped me in so many ways throughout our partnership. They gave me flexible loan terms, easy to make payments, provided quick assistance with our PPP loan, and offered to help me with their line of credit. They were always accessible and extremely responsive.
I know when I need new equipment for my animal clinic, I can make a call and Consumers will provide assistance. They have financed over $130,000 of the equipment purchases I needed to serve the animals of Hopedale.

4. What are some of the challenges your business has faced over the years? How did you overcome them? 

Practicing and running a veterinary clinic does come with a few challenges. Scott and his team had to make room to grow. This meant accommodating a cash flow crunch after quickly expandingfrom six employees to 18. Scott believes his staff, nurses, and colleagues are second to none and knows that they are leveraged to the best of their abilities. However, finding other veterinarians to add to the team has been hard because of their rural location. 

Dr. Pendleton added eight exam rooms for more space, but still feels there is room for growth. With a focus on expansion and ensuring the long-term viability of his practice, he has sold a third of the business and brought on board an associate to help manage the practice more efficiently. While the sale isn’t complete yet, he trusts Consumers National Bank to ensure the process runs smoothly. The dedication to his business is what kept Scott a local bank. He couldn’t imagine working with any other bank.

Other obstacles as a practicing veterinarian come to Scott in the way of the internet. Google can scare pet owners and create a black and white scenario of what pet health should be. Scott insists that all people truly need is a visit to a knowledgeable vet. They can give them assurance and an effective treatment plan to maintain the health of their furry family members.

5. What are some of the exciting opportunities that are ahead for you and your business?

As a rural clinic vet, Scott is proud of the success he has obtained in his new facility. By creating a facility where he can diagnose, treat, and operate on animals, he is able to provide prompt veterinary care to an underserved population. However, he is always aspiring to provide new services that will take Heritage Veterinary Care to the next level. The next step toward his expansion is building a dedicated area for grooming, boarding, and rehab for the animals in his care. 

Scott Pendleton: There are a lot of opportunities for growth when it comes to veterinary care in rural communities. While a lot of clinics outsource their lab-work, x-rays, and other services, we are focused on providing animals and their owners a single location to get high-quality care.

6. Are there any other comments or thoughts you’d like to share in conclusion about your business or your partnership with the bank? 

When Scott first planned to build his updated veterinary facility, he knew he needed to secure funding to make it happen. He first approached the big banks, confident in his proposal, only to be met with challenges. The bottom line? The big banks didn’t want to work with him because his business didn’t fit their mold. This is when he decided to get in touch with Consumers National Bank. They were able to offer a personalized approach that larger banks couldn’t match, and Scott is forever grateful for the partnership they have formed working together. 

Scott Pendleton: Consumers National Bank took the time to learn about my situation and understand the goals I wanted to achieve. Thanks to our partnership, my practice is in a great place and I’m able to help animals every single day. I highly recommend Consumers to anyone who is looking to start or relocate their business.

7. If someone would like to learn more about your business, where can they go?

Website: https://heritageveterinarycare.com/

Facebook: Heritage Veterinary Care

If you’re looking for a bank that can help your business get its tail wagging, let’s talk! You can contact us online or hop over to shake paws with your local business banking expert.