Primo Pads crate pads

Primo Pad crate pads
Primo Pad crate pads

Primo Pads was a vendor at the Ann Arbor Kennel Club shows July 4th weekend, so I stopped by to purchase a pad for one of my dogs and exchange one that had been chewed.  I decided to ask the business owner, Gary Berding, how he got into the business of making these durable, high density foam crate pads.  It was quite a tale! After being hit with a severe case of blood poisoning which landed him out of commission for nearly a year, he found himself virtually penniless. While visiting family, he went to a flea market and noticed the busiest booth in the place was selling foam padding. The sellers were the parents of the owner of a foam manufacturing plant who were helping him unload excess product. The material was waterproof,  non-toxic, and high density and was produced in large sheets. Within a couple weeks, Gary had a warehouse full of foam and needed to find customers. Initially he sold the foam for various athletic and household uses. Someone from a local kennel club happened to see his booth at a sports show suggested the foam would be great for dog beds and arranged to get Gary a booth at their show.  The  booth sold out twice the first day and he’s never looked back, focusing exclusively on the dog owner market since that time.

Primo Pads focuses on customer service, offers a money-back guarantee, and stays attentive to customer comments to keep  improving the products.  Upgrades include the addition of a heat sealed tough vinyl fabric covering and standardizing density so all mats are suitable for heavy dogs. Currently marketing efforts include booths at dog shows, a tri-fold b/w brochure, a website and word of mouth.  Pads are sized for all common crate sizes and custom sizes are available by special order.

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