Our Story
You may have seen us on social media, but do you know the full story behind our mission to spread smiles®?
From the Army
I saw first-hand the benefit of animal-assisted interactions while deployed overseas. My unit was accompanied by a dog named Zac, who would fly in my helicopter spreading joy and happiness. When I returned home, I decided to create the same kind of impact in my local community.
My wife, Katie, and I got Ellie and trained her as a therapy dog. We spent several years volunteering in schools, hospitals, and nursing homes advancing the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of others.
2020
But then like many people the pandemic changed our plans. We were no longer allowed to volunteer in person so we pivoted to social media with our mission of spreading smiles.
Over the past few years, we've been truly blessed to connect with millions of people around the world. I'm grateful to be a small part of your life and look forward to building our relationship together.
Outside of social media…
After my military career, I completed my MBA at the University of Minnesota, where I was selected as a 2020 Tillman Scholar. Upon graduation, I moved to Arlington, VA and started my entrepreneurial journey full-time.
My wife, Katie, has a background as a Speech-Language Pathologist working with acute care patients in the local hospitals. Katie is often found behind the camera helping bring to life our mission to spread smiles.
In the summer of 2022, Katie pivoted from the medical field to start her entrepreneurial journey full-time. Less than a month later made her international TV debut on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon!
2022
Emma joined our family!
When Emma entered our lives, we quickly realized there was a need for accessible dog training. So we began creating tutorials to help others and launched our own app, The Hapco: a community of pet parents who want to unleash more adventures with their pups.
The Mission Continues
In 2023, we took Ellie and Emma on an international trip to 7 countries where we were able to visit deployed service members and fans all around the world!
Our focus is, and will always be, on our mission to spread smiles.
Fun Facts about Us
We cheer for the Green Bay Packers
and the St. Louis Cardinals
Ellie has been to 20 states!
Kevin once lived in North Pole, Alaska
Katie and I met the first week of freshman year at Marquette University
Ellie still has her first-ever toy, Dino!
We love to travel!
Our favorite trip was spending two weeks in a campervan exploring the south island of New Zealand.
& explore the outdoors
Running, hiking, golfing, biking, kayaking, fishing, you name it!
