Our Team, Our Story
Brenton Dickerson, President/CEO
Brenton has had extensive experience in business and customer service, as well as the handling of Dogs, Cats, and Iguanas. Having been a manager for a leading hospitality business, Brenton truly understands what customer satisfaction is all about. He is also a proud father to two girls. Brenton and Ashley share their home with two dogs, Bentley and Layla and two guinea pigs, Commander Zippie and Special Agent Q.
Jessica Horne, CFO & COO
Jessica grew up moving all the time and found peace and happiness in helping animals as she never stayed somewhere long enough to make friends. She continued to spend all her free time walking neighborhood dogs, spoiling cats while their owners were out of town, and finding lost pets to return home safely. Jessica never wanted anything but a friend and found one with every pet she was able to help. Growing up in a family of CPA’s, she developed the talent of organization and the need for analytics. She now spends her days supporting pet businesses and helping them grow so more pets can be treated like royalty. This in return pays for her non-profit animal rescue. She says, "I am honored to be a part of the ExecuPets team as it is our goal to always make sure you are receiving the most ExecuPets you can get for your perfect furrbabies."
Damian Fogwell, Field Manager, Pet Care Specialist
Damian has grown up around a variety of animals. His first pet was a hamster, but his family has also had guinea pigs, dogs, and chickens. Their current dog, Clyde, is a silly, affectionate Great Dane mix weighing almost 100 pounds. Damian also helps take care of his sister’s cat, often pet sitting while she is gone. He has worked with cats at a local animal shelter as well and hopes to adopt cats of his own in the future. In his free time, Damian enjoys baking, taking care of plants, and playing video games.
Damian has grown up around a variety of animals. His first pet was a hamster, but his family has also had guinea pigs, dogs, and chickens. Their current dog, Clyde, is a silly, affectionate Great Dane mix weighing almost 100 pounds. Damian also helps take care of his sister’s cat, often pet sitting while she is gone. He has worked with cats at a local animal shelter as well and hopes to adopt cats of his own in the future. In his free time, Damian enjoys baking, taking care of plants, and playing video games.
Ryan Detwiler, Field Manager, Pet Care Specialist
Since Ryan was able to talk, he’s always had a soft spot for animals of all shapes and sizes. Since 2015, his family has fostered well over a hundred cats, kittens, dogs and puppies for the Cleveland Animal Protective League, providing care and love to those animals until they are healthy enough to be adopted to their forever family!
He gives most of his attention to his cat, Hazel, as well as Hercules the boxer. On the weekends, you can find Ryan teaching violin lessons during the day and performing in an orchestra or musical at night!
Since Ryan was able to talk, he’s always had a soft spot for animals of all shapes and sizes. Since 2015, his family has fostered well over a hundred cats, kittens, dogs and puppies for the Cleveland Animal Protective League, providing care and love to those animals until they are healthy enough to be adopted to their forever family!
He gives most of his attention to his cat, Hazel, as well as Hercules the boxer. On the weekends, you can find Ryan teaching violin lessons during the day and performing in an orchestra or musical at night!
Makenzie Richmond, Pet Care Specialist
Makenzie has always had a passion for animals and grew up in a family that always had an array of pets let her explore that. Her house has always had some number of cats and a dog at all times. They also had a variety of fish and some rabbits. When she was younger, she participated in 4-H by showing her rabbits. She has also experienced handling a variety of other animals throughout my life. Makenzie graduated Kent State with a degree in Zoology which further expanded her passion for animals. Currently, Makenzie has one cat (Mr. Ratty Cat) that lives with her, but her parents have 6 cats and a dog back home that are still part of her furry family. Her whole family is so passionate about their animals, that her father is constantly rescuing cats and making sure they find homes. Makenzie says, "Sometimes I think the neighborhood strays know he will take care of them because there's always at least one hanging around and that's how I found my little fur ball today. He meowed his way right into my life and I wouldn't trade him for the world."
Makenzie Richmond, Pet Care Specialist
Makenzie has always had a passion for animals and grew up in a family that always had an array of pets let her explore that. Her house has always had some number of cats and a dog at all times. They also had a variety of fish and some rabbits. When she was younger, she participated in 4-H by showing her rabbits. She has also experienced handling a variety of other animals throughout my life. Makenzie graduated Kent State with a degree in Zoology which further expanded her passion for animals. Currently, Makenzie has one cat (Mr. Ratty Cat) that lives with her, but her parents have 6 cats and a dog back home that are still part of her furry family. Her whole family is so passionate about their animals, that her father is constantly rescuing cats and making sure they find homes. Makenzie says, "Sometimes I think the neighborhood strays know he will take care of them because there's always at least one hanging around and that's how I found my little fur ball today. He meowed his way right into my life and I wouldn't trade him for the world."
Abigail Rootring, Pet Care Specialist
Abby has been an animal and nature lover all her life; growing up climbing trees, catching frogs, and visiting family dogs. Rescuing Millie, a stray kitten, started the animal care life during high school. Pet sitting and working in boarding brought her throughout college. She graduated from Malone University with a degree in Zoo and Wildlife Biology which led to her being able to work with a variety of wildlife while still holding love for domestic animals. Never having the opportunity to personally own a dog growing up she found a special love in having pet rats. Being active in nature and taking care of animals brings purpose to her life and she is excited to care for and bond with your furry friends.
Abby has been an animal and nature lover all her life; growing up climbing trees, catching frogs, and visiting family dogs. Rescuing Millie, a stray kitten, started the animal care life during high school. Pet sitting and working in boarding brought her throughout college. She graduated from Malone University with a degree in Zoo and Wildlife Biology which led to her being able to work with a variety of wildlife while still holding love for domestic animals. Never having the opportunity to personally own a dog growing up she found a special love in having pet rats. Being active in nature and taking care of animals brings purpose to her life and she is excited to care for and bond with your furry friends.
Lyle Evans, Pet Care Specialist
Lyle is 24 years old and his dog's name is Rodan who is 4 years old. He grew up with cats and dogs his whole life and worked for a dog daycare for a few years. He has a love for all living things and is always thrilled and happy to interact with any animal. Lyle is currently learning graphic design and web design along with the ins and outs of live music and the recording of music and sound. He spends a lot of time with his dog Rodan as well as working on music, exploring Cleveland, doing photography and visual art, going to see live music shows, cooking and eating, being in nature and exercising, as well as a few other passions.
Lyle is 24 years old and his dog's name is Rodan who is 4 years old. He grew up with cats and dogs his whole life and worked for a dog daycare for a few years. He has a love for all living things and is always thrilled and happy to interact with any animal. Lyle is currently learning graphic design and web design along with the ins and outs of live music and the recording of music and sound. He spends a lot of time with his dog Rodan as well as working on music, exploring Cleveland, doing photography and visual art, going to see live music shows, cooking and eating, being in nature and exercising, as well as a few other passions.
Chris Lucas, Pet Care Specialist
With a lifetime of passion for animals and a career focused on adventure and care, Chris has decided to channel his love for animals into a profession. After spending years guiding scuba divers and adventurers all around the globe, he’s learned how to provide tailored, thoughtful care—skills that translate directly into caring for your furry best friends. As a professional travel leader and pet owner himself (two dogs and a snake) he understands how stressful it can be leaving the furry (and scaly!) ones alone at home. Chris treats every pet like family, ensuring they get the right balance of exercise, safety, and companionship. His focus is always on providing personalized care, making sure each walk is fun, engaging, and perfectly suited to the animals individual needs. Outside of pet care, Chris enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring nature, and indulging his passion for nature photography and raising his daughter to do the same. He’s committed to delivering reliable, professional, and loving care, giving pet owners peace of mind that their four legged friends are in the best hands.
With a lifetime of passion for animals and a career focused on adventure and care, Chris has decided to channel his love for animals into a profession. After spending years guiding scuba divers and adventurers all around the globe, he’s learned how to provide tailored, thoughtful care—skills that translate directly into caring for your furry best friends. As a professional travel leader and pet owner himself (two dogs and a snake) he understands how stressful it can be leaving the furry (and scaly!) ones alone at home. Chris treats every pet like family, ensuring they get the right balance of exercise, safety, and companionship. His focus is always on providing personalized care, making sure each walk is fun, engaging, and perfectly suited to the animals individual needs. Outside of pet care, Chris enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring nature, and indulging his passion for nature photography and raising his daughter to do the same. He’s committed to delivering reliable, professional, and loving care, giving pet owners peace of mind that their four legged friends are in the best hands.
Barb Vermilye, Pet Care Specialist
Meet Barb, your go-to pet specialist who believes in the magic of the great outdoors, a good pair of rollerblades, and a trusty bike to keep things moving. When she's not out hiking or biking through nature (or possibly charming some bees in her apiary), she's busy ensuring your pets are living their best lives. She knows that every pup deserves a walk as adventurous as their spirit and filled with a lot of tail-wagging excitement! Barb owns 2 wonderful Rottweilers, Ruby & Brutus, who are just as adventurous! With a background in Business, emphasis in the Food & Hospitality Industry (yes, she's the one who made your pastries way too delicious), Barb has always catered to individuals needs and strives for Big Smiles!! Barb's career shift transitioning to a Canine Specialist was a no-brainer. Holding multiple canine certifications, she is a professional in behavioral modification, dog training, exercise, communication, health, safety and more. After all, she’s always had a sweet spot for both animal and their human counterparts. She’s all about making sure your pets are comfortable, engaged, and happy, while giving you peace of mind that your pet is in great hands. Simply ensuring they feel at ease, you leave with a smile and total trust in her care knowing Barb’s got it covered, with a side of humor and a whole lot of heart.
Meet Barb, your go-to pet specialist who believes in the magic of the great outdoors, a good pair of rollerblades, and a trusty bike to keep things moving. When she's not out hiking or biking through nature (or possibly charming some bees in her apiary), she's busy ensuring your pets are living their best lives. She knows that every pup deserves a walk as adventurous as their spirit and filled with a lot of tail-wagging excitement! Barb owns 2 wonderful Rottweilers, Ruby & Brutus, who are just as adventurous! With a background in Business, emphasis in the Food & Hospitality Industry (yes, she's the one who made your pastries way too delicious), Barb has always catered to individuals needs and strives for Big Smiles!! Barb's career shift transitioning to a Canine Specialist was a no-brainer. Holding multiple canine certifications, she is a professional in behavioral modification, dog training, exercise, communication, health, safety and more. After all, she’s always had a sweet spot for both animal and their human counterparts. She’s all about making sure your pets are comfortable, engaged, and happy, while giving you peace of mind that your pet is in great hands. Simply ensuring they feel at ease, you leave with a smile and total trust in her care knowing Barb’s got it covered, with a side of humor and a whole lot of heart.
Executive Pet Services was established in 2009 by Ashley Watkins and Brenton Dickerson. We originally operated in Knox County, OH as part of our sister company, Executive Stables. However, we now provide service to the Cleveland, OH area. The Owners and staff have a combined 30 years of experience with Dogs, Cats, Small animals ("Pocket Pets"), and horses.
When the company was founded, Ashley and Brenton were the only two team members, but they were able to garner the help of Teresa Watkins, owner of Executive Stables, when the need would arise. Our first clients were three Chincoteague Ponies, a Great Dane, and two Collies.
With those very first clients, our mission was to provide an “Executive Level” of service to anyone who needed time away but, unfortunately, their pets couldn’t travel with them. Most of our Knox County clients were owners of farms and ranches.
Today, we strive to create the “Pawsitively Purrfect” pet care experience to the over one hundred pets we care for.
While dogs and cats make up about 90% of our furry friends, we also have birds, reptiles, pocket pets, farm animals and even insect colonies.
With our Mission Statement, “Pawsitively Purrfect” we set the goal of being an excellent alternative to boarding and kenneling.
An Executive Pet Services Pet Care Specialist is an advanced-knowledge dog walker and/or pet sitter.
Our Pet Care Specialists are Pet CPR & First Aid Certified, have completed up to 24 hours of in-the-field training covering handling, situational awareness, incident avoidance, and more. They also participate in continuing education courses related to the pet care industry. Some may have also attained additional certifications in the field.
The selection process for prospective Pet Care Specialists is a rigorous path including "best fit" surveys, open-ended essay style application questions, 1 hour primary interviews, 1 hour secondary interviews, background checks, and drug screening.
Considering the following benefits of Professional Pet Sitter and Dog Walking services will help you choose the best care options for you pet(s)
Your pets remain in a familiar place without the distraction of unknown animals and kennel activity, which also reduces the possibility of pet illnesses.
Your pets receive love and attention from a person they are familiar with while you are away.
Your pet does not have to suffer the stress of traveling to and from the kennel or pet resort.
Your home is made more secure by the activity in and around your home while you are away.
You do not need to impose on neighbors, relatives, or friends to take care of your pet.
Your pet does not have to be picked up by a set time but instead is waiting for you when you get home!
- Multiple pet families might benefit from our service as our rates include your first two pets versus a per pet fee at a kennel or other pet care provider.