Ben Madilynn
Daniel Reitman ‘13, founder of Dan’s Pet Care, has been honored with the 2024 New York State Senate Empire Award for his exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and significant impact on the community.
“Receiving the Empire Award is a huge honor and came about through years of hard work and dedication from my incredible team,” Reitman said. “We’ve always focused on being not just a service provider but also a community partner, and I think that commitment to our clients and the community is what ultimately brought us this recognition.”
Since its founding in 2009, Dan’s Pet Care has become one of the nation’s largest pet care providers, offering personalized, high-quality services across Long Island, Queens, and Brooklyn.
“My time at the Zarb School of Business was pivotal in shaping my career,” Reitman explained. “The combination of academic rigor and real-world experience gave me a solid foundation in business principles. More than that, I was able to connect with professors who were incredibly knowledgeable and invested in my development.”
What began as a small dog-walking service Reitman started while still a student in the Entrepreneurship program at Hofstra has now expanded into a comprehensive pet care business. The company offers services ranging from dog walking and pet sitting to daycare, training, and cage-free boarding.
Zarb School Dean Janet Lenaghan praised Reitman’s entrepreneurial drive and character, reflecting on the qualities that have led to his success.
“Daniel embodies the best of what we aim to cultivate in our students at the Zarb School,” Lenaghan said. “His passion for his work, coupled with his determination and innovative mindset, has not only driven him to create a successful business but also to make a meaningful impact on his community. He’s a leader who cares deeply about his clients and his team. We are incredibly proud of all he’s accomplished.”
As Dan’s Pet Care continues to grow, with goals of becoming the largest pet care company in the country, Reitman is focused on the future and expansion, both regional and national. He plans to raise investment capital next year to develop a software platform aimed at streamlining the company’s operations and improving the customer experience.
Reitman’s journey from Zarb student to award-winning business leader is a testament to his hard work and vision, and the solid foundation he built at Hofstra.
