For some, family extends beyond and includes companions with wagging tails. In today’s society, pets are an integral member of countless households. For Arek Schmocker, the family includes a 30-pound Bernese Formosan Mountain Dog named Tanzi.
After earning a Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) degree in finance from UW-Oshkosh, Arek swiftly transitioned into realm of product development. Driven by a passion for entrepreneurship, Arek pursued further education at UW-Madison and was a member of the Nicholas Center’s Corporate Finance and Investment Banking Center graduating with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in 2019. During his time in the Wisconsin School of Business, Arek took the Weinert Applied Ventures in Entrepreneurship (WAVE) class and was in the Fellowship in Enterprise Development program.
“I was really interested in working with high growth organizations. I figured that something I would like to do eventually and when I had the opportunity was to start Chocolate Rescue for Dogs with my co-founder, Amadeus Benitez, that idea finally become a reality”
Inspired by an incident involving his co-founder’s dog, Leo, who had eaten a whole bag of chocolate, the duo quickly turned to creating an at-home product to solve this issue. Chocolate Rescue for Dogs is an incredible product designed to aid dogs who have ingested chocolate. If there is a suspicion that a dog has consumed chocolate, administering a single beef-flavored soft-chew helps to absorb the toxins in chocolate immediately. This innovative solution gives pet owners more time to seek further treatment. Arek emphasizes the need for this product as the driving force behind the venture: What happens when you aren’t in Madison, near emergency veterinary care? What happens when this accident happens, and you can’t afford the bill? With their first product that launched in January of 2024, Chocolate Rescue for Dogs is an accessible, cost-efficient solution for such accidents allowing pet-owners some relief that their loved ones will be okay. Arek emphasizes, “Luckily Leo survived after a night at the ER, but it left an impression.”
Arek’s partnership with his co-founder, Amadeus Benitez, began when he was back in Madison in the MBA program. Initially, Amadeus was looking for a finance or accounting expert for a separate project. Although that venture concluded, they remained in touch. After some time, Arek notes, “Amadeus messaged me with an idea and asked me if I was interested in starting a company.”
Arek highlights that he could not have done this without his previous roles, job experience and entrepreneurship education. He thinks back from when he graduated with his BBA degree to roles in companies such as Renewegy and Power Solutions. Transitioning from UW-Oshkosh to Chicago, and finally back to Madison for his MBA degree, Arek’s journey has provided insights on how to work in a smaller organization. Arek mentions that while he did not work in the animal health industry that “It’s unique and it’s the same in different ways.”
Arek notes that his journey as an entrepreneur has “always been something that’s been out there.” Arek drew from his father’s long standing entrepreneurial experience from running his own company for 30 years. Arek advises aspiring entrepreneurs at UW-Madison to boldly seek support and opportunities and urges students to embrace discomfort in pursuit of growth, emphasizing the importance of leverage networks for guidance, sales, and collaboration.
Reflecting back on his journey, Arek notes, “we have been somewhat fortunate, between myself and my co-founder. I have experience in accounting and product development. He is our scientist and IP attorney and has a lot of connections.”
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