General Manager, Fetchers
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: Hi! I’m Shannon, born and raised in Fargo, ND. I’m a mom to two energetic boys, ages 6 and 17 months, so my life is a mix of chaos and cuddles. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology from NDSU and have had a lifelong passion for animals, which led me to my career at Fetchers.
I’m the General Manager at Fetchers, a full-service dog and cat daycare, boarding, grooming, and training facility, where I’ve had the privilege of working for the past 7.5 years. In my role, I oversee daily operations, ensure pets and their owners receive exceptional care, and work with my team to provide a fun, safe, and stimulating experience for every animal, all delivered with professionalism, honesty, and integrity.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, supporting my oldest in his activities, reading, enjoying summers at the lake, and caring for my own animals on our rural North Fargo property—including a dog, two cats, and six chickens.
Q: What inspired you to get involved in your community at a young age?
A: I was inspired to get involved in my community at a young age by a strong belief in helping others, showing kindness, and understanding that small actions can make a meaningful difference. Growing up, I learned the value of showing up, supporting those around me, and being an active part of the community. Those early lessons helped shape my perspective and taught me that community involvement isn’t just about volunteering time. It’s about caring, listening, and being willing to help where there is a need. Over time, that mindset stayed with me and grew into a desire to give back in ways that create lasting, positive impact for individuals, families, and the community as a whole
Q: What does success look like to you right now?
A: For me, personal success is defined by the impact I have on the people and environments around me. I believe success extends beyond titles, recognition, or individual achievements; it is reflected in how consistently I act with integrity, intention, and accountability in my daily work. I measure my success by the positive contributions I make, the support I provide to others, and my ability to improve the situations around me.
I also measure success through consistency and self-awareness. When my actions reflect my values, my decisions are deliberate, and I am able to support both my own growth and the well-being of those around me. Ultimately, success for me is about consistent progress, meaningful purpose, and creating a positive, lasting impact through my everyday work and interactions.
Q: Who has been the most influential mentor in your life, and why?
A: A mentor who has a profound impact on me is my current boss. He has guided me to live with faith and integrity while embracing servant leadership in the midst of life’s challenges. Through his example, I’ve learned that when you genuinely invest in the growth and well-being of others, it builds mutual respect, trust, and a willingness to give back. Without his guidance, I may not have developed the confidence to lead by empowering others instead of simply giving direction, an approach that not only strengthens the team but also creates a positive, collaborative environment. Leading by serving others has become both meaningful to me and reflective of my core values of empathy, accountability, and purposeful leadership. His influence continues to shape how I approach my work and relationships, and inspires me to uplift and mentor others in the same way.
Q: What community issue do you feel deserves more attention?
A: Affordable childcare and access to quality education are two community issues that I believe deserve more attention. For many families, especially working parents, the cost of childcare can be overwhelming and directly impacts their ability to maintain stable employment or pursue further education. At the same time, access to quality education is essential for giving children a strong foundation and helping break cycles of financial instability.
When families have reliable, affordable childcare and children have access to strong educational opportunities, parents are better able to work, grow, and provide stability at home. Investing in these areas supports not only individual families but the long-term health and success of the entire community.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
A: Something people might be surprised to learn about me is that both of my children were conceived through IVF. Because of that journey, I’ve become a strong advocate for infertility awareness and support. Experiencing infertility firsthand taught me resilience, patience, and empathy, and it’s shaped how I show up for others facing difficult or uncertain seasons. I’m very open about my experience and love sharing my story to offer encouragement, hope, and reassurance to those going through similar challenges. Being able to support others by letting them know they’re not alone is something I find incredibly meaningful and important.
Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned that you wish you had known earlier in your career?
A: A lesson I’ve learned that I wish I knew earlier in my career is that challenges are opportunities for growth. Early on, I sometimes avoided difficult situations, but I’ve learned that leaning into them and reflecting on what I can improve helps me develop resilience and stronger problem-solving skills. Embracing challenges has allowed me to grow as a leader, adapt more effectively to unexpected situations, and gain confidence in my decisions
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: The best advice I’ve ever received is to treat every person and situation with empathy and respect, even when it’s difficult. I’ve found that taking the time to understand others’ perspectives and needs not only builds stronger relationships but also creates better outcomes in both work and life. This advice has been especially meaningful in my role managing a team and serving pets and their families, because it reminds me to listen carefully, communicate thoughtfully, and lead with compassion while still holding to high standards.
Q: Why is our local United Way important to you?
A: Our local United Way is important to me because it addresses the core challenges that affect families and individuals in our community: education, financial stability, and health. I believe that real success comes from helping others access the resources and support they need to thrive, and United Way provides a coordinated, effective way to do that. By investing in programs and initiatives that strengthen families, empower individuals, and create opportunities, United Way helps build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community. Supporting this work allows me to contribute to meaningful, lasting change and ensures that everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.
Q: What is a hope you have for our community?
A: I hope to see a community where families are strong, resilient, and empowered, where children have access to quality education, healthcare, and safe environments, and where neighbors support and look out for one another. I believe that when families are equipped with the resources and opportunities they need, it strengthens the entire community
