Company Profile
Soldan’s Feeds & Pet Supplies is an independent, family-owned business - proudly serving the needs of pet owners in mid-Michigan for over fifty years.

Soldan’s values its people.

Our customers – The people that open their generous hearts and homes to care for those that are unable to help themselves. Consumer loyalty is the sole reason we have passed the 50 year anniversary and for that, we are forever grateful.

Our employees – They are the heartbeat of this business. For those employees that strive to exceed our customers’ expectations in the areas of customer service, product knowledge, store cleanliness and organization.

Our family – for my parents and the doors of opportunity they opened for all of us.

Our suppliers – for those distributors that offer dependable deliveries that keep us stocked full of products that our consumers need. Soldan’s also values it manufacturer relations for product development, product training, promotions, and for “sharpening their pencils” so we may continue to offer competitive pricing.

Soldan’s values its pets.

These are the animals that love us unconditionally – no matter what. We believe in giving back to them and the community. In 2004, Soldan’s was recognized by the Capital Area Humane Society for contributing over $100,000 in accrued lifetime donations to help fund adoptions of local dogs and cats. In 2006, Soldan’s donated $50,000 to sponsor the first no-leash dog park in
Lansing, Michigan.

History
Howard Soldan (Senior) purchased an existing store in 1955 which primarily catered to farmers, selling products such as feed and fertilizer. Known as Ruhf’s Feed Store, it served the Lansing market under Soldan’s leadership until he sold it in 1972. My parents, Howard and Erna Soldan, intended to semi-retire and spend their summers on Mackinac Island with their youngest son, Howard Soldan II. They began enjoying some leisure time, expecting that a chapter of their lives had ended.

As fate would have it, in 1976, the new owners went bankrupt and the business was back in the hands of the Soldan family. Howard and Erna were committed to get it up and running again with the intent of selling the business to resume traveling. The youngest Soldan, then a high school student, began trying his hand at the retail trade. I began stocking pet supplies like dog leashes, collars, dishes, etc… Slowly, the success of the pet section began to exceed that of the farm supplies sales. The idea of selling the store seemed less appealing as I seemed to have found my niche. We decided the Soldan family would “stick it out”.

Expansion
As it turned out, we did much more than just “stick it out”. We worked long hours and watched our company grow. I took on the role of visionary or risk-taker of the company. In 1985, we moved out of the original store and moved into a new facility built behind the original store. In 1987, we added a second location. In the early 1990’s, three additional stores were added. In 1999, Soldan’s purchased a three store, independent chain. Additional locations were added in 2000 and 2004. After several renovations, moving some locations and closing a couple stores, today, Soldan’s consists of eight retail locations plus a mill.

Competing with the “Big Dogs”

It seems everyone wants a “piece” of the pet specialty business – whether it’s the pet supply chains, the warehouse clubs, grocery stores, mass market or internet websites. Competition is healthy. Soldan’s has to constantly strive to differentiate itself from the competition. Soldan’s has earned an excellent reputation for customer service. The Soldan’s employees are proactive in their approach to helping the customers – greeting each customer, answering questions, locating the right products, transferring products, handling special orders, carrying out purchases, thanking our customers, etc… In addition, keeping prices competitive and offering a large selection of products is a key to our success.

Future Plans
I would like to remain in business for another fifty years – or when it’s not fun anymore. Everyday has a new challenge but it is the personal relationships that I value most – with my family, employees, customers, vendors, etc… It is the people that make the difference.

It is too soon to state whether my daughter will be involved with Soldan’s as her career – but I would like to leave the door of opportunity open to her just as my parents did for me.