DC

Darren Clarke

20+ years as an IT professional (PMP) installing ERP systems into large corporations; US Army Lieutenant Colonel (retired in 2015 after 28 years), military intelligence officer, with tours to Iraq & Afghanistan

Founder/Owner · Fort Worth, Texas, US

Open to advisory

Customer acquisition · Engineering & Tech · Operations & Finance · Leadership & Strategy

Makes warm intros to

CustomersTalent

5

Hours / month

About Darren

Results-driven IT executive with over 25 years of experience orchestrating complex technology implementations, leading high-performing teams, and delivering mission-critical solutions across commercial and defense sectors. Proven track record of successfully managing $1M-$4M ERP projects, leading teams of 5-220 professionals, and most recently achieving $400K+ annual revenue in my current entrepreneurial venture. Distinguished military career culminating in Lieutenant Colonel rank with 28 years of service, including combat deployments to Iraq & Afghanistan, top-secret clearance leadership roles, and project/program PMO leadership. Demonstrated expertise in bridging strategic objectives with tactical execution while driving digital transformation, operational excellence, process optimization, and revenue growth. I started Dapper Dogs to provide my youngest daughter, a special needs adult, with a safe place to work. I started with just her and I and a grooming van, hoping to be busy by year's end. We were full in 60 days and I have grown into 4 vans with 4 FT groomers and a warehouse with demand on a steady rise. I need to take the next step and I need the right investor to do so.

Company

Dapper Dogs Mobile Grooming brings world-class grooming to the driveway, saving time for owners and stress for pets. Our doorstep service eliminates the commute, replaces an all day ordeal with a 90-minute luxury experience, and provides 1-on-1 attention, quiet tools, and no cages. Dog owners finally have a reliable, safe, high quality dog grooming service that adapts to their schedule.

Funding Stage

Seed

Funding Raised

None/Bootstrapped

Team Size

1-5 employees

Annual Revenue

$250k to $500k

Founded

2021

Industry

Services

Skills

Project ManagementSoftware Development Life Cycle (SDLC)LeadershipStrategic PlanningData AnalysisBusiness ManagementFounder

Experience

education

Graduate

American Public University

Post Graduate

Graduated with a MA in Strategic Intelligence, concentration in Middle Eastern Studies, 3.94

education

Graduate

James Madison University

Undergraduate

Graduated with a BBA in Accounting

job

Retired

US Army Reserve

Spent 28 years in the Army Reserve and Texas Army National Guard.

Retired in 2015 from Special Operations Command. Deployed to Afghanistan in 2003 & Iraq in 2007. Earned Bronze Stars in both theaters.

job

Founder/Owner/Operator

Dapper Dogs Mobile Grooming

Started this company for my adult special needs daughter, so she would have a safe place to work. Have grown from 1 mobile van to 4, with 4 full time groomers working 7 days a week. My goal is to grow this company to 10-20 vans then franchise since there is very little competition in the target audience area.

Grown from 1 van and $118K in revenue in 2022 to 4 vans and $470K in revenue in 2025.