For Shemeck Piatek, the journey to franchise ownership was shaped by family, passion and a deep love for his community. Growing up in Poland with entrepreneurial parents who ran a hair salon and a currency exchange – both pillars of their small town – instilled in him a strong foundation of hard work, resilience, and community connection. This upbringing set an example of what was possible.
When his family immigrated to the United States in 2001, he found himself in the fast-paced business world in New York City. For 15 years, he honed his sales and management skills working for major companies like Microsoft and Best Buy. These experiences shaped his expertise in customer services, business growth, and leadership. Nonetheless, he had a calling throughout his entire career – one beyond the corporate world – his passion for dogs.
Volunteering at local animal shelters and training rescue dogs in need on the weekends became his sanctuary. It was a way to fulfill his passions of giving back and bonding with animals while maintaining his full-time career. When Shemeck and his family relocated to Richmond, VA, he saw an opportunity to take the next step towards building his dream career. He was ready for a change, an opportunity that would allow him to be hands-on, support his community, and make an impact in the pet world. That’s when he discovered Zoom Room, the nation’s premier indoor dog training franchise.
Finding the Perfect Fit with Zoom Room
Zoom Room’s mission aligned seamlessly with his values: fostering a deeper bond between pets and their owners while supporting responsible pet ownership. Having previously attended a similar training facility with his own dog, Shemeck saw Zoom Room as a unique franchise with purpose-driven services. Unlike traditional dog training centers, Zoom Room focuses on agility, socialization, and interactive learning for both dogs and their owners, allowing for a shared experience that builds trust and strengthens communication.
Shemeck’s Richmond location opened in 2022 and has quickly become a valuable resource for local pet owners. “I wanted to create a place where dog owners could not only train their pets, but also find a supportive community. Zoom Room isn’t just a gym for dogs; it’s a place for owners to connect, share experiences, and learn more about their pets,” he says. His location offers a variety of services from puppy socialization, agility and obedience training, playgroups, and even PupLates, all designed to enhance the dog-owner bond.
Bringing Community Values into the Business
His dedication to his community in Richmond reflects the entrepreneurial spirit his parents embodied years ago in Poland. Zoom Room prioritizes more than dog training, focusing on community outreach and involvement by supporting local initiatives that benefit animals in need. He has fostered partnerships with shelters, rescues, and veterinarians to create an environment for all dog owners, whether they’re new dog parents or experienced professionals.
“Community engagement is at the core of everything we do,” Shemeck says. “We’re not just helping dogs become better-trained; we’re also creating a network of responsible pet owners who support each other. By partnering with rescue organizations, we’re making sure more animals find loving homes and the care they deserve.”
Zoom Room Richmond has become a community hub where dog owners to connect, share tips, and bond over their pets, creating a ripple effect of positive pet ownership. For Shemeck, it’s this connection—both between people and pets, and among the Richmond community—that makes his business meaningful.
Building a Legacy in Richmond
For Shemeck, owning a Zoom Room is more than a job – it’s a way to foster a sense of community among local pet owners and give back to those in need. He has been able to bring his passions full circle. From his days volunteering in NYC shelters to his thriving local business, he’s turned his lifelong love for dogs into a career with purpose.
As he puts it, “Owning a Zoom Room isn’t just about training dogs. It’s about bringing people together, building connections, and making a difference—one dog at a time.”