Today, Rocz services 70 houses per week, along with public parks, apartment complexes, doggy day cares and more. He has launched the Detroit Doo Disposal website, set up a customer relations management system and hired an employee.
As a finance major, Rocz finds that his College of Business classes directly support his business growth. His Information Systems in Management course taught him to use QuickBooks effectively, while his Project Management and Leadership Skills course is helping him plan for customer base expansion. “I’d like to get up to 150 houses per week by the end of 2026,” Rocz says. “But to do that, I need to make sure I have the resources in place so my customer satisfaction stays strong.”
An entrepreneurial thinker, Rocz says he’s always wanted to build his own business. It’s a reason why he transferred to UM-Dearborn in Fall 2024 from Henry Ford College. “The Block M, the location and the caliber of the business school were selling points to me,” says Rocz, who also appreciates that UM-Dearborn has a variety of entrepreneurship-focused initiatives like the Business Idea Pitch Competition and the Entrepreneur Showcase.
He has tried several small business ventures in the past, including buying and reselling vintage concert t-shirts, but his best idea was right under his nose — and sometimes, his shoes. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Think about something that would make your life easier and see if there’s a demand.” Rocz emphasizes finding purpose in your work. “Dogs need clean yards to play in. People love their pets, but might not have the time or ability to do the outside work that comes with them,” he says. “I can help people spend time with their dogs the way they want to.”
Rocz’s love of dogs makes his work enjoyable. He says all dogs are lovable, even moody ones like his 15-year-old Oreo. “He’s like a cranky old man now. But no matter what, dogs are loyal snuggle buddies. I don’t think I’ve ever met a dog that I didn’t like,” he says. “Dog people know what I’m talking about.”
Family is another source of inspiration. Rocz’s father, Bryon, started his own company, Father and Son Restoration in Taylor, when he was in his early 20s — the same age Rocz is today. The business helps people whose properties are affected by fire, mold and floods. Rocz says he has learned the value of hard work, kindness and building relationships in the community from his dad. When severe floods impacted Detroit in summer 2021, Rocz’s dad did pro bono water restoration work for residents with health conditions.
“All businesses need to make money, but my dad showed me that it’s much more than that,” Rocz says. “When a customer recently told me they weren’t going to need my services beyond the week because their dog passed away, I told them it was covered. I remember when my dog Dutchess died and it’s one of the worst feelings in the world. If I’m in the position to help someone, I will.”
Rocz still finds himself in his parents’ yard, picking up after Oreo, Tucker and Axel. Now there’s an added sense of pride. “My dad is proud of what I’ve started with my business and that’s the biggest sense of accomplishment I could hope for,” he says. “It’s still my responsibility at home, but now I see it as something more than a chore — it’s experience. And I can say that my dogs get to enjoy a yard maintained by a professional.”
Detroit Doo Disposal’s services are available year round. For more information and to get a quote, visit the Detroit Doo Disposal website.
Story by Sarah Tuxbury
