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About our Company
Hebla was created in 1996 in Carate Brianza and started designing and producing specific equipment for professional grooming. Two hairdryers and three blowers were launched first, and the pet cosmetic department, under the responsibility of one of the partners since 1992, was expanded. Three years later the first self service stations were introduced and the repairs and components department was further developed. Meanwhile our company moved from Carate Brianza to Albiate and later to its present location in Cassago Brianza (LC). Our hallmarks have always been and still are the sale of equipment exclusively of our production, except for hair clippers, and a strong focus on customized and turn-key projects to better meet the specific requirement of pet groomers. Therefore we do not offer a range of standard tubs, but products specifically designed for the shape of the premises where they are to be installed and suitable to the different habits and work methods of our Customers. Over the years we have perfected our working techniques in the field of extraction systems (currently available in three models), blow-dryers (available in three models), “heat exchange” systems for self-service stations and professional grooming parlors. We also specialize in the repair and sharpening of tools and hair clippers (Moser, Oester, Heiniger, Aesculap, Andis…..) more, and have a wide range of spare parts in stock, including those for large size equipment (ovines, bovines and equines). Our consumables area has also been expanded and, in addition to the traditional well-known and reputed “Baldecchi” line, we now offer a new range of specific innovative Italian products.
Some of our references
In recent years an unexpected phenomenon emerged: the proliferation of grooming parlors, pet shops, veterinarian practices, breeding kennels and pensions for dogs and cats. The results have not always been positive because of the enormous improvisation of the operators, and the ensuing struggle for market share caused a lot of victims. In the current general disorientation both of the experienced specialists and of the newcomers, we have tried to keep a steady course and provided appropriate services as well as sound advice to our Customers who turn to us not only as a supplier of goods but also as a provider of guidance on the most appropriate solutions in order to react to the financial crisis or start a career in the world of pet care. We have therefore designed a range of innovative and complete grooming parlors, equipped with tubs, shelves and extraction systems.
The noise problem
The noise generated by the equipment in operation is a very important problem and its solution is not easy. In general our approach is three-pronged: Where possible we try to isolate, the motors in premises adjacent to the working areas; We conduct advance inspections to avoid installing blowers and fans close to hollow “service conduits” housing piping and electric cables likely to and amplify and carry the noise to premises adjacent to the working area; We make extensive use of acoustic insulating materials and keep constantly up-to-date on the newest technologies. The noisiest appliances are blowers, hair extraction systems and aspirators for liquids. Hairdryers are no longer a problem except for obsolete models or units subject to operating problems (bearings). Motors should never be placed close to the ceilings and, should this be unavoidable, a “pyramidal” sound absorbing material should be applied. The same is true for partition walls. However, in some cases, the noisiest equipment can be mounted outside the working premises (for instance under a porch) and enclosed in a PVC cabinet for extra insulation: in our experience this provides very good results as you can read in the previous paragraph.
Some concepts about this profession and the initial budget
The profession of pet groomer is very peculiar and complex. Those who believe that “loving animals” is enough to become a good professional are wrong. Sure, this is essential, but the many failures we have seen over the years impose on us the duty of cautioning those who brashly open their business without considering the problems which are bound to occur. Attending a good school may contribute to training but it is certainly not sufficient; in the best circumstances it is just a starting point. First of all, those who intend to enter the profession of pet groomers must “test” their dexterity: this is typically a manual work, and people in this trade must have some innate abilities, which can be refined and perfected, but do not stem out of nowhere. The best way to test a person’s aptitude is to rely on a famous and established groomer with several years of experience. A person not interested in teaching, but able to assess the applicant’s characteristics and, most important, to express an honest opinion. This opinion must be considered binding. Assuming one is suitable to start this activity, careful consideration should be given to financial resources, and a new groomer should be prepared to at least three “lean” years, with very low revenues and maximum effort. The possibility of associating with an existing parlor, a veterinarian practice or a pension may eventually be considered, but the sharing of the costs and revenues should be clearly set in advance (and in writing). Taking over an existing and thriving business may be a winning shot, since this would constitute an established Customer base, but careful attention should be paid to eventual “dark sides” in terms of turnover development and future perspectives (The opening of a new parlor in the vicinity? A high concentration in a limited area?) in order to notice when a suffering business is passed off as flourishing and expanding. Be accountants before being pet groomers!
Trade drawbacks
The above cartoon shows one of the pet groomers’ problems: dealing with restless when not outright aggressive animals that are absolutely intolerant to any form of “handling”. Newcomers in the trade should be aware that, as they open a new parlor, they will typically receive the dogs and cats refused by competitors brought by their owners just for testing purposes. Useless reminding that an old animal that has never seen a groomer and has never been washed before shall resist even the softest and mildest treatment. Therefore special care should be used when dealing with these pets for the first time and one should avoid being misled by their owners’ often incomplete assurances, deliberately or accidentally concealing serious behavioral problems. Having said that, and assuming that, with a little shrewdness one succeeds in deftly starting a career, due notice should be taken with respect to some pathologies particularly common among pet groomers, and to the sometimes easy solution to prevent them from becoming occupational diseases. In summary; a poor or poorly designed lighting system can cause conjunctivitis and progressive loss of the eyesight; malfunctioning hair, vapors and odors extraction systems may cause asthma, bronchitis and respiratory tract diseases; extensive use of scissors, hair clippers and stripping knives may lead to the carpal tunnel syndrome and the need for surgery; handling of heavy weights may cause slipped discs; use of insecticides and disinfectants as well as particularly aggressive shampoos may cause eczemas, dermatitis and other skin diseases; finally noise can generate hypoacusis and progressive loss of hearing. The solutions are, respectively, good design of the lighting system, effective loose hair extraction system; constant monitoring for eventual tendonitis; equipment avoiding the need to lift large size animals (adjustable tables and tubs); care when handling irritant or toxic substances.
Visit http://www.toelettaturaselfservice.com/index_file/Page1531.htm for self service pet grooming
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