Financial Dogma: Malvern Small Business Spotlight

MALVERN, PA — There’s a story lurking behind the glass pane of every shop, and there’s oftentimes an innovative individual whose entrepreneurial spirit is helping to shape the town.

Our small business series shines a light on local business owners in the community.

Business name: Financial Dogma

Owner: Ethan Quirin

Address: "My company is currently located at 535 Conestoga Rd., Villanova, PA, but will be relocating to 13 Eisenhower Dr., Malvern, in the near future."

Website: www.financialdogma.com

When did you go into business? "I have been working as a financial advisor for over six years and I added legal services to my practice about a year ago. I launched this new company at the start of 2016. "

How did you come up with the name? "I love dogs and want to work with people who need guidance for their financial needs and love dogs. I put the two words together and thought it was a fun play on words. "

Why start a business here? "I grew up in the area and my family is now planting roots in Malvern. I look forward to seeing my children grow up and enjoy everything that is available in Malvern and the surrounding towns, to becoming move involved in the community and me and my wife love to explore all that the upper main line towns have to offer."

Briefly, what business are you in? "My business offers financial and legal services to dog enthusiasts!"

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner? "Building brand recognition and awareness for my company’s services. I am attempting to offer a different experience to customer who want to buy financial services, so educating the public about why this experience and how it can be beneficial for them has been a big challenge."

What's been your favorite moment/proudest achievement since opening? "Designing and building my company’s website was a tremendous task because industry rules create lots of hurdles and extra cost. It would not have been completed without the help of some incredible people. As I seek to grow my brand’s digital footprint, I want the website to play a crucial part in that role."

How does your business give back/get involved in the community? "Education and charity are core values that are central to Financial Dogma’s mission. Financial Dogma takes part in events to give back to the community by donating a portion of profits earned from business generated through specific events."

"We have also run special campaigns to raise awareness and money for great causes that either help dogs or people by providing support dogs to them, such as our latest campaign to raise awareness and support charities related to dogs and disabilities in conjunction with Disability Income Awareness Month."

"Financial Dogma also makes quarterly donations to the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) to support the great work they do. Lastly, I personally contribute as a volunteer for the Foundation for Financial Planning, which seeks to provide pro bono financial planning to underserved sections of the community."

Know of a business that deserves the spotlight? Email justin.heinze@patch.com.