April 25, 2025
For the new owners of EarthWise, it’s very much a family affair.
And when you learn that 10 dogs in total own Rhonda Lockwood, Mark Powell and their five sons, you will understand why a store designed to make sure four-legged pets lead their best lives appealed to them.
“One of the big reasons we were interested in a natural, organic pet store is due to what we have personally seen,” Lockwood said. “Hank and Willie, our two dogs, were overweight with allergies and continual ear infections. When we changed to natural and real foods, their health was significantly better. They have lost significant weight, and their allergies and ear infections are far more limited.”
On March 31, the Lockwood-Powell family took over EarthWise’s ownership from Scott and Julie Ward, who opened the franchise at 69th Street and Western Avenue in 2018. The Wards said they are ready to start the next phase of their lives but have no definite business plans.
“The new owners are awesome, and we are excited to see what new ideas they will bring to the store,” Julie Ward said.
In addition to Lockwood and Powell, the new owners are Sam Lockwood-Powell and his wife, Maria Gleason; Griffin Lockwood-Powell and his fiancee, Madison Costner; Oliver Lockwood-Powell and his fiancee, Isabel Flores; Charley Lockwood-Powell; and Oscar Lockwood-Powell.
Sam Lockwood-Powell, who is an attorney specializing in private equity, will have the most direct involvement with EarthWise, Powell said. He’s the one who found the opportunity for the family, one that fits their love for dogs.
“We’re a dog family,” Powell said. “Rhonda’s dad was a vet, and she taught me to love animals.”
“We’ve talked for quite a long time that we’d like to get a business we all can be involved in,” Lockwood said.
The pet supply and grooming store offers healthy choices for cats and dogs, with some brands unavailable elsewhere, Powell said. That’s important because many pet owners are passionate about the food they put in their pets.
Lockwood said she learned from her father how important it is to feed dogs and cats natural foods and keep them as chemical-free as possible.
“Nutrition is the key thing to keep them healthy,” Lockwood said.
EarthWise also sells treats and toys, “lots of treats and toys,” Powell said. “So many I couldn’t tell you. “It’s fun to watch people come in and grab cool things.”
EarthWise employs five groomers, one full-time retail worker and seven part-timers. Four of the groomers have been with the business for more than a year.
It also offers self-service dog-washing facilities and carries a limited amount of bird food.
While the family will manage the business, the guidance and input from their experienced employees is essential, Powell said. They are “the lifeblood of the whole business,” he said.
Any changes will come in the future as the family learns more about EarthWise and what employees and customers suggest. They are coordinating with another local business for a co-marketing endeavor and are planning upcoming events that will be publicized on Facebook and Instagram.
“We’re really looking at a family business,” Lockwood said. “So many families come to the store and have for years. We’re going to keep it that type of feeling where we welcome you and do everything we can to take care of their animals.”
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