Trailblazing Success: How Blake Anderssen Turned Passion Into Purpose

When Blake Anderssen arrived at Morningside University, he was a young man with big dreams, a relentless work ethic, and a clear vision for his future. Today, as the founder and CEO of Pet Parents, a thriving pet product company, Blake’s journey from a football recruit to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to his determination, resilience, and passion for solving problems. 

Blake’s path to Morningside was anything but conventional. Originally from Oceanside, California, he grew up in a challenging environment marked by financial hardship and family struggles. Despite these obstacles, he excelled in football, opening the door to college opportunities. 

“I grew up really poor, so I needed a full ride to go to college,” he said. “Morningside stood out because it offered a strong football program and a solid academic foundation.” 

Blake’s time at Morningside was transformative. Determined to make the most of his college experience, he stepped out of his comfort zone, socialized, and even met his future wife, Ali, during his first semester. 

While balancing football and academics, he continued building on the entrepreneurial drive he’d sparked years earlier and launched several businesses during college. 

The Entrepreneurial Spark 

Blake’s entrepreneurial journey began long before college. As a teenager, he started his first business at 14, outsourcing SEO writing and selling the services to website owners. 

“I’ve always been wired for business,” he said. “Growing up poor, if I wanted something, I had to figure out how to earn the money to get it.” 

At Morningside, his entrepreneurial drive flourished. He co-founded Static Entertainment, a company that organized club-like events at the Sioux City Convention Center, and became deeply involved in the local business community. As a member and later president of Morningside’s entrepreneurship group, he worked closely with Sioux City’s economic development leaders, even bringing Startup Weekend to the area. 

“I loved solving problems and creating opportunities,” he said. “That’s what entrepreneurship is all about.” 

The Birth of Pet Parents 

Blake’s most significant venture, Pet Parents, was inspired by a deeply personal experience. His childhood dog, Blondie, was his confidante during tough times, but as she aged and became incontinent, his family struggled to manage her care. After learning about dog diapers, a product with little innovation since the 1960s, Blake saw an opportunity to create something better. 

In Jan. 2016, Blake launched Pet Parents with a reusable, cloth-based dog diaper. The company’s name reflected his belief that pets are family, a sentiment ahead of its time. 

“At the time, even big companies were hesitant to call pet owners ‘pet parents,’ but for me, it was a no-brainer,” he said. 

Today, Pet Parents is a leader in the pet care industry, offering innovative products that solve real problems for pets and their families. He has grown sales from $100m LTD. 

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Blake’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance and purpose. When asked what advice he would give to Morningside students aspiring to be entrepreneurs, he emphasized the importance of understanding their “why.” 

“Entrepreneurship is hard,” he said. “If your only motivation is to make money, it’s going to be even more tough. You need a deeper purpose, something that drives you beyond material success.” 

He also highlighted the value of lifelong learning. 

“In entrepreneurship, you’re constantly trailblazing your own path, which means you’ll face challenges you’ve never encountered before,” Blake said. “You have to be a sponge, absorbing information from books, research, customers, employees, and everything around you. That’s how you adapt, grow, and succeed.” 

Now based in Ankeny, Iowa, Blake leads Pet Parents with the same passion and problem-solving mindset that have defined his career. Success isn’t just about building a thriving business; it’s about creating a better future for his family and making a positive impact on the world. 

“I’ve been working toward this since I was 12,” he said. “It’s all about giving my wife and kids the life I didn’t have and helping others along the way.” 

Blake’s story is a powerful reminder that with determination, purpose, and a willingness to learn, anything is possible. He has proven that the path to success is paved with perseverance.