Puddle Jumper Pups

An Interview with Puddle Jumper Pups

Twelve years ago, faced with the challenge of supporting her family while adapting to the demands of military life, Bretta Farina turned her passion for sewing into a business opportunity. The Tennessee native and mother of two needed a job that offered flexibility. “When my husband [Nic] joined the military, I needed a job, too,” she recalls. “I needed an income, and it needed to be flexible.” What started as crafting custom dog collars for her own pets quickly evolved into Puddle Jumper Pups, an online business that has since sold over a million collars. 

After the military moved the family to Augusta, Ga., the Farinas decided to move banks, too. “Ameris is a relationship bank with big shoulders,” says Melody Burr, the Farinas’ business banker and branch manager at the Augusta Ameris Bank location, “We go above and beyond for our customers.” 

When Bretta started Puddle Jumper Pups, it was an online business. Thanks to its success, she decided to open a brick-and-mortar location and came to Ameris to discuss financing. That’s when the Farinas met Burr. 

“Bretta and I formed a good relationship, as I feel relationship banking is extremely important and is what makes Ameris stand out,” says Burr. “We are a relationship bank with ‘big shoulders’. We have all the bells and whistles of a big bank with great customer service and relationships.” 

The switch to Ameris Bank proved transformative, significantly improving their banking experience and providing crucial support as Puddle Jumper Pups grew. 

“Bretta came to us with a need on her line of credit,” continues Burr, “and it is because of her relationship with Ameris, we understood her needs and we were able to step in and jump through some hoops to make things happen for her.” 

“As small business owners, Ameris has been an integral part of our growth over the last few years. Our local branch is always there for us and ready to help with any questions or concerns we may have. They have not only been our bankers, but have also become our friends,” said the Farinas. 

With the support of Ameris Bank, Bretta’s vision for Puddle Jumper Pups expanded, and Nic Farina joined the team full time as their first male employee. 

“Our mission as an organization to offer jobs to women who are looking to provide for their families in a format that is flexible to their own needs.” 

Last year, the business reached another significant milestone: opening its first storefront. This marked a new chapter for the Farinas and their team, allowing them to engage more directly with their community and expand their offerings beyond the online market. 

“It's a pleasure working with Ameris,” exclaims Bretta Farina. “The personal connection and variety of products have given us the financial flexibility to take our small business to the next level.”