Listen in as Smart Companies host Kelly Scanlon talks with entrepreneurs Joe and Judy Roetheli, creators of Greenies dog treats about how they built a business that started simply as a way to cure their dog Ivan’s halitosis.

The Roetheli’s recipe experiments resulted in Greenies®, which was a hit with dogs. Eventually, other pet creates were also created and were selling in more than 60 countries. In 2006, the Roetheli’s entrepreneurial venture came full circle when they sold to Mars, Inc.

But Joe and Judy knew there was more work they could do. They used the proceeds from the sale to fund a 501 (c) (3) organization called the Roetheli L’il Red Foundation, which allows them to give back in many ways, including building vilages in small South American country of Guyana. The couple also provides pet therapy to the elderly in nursing homes and to hospital patients. Closer to home, they assist entrepreneurs who are working to make their dreams a reality.

Listen to the full lineup of Smart Companies Thinking Bigger podcasts in our archives.