About Dumptown

Meet Clarissa & Lawrence

 

Lawrence, a laid-back mountain guide from New Zealand, and Clarissa, an adventurous spirit from Portland, Oregon, have a love story as unique as their backgrounds. Their paths crossed when Clarissa visited New Zealand on a solo adventure in 2020, they quickly realized they shared a passion for animals and the outdoors. After spending five years together and working in outdoor adventure tourism in New Zealand's Southern Alps, they decided to spend a year exploring the rest of the country's stunning landscape in their converted bus. After traveling all over New Zealand, they decided to go on a different adventure and move to the U.S. bringing their dog along for the journey.

 

After settling in, it was time to job hunt, but the job market was tough, and opportunities in the outdoor adventure tourism sector weren’t as abundant as they had hoped. After months of frustration and feeling stuck, they decided to take matters into their own hands. Drawing from their background in outdoor customer service and problem-solving, they came up with an unexpected but practical idea: a dog waste removal service. With their love for animals and their willingness to roll up their sleeves for any task, they created a business that would make their new life work—and offer a much-needed service for dog owners in their community. Their dog waste removal company quickly took off in their neighborhood, providing busy pet owners with a hassle-free way to maintain clean yards and enjoy their time outside.

 

Today, they are thriving entrepreneurs, combining their passion for animals with a business that’s as practical as it is rewarding. Through hard work, creativity, and a little bit of humor, Clarissa and Lawrence have turned their challenge into success, and they’re loving every minute of it—poop and all! From their home in Portland, they continue to grow their business while exploring everything that this vibrant, dog-friendly city has to offer. Their dog, of course, is always right by their side! If you see him, say hello, his name is Mo.