Cars, COVID Puppies & European Culture: Scott Deetsch, Owner of Performance Sales & Marketing

The pet industry knows Scott Deetsch as the owner of Performance Sales & Marketing, where he has been supporting brands through strategic sales introductions and ongoing market development for nearly 20 years. However, there’s much more to Deetsch behind the scenes. Pet Age had the honor to interview him for a My Story Q&A profile.  

What was so special about your first trip to Europe? 

Culture, food, architecture and the amazing views of the countrysides. I first visited Germany for Interzoo many moons ago and feel in love with the country. I was immediately hooked and had to see more of Europe.  I’ve visited many of the European Countries, England, Belgium, Greece, Turkey, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland and Austria. The variety of flavors in each unique country, emphasis on healthy ingredients, slower pace of life and the unrushed experience were so impressive. Of course, the people are amazing too, and I’ve made lifelong friendships in almost every country I have visited. I’m ready to explore more later this summer.

Why has the Honda S2000 become your dream car to collect?

Everyone knows Honda makes a quality vehicle, but the S2K was so out of their wheelhouse. This car was all about the driver. It’s almost completely analog, has the world’s best 6 speed gearbox, and it’s a natural racecar. The engine has a 9,000 RPM redline for safe engine speed and 240 HP. Honda didn’t skimp on the S2000’s handling, either. Its highly rigid frame uses a large-cross-section center tunnel for rigidity and provides a firm foundation for the all-control-arm suspen­sion. There’s just nothing like it out there now. You’ve got to drive it to understand the feeling.

How would you describe the event that turned you into a foodie?

When the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) show moved around the country, I got to experience many different cities and amazing places with after show dinners. Although it permanently closed in July 2020, K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen in New Orleans changed the way I think about food. Chef Paul Prudhomme’s legendary down-home spot with upscale Cajun fare had their three-day reduced Debris Sauce opened my palate to a quality I’m always seeking. Even something as simple as their in-house Green Onion Salad dressing and their molasses corn bread was just over the top good. It is true that New Orleans has a top rate food scene and now when I travel the world, I have to seek out unique locally owned restaurants. I do enjoy all the different types of cuisine.

What is the story of your COVID puppies?

It’s one of the best stories ever! During the COVID lockdown, I had an aging Doberman named Abbie. We had a connection like no other. Abbie also had a little brother, a Boston Terrier named Calvin. Abbie was Calvin’s life, and I knew he’d soon be so lost without her. I found a Boston Breeder in Southern Indiana that had a couple of litters of puppies. He had Dexter that would be ready in a couple weeks and Izzy who was just born. I couldn’t decide and so I came home with two Boston companions for Calvin: Dexter and Izzy. They are the only two that remain now, and they still race the exact perimeter of the yard, just like Abbie trained them to do before she passed. The squirrels still need to know who the boss is. Dex and Izzy want for nothing and I enjoy spoiling them.