Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Marini.
Hi Patrick, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Back in 2021 while I was dating my now wife I was looking for something to cheer her up. Knowing she grew up with goldens and was a huge golden retriever lover, I contacted breeders in New Jersey, asking if I could come visit them and their dogs for a meet and greet. After many rejections, one agreed to it – Susan from Ruff Life Goldens. We spent over an hour with her puppies and adult goldens, and we also got to know her and her husband. Then and there we discussed the idea of starting an experience where people could come and interact with ther dogs. The timing wasn’t right but the seed was planted. My wife and I both worked in the event and marketing industry and Susan was a vet tech, so we had the skills required to make this dream a reality. Fast forward to the summer of 2025 and the timing was right so we decided to launch Camp Goldie.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Working with dogs is never easy. We went through months of planning for our opening day. After 2 minutes of the very first session, the goldens ran straight into the woods and found a massive muddy puddle. They came back looking more like black labs than goldens retrievers! While we were panicking, all of the guests found it really entertaining. From that moment on we realized we were going to have to adapt to the different situations that arose during the running of the business. Even today we are overcoming new challenges and finding new ways to improve the experience for our guests.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We’re a unique experience in central New Jersey where you get to play, pet, and pose with an entire pack of lovable golden retrievers. Each session begins with the Golden Greeting, where the dogs come running out to meet the guests. It’s a viral moment people never forget! From there we head to the Zoomie Zone for a fun game of fetch. During the summer months we head to the Splash Zone for water play and Lake Splashmore for even more fetch where the goldens leap in and out of a pond. In the spring, fall, and winter, we head inside of a cozy barn for cuddles, petting, brushing, and dress up. One of the highlights of the experience is the group photo where we surround the guests with as many goldens as possible. It requires lots of treats, toys and funny noises to get their attention! Then it’s Last Licks and Golden Gifts where guests can shop for souvenirs in our golden retriever themed gift shop. It really is a one-of-a-kind experience and a bucket list item for any dog lover.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I have to thank my wife Erin. She was the inspiration behind the entire business. Without her love and obsession for golden retrievers, none of this would have come to fruition. And to be honest, her dad, who was the person who decided over 20 years ago to bring a golden into their home because they were the perfect family dog. My wife’s family, including her aunt Lisa who has been one of my loyal employees from the start, and my mum have all been the biggest supporters of this business from day one. We’re so lucky to have such a supportive network around us.
Pricing:
- $89 per person age 1 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.campgldie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campgoldienj
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/campgoldienj
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/campgoldie
