New Items, New Owner Still Well Bred

Written by Russ Crespolini

Joanna Bronowicka has always loved animals. 

In her native Poland she said she spent her childhood saving little birds and other creatures. But it wasn’t until many years and a career stop or two later that she was able to turn that love into her livelihood. As the new owner of Well Bred on Main Street in Chester Borough, Bronowicka can funnel that childhood passion into her adult business.

“Growing up I drove my parents crazy because I was always bringing strays home and feeding them my lunch,” Bronowicka said. “Things like that.”

Throughout her life Bronowicka always had dogs. Through five years of law school in Poland, her work in international trade, her graduate studies at the University of Michigan and her work as a marketing director animals were always a huge part of her life.

“Once I started showing dogs I became part of a big show world community,” Bronowicka said. “I would spend a lot of time looking for the best dog food, the best dog beds. And after being a part of corporate America for so long, I thought it was time for me to move on and do something more enjoyable for me.”   

The Morristown resident was afforded the opportunity switch tracks on the suggestion of a friend.

“I had reached the age where I wanted to do something I was passionate of,” Bronowicka said. “And a friend said to me why don’t you check out Well Bred.”

According to Bronowicka, when she spoke to Well Bred owner Patti Storms, she wasn’t looking to sell the business.

“The store wasn’t for sale at all, but after meeting Patti she was open to selling the store,” Bronowicka said. “After a long consideration Patti decided to sell me the store because she knew I would continue with her philosophy and spirit. “

Part of the Well Bred philosophy, according to Bronowicka, is a dedication to quality.

“Everything we have in the store is something we would give to our own dogs. Our customers are our partners and we don’t push our customers to buy anything,” Bronowicka said. “We want to do the right thing in here and have continued success.”

Building off of Storms' start, Bronowicka says she envisions a consolidated area with more products for cats but is still working on what would be the right products would be.

“Being a nutrition center is something important to me. I would like to focus on bringing some nicer gift items. Hand made, unique and not available in other stores,” Bronowicka said. 

“And then the unusual stuff. I just made the order for dried body parts. Chicken feet and turkey hearts. People will be grossed out, but their dogs will love it.”