Page 96 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2019

congratulations
Jennifer and Jeffrey Sutton Named Mississippi’s Small Business Persons of the Year
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of Jennifer and Jeffrey Sutton
A Coast husband and wife team were named Mississippi’s Small Business Persons of the Year for 2019 by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The selection of Jennifer and Jeffrey Sutton, owners of Gulf Coast Veterinary Services of Biloxi, was announced by SBA’s Mississippi District Office.
The Suttons, both veterinarians, opened Gulf Coast Veterinary Services in 2003 to provide urgent, emergency and critical care to small and exotic animals. “We
had the desire to open our own veterinary practice and knew we wanted to practice progressive medicine, but I also did not want to compete with my friends
who are veterinarians,” Jennifer Sutton says. “This prompted our survey of area veterinarians for
a niche that was not being met and emergency medicine seemed to be it. Gulf Coast Veterinary Emergency Hospital originally was open evenings, holidays and weekends. Our practice grew rapidly and we settled into a rewarding endeavor.”
Life was good for this couple who had a small child and twins on the way in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina struck the Coast destroying their home and everything in it. “Hurricane Katrina was a life changer
for so many; and we were no exception,” Sutton said. “Prior to the hurricane, I was completely absorbed with day-to-day activities. I was not involved in
my community with the exception of my business, and I felt, at that time, that I lived a very insulated life. Katrina had an impact for the good, believe it or not!”
Since that fateful time, the Suttons not only re-opened
their veterinary practice but became involved in a long list of community endeavors benefitting animals and humans. They were touched with the outpouring of assistance by people from all over the country who helped rebuild the area and vowed to also make a difference.
They serve on several boards including Kairos International (Christian prison ministry),
Open Doors Homeless Coalition, Disability Connection, Goodwill/ Goodworks; serve as team veterinarian of Jackson County
K9 Search, Rescue and Recovery; have a search and rescue and Pet Partner Certified canine partner, Belle; and serve as members of the Mississippi Crisis Response Team.
Married for 18 years, these best friends and business partners are the parents of four children, Connor, 15, Ashleigh and Taylor, 13, and Ava, 12.
96 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • November 2019
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Jennifer and Jeffrey Sutton with the U.S. Small Business Administration.