Treats with purpose: How Marvin launched Ruffage Dog Treat Co.
A story of resilience, innovation, and a young entrepreneur with a dream.
Meet Marvin and Mason
At farmers markets across Auckland, Marvin and his golden retriever Mason are a familiar sight – greeting customers, chatting with dog owners, and offering samples of Ruffage Dog Treat Co.'s wholesome, air-dried snacks. But behind the cheerful stall is a story of resilience, innovation and a deep bond between a young entrepreneur and his dog.
Marvin, 20, is the founder of Ruffage – a business inspired by Mason, his career-changed guide dog and closest companion. "Mason is the best thing that's happened to Marvin," says his mum, Steph. "He's brought down anxiety massively. We just adore him."
Living with a rare disorder
Marvin lives with a rare genetic condition that causes fatigue and stiffness in his legs. He began using a wheelchair at 14, and at 16, lost vision in one eye after multiple retinal detachments. "It's a world that kept changing," Steph says. "Gaining vision, losing it, regaining it, then losing it again. Marvin has always been extraordinarily uncomplaining and remains positive despite massive fatigue, falls and lack of sleep."
Managing his health through nutrition became a key part of Marvin's life – and eventually, the foundation of his business.
How Ruffage Dog Treat Co. started
"I have a very complex medical condition called Harel-Yoon," Marvin explains. "I don't get as much energy as other people do." That awareness of diet and wellbeing sparked an idea: what if Mason's food could be just as nourishing?
Ruffage Dog Treat Co. was born. Marvin began researching what fruits and vegetables dogs can eat, and how to preserve their nutrients through air drying. He sources tag 2 and tag 3 produce – fruit and veg that don't make it to market – and packages his treats in compostable materials. "I wanted something nutritious for Mason that was also good for the planet," he says.
What makes Ruffage different
The treats have evolved into a range of dog biscuits and toppers, made from juice pulp and superfoods like chia and flaxseed. "They're like a superfood biscuit," Steph says. "We didn't even know you could do that – Marvin just figured it out."
Ruffage is a regular at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market and Smales Farmers Market in Auckland, where Marvin and Mason meet customers and their dogs. "It's a good taste-testing area," Steph says. "We hear lovely stories from people about their dogs – why they need special food, what works for them. It's great for Marv too."
Finding support through My Business Starter
Marvin is a proud graduate of My Business Starter – a free nine-week online programme supporting disabled people in New Zealand to start their own businesses. The programme is run by the Disability Business Network in partnership with CCS Disability Action.
"It helped me learn to keep pivoting, to find how your disability is your superpower, and to have a voice," Marvin says.
The programme helped Marvin turn his idea into a real business – one that gives structure to his days and earns respect from the community. "It gives a reason to the day," he says. "Hopefully I can make a living out of it one day."
CCS Disability Action's approach
Beyond My Business Starter, CCS Disability Action has supported Marvin and his whānau in other ways – including helping them explore funding options and choosing a provider that respected Marvin's independence.
"CCS Disability Action stood out," Steph says. "They see the importance of giving disabled people a voice and independence – which is something we all strive for in life."
This approach – placing mana, autonomy, and real community participation at the centre of support – is core to how CCS Disability Action operates. Rather than making decisions for disabled people, the organisation walks alongside them, offering practical support while ensuring they remain in the driver's seat of their own lives.
What's next for Marvin and Ruffage
Marvin's dream is to grow Ruffage into a sustainable online business – and maybe one day see Mason and himself on a billboard or TV ad. "The world's your oyster," Julie Woods joked during their podcast interview. "I've got a vision of you having your own TV series."
For now, Marvin is focused on keeping Mason healthy, meeting customers, and refining his recipes. "Dogs are something else – so giving, loyal and able to sense and dissipate emotional stress," Steph says. "Marvin will do anything for his dog."
Marvin's advice for disabled entrepreneurs
Asked what he'd say to others with disabilities who want to pursue their dreams, Marvin's advice is simple: "Keep pivoting. Find how your disability is your superpower. Have a voice."
And to those who support CCS Disability Action through donations, Steph adds: "It is so life-changing to lift someone with funding to a better place. To be given the opportunity to access the community. To start a business. To become independent. It is positivity and self-worth that you are giving to a person." [Link to Cold Prospects Appeal Page]
Interested in starting your own business?
My Business Starter is a free nine-week online programme for disabled people who want to turn an idea into a real business. Whether you have a clear business concept or just a spark of interest, the programme can help you take the first step.
Run by the Disability Business Network in partnership with CCS Disability Action, My Business Starter covers everything from finding your niche to launching and growing your business – with support and mentoring tailored to your needs.
Want to talk to someone first? Contact CCS Disability Action:
Phone: 0800 227 200