From Farm Life to Horstman & Sons
For owner Mark Horstman, the story behind the store is deeply personal.
It begins with his grandfather, who came to this country alone as a young immigrant and built a life through hard work. Many of Mark’s earliest memories come from time spent on that farm — learning by doing, caring for animals, and understanding what it means to work hard and take care of what’s around you.
Those lessons were reinforced by his father, a hardworking man who raised a family of five and faced life’s challenges with strength and determination. Even through difficult times, he showed what it meant to keep going and to do what you can to make life better for the people around you.
That idea — doing the small things, working hard, and caring for others — is what stayed with Mark.
Horstman & Sons was built as a way to carry that forward. Not just as a store, but as a tribute to the generations before him and the values they lived by.
Today, that same spirit continues — a place built on family, hard work, and a simple belief: that taking care of what you love can make life a little better.
Care in the everyday
We believe the smallest acts of care — for our pets, our neighbors, and our community — can make life better in meaningful ways.
Love for pets and nature
From pets at home to birds in the backyard, we believe animals and nature bring something special to everyday life.
Faith, positivity, and purpose
Everything we do is grounded in simple values: kindness, authenticity, gratitude, and a desire to serve others well.
Proud to Serve Erie
Being a local store means more than just being nearby.
We’re proud to serve the people, pets, and neighborhoods that make this community what it is. Whether it’s familiar faces, friendly conversations, or simply helping someone find what they need — it all matters to us.
