Devon Julian, founder of Village Pet & Feed in Santee, has been named California’s 2026 Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration, according to The East County Californian.

The recognition comes less than a year after Julian opened the family-run pet store, which offers pet food, supplies and self-serve dog washes. Julian told The East County Californian the idea grew from wanting a pet store that felt built for the local community.

Village Pet & Feed was also voted “Santee’s Favorite” at the Santee Chamber of Commerce Gala during its first year, according to the report. The store emphasizes customer education, personal interaction and community events alongside retail sales.

Julian received the award in Washington, D.C., during National Small Business Week, The East County Californian reported. He credited his family, team and partners for the recognition, saying it reflected more than his own work.

For Santee residents, the award puts a local small business on a statewide stage and highlights the role neighborhood shops can play beyond simple transactions. Julian told the publication he wanted to build something that “actually belongs to Santee.”