Between youth sports, karate classes, emergency veterinary hospitals, three young children, and the nonstop pace of running a growing business, Nathan and Dr. Ellen Buerkett have learned to master the art of organized chaos.

“Google Calendar,” Nathan laughs. “That’s how we do it.”

And honestly, they have to.

The couple, who met on Match.com in 2012, has three energetic children—Audrey, Christian, and Alex—each with busy schedules. Christian loves baseball and martial arts. Alex is fiercely competitive and obsessed with soccer, games, and puzzles. Audrey, meanwhile, is the family’s “wild card,” a free spirit who loves princesses, unicorns, dresses, and shoes.

“With three children, we’re outnumbered,” Nathan jokes.

But somewhere between baseball practices, tumbling classes, soccer games, karate lessons, and trying to squeeze in family dinners, the Buerketts have also managed to build one of Tampa Bay’s fastest-growing locally owned emergency veterinary hospitals.

Beacon Emergency Veterinary Hospital officially opened in February 2023 after years of planning.

“It’s truly to serve our neighbors and our community,” Nathan says.

The idea started while Ellen was on maternity leave with their third child. As an emergency veterinarian, people constantly asked her questions about their pets and struggled to find affordable, compassionate emergency care options in the area. So the couple decided to build something different.

Today, Beacon has grown rapidly, employing more than 100 people across multiple locations while continuing to expand throughout Tampa Bay. 

“We’re not a corporation,” he explains. “We’re locally owned and operated. We are people-focused. Pet-driven. We understand there is always someone at the other end of the leash.”

That mindset shapes everything from the hospital design to the patient experience itself. Soft colors, comfortable seating, compassionate communication, flexible financing options, and emotional support are integral to the practice. 

Loving Venetian Isles

After moving into Venetian Isles in January 2024, the family endured major hurricane damage that temporarily forced them from their home. Still, they stayed committed to rebuilding and remaining part of the neighborhood they love.

“It’s a beautiful neighborhood. Very friendly,” Nathan says.

These days, weekends are filled with sports, boating, beach trips, Busch Gardens adventures, and whatever else their busy children have planned.

Life may be hectic, but they wouldn’t have it any other way. Because for Nathan and Ellen, family, community, and helping others (both two-legged and four-legged) is what life is all about!