Pet Boss® Podcast with Candace

Last week, Candace shared the first five lessons from Dante and Dory's one-year anniversary. This week, she's revealing the final five and these are the ones that didn't announce themselves until the store was actually open. This is Part 2 of the two-part episode, featuring lessons six through ten. She also shares her bigger vision for Dante and Dory's future - not just for this year, but for decades. And she invites you to think about what legacy you want to build too. Plus a reminder about why you don't have to figure this out alone, and what support systems actually matter when you're building something real. She covers: 🏆 What nobody tells you about inventory management and timing 🏆 Why the relationships you build matter more than you think 🏆 The one thing that would have made everything easier if she'd known it sooner 🏆 How to think about profit when you're trying to build something bigger 🏆 A perspective shift that changes everything about how you approach your vision This episode is about more than just lessons learned. It's about permission - permission to build the business that's actually yours, not the one you think you should be building! Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram

December 16th, 2024. Candace received an email: Pet Supplies Plus in her town was closing in less than 30 days. She rushed to the store, bought what she needed, and saw the sadness on everyone's faces. And she thought: "Should I do this again?" Crazy? Maybe. But on that day, she posted a question on Facebook: "If you had extensive experience in the pet industry, owned a building already, and the PSP is closing - would you open a pet business?" Now, 85 weeks and 3 days later, Dante and Dory's Pet Emporium is approaching its one-year anniversary of being open to the public. And Candace has 10 lessons to share - not about the pets or the products or how to merchandise a shelf, but about who she is as an owner. Which means they're about who you are as an owner too. This is Part 1 of a two-part episode, featuring lessons one through five. She covers: 🎓 The unexpected challenges that hit the hardest in year one 🎓 The role of technology in running a business (and the complications that come with it) 🎓 The hidden burden that most business owners don't talk about 🎓 Why pricing is more complicated than you think (and what actually drives sales) 🎓 A hard truth about what separates businesses that win from businesses that don't This episode is personal. It's honest. And if you're thinking about opening a business, expanding, or wondering why something in your business just isn't working - this is for you! Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

It started as "Candace's Favorite Things" at the Global Pet Expo. A friend said "You need to make this official.” So we did!  Today, Candace officially launches the Pet Boss Trade Show Awards!  This isn't just a fun list. It's a recognition system built by people who actually run pet businesses, for the brands, booths, and reps who deserve to be seen - not because they have the biggest budget, but because they genuinely stood out!  Tune in to hear:  🏆 Why this award matters and why we want your votes 🏆 The 8 crowd vote categories you can vote on and where you go to vote 🏆 Why brands matter, even the ones with smaller budgets and bigger hearts 🏆 How these awards help YOU shop smarter if you're not at the show 🏆  Timeline: Voting through August 14th, winners announced August 23rd Plus the complete voting instructions, where to find the Facebook group threads, and why your voice as a pet business owner is exactly what this award needs!  🗳️VOTE IN PERSON AT OUR PET BOSS HAPPY HOUR Thursday, August 13, 3:30 PM PT (yumHub Lounge) Whether it's your first SUPERZOO or your twentieth, come reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and enjoy an hour with fellow pet retailers, groomers, manufacturers, and industry leaders. Candace D'Agnolo and the Pet Boss Nation team can't wait to welcome you! - Complimentary drinks - Fun giveaways & prizes - Cast your vote in the Pet Boss Trade Show Awards Come by for five minutes or stay the whole hour—we'd love to see you. No speeches. No presentations. Just a lounge full of pet people who believe in community over competition! Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram

We're headed to Vegas, baby! 💃 In just two weeks, Candace and Morgan from Dante and Dory's are flying to Las Vegas for SUPERZOO 2026 - one of the pet industry's largest trade shows. And whether you're going, thinking about going, or already panicking about your trip, this episode has you covered. Candace walks through everything from her speaking schedule, to events you won't want to miss, to the exact app features that will save you hours on the show floor. Plus, Morgan shares packing tips, tech essentials, and logistics that nobody thinks about until it's too late. And there's a big announcement about something brand new: the Pet Boss Trade Show Awards!  Tune in to hear about:  🎲 The SUPERZOO app features: download it, favorite exhibitors, use the interactive map, mark sessions 🎲 Events not to miss and Candace’s two speaking sessions 🎲 The huge announcement at 2 PM Thursday on the show floor from WPA/BSM 🎲 Tech tips and what you MUST have to capture content: interviews with vendors, product demos, booth showcases and more 🎲 Tips on getting the most out of those awesome show specials  Plus Morgan shares first-time trade show tips (this is her second show ever), and both talk about why the interactive map feature is a total game-changer. BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Pet Boss Trade Show Awards This year, Pet Boss is formally launching the Pet Boss Trade Show Awards - think Oprah's Favorite Things, but for SUPERZOO. Categories are still being finalized, but possibilities include: Best New Product, Best Booth Design, Best Packaging, Best Sales Rep, Best Interactive Booth, and more. Listeners are invited to suggest categories on social media or in the Pet Boss community. Winners will be announced on August 23rd episode (Sunday after the show, once everything is edited and recorded). ABOUT CANDACE'S SUPERZOO SESSIONS Tuesday, 10:00 AM (Islander H)"Modern Pet Retail: Blending Services & Retail for Success"Topics: Adapting to current trends, blending retail and services, multiple revenue streams, modern customer experience, competing with big box and online giants. Tuesday, 1:00 PM (Islander H)"Unwrap Profits: Holiday Merchandising Made Simple"Topics: Discover secrets to captivate customers, boost sales, create eye-catching displays, holiday bundles, product promotions, maximize the busiest shopping season. ABOUT MORGAN SEABLOOM Morgan is a team member at Dante and Dory's Pet Emporium and the marketing team member on this episode. This is her second pet industry trade show (first was Global Pet Expo in early 2026, where she was only two weeks into her job). She brings fresh perspectives as a newcomer to the pet industry but is an avid pet owner herself. Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

The way your customers search has changed. Not gradually. Dramatically. And most indie pet businesses haven't noticed yet. A year ago, if someone's dog had itchy skin, they'd Google "best dog food for itchy skin" and scroll through 20 links. Now? They're asking ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, or Perplexity the same question in a conversation: "My seven-year-old Labrador has itchy skin and keeps licking his paws. I think it's food-related. I want a locally owned pet store near me that actually understands nutrition." That's not a keyword search. That's a conversation. And that's AEO (Answer Engine Optimization). Candace explains why this shift actually favors indie pet businesses and exactly what you need to do to win. She discusses: ⭐️ The difference between SEO and AEO (and why it matters more than you think) ⭐️ How customers are using AI tools instead of Google to find answers ⭐️ Why this isn't about panicking or hiring an expensive agency ⭐️ How AI scans your website differently than Google does ⭐️ Brand pages optimized for both humans and AI bots ⭐️ The one thing Candace would do first if she took over your business tomorrow Plus why the next 20 years are about helping people find trusted experts and not just products!  Transcript Show NotesJoin Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

July has always been known as one of the slower retail months so Candace made a strategic decision: go big or go home. Dante and Dory's threw a patriotic pet sale from Friday, July 3rd through Monday, July 6th. The result? $3,000 more in sales than Memorial Day weekend (about a month earlier), driven by 100 additional transactions. This episode is a complete behind-the-scenes walkthrough of how she planned it, executed it, and what she learned - plus strategies you can apply to your own holiday sale. Listen now to hear: 💰 Why slow months are actually your biggest opportunity (not your problem) 💰 Why you should be treating inventory like an ATM  💰 When (and why) to discount aggressively to move old inventory 💰 How to using paid social advertising strategically   💰 How it took a full team effort for big events and how to involve your team in planning Plus hear the importance of not letting merchandise "get dusty," and why Candace has always said you shouldn't be a museum! Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

It's July. America just turned 250. And Candace is pulling a powerful thread through this month's focus in Pet Boss Nation: Work Smarter, Earn More, Adapt Faster. In 250 years, this country has survived wars, depressions, booms, the Industrial Revolution, the rise of the automobile, the telephone, the internet. Entire industries disappeared. Entire industries that didn't exist a generation ago became the backbone of the economy. The pattern? The businesses that lasted weren't the ones who had it all figured out. They were the ones who kept adjusting. Who paid attention. Who weren't afraid to pivot. Candace discusses: 🇺🇸 The Wrigley story (why a soap company built a gum empire by paying attention to what people actually wanted) 🇺🇸  How adaptation is what separates businesses that last from ones that disappear 🇺🇸  How to "work smarter" using the data already inside your point-of-sale system 🇺🇸  Simple strategies to "earn more"  🇺🇸  AI as a tool, not a replacement (just like the telephone or internet was!) Plus hacks on using AI for admin work that frees you up to do the parts of your business that only you can do!Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

Matt Aldrich, founder of Pet Engine Marketing, has a front row seat to pet businesses and their patterns - the ones growing and the ones stuck.  Between Pet Boss Nation and Pet Engine Marketing, they've seen 1,000+ pet businesses over the years. In this candid conversation, he and Candace talk about what growth actually looks like when the economy is tough, competition is everywhere, and business owners are burned out. They discuss:  ✅ The pattern most pet businesses get wrong (and why you're probably doing it) ✅ Why activity ≠ progress (and how to tell the difference) ✅ The $6,000 email campaign that worked (and why you should steal it!)  ✅ How to build "boring" systems that compound over time Plus Matt shares the one thing all successful businesses have in common and how you could do it too!   ABOUT MATT ALDRICH Founder, Pet Engine Marketing & Co-Founder, Pet Industry Network Matt Aldrich is the founder of Pet Engine Marketing and a pet industry marketing expert with 12+ years of experience helping independent pet businesses grow. He's also a Co-Founder of the Pet Industry Network, a PETS+ Magazine contributor, an active member of American Pet Professionals, and a frequent speaker at events including Global Pet Expo, SUPERZOO, and The Pet Summit. Matt's journey started at 16 working at a local pet store in Ann Arbor, Michigan - a job he took because his dog loved that place, and soon so did he. He fell in love with helping customers, meeting their pets, and working alongside people who "got it." But when he moved into management, the job got buried under vendor calls, staff schedules, and the daily grind. That experience—realizing pet business owners started in this industry because they loved helping people and pets, not working on spreadsheets and social media - became his mission. In 2018, he launched Pet Engine Marketing to help pet business owners get back to doing what they love, while the agency handles the marketing.Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

We have an exciting new episode for you this week and this is one you are going to want to pull out a notepad and pen for!  Candace is sharing the full training she delivered at Launch Your Box's Subscription Summit and turns it into an actionable playbook specifically for pet businesses. Whether you sell products, services, or both, there is already a subscription opportunity inside your business right now. She covers: 🙌 The 3 types of subscriptions and how to identify which already exists in your business 🙌 The auto-replenishment model and why you should know what it is  🙌 How to move slow inventory, take pre-orders, and create something customers look forward to every month 🙌 The VIP membership model your customers will be begging to join  🙌 A word-for-word script for offering auto-replenishment to a customer at the register - without being pushy!  If even 10–20% of your revenue became predictable before you opened your doors each month, how differently would your business run?  Well this episode shows you exactly how to get there!  Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

Can indie pet stores really out-compete Amazon, Chewy, and Petco? Pearce Tibbles, CEO of Wholesale Pet, says yes - but it takes strategy, technology, and intentionality. In this interview, Pearce walks through how Wholesale Pet spent over a year gathering feedback from retailers and vendors before completely redesigning their platform. The result? AI-powered search, curated collections, new vendor tools, and a focus on helping independent stores compete on their actual advantages—not by trying to be Chewy. You will hear:  ✅ Why Pearce is optimistic about indie pet stores  ✅ The structural advantages indie stores have over big box  ✅ The new AI-powered search that solves the "finding a needle in a haystack" problem ✅ Collections: how to curate products by season, pet type, or customer (and share them with other retailers) ✅ How retailers can find trending products across US indie stores in real time Plus how to avoid the financing trap, why changing your store layout bi-weekly drives foot traffic, and why inventory is your ATM. ABOUT Pearce TIBBLES CEO, Wholesale Pet Pearce Tibbles loves brick & mortar small business and believes it plays an indispensable role in local communities. He's passionate about finding new ways technology can help independents compete against ecommerce and big box stores. Pearce has spent most of his career with a foot in each world: he was a partner in a company that built an app for training restaurant and small retail store employees, owned and operated his own brick & mortar service business for many years, and has worked in software and technology for the past 8 years. When he started at Wholesale Pet in 2024, he brought with him a mindset focused on staying really close to customers, learning their businesses intimately—how they operate, what they spend money on, what their competitive challenges are—and figuring out ways to help them not just survive but succeed and outcompete ecommerce and big box stores. The new Wholesale Pet site is the first really big step in this direction, with more exciting developments coming in the months ahead. Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

A squishy palm-sized toy with no celebrity endorsements and no big marketing budget just sold an entire year's worth of inventory in 9 weeks - and Candace watched it happen right outside her front door. In this solo episode, Candace breaks down the NeeDoh craze: how it started, why it exploded, and - most importantly - what the mechanics behind it mean for your pet business right now. She covers: ⭐️ How the NeeDoh Advent Calendar sparked a TikTok wildfire that turned an 8-year-old product into this generation's Beanie Baby ⭐️  The 5-part Pet Boss Nation framework for engineering your own viral moment ⭐️  Real action steps: auditing your shelves, setting up new arrival drops, building influencer relationships, and filming before you have a following Whether you're a retailer, groomer, trainer, or service provider - if you have products or services worth showing, you have the ingredients for a viral moment.  Candace tells you exactly how to start building toward it! Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

This is a very special episode!  Candace is inviting you into a recent Pet Boss University marketing training - a true fly-on-the-wall peek at what's happening inside the membership. This training is about customer personas: how to stop making blanket statements to broad audiences and start marketing to one specific customer type instead. She covers: 🙌 What a customer persona IS (and what it's NOT) 🙌 The difference between demographics and behavior   🙌 The specific questions to ask about your persona  🙌 Why marketing to everyone means marketing to no one Plus the behind-the-scenes look at how client data gets turned into actionable marketing plans with specific copy, visuals, and calls to action. It's different from regular episodes, but it's the kind of training that changes how you market your business forever! Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

It's the start of summer - can you believe it? Half the year is already over, and Candace has some exciting announcements to share. She's covering 3 education events happening in June that you don't want to miss, plus a BIG announcement about what's coming for Dante and Dory's that took a year to make happen. She shares: 🙌 Why you should pitch yourself as the local pet expert in your community 🙌 The 3 educational events you won’t want to miss that will elevate your pet business 🙌 Where you can find and connect with Candace at this year’s SUPERZOO 🙌 The BIG announcement: Candace is launching… Oh wait!! You should listen to this episode to find out 😉 Plus why education without action is just entertainment, and how what started as a monthly tip turned into a weekly show that couldn’t be passed up!  Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

This is part two of last week's episode where Candace talked about the five ways off-location events make you money. After another week at the Dante and Dory's farmer's market booth, she realized there were some things worth sharing - adjustments to the booth setup, the living SOP guide they're building, and an on-the-spot coaching moment with a new 17-year-old team member. If you're running events, managing a team, or trying to get systems out of your head and onto paper, this episode is for you!  Listen to hear:  🐾 The booth setup mistake from week one and how she fixed it 🐾The living, breathing SOP guide that the team is living by and why it continues to evolve 🐾 The coaching moment with a shy team member  🐾 The three questions you should be asking yourself before every event  Plus she shares why one item is the hottest right now, along with some useful advice on how to safely remove decals and why your food aisle needs more staffing attention!  Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

What if your best new customers aren't finding you online - they're walking right past a tent at a farmer's market, and you're just not there? Pop-up events, farmer's markets, street fairs, 5K runs, community festivals - when done right, they're one of the most powerful, affordable, and underutilized tools in an independent pet business's playbook. Candace is sharing exactly what Dante and Dory's is doing at the Galesburg Farmer's Market this season: the booth setup, the pricing strategy, the leave-behinds that work harder than business cards, and most importantly - the 5 ways events make you money that most people never count. She shares: 🙌 Why your booth needs to be a physical extension of your brand  🙌 The leave-behind strategy that drives future visits  🙌 How to train your team to represent your business at the front line   🙌 The 5 ways events make you money  Plus the 4th of July patriotic pet parade idea that came from showing up consistently, the technology that makes checkout seamless, and why you can't be your town's best-kept secret!  Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

Squeeze, squeeze, squeeze. The financial squeeze is real - and if you're feeling it, this episode is for you. Candace tackles the most pressing realities that independent pet business owners are facing right now: fewer customers walking through doors, shoppers stretching every dollar, unpredictable weather keeping people home, rising expenses, and growing competition. She shares: 🚨 The surprising lesson from a 66-transaction day  🚨Why you can't wait for things to get better   🚨 Creative partnership ideas you haven't thought of yet  🚨 The cash flow management habit that keeps you ahead of the squeeze  🚨The mindset shift that stops the spiral  Plus insights from the PETS+ Brain Squad survey on what independent pet business owners are prioritizing in Q2 2026. Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram

Candace sent out a customer survey for Dante and Dory's - and when the results came in, she had to stop and sit with it for a minute. Because everything she assumed about her customers was wrong. In this episode, she's pulling back the curtain on the entire process: how they built the survey, how they promoted it, what questions they asked, and most importantly - the 5 findings that genuinely surprised her and will reshape how Dante and Dory's markets, merchandises, and operates moving forward. She shares: ✍🏼 Why assuming you know your customer is costing you revenue  ✍🏼 The 3 purposes of a customer survey ✍🏼 The exact process they used (tool, timeline, promotion strategy, giveaway structure - all replicable!) ✍🏼 What to do with survey data once you have it Plus the Pet Boss University Customer Survey Playbook - the guide that walks you through the entire process with templates, video trainings, and live feedback sessions. Transcript Show NotesJoin Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram

Want to see your pet business featured on the evening news but think you need a huge marketing budget to make it happen? Think again. Meet Mary Tan, award-winning TV reporter who covered major stories for Fox News, CNN, CBS News, and NBC News for 13 years - and now runs Whisker Media, a boutique strategic communications agency focused on pet-related businesses and animal welfare nonprofits. She's revealing exactly how she secured $40,000-$50,000 worth of free advertising for one pet retailer - and how you can do it yourself!  They discuss: 🙌 What makes a story newsworthy and what the newsjacking technique is  🙌 The biggest mistake pet businesses make when pitching to news outlets 🙌 How to position yourself as the pet expert to local media  🙌 Why hyper-local media matters 🙌 Press release vs. email pitch - which is better?! Plus why Mary went from crime reporter to the "dark side" of PR, why news stations love animal stories and why small businesses get priority over big box stores. ABOUT MARY M TAN Chief Storyteller, Whisker Media LLC Mary Tan is the chief storyteller of Whisker Media, a boutique strategic communications agency where she focuses on strategic communications for pet-related businesses and animal welfare nonprofits. The mission of her agency is to donate profits back to homeless animal organizations, especially cat rescue groups. Before Whisker Media, Mary worked in animal shelter public relations and was a public information officer in city government. For many years she was also an award-winning reporter and anchor in cities like Atlanta, Minneapolis, Las Vegas and numerous other television markets. She reported on major stories for most of the major networks including Fox News, CNN, CBS News and NBC News. When not doing pet public relations work, the Wisconsin native is also a freelance writer for several pet publications including Pet Age, PetVet, Boarding and Daycare and Groomer to Groomer Magazines. Being an animal welfare advocate, Mary believes in adopting rescues. She has a nine-year-old kitty named Farley Waddlesworth, three two-year-old cats named Franklin and Fleur and a Schnoodle named Freddie. She lives in Buffalo, Minnesota. Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram

SUPERZOO is coming August 12-14, 2026 in Las Vegas, with an education day Tues, Aug 11, - and if you sell products, make products, or work behind the scenes in the pet industry, this is your must-attend event. Candace sits down with Mike Karsting, Senior Vice President of World Pet Association (WPA) and the driving force behind SUPERZOO, to talk about what makes this show essential for independent pet retailers, emerging brands, and anyone on the product side of the business. They discuss: 🐾 Why SUPERZOO is "the melting pot of the pet industry" (if you touch pet in any way, there's something here for you) 🐾 The New Product Showcase strategy and how Candace found a $25k client through the showcase 🐾 Education passes, grooming demos, networking meetups, and the Beach Party (there's something for everyone) 🐾The Groomer's Innovation Stage and new on-floor classroom you won’t want to miss Plus the Pets+ SUPERZOO sample box, why vetting attendees protects exhibitors, and Mike's advice for juggling education, shopping, networking, and parties!  ABOUT MIKE KARSTING Senior Vice President, World Pet Association / SUPERZOO Mike Karsting has served as Senior Vice President of World Pet Association for the past five years, bringing more than 30 years of experience in event marketing, production, and management across both trade and consumer platforms. Prior to stepping into the SVP role, Karsting spent 18 years with TEN: The Enthusiast Network, including the last decade as Vice President of Events. There, he led the planning, production, and execution of major properties such as the EnduroCross series, Motor Trend International Auto Show events, as well as numerous custom car shows and live concerts. Karsting later produced multiple X Games throughout the world and served as Marketing Director at MotoAmerica and previously held a leadership role at Professional Bull Riders. As SVP, Karsting leads the strategic development and execution of the company's live B2B portfolio, driving growth through innovative event strategy, partnership development, and operational excellence. Leveraging on his extensive background in motorsports, automotive culture, and live entertainment, he is committed to delivering impactful experiences that elevate exhibitors, sponsors, partners, and industry attendees. Transcript Show NotesJoin Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

Candace and Morgan are back from sunny Orlando after a long week at Global Pet Expo 2026 - and this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights, favorite product discoveries, and Morgan's fresh first-timer perspective. They discuss: 🙌 The brand that dominated with marketing everywhere - a masterclass in visibility) 🙌 Interactive booth experiences that win   🙌 Smart founder moves   🙌 Unique product discoveries that are eye-catching, space-efficient, and conversation-starting 🙌 Product trends worth watching for 2026 and beyond Plus the challenge of walking the entire show floor (Candace still missed entire sections!, the deals that happened on Friday, and why having a consumer mindset on your team matters. Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

Recorded live at Global Pet Expo on Day 1 (education day), this episode features a conversation Candace never planned to have - until she sat in Luis Zamora's session and realized this was exactly what Pet Boss Nation listeners needed to hear! Luis presented "Profiting from the Pet-Inclusive Economy Through Strategic Partnerships" at the Pet Summit, and instead of being a sales pitch for his platform (PetsVivo), it was packed with actionable strategies for small businesses to build partnerships that actually work. Because most pet businesses are stuck doing casual referrals - handing out business cards, hoping for the best, never tracking success - instead of building intentional, mutually beneficial partnerships. They discuss: 🙌 What PetsVivo does and how they are helping businesses attract the most in-demand demographic: pet parents 🙌 The difference between casual referrals and strategic partnerships  🙌 Creative partnership ideas you probably haven’t even thought about yet 🙌 Why Luis started PetsVivo inspired by his two dogs, Tuck and Banzo Plus resources from the Pet Inclusive Housing Initiative (PIHI) and why cat parents are getting the short end of the stick on pet fees!  ABOUT LUIS ZAMORA Founder, PetsVivo Luis is the Co-Founder of PetsVivo, the pet operating system for housing and hotel properties. Before PetsVivo, he spent 6+ years in the investment world across film finance, real estate, and early-stage tech, giving him a strong perspective on how capital and consumer behavior are shaping the rapidly growing pet economy. He lives in Austin, TX with his partner and two rescue dogs, Tuck and Banzo (short for Garbanzo). When he’s not working in the pet space, you can find him playing soccer or volleyball, hiking with his pups, or out by the lake. Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

Global Pet Expo is just days away - and if you're investing the time and money to be there, you need a content creation plan. This episode brings a brand new team member Morgan Seabloom (Marketing & Operations Coordinator for Dante and Dory's) alongside Candace to share their pre-show prep checklist and 5 content buckets to help you capture everything worth capturing! Because trade shows aren't just about placing orders. They're content creation gold. They share: 🙌 How to prep your phone before the show and the camera settings to turn on NOW 🙌 Why you should schedule a Facebook Live ahead of time  🙌 The 5 content buckets every pet business should be using 🙌 And Morgan's special tip around what to do with “bad footage” Plus an invitation to Candace's birthday bash at ArtVark Pet Products booth #1462 on Thursday at 3pm Eastern (cake cutting at 4pm - mimosas, goodie bags, and spoiling included)! Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

A message came through Dante and Dory's website contact form. It was detailed, critical, and specific- complaining about pricing, construction timelines, employee compensation, and the value of shopping local. But something felt off. The team ran the message through an AI detector: 100% AI-generated. In this episode, Candace unpacks the entire experience - from the initial reaction to the deep dive into what it could be (competitor? phishing probe? mass AI blasting? real person hiding?). And more importantly, she shares what Dante and Dory's is doing differently because of it. She shares: 🙌 The message itself and the 4 possibilities of what this could be (and why it matters) 🙌 How each complaint - pricing, value of shopping local, construction timeline, employee compensation - became an opportunity to look inward 🙌 What Dante and Dory's is fixing because of this message 🙌 Why even fake complaints can sharpen you if you let them Plus the reminder: you're doing something hard. You're building something real. And the fact that someone - even an AI - needed to come at you sideways says more about them than it ever will about you! Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

Be honest: when was the last time you looked at your calendar and knew exactly what you were promoting, posting, and doing in your business three months from now? Do you even know what you're doing next week? Or do you wake up on Tuesday and think: Wait, did anyone post today? What am I supposed to post? If this hits a little close to home, this episode is going to change how you run your marketing - starting right now. Spring is here. The clocks just sprang forward. Q2 is days away. And this is your biggest marketing opportunity of the year!  She shares: ✅ The difference between reacting and executing (and why it's not about talent, budget, or time) ✅ Why Q2 is genuinely the most opportunity-rich season in the pet industry ✅ What a real marketing plan actually looks like  ✅ The monthly themes, key dates, promotions, content plan, and team alignment you need 🙌 PLUS A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Pet Boss Nation's Monthly Marketing Planner is now available as a standalone subscription for $59/month! For the first time ever, you can get the exact monthly marketing roadmap that Pet Boss coaching clients have used for 4+ years - without joining the full program. This is the tool that clients say is one of the best reasons they stay. Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

How many donation requests have landed in your inbox lately? Today? This week? This month? Silent auctions, raffles, gift baskets, event sponsorships - can you donate a gift card? And if you're honest, how many of those people ACTUALLY buy from you? It's easy to feel frustrated. One-sided. Used. Like people only remember you when they need something. Because what if donation requests aren't charity decisions? What if they're marketing decisions? In this episode, Candace shares how to stop resenting them and start leveraging them. Listen to hear: ✅ Why donation requests feel SO draining ✅ How to attach lead generation to every donation  ✅ The exact system Dante and Dory's built to track donations  ✅ How to create an intentional donation strategy (not an emotional reaction to every request) You know those businesses in your community that are everywhere? That's not an accident. That's a strategy. And you get to decide if you want to play that game - and how. Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

Is email marketing dead? Well, Candace sure hopes not - because she's been sitting on over 2,000 customer emails from Dante and Dory's for the last 5 months and has done absolutely nothing with them. And as a business coach who sends emails like a well-oiled machine at Pet Boss Nation, that admission is a little uncomfortable to make. But here's the truth: email marketing still delivers an average ROI of $36-$42 for every $1 invested. And 60% of consumers say email influences their purchasing decisions. So it's time to stop treating it like it's dead. In this episode, Candace shares the exact 5-email framework she's implementing at Dante and Dory's - so you can take action too! She shares: 🙌 Why email marketing is NOT dead (it's just neglected and underutilized) 🙌 The 2025 stats that prove email is still the #1 customer retention tool 🙌 Why you OWN your email list (but you don't own Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok) 🙌 The KPIs she'll be tracking  Plus the reframe you need: If you're already collecting emails, already paying for software, and already working hard to get traffic - NOT using email consistently is leaving money on the table. This is a slow season. There's no risk. Candace is taking it. Will you? Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

It's cold. People are sick. Business feels quiet. Sound familiar? Candace is coming to you fresh off 10+ days sick with the flu - three of them completely in bed - and using this slower winter stretch at Dante and Dory's to get honest about what the numbers are really saying. This episode is about what actually happens when sales dip, and what smart pet business owners do instead of waiting it out. She shares: 🙌 Why slow sales aren't a story - they're feedback (and what to do with them) 🙌 The real numbers from Dante and Dory's and what that difference means over a month 🙌 The self-wash room investment decision she is making this month 🙌 Three questions to ask yourself when you're frozen or in a slow period Plus an honest conversation about communication - with your team, your partner, and yourself - and why clarity is what turns fear into action. Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram

It's 4am and Candace's toddler just woke her up. So instead of lying in bed hoping to fall back asleep, she's recording this episode. Because sometimes leadership shows up tired. Sometimes it's messy. Sometimes you just get it done anyway. In this quick episode, Candace shares: ⭐ Why sometimes responsibility shows up at inconvenient times ⭐ Global Pet Expo announcements - where you can find (and celebrate!) with PBN ⭐ New keynote booking - she's speaking at the ODD Ball (Owners of Dog Daycares Conference) in January 2027 in Albuquerque, New Mexico ⭐ SuperZoo talks and in-person events at Dante and Dory's in Galesburg The real message: Your brain doesn't clock out as a small business owner, and that's okay. Don't feel guilty if it's not perfect - just get it done. Whether you're listening to this early in the morning or late at night or in between everything else you're carrying, you're not behind. You can get ahead whenever you can. Sometimes building a business starts before the coffee even kicks in. And P.S. She was able to go back to sleep after this recording and a few Slack responses to the team, lol. Transcript Show NotesJoin Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram

Right now, some pet businesses are booming. Some are holding steady. And many are feeling like sales have slowed down and they need to make a change. But here's the truth: When revenue feels uncertain, that's exactly when how you manage your money matters MORE than how much money is coming in. In this episode, Candace shares real money decisions she's making at Dante and Dory's - and why being more aggressive with money doesn't mean being reckless!  She shares: 🔥 Why passive money management (not reckless spending) is the real problem  🔥 How to be more aggressive with money the right way  🔥 Real examples from Dante and Dory's including negotiating billboard advertising, managing slow-moving inventory, and deciding where to invest vs where to cut 🔥 Why businesses don't fail because sales dip (and what they actually do fail from)  Plus, hear the REAL-TIME update at the end where Candace shares her negotiation win right after recording - you just never know until you ask!Transcript Show Notes

How many times have you corrected the same mistake this month? What if a 3-minute coaching conversation could stop it from happening again and actually make your team stronger? Amy Castro, communication and leadership expert who's been training pet business owners at Global Pet Expo and beyond, shares why communication skills matter just as much as knowing pet nutrition and behavior - and how the right words can cut the drama, stop the misunderstandings, and make your standards stick. She shares: ⭐ How a 3-minute conversation now prevents the same mistake from happening 12 more times this month ⭐ You can't coach what isn't clear - and how to limit misunderstandings with your team ⭐ How the correct feedback is a gift, not a punishment   ⭐ The way coaching helps you keep good people   Plus, hear Amy's personal journey from Air Force public relations officer to discovering her love for coaching communication and teams!  Whether you've employed 300+ people like Candace or you're managing your first team member, this episode proves that becoming a better communicator transforms EVERYTHING in your pet business. ABOUT AMY CASTRO President, Triad Communication, LLC Amy Castro is a communication and leadership expert who helps pet business owners lead teams that actually listen, communicate with customers without the constant back-and-forth, and run calmer, more profitable operations. She's a regular education presenter at Global Pet Expo, and she's all about practical tools that cut the drama, stop the misunderstandings, and make your standards stick, without burning out the people doing the work. Amy is also the host of The Pet Parent Hotline and a longtime rescue leader, so she brings a real pet industry lens and a zero-fluff approach to everything she teaches. Her background includes serving as an Air Force officer in public relations and earning a master's degree in human communication theory, where she had a lightbulb moment realizing that communication skills are like a toolbox full of tools - the more tools you have, the more choices you have in the moment. A carpenter can't build a house with just a hammer, and you can't handle every conversation with the same default style either. She took that lesson forward into everything she did next, leading as an Air Force officer, then spending 20+ years training leaders and teams, and working in the pet world where emotions run high and conversations can go sideways fast. The more tools you have, the calmer you stay, the clearer you get, and the better your outcomes are, at work and in every relationship. Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram

Why does hiring feel impossibly broken right now? And why are some pet businesses thriving with amazing teams while others can't keep anyone for more than a few months? Meet Pet Boss client Morgan Weber - a recovering Chief Everything Officer who runs both a 13-year pet sitting company AND a growing pet supply store. She went from burned out and constantly hiring to building teams that actually stay - with a thriving culture where people want to work. In this episode, she shares exactly how she made that turnaround and helps you navigate the shrinking workforce, culture over compensation, and what smart businesses are doing differently. She shares: ⭐️ Her "recovering Chief Everything Officer" mindset shift ⭐️ How to identify what you're good at vs. what your business needs ⭐️ How to hire for personality traits that match your business reality Plus the truth you need to hear: Hard work doesn't equal success. If it did, we'd all be bajillionaires. You don't need to work harder - you need to work differently and shift where your effort is happening. ABOUT MORGAN WEBER Owner of Lucky Pup Adventures & Woofs and Waves Pet Supplies Morgan Weber is a serial entrepreneur, business coach, and recovering Chief Everything Officer. She helps business owners step out of the weeds to think, plan, and lead like a CEO, building businesses that thrive while supporting their own full and happy life. With over 13 years running Lucky Pup Adventures (a pet sitting company) and now also scaling Woofs and Waves Pet Supplies (a 10-year-old pet supply store in Sioux Falls, South Dakota), Morgan loves to blend real-world experience and actionable frameworks to help pet business owners define success on their own terms. She also runs Memory Flame Candle Company (a passion project honoring pet loss) and coaches pet business owners through the challenges of hiring, leadership, and building businesses they actually enjoy. Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram

Are you trying to build momentum, growth, and sales without a solid foundation underneath you? If hiring feels scary or too expensive, if training lives in your head instead of being documented, if growth feels stressful instead of exciting - it's not because you're doing anything wrong. It's because your foundation is wobbly. In this episode, Candace breaks down the exact framework Pet Boss Nation is teaching clients in 2026 to build their team and systems FIRST - before running ads, doing marketing, or increasing customer volume. Because momentum needs something solid to stick to!  She shares: ✍🏻 Why you need to build the foundation before you build the momentum ✍🏻 The 9-week Dream Team framework breakdown (one week at a time) ✍🏻 Why reactive hiring keeps you stuck (and how to hire with purpose instead) ✍🏻 The Train the Trainer in-person workshop at Dante and Dory's (February 25th!) This isn't about doing more. It's about building what lasts - systems that don't fall apart when you step away, teams that feel supported, and training that's repeatable. If you're trying to grow without this foundation, you're building on sand. And when the momentum hits, everything crumbles. Join Pet Boss University before January 20th to be part of the Dream Team cohort - a live 9-week program where you'll build this foundation alongside other pet business owners (and Candace, who's building it for Dante and Dory's at the same time)!

Welcome to 2026 and a brand new season of the Pet Boss Podcast! After four solid years and 216 episodes, Season 5 is here with a brand new intro and a clear mission: build what lasts. Because if you've been in the pet industry for any amount of time, you know last year felt HARD. There was a lot of retracting, pulling back, and retreating. Costs got higher. Hiring felt heavier. Customers became more cautious. And the energy it takes to run a pet business right now? Intense. But here's the thing: the pet industry is still growing. Pet spending in the US is now well over $140 billion annually. People aren't walking away from their pets - they're just becoming more selective about how, where, and with whom they spend. So we as business owners have to become more strategic, more intentional, and better at running the actual business side of things. She shares: 🙌 Why last year felt so hard (no, you're not imagining it) 🙌 The 5 biggest challenges pet business owners face in 2026 🙌 The "Build What Lasts" framework: systems that don't fall apart when you step away, teams that feel supported, margins that protect your energy 🙌 What's coming this season Plus the truth you need to hear: You are not behind. You are not failing. You do not have to have it all figured out. And you are not going on this journey alone. This season isn't about doing everything. It's about building foundations that hold you up - one decision at a time.  Whether you're listening to the podcast or joining in-person workshops at Dante and Dory's (yes, that's coming!), this is about building WITH you, not talking AT you this season! Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram

Happy New Year, Pet Boss! This episode isn't about strategies, checklists, or empire-building. It's about pausing long enough to notice what this year actually asked of you - and what you became in the process. Before we rush into 2026, Candace is raising a glass to honor what was. Behind every pet business is a human who showed up when it would've been easier to coast, quit, or stay quiet. And that alone is worth celebrating. She shares: 🥂 Four years of the Pet Boss Podcast: 216 episodes, nearly 150K downloads, streamed in 83 countries 🥂 Top episodes of 2025 (hint there's a theme) 🥂 Behind-the-scenes at Pet Boss Nation 🥂 Plus exciting news: Someone’s having a baby! This year stretched you. Tested your patience, leadership, confidence, and creativity. And yet you're still here - still showing up for customers, caring deeply about your team, and choosing this work even on hard days. So here's the toast: To the owners who kept going even when it was messy. To the leaders learning as they lead. To the businesses that didn't just survive but evolved. May you remember that progress counts even when it's quiet. Thank you for listening, for being part of this community, and for doing the important, meaningful work of running a pet business that truly makes a difference. Happy New Year. See you in 2026 with Season 5 of the Pet Boss Podcast! Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram

There's a promotion that happens around the holidays that's hit or miss for most businesses: the 12 Days of Deals. Candace tried this years ago in Chicago and it NEVER worked. But after learning from thousands of successful retailers, she decided to give it another shot at Dante and Dory's - with a few strategic spins. In this real-time episode, she's sharing on how it's going so far, what she's learned, and what she'd do differently with this promotion at Dante & Dory’s. She shares: 💰 Why her past 12 Days promotions failed   💰  Day-by-day breakdown of what sold, what flopped, and why   💰 Email strategy and how to avoid opt-out fatigue Plus the biggest lesson: get crystal clear on WHY you're running the promotion before you plan anything else. Is it to drive foot traffic? Move overstock? Feature slow-selling products? When you know the why, every other decision becomes easier!  Whether you're planning promotions for 2026 or trying to roll something out before year-end, this episode proves that the most successful promotions aren't about having the flashiest ideas- they're about having clear goals and significant-enough deals to actually motivate people to show up!  Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram

It's been a month of momentum, mayhem, and massive visibility at Dante and Dory's. Have you ever had a month where you're marching confidently toward progress while also dragging chaos behind you like a determined toddler on a leash? Welcome to small business life. In this Behind Closed Doors episode, Candace takes you through November's slow sales anxiety, December's sudden surge, and all the visibility wins that finally made Dante and Dory's impossible to miss. She shares: 🙌 The moment signage changed everything  🙌 Why she was hesitant to hire (sound familiar?) and what changed when she did 🙌 How opening an hour earlier accidentally turned into a brilliant move (thanks to the sign guys!) 🙌 The surprise visit from podcast listener who came across the country just to see the store This month's theme? Visibility isn't optional - it's oxygen for your business. From exterior signs to website updates to in-store pricing to social media storytelling, every touchpoint matters. Because if people are talking about you in a positive way, you're unstoppable!  Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

It’s officially prime selling season! 🎄 The next few weeks are when pet businesses see their biggest boom so what if increasing your revenue has nothing to do with fancy marketing, new customers, or spending another dollar - and everything to do with simple conversations you're already having? This week on the podcast, Candace is sharing:  💰 The Show, Tell, Ask method that engages all senses and increases buying intent 💰 Why selling feels icky (and how to reframe it!) 💰 The two-option close that stops you from talking your way out of the sale 💰 The 4 A's framework: Turn every "no" into your next step 💰 How to make selling a game your team actually wants to play (with practical examples) 💰 Ready-to-use sales phrases you can implement TODAY And so much more!  Whether you run a retail store, grooming salon, or any pet business, these principles will help you and your team sell with confidence - without feeling pushy or salesy! Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram

In this brutally honest episode, Candace calls herself (and probably you) out for being the bottleneck in your own business.  Whether you're drowning in holiday chaos, forgetting things because your brain is full, or catching yourself saying "I'll just do it myself" one more time, this episode will help you get your time, energy, and brain back. She shares: 🙌 The "holiday pressure cooker" reality-  why your brain is at full capacity 🙌 Directive vs. collaborative delegation - and when to use each one 🙌 The 4 levels of delegation (and why most of us get stuck at level 1 or 2) 🙌 The CEO Power Hour framework that clears the clog and gets your business back on track 🙌 5 questions that help your team (and you) make better, faster decisions Plus the truth about why being overwhelmed isn't a sign you're doing something wrong - it's a sign your business is ready to scale if you'll just stop being the bottleneck. Because here's the truth: You don't need MORE time. You need LESS inside your brain! Transcript Show Notes

Before sprinting into the holiday rush, Candace is pausing to share a different kind of episode: a love letter to the people, moments, and lessons that have shaped this incredible year.  From the Pet Boss Nation team to her family, clients, and YOU—this gratitude episode is an invitation to reflect on what truly matters. She shares: ❤️ Why gratitude is a form of leadership that keeps you grounded in purpose instead of overwhelm ❤️ How the Pet Boss Nation team stepped up to help her start a whole new business while still running the first one ❤️ Why encouraging words matter more than we realize—and how they fuel us through exhausted moments ❤️ Thought-provoking questions to help you find your own gratitude practice Plus, a heartfelt thank you to every listener, client, and community member who shows up, does the work, and believes in this mission of elevating pet businesses everywhere. This episode isn't about tactics or strategies. It's about remembering WHY you do what you do, WHO you're doing it for, and how far you've already come. Transcript Show Notes

In this special Q&A episode, Candace shares real conversations from a recent Pet Boss Nation coaching session- tackling the topics keeping pet business owners up at night. From the literal end of U.S. penny production to navigating employee raise requests when budgets are tight, to creating lead magnets that actually grow your business, this episode delivers practical solutions you can implement immediately. She covers: 🙌 What to do now that pennies are no longer being made  🙌 Four critical strategies for responding to employee raise requests when you can't just give more money 🙌 Creative ways to add value for struggling employees beyond paychecks  🙌 Complete lead magnet strategy: from website popups to social media posts to physical postcards at local businesses Whether you're feeling the squeeze of inflation, dealing with team money stress, or ready to finally build that email list, this episode proves that running a business means solving problems together - not alone! Transcript Show Notes

What do you do when you're over 50, comfortable in your career, and suddenly the world turns upside down? Meet Stacy Maly-Rodgers, who spent 20+ years in nonprofit management in St. Louis until COVID gave her the push she needed to tackle her bucket list - and on that list was becoming a pet groomer. Now she's found her calling as the go-to groomer for the dogs others won't touch at Three Tails Parlor and Pantry. In this episode, we are diving into midlife career pivots, working with difficult and anxious dogs, and how sometimes life's biggest disruptions lead to our most fulfilling chapters. You’ll hear about:  ✅ Starting over at 50+ - why age can be your greatest asset  ✅ Fear Free certification and less restraint approach  ✅ Reading dog energy and adapting routines - doing what the dog allows, not forcing a checklist!  ✅ Communicating wins to pet parents and how that has changed everything Whether you're considering a midlife career change or looking to improve your approach with challenging dogs, Stacy proves that it's never too late to find your true calling - and that sometimes the most rewarding work requires patience, experience, and the willingness to do things differently. ABOUT STACY MALY-RODGERSLead Groomer & Services Manager at Three Tails Parlor and Pantry Stacy Maly-Rodgers discovered her true calling at age 50+ when she made the bold decision to leave her 20+ year career in nonprofit management and pursue pet grooming - something that had been on her bucket list for years. After COVID gave her the reflection time she needed, she started as a bather at PetSmart and worked her way through their academy program to become a certified groomer. Now serving as Lead Groomer and Services Manager at Three Tails Parlor and Pantry in Collinsville, Illinois, Stacy has found her specialty working with difficult and anxious dogs that other groomers struggle to handle. Her Fear Free certification and patient, low-restraint approach has transformed the grooming experience for dogs who previously required heavy sedation or couldn't be groomed at all. With four dogs at home and a lifelong love of animals, Stacy combines her management experience from her nonprofit career with her natural patience and intuitive understanding of canine behavior. Her approach focuses on building trust with both the dogs and their pet parents, celebrating small wins and progress rather than dwelling on challenges. Stacy's story proves that career changes at any age are possible, and that sometimes life's biggest disruptions lead to our most fulfilling chapters. She brings a unique perspective to the grooming industry, showing that maturity, patience, and life experience can be tremendous assets in working with animals. Transcript Show Notes

Six weeks into opening Dante and Dory's, and we have realized something unexpected: it's not the products, prices, or location driving success - it's how we are teaching!  In this Behind Closed Doors episode, Candace shares what's really happening on the floor and how building a culture of education has transformed both customer behavior and sales results. Listen to hear:  🙌 Why customers in Galesburg are more willing to switch foods and try new products than at big box stores 🙌 The surprising feedback about pricing and the power of understanding the "why" 🙌 How weekly team training sessions beat hours of confusion and discounting 🙌 How leading with curiosity (not expertise) opens up better conversations with customers Plus, the honest reality of running a startup alongside coaching thousands of pet business owners - and why team support is the only way forward!  Whether you're in retail, services, or just starting out, this episode proves that when you teach first and sell second, you build a business customers actually want to come back to over and over again! Transcript Show Notes

What happens when you're tired of following someone else's playbook and decide to create your own? Meet McKenna Burzimati, who went from being the frustrated employee with great ideas that weren't valued to building the Berkshires' first and only barkery and boutique - Roxie’s - a business so beloved by the community that it's been voted best pet store multiple times!   In this episode, we're diving into how she turned her veterinary background into a competitive advantage, her creative ideas like surf and turf barkuterie boards and barkday bash biscuits, and how she built something truly big in a small space. She shares her game-changing strategies: 🙌🏻 Start simple - selling through social media with just Venmo and cash payments from her apartment 🙌🏻 Leverage your background - using vet tech knowledge to build customer trust and product credibility 🙌🏻 Follow trends creatively - asking "how can we include the dog?" when human trends emerge 🙌🏻 Structure EVERYTHING - keeping detailed annual event records to track what works and what doesn't Plus, hear how she expanded her space in June and the exciting plans for a second location! Whether you're stuck in a job that doesn't value your ideas or looking to turn a hobby into a thriving business, McKenna proves that when you combine passion, education, and creative thinking, you can transform from employee to award-winning entrepreneur. ABOUT McKenna BurzimatiOwner and Founder of Roxie’s Barkery McKenna Burzimati is the proud owner and founder of Roxie's Barkery & Boutique, a dog boutique in North Adams, Massachusetts, known for handmade treats, custom cakes, local goods, holistic pet products, and engaging events. What began as a small home-based pet treat business inspired by her rescue dog Roxie has evolved into a community hub where dogs and their humans feel at home. Drawing from her past work experiences in various businesses, McKenna learned what kind of leader she wanted to become - valuing structure, creativity, and employee input over the frustrating environments she previously encountered where good ideas weren't welcomed. Her business philosophy centers on building a place where great ideas are welcomed, structure and creativity coexist, and people love showing up, because she understands firsthand what it's like when that's not the case. Transcript Show Notes

What happens when a real estate professional spots a gap in the market and decides to fill it herself? Meet Anita Freund, who transformed an abandoned Shell gas station into Portage County's award-winning pet boutique in just two years.  From self-funding her startup to achieving 67% sales growth and recently purchasing her building, Anita's grassroots marketing mastery proves that community connection beats big budgets every time! Tune in to hear: 🙌🏻 The exact grassroots marketing strategies that drove 1,200 people to her first Artisan Alley event and raised $4,000 for the Humane Society  🙌🏻 Why she moved her setup from the registration area to the finish line at dog sporting events and how this simple adjustment dramatically increased her pop-up sales 🙌🏻 The customer service phrase that replaced "How can I help you?" and makes customers' faces light up every single time 🙌🏻 How the Pet Boss Nation planner became her daily communication tool for the entire team and the specific ways she uses it to track everything from weather patterns to sales goals Anita's story proves that when you combine industry knowledge with genuine passion for pets, you create unstoppable momentum - even when starting with a "yucky old gas station." ABOUT ANITA FREUND Owner, BowWow Meow Boutique Anita Freund is the owner of BowWow Meow Boutique, an award-winning premium pet supply store serving Stevens Point, Wisconsin and the surrounding community of sixty thousand. A licensed real estate professional with EXIT Realty CW, Anita brings diverse experience from residential and commercial real estate sales, marketing, hospitality, and tourism to her entrepreneurial venture. In 2022, she identified the need for a pet store focused on exceptional customer experience and successfully transformed a former Shell gas station into a thriving retail destination that was voted Best Pet Store in Portage County within just two years. Through grassroots marketing, community partnerships, and unforgettable customer experiences including photo ops, paint-your-pet parties, and unique services, Anita has built strong community trust while growing sales by sixty-seven percent year-over-year. Her commitment to creating memorable experiences and supporting local pet services has established BowWow Meow Boutique as a beloved community hub for pet owners throughout central Wisconsin. Transcript Show Notes

We are back this week with Part 2 of our Unwrapping Holiday Profits masterclass! 🙌🏻 This is the continuation of Candace's SUPERZOO presentation that dives deep into execution, avoiding critical mistakes, and your complete action plan for Q4 success.While Part 1 covered inventory strategy and display magic, Part 2 focuses on the customer experience that keeps them coming back, the biggest pitfalls that cost pet businesses thousands in lost revenue, and your roadmap to make this your best holiday season yet!  You'll discover: 🎁 How to manage the holiday rush with staff training, express checkout, and queue management strategies 🎁 Gift wrapping services and when to charge for convenience 🎁 The 5 biggest holiday pitfalls and how to avoid them 🎁 Why connection, learning, and community are the real secrets to holiday success And so much more!  This episode wraps up with powerful client success stories including a $200,000 growth year, $1,000-$1,500 weekly cashflow increases from simple pricing changes, and 57% sales increases!  The difference between good and great holiday sales? Having a plan. Here's yours! Transcript Show Notes

Can you believe it? Christmas is less than 100 days away! 😅😅 55% of pet owners buy holiday gifts for their pets - that's a MASSIVE opportunity. And with millennials and Gen Z as the largest pet-owning demographics, the spending potential is huge!  This extra special episode features part 1 of Candace's SUPERZOO presentation on holiday merchandising - a paid education session that most pet professionals didn't get to attend, so we are bringing it to you for free!With Q4 being a big revenue season for pet businesses, this training covers everything you need to know to make this your best holiday season yet. You'll hear: 🎁 The complete inventory matrix - how inventory, displays, experience, and positioning all work together 🎁 The 80/20 rule for holiday products  🎁 The Pet Boss Nation display formula  🎁 Bundle strategies that boost average sale without discounting And so much more!  Whether you're a retailer, groomer, pet sitter, or any pet service provider, this episode gives you the strategic roadmap to capture every dollar possible this holiday season. Because action takers are money makers, and there's still time to make Q4 count!  Transcript Show Notes

Today is an extra special treat! We're sharing the behind-the-scenes process of getting on local radio to announce the grand opening of Dante and Dory's Pet Emporium, plus the complete radio interview from WGIL in Galesburg, Illinois. This episode is perfect timing as we officially opened our doors during Neighborhood Pet Store Day weekend, and you'll hear exactly how we leveraged local media to create multiple marketing assets from ONE interview. You'll discover: ✅ Why radio works in smaller markets when it might not in large metro areas ✅ How to build relationships with local reporters and media personalities ✅ The preparation strategy - including creating outlines and suggested questions for hosts ✅ How one radio interview creates multiple marketing assets   ✅ The complete grand opening weekend strategy with ribbon cutting, special deals, and themed events Plus, hear the full radio interview where we announced our three-day grand opening celebration, featuring everything from confetti cannons to dog beer tastings, custom local merchandise, and so much more!  Whether you're planning a grand opening, looking to get media coverage, or wanting to understand how local marketing works in smaller communities, this episode shows you the complete process from relationship building to execution!  Transcript Show Notes

What if the secret to building a thriving pet business isn't about having the most locations, but creating the most welcoming experience? Sheila Spitza of Wet Nose in Geneva, Illinois, proved exactly that when she transformed her business from three locations into one award-winning 8,650 square foot destination generating nearly $3 million in revenue!  Tune in this week to hear what makes Wet Nose different:  💡 Every one of their 24 team members is Fear Free certified - not just groomers, but sales staff too 💡 An open-air kitchen where they make fresh meals, meatballs, and "turkey toppers" that look good enough for humans to eat 💡 1,200 square foot bark room for private playtime and events 💡 Three private self-wash suites with happy hoodies and lick mats included 💡 Full-service Fear Free grooming (currently booked three months out) And so much more!  Plus, hear about their legendary annual "Lily's Day" client appreciation event with $400+ swag bags, and why Sheila believes every pet comes into our lives to teach us something monumental!  ABOUT SHEILA SPITZA Co-Owner of Wet Nose Sheila Spitza co-owns Wet Nose, an award winning pet boutique in Geneva, Illinois, which she has operated with her husband, Joe, for over 23 years. Their 8,650 sq ft flagship location blends retail, grooming, fresh-made pet food, and unique experiences into one vibrant “pet destination.” Every member of the Wet Nose team is a Fear Free Certified Professional, and Sheila has integrated Fear Free principles into every aspect of the business — from store design to daily operations — creating a stress-free, joyful environment for pets and their people. This commitment has not only enhanced client loyalty but also driven revenue growth to nearly $3 million annually, proving that Fear Free is as smart for business as it is for animal well-being. Passionate about inspiring other pet business owners, Sheila loves sharing how intentional design, strong company culture, and customer experience can work together to fuel long-term success. Transcript Show Notes

With Neighborhood Pet Store Day around the corner and Q4 event season in full swing, this episode couldn't come at a better time! Maddie Shutts from the Pet Boss Team and Modern Companion shares her first-ever trade show presentation from SUPERZOO, packed with real-world strategies for creating events that actually drive foot traffic and sales. She shares:  🙌 Why her Taylor Swift party worked (hint: genuine enthusiasm beats forced trends) 🙌 How handwritten invitations became more memorable than the actual product 🙌 The 6 questions to ask before planning any event 🙌 Why generic dog meetups failed and how partnering with local clubs fixed everything 🙌 Her team member who went from saying yes to everything to helping filter which events are actually worth pursuing Plus, behind-the-scenes insights into building a team that supports your event vision, including how Maddie’s team evolved from executing every idea to helping filter which events are ACTUALLY worth pursuing. ABOUT MADDIE SHUTTSFounder of Modern Companion and Pet Boss Nation Team Member  Maddie Shutts is the founder of Modern Companion, a pet lifestyle brand she launched in 2019 at age 23 while working as a UX designer and pursuing her MBA. What started as a quest to find stylish accessories for her Dalmatian has evolved into a thriving business featuring handcrafted pet products, a brick-and-mortar store in Chapin, South Carolina, and partnerships with major retailers including Nordstrom. In 2022, Modern Companion was named one of "America's Coolest" by PETS+ Magazine. The brand operates from a 1,400 square foot retail space that doubles as a community hub, carrying 150+ curated brands and hosting innovative events that drive both foot traffic and customer loyalty. Maddie also hosts The Modern Companion Podcast and has built a social media following of over 44,000. As a Pet Boss Nation team member and long-time Club member, Maddie contributes expertise in modern retail strategies, event planning, and systems management. Her first trade show presentation at SUPERZOO 2025 showcased her unique approach to creating customer experiences that generate genuine connections and measurable results. Transcript Show Notes

What better way to celebrate 200 episodes than with the man who revolutionized pet health education?!Rodney Habib, founder of Planet Paws and co-author of The Forever Dog series, shares his incredible journey from a household where pets were forbidden to a global pet health influencer. He shares his game-changing strategies:  🙌🏻 Meet customers where they are - carry mainstream brands alongside premium to start conversations, not create barriers 🙌🏻 Education over sales - spend hours sharing knowledge without expecting purchases; word of mouth becomes unstoppable currency 🙌🏻 Community investment - donate to local schools, libraries, and parks; volunteer at events; support local farmers who then support you 🙌🏻 Staff education - train every team member to be walking encyclopedias so the business doesn't depend on just you 🙌🏻 Separate content from commerce - create unbiased educational content that other retailers can share without promoting your specific store Plus, hear the exclusive announcement that he hasn’t shared anywhere else! 👀 Whether you're struggling with slow sales days or looking to differentiate your established business, Rodney proves that when you change a pet's life through education, success becomes inevitable!  ABOUT RODNEY HABIBAuthor and CEO, Planet Paw Media, LLC Rodney Habib, is one of the most influential pet health leaders in the world. His first book, The Forever  Dog was an instant #1 New York Times bestseller that has been deemed a must-read contemporary classic, recognizing its impact on pet food & health culture. Rodney is also a filmmaker and founder of Planet Paws - the world’s largest pet health page on Facebook with 4.5 million followers and growing. His honest and no-nonsense take on pet health has gained him worldwide recognition through viral videos and content, capturing more than 530 million views. And his 2017 documentary on the canine cancer epidemic, The Dog Cancer Series, continues to bring awareness and empower pet parents across the globe.   Rodney has given two TEDx Talks, and he has made numerous TV, movie, and radio/podcast appearances including ABC National News, BBC London, CBC, Global National News, and most recently was featured on The History Channel’s hit documentary The Food That Built America. Most importantly, Rodney is a pet parent with a dream to inspire others in hopes that every pet parent can have their dog or cat with them, forever.Transcript Show Notes