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! 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)!

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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! 
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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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!
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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.

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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.

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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)!

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!

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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!

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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! 

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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! 

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Show Notes

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!

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Show Notes

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.

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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.

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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!

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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! 

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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! 

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Show Notes

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.

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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.

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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.
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Show Notes

This episode dives deep into the practical side of building a modern pet business - you'll get an inside look at the technology stack powering the store, real stories about vendor partnerships, and honest insights about the emotional side of opening a new business.

Tune in to hear:

✨ Real vendor partnership stories - including the brand that sent a thoughtful sample pack and earned a $1,000 order!

✨ Sourcing strategies for store fixtures, displays, and props 

✨ New product discoveries from SUPERZOO you may want to add to your store

✨ Where to find everything from dog mannequins to custom rugs for YOUR retail space

Plus, Candace shares her honest concerns (and hopes!) about the big opening!

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Show Notes

Pure magic! 🎯

This special episode was recorded LIVE at SUPERZOO in Las Vegas - one of the largest pet industry trade shows with over 22,000 pet professionals and 1,100+ exhibitors. We created the first-ever "Pet Boss Showdown" - a game show format where real pet business owners battled it out with their best business advice.

What you'll hear:

✨ Lightning round responses to crisis scenarios (angry Yelp reviews, dog bites, supplier price hikes)

✨ Deep-dive business challenges 

✨ Pet Boss vs. Hot Mess judgment calls (emergency funds vs. renovations, closing during holidays)

✨ Expert advice on enrichment activities, competing with big box stores, managing inflation

✨ Real talk about hiring, customer loyalty programs, and first-year business mistakes

This isn't your typical interview - it's unfiltered, unscripted business wisdom from the trenches, with audience participation and real prizes on the line!

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Show Notes

Meet Kim Loper, owner of Harbor Pet and creator of Life is Gruff sustainable dog treats, who faced exactly this nightmare scenario with her beloved North Fork Dock Diving Weekend - now in its 10th year.

She chose to fight back - and the results were incredible.

This episode is about:

🎯 How Kim pivoted from private venue to public space in just 6 weeks

🎯 The sponsorship strategy that raised $14,000 

🎯 Building a volunteer committee that ACTUALLY works 

🎯 The insurance, logistics, and vendor coordination that makes events successful

But this isn't JUST about event planning - it's about knowing your worth, protecting your interests, and what happens when you let things slide for too long in business partnerships.

Kim's hard-won lessons apply whether you're planning your first community event, dealing with difficult partners, or wondering how to build deeper community connections through your pet business.

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Show Notes

This episode is your game-changer! We're sharing a special recording from one of our exclusive Pet Boss Nation Lunch & Learn sessions featuring Art Nakagawa from Artvark Pet Products, who's revolutionizing private labeling for independent pet businesses.

In this power-packed session, you'll discover:

🎯 Why private labeling makes your customers "sticky" to YOUR brand (not your competitors')

🎯 How Candace ordered 71 SKUs for Dante & Dory's with manageable minimums

🎯 The real difference between working with manufacturers vs. middlemen

🎯 Product sourcing transparency: where these products actually come from

🎯 Low minimum order quantities (some as low as 50 pieces!)

🎯 How to handle customer questions about quality and sourcing

Plus, get the inside scoop on everything from UPC codes to liability concerns, seasonal holiday labels, and why digital printing beats elastic tags for small businesses! 

Whether you're a retailer looking to differentiate, a groomer wanting lobby products, or any pet business owner tired of competing on price alone, this episode shows you how to build your own branded product line without the traditional barriers.

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Show Notes

In this unprecedented live recording from Pet Boss Nation's first-ever manager retreat, 12 incredible pet business managers from across the country share their stories, challenges, and breakthrough moments in real time.

From a conference room in Galesburg, Illinois, these brave leaders stepped WAY outside their comfort zones to share their experiences on the podcast - many for the very first time. What unfolds is pure magic: authentic conversations about growth, leadership, and the power of finding your tribe.

You'll discover:

🐾 Why these managers desperately needed this connection (and maybe your manager does too!)🐾 How DISC assessments revealed their leadership styles 

🐾 The common challenges every pet business faces (spoiler: you're not alone in your struggles!)

This episode proves that investing in your team isn't just nice to have - it's ESSENTIAL for business growth! Whether you're a manager feeling isolated or an owner wondering how to better support your team, this raw, authentic conversation will inspire and encourage you!

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You're not alone! In this candid Behind Closed Doors update, Candace shares the 5 game-changing lessons that have emerged from 7 months of building Dante & Dory's Pet Emporium.

The 5 T's you need to know:

🎯 Time - Why everything takes 3x longer than expected (and how to stay sane anyway)

🎯 Technology - How modern business tools make starting a pet business easier than ever

🎯 Team Buy-In - Why getting your team invested in the vision matters more than perfect timing

🎯 Talk to Your Reps - The untapped goldmine of knowledge from sales representatives

🎯 Talk About Yourself - Why Candace has been marketing for 7 months before opening (and you should too!)

Plus, get the inside scoop on bank approvals that didn't go as planned, city council meetings, and why Candace is hosting 20 pet business owners for back-to-back retreats right in Galesburg!

This episode is pure gold for anyone planning an expansion, starting a new venture, or wondering if they're "behind" on their business goals.

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Candace has been there– in the thick of the busiest time of the year, watching the days quickly slip by on the calendar without any promotions or events planned, wondering how she's going to move all that holiday inventory when she can't seem to remove herself from the day to day tasks inside her business…

And guess what? 

➡️ Throughout all of her successes (and a few failures!) during Q4, she learned EXACTLY what type of support other business owners in the pet industry need right now.

Smart pet business owners know that July is THE time to start prepping for the holidays! While everyone else is scrambling in October, you'll be calm, prepared, and profitable.

In this episode, you will:

🎁 Get the inside scoop of Candace's brain during those overwhelming Q4s 🎁 Learn three key things you need to be thinking about RIGHT NOW

🎁 Discover the exact resources you need to plan out the rest of this year

🎁 And more!

Remember: A calm Q4 starts in July! Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you for listening to this episode today.

✨ Purchase the Holiday Success Kit at Learn.PetBoss.com/HolidayKit

✨ Join us in the Pet Boss University by visiting PetBoss.com/University

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Show Notes

Meet Joe Zuccarello, who's spent 40+ years in the pet industry managing everything from 250-employee luxury pet resorts to coaching hundreds of businesses on explosive growth. His secret? Grooming services aren't just an add-on - they're the competitive advantage that transforms struggling businesses into profit powerhouses.

But this isn't your typical "hire a groomer and hope for the best" approach. Joe's strategy flips everything you think you know about staffing upside down.

Get ready to discover:

🚀 The exact space, equipment, and setup requirements to launch grooming operations without breaking the bank

🚀 The biggest setup mistakes that cost new grooming operations thousands

🚀 What "bougie" really means in grooming (hint: it's not nail polish and bedazzling!)

🚀 How to integrate grooming seamlessly with retail to boost attachment rates and customer loyalty

Whether you're a retailer looking to add services, a service provider wanting to increase revenue, or someone planning their dream pet business (like Candace with Dante & Dory's!), this episode breaks down exactly how to build grooming operations that actually work.

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Join Us Online

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find us on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Read our Blog⁠

You build a network! And that's exactly what Kristin Holzapfel did with Pampered Pupperino and her incredible organization, Midwest Pet Sitter Affiliates.

Kristin has cracked the code on something most industries struggle with: turning competitors into genuine collaborators through education, strict standards, and authentic relationship building.

Here's what makes this episode special:

🌟 The exact grassroots strategies Kristin used to find and recruit 70+ professional pet sitters

🌟 How she created a "code of conduct" that prevents client poaching and builds trust

🌟 Her journey from attendee to speaker at the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters conference

🌟 The real challenges of managing both a pet sitting business AND a regional network

If you've ever felt isolated in your pet business or wondered how to build genuine professional relationships in your market, this conversation will give you a roadmap for creating the community you've been searching for.

Transcript

Show Notes

Join Us Online

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find us on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Read our Blog⁠

Spoiler alert: It's messy, magical, and takes about 3x longer than you think it will! 😅😅

In this raw, unfiltered episode of our Behind Closed Doors series, Candace pulls back the curtain on the wild ride of building Dante & Dory's Pet Emporium. This is the real story of what happens between "great idea" and "grand opening."

What you'll discover in this candid update:

🎯 Why everything takes 3x longer than anyone tells you (and how to stay sane anyway)

🎯 The Facebook Marketplace strategy that's saving THOUSANDS on fixtures and displays

🎯 The art of decision-making when you're trying NOT to be everything to everyone

Plus, you'll get the play-by-play on everything from HVAC nightmares to bakery case finds, and why gold spray paint has become a life saver!

If you're planning your own expansion, considering a brick and mortar move, or just need a reminder that entrepreneurial overwhelm is totally normal, this episode will make you feel less alone and more inspired to keep pushing forward! 

Transcript

Show Notes

Join Us Online

• Find us on Facebook

• Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group

• Follow us on Instagram

• Read our Blog
  

Take a deep breath. You're not alone, and more importantly - you're not behind.

This isn't just another "rah-rah, you got this!" pep talk. This is a strategic reset session designed to help you transform the next six months into the most profitable, purposeful stretch your pet business has ever experienced.

In this power-packed episode, you'll discover:

🎯 Why comparing your behind-the-scenes to everyone else's highlight reel is killing your momentum (and what to do instead)

🎯 The mindset shift that turns "failures" into valuable business intelligence

🎯 How to conduct a realistic business health check without spiraling into overwhelm

The episode gets real when Candace's accountability partner calls mid-recording to prove the power of having someone in your corner who will lovingly call you out on your goals!

⁠Transcript⁠

⁠Show Notes⁠



Join Us Online

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Find us on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠Read our Blog⁠

Paige Thompson's story isn't just about business growth - it's about honoring a mentor's legacy, finding strength in the darkest moments, and proving that sometimes losing everything is exactly what you need to build something extraordinary!

When Paige’s mentor, Terry revealed she was battling terminal cancer, she had a choice: play it safe and work for someone else, or risk everything to honor what Terry had taught her. She chose courage.

This raw, honest conversation covers:

🎯 The leadership lessons that transformed Paige from employee to confident CEO

🎯 Why requiring certifications for EVERY team member (yes, even reception!) sets you apart

🎯 The financial reality of going from $9/day daycare to premium pricing (and keeping your clients!)

🎯 Building systems and structure when you're "learning on the fly"

If you've ever felt alone in your business struggles, questioned whether you should keep going, or wondered if investing in yourself is worth it, this episode will remind you that transformation is always possible - even when it feels impossible!

Transcript

Show Notes

Join Us Online

• ⁠⁠⁠Find us on Facebook⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠
• Read our Blog

Meet Patty Dill, who pivoted from 18 years of pet sitting to building Doggie Sweets - a pet café, food truck empire, and event powerhouse that's become the "Starbucks for dogs" in New Jersey!

In this episode, Patty shares her incredible journey from losing everything in March 2020 to creating multiple revenue streams and hosting events that sell out WEEKS in advance.

In this episode, you'll discover:

💡 The power of working with event promoters

💡 Event strategies that sell out - from simple Santa photos to elaborate breakfast experiences with 300+ dogs

💡 Planning 12 months ahead - why advance planning is CRUCIAL

💡 Collaboration over competition - building partnerships with restaurants, rescues, and other pet businesses

Whether you're looking to add events to your revenue mix or dreaming of expanding beyond your current services, Patty’s story proves that with creativity and determination, you can build something even bigger than what you lost! 

Transcript⁠

⁠Show Notes⁠

Join Us Online

• ⁠⁠Find us on Facebook⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Read our Blog

In this episode, Candace alongside Amanda from the Pet Boss Nation team dive headfirst into the wildest, most outrageous stories from pet business owners across the country. 

We received DOZENS of story submissions from our amazing Pet Boss Nation community, and honestly? They're so good we couldn't keep them to ourselves. Plus, one lucky story contributor is walking away with a Pet Boss prize pack!

In this episode, you'll hear wild stories about:

🐕 Emergency rescues and midnight drives across state lines

🐕 Customer requests that will leave you speechless (seriously, we can't make this stuff up!)

🐕 Business disasters that somehow turned into wins

🐕 The power of community when everything goes sideways

Whether you're dealing with customers who think you control USPS delivery times or explaining why you can't give a Havanese a perm, this episode will remind you that these moments aren't problems - they're proof you're making a real difference in animals' lives.

So grab your favorite beverage, hit play, and get ready to feel SO much better about your worst day ever!

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 episode of our Behind Closed Doors series takes you deep into the psychology and strategy behind creating the Dante & Dory's Pet Emporium brand – and trust us, it's SO much more than just picking pretty colors!

I'm joined by the incredible J. Nichole Smith, the brand architect behind iconic pet industry names like Dog Is Good, P.L.A.Y., and many more! With nearly 20 years building feel-good brands, Nic is an expert in the art of joy and the psychology of color – and she just worked her magic on the new pet store and pet care center!

In this episode, you'll discover:

💡 The power of psychological consistency – why certain spaces make you want to stay forever (and it's not an accident!)

💡 Color psychology in action – how the right color palette can literally influence customer behavior and buying decisions

💡 The archetype method – discovering Dante & Dory's personality blend of Jester, Explorer, and Innocent (and what that means for the customer experience)

💡 Holding creative tension – how to be both premium AND approachable, modern AND vintage

Whether you're just starting out, planning to expand, or ready to elevate your existing brand, this episode will completely change how you think about the visual elements of your business. 

Because here's the thing – you have about 10 seconds online and 90 seconds in person to make that killer first impression, and your brand is doing ALL the talking before you even say a word!

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Show Notes

Join Us Online

• Find us on Facebook

• Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group

• Follow us on Instagram

• Read our Blog

In this episode, Candace delivers 30 powerful money-making ideas in just 30 minutes – the perfect shot of inspiration for any pet business feeling a mid-year slump! Whether you're experiencing decision fatigue, feeling sales stagnation, or just need fresh ideas to supercharge your profits, this rapid-fire session is packed with actionable strategies you can implement NOW.

In this profit-packed episode, you’ll learn: 

💼 Seasonal product bundles, clearance strategies, and loyalty program ideas to help retailers move more inventory

✂️ Premium service upgrades that groomers can use to boost ticket value

🚶‍♀️ Enrichment add-ons for pet sitters, dog walkers and trainers seeking recurring revenue

🏢 Membership models and rental opportunities that help daycare and boarding facilities maximize their space

And so much more! 

Grab your notebook - this episode is one you'll want to revisit again and again as you work to boost your pet business profits throughout 2025 and beyond!

Transcript

Show Notes

Join Us Online

• Find us on Facebook⁠
• ⁠Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group⁠
• ⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠
• ⁠Read our Blog

In this episode, Candace welcomes Kristen Hawkins, owner of "Pup" (a super neat dog boutique) in Carl Junction, Missouri - and a Pet Boss Nation University scholarship recipient who's crushing it with her “snarky and silly” branding!

In this branding masterclass, you'll discover: 

🏠 How intentional branding helped Kristen hit her ENTIRE day's sales goal in just one hour during her Fifth Saturday promotion

🎨 The specific color palette and design strategy that makes customers instantly recognize Pup's marketing (even when scrolling quickly)

🎭 The story behind "Ted" (Kristen's husband's alter-ego) who's become a social media sensation that customers look forward to seeing

📱 Exactly how to use Canva's brand kit to maintain consistency without design skills or expensive software

The episode shares how authentic branding that reflects your genuine personality can create deep community connections. As Kristen says: "Find what lights you up and run, don't walk, toward it!"

Transcript

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• Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group
• Follow us on Instagram
• 
  Read our Blog
  

In this episode, Candace breaks her silence on this complex topic to give you the straight facts about what's happening with tariffs, how they impact the pet industry specifically, and most importantly - what YOU can do about it right now.

You'll learn: 

💼 What tariffs actually are and who REALLY pays them (hint: it's not other countries!) 

💼 The current status of tariffs 

💼 How pet foods, accessories, toys, and even veterinary supplies are being affected 

💼 Why your supply chain is already being disrupted (40% emptier shipping containers!)

💼 Practical strategies to handle customer objections about rising prices 

💼 How to communicate effectively with both customers and employees about price changes

Don't miss the powerful real-world example showing how a small business owner's $40,000 budget potentially becomes a $145,800 invoice when hit with these tariffs.

This episode provides the clarity and action steps you need in these uncertain economic times.

Transcript

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• Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group

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• Read our Blog

In this special "Behind Closed Doors" episode about Dante & Dory's, Candace pulls back the curtain on what it REALLY takes to build a team that's as excited about your business as you are!

In this revealing episode, you'll learn: 

👥 Why team development starts BEFORE your business even opens its doors 

👥 The complete employee lifecycle and where most businesses drop the ball 

👥 How proper training can increase employee sales effectiveness by 57% 

👥 Why your employees are 3x more trusted than you (the CEO) by customers 

👥 Behind-the-scenes updates on Dante and Dory's progress including branding, floor plans, and new roof!

Plus, exciting news about an upcoming Manager's Retreat in Galesburg this July! If you want your managers to become true leaders in your business, this is your opportunity to send them for specialized training at Dante and Dory's and so much more! 

Whether you're hiring your first employee or struggling with a disengaged team, this episode delivers the blueprint for transforming your staff into your greatest business asset!

Transcript

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• Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group
• Follow us on Instagram
• Read our Blog

If you've ever asked yourself this question (especially lately), this episode of the Pet Boss Podcast is exactly what you need! Candace welcomes Joe Latona of Walker Scout, a specialized recruiter who focuses exclusively on the pet industry.

After 11 years of experience in the pet care world (where he grew a team from 5 to 45 employees🙌🏻), Joe has cracked the code on finding amazing talent in today's challenging labor market.

The good news? Great employees ARE out there – you just need the right recruitment strategy to find them!

In this episode, you'll discover: 

💼 Why most pet businesses are sabotaging their own hiring efforts without realizing it

💼 The surprising reason your job posts aren't attracting quality candidates (hint: it's not what you think!) 

💼 How to create a lightning-fast recruitment pipeline that beats competitors to the best talent 

💼 Why your mobile application process could be costing you amazing employees 

💼 The truth about wages in today's pet industry – you don't need to pay the most, but you can't pay the least 

💼 Creative strategies for addressing the groomer and trainer shortage challenge 

Whether you're fully staffed or desperately hiring, this episode provides actionable insights to transform your recruitment process and build the dream team your pet business deserves! 

Transcript

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• Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group
• Follow us on Instagram
• Read our Blog

After attending over 15 shows over her 22-year career, Candace calls this one of her absolute FAVORITE Global Pet Expos ever - but acknowledges the mixed reviews coming from other attendees. 

In this episode, you'll hear: 

🔍 Why some attendees felt disappointed about a particular presence on the show floor (and what this trend means for retailers) 

🔍 The truth about "no innovation" complaints and why your perspective completely changes your experience 

🔍 How Candace's strategy of "slowing down" led to discovering incredible opportunities others missed 

🔍 The exciting changes in ordering that make it easier than ever for small retailers to work with larger brands 

🔍 Insider tips from conversations about tariffs and how manufacturers are adapting (and why you should care)

🔍 Candace's favorite product discoveries and more!

Whether you attended Global Pet Expo or not, this episode offers valuable perspective on industry trends, relationship building, and how to maximize trade show experiences - even in uncertain economic times! 

Transcript

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• Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group
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• Read our Blog

In this episode, Candace brings in Jacqueline Pait, a specialized lender from Live Oak Bank who works with pet care businesses nationwide.

Unlike traditional banks that might put your pet business in the wrong "box," Jacqueline reveals what REALLY happens behind those imposing bank doors and how to position yourself for funding success.

You'll discover: 

💵 The crucial differences between SBA loans and conventional financing (and why one might give you much better terms for your situation)

💵 The documentation and preparation you need before even stepping into a bank 

💵 Why your personal credit history matters (but isn't the only factor banks consider!) 

💵 How industry-specific lenders can be game-changers for your pet business's financial future 

💵 Current pet industry lending trends showing a return to acquisitions and expansions in 2025 

💵 Why "good debt" that generates more revenue is a smart business strategy

Whether you're a startup dreaming big, an established business ready to expand, or considering acquiring another location, this episode strips away the mystery of financing and gives you a clear roadmap to funding your pet business vision.

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• Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group
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• Read our Blog

Bob Negen of WhizBang! Retail Training has decades of experience helping thousands of retailers succeed. Today, he's sharing the exact formula for not just surviving but THRIVING (and growing your business strength!) when customers seem scarce. 

Here's some of what you'll learn in this episode:

🌟 The four P's mindset framework that will change how you respond to business challenges

🌟 Why focusing obsessively on sales numbers can sabotage your emotional well-being (and what to keep an eye on instead)

🌟 How to make the most of every customer interaction when traffic is down

🌟 The "Piña Colada Principle" for creating irresistible reasons for customers to visit your store

🌟 Why responding to stress with action always beats sitting in worry

🌟 How to approach vendor relationships during challenging times to create win-win partnerships

🌟 The key difference maker between retailers who will grow stronger through challenges versus those who won't make it

Whether you're worrying about tariff impacts, changing consumer behaviors, or anything that feels a little rocky at the moment, this episode delivers a mindset reset and practical action steps to help your pet business weather any storm. 

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• Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group
• Follow us on Instagram
• Read our Blog

No matter what stage of business you’re in, if you don’t have a concrete business plan mapped out, let’s get to work! 💪

Candace recently got back into business planning mode to secure funding for her newest venture– Dante & Dory’s, a pet retail destination opening soon in Galesburg, IL!

This podcast series, Behind Closed Doors: Building a Pet Destination, takes you behind the scenes of EVERY step of Candace’s journey. In this update, she’s spilling the tea on how she crafted a 20 page business plan to wow the banks and get REAL about what her business goals are.

You’ll hear more about:

✔️ Candace’s secret AI weapon that helped her both dig deep to create her business plan AND do it a lot faster than she did 20 years ago 

✔️ Why it's a better idea to go to the bank with a business plan rather than some notes on a napkin

✔️ Details on the sections you should include in your business plan, like financial projections, for example (and what these look like in Candace's plan!) 

✔️ How Candace is already building a customer list and buzz WITHOUT having her branding finalized

✔️ How Candace is prepping her Dante & Dory's team before their doors are even open 

✔️ And so much more! 

Whether you're just starting out, planning to expand, or considering a business refresh, you'll want to take notes from this one! Your business plan will serve as the foundational document for all your future business decisions. 

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• Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group
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• Read our Blog

This episode will show you how! Astro Loyalty offers a tech solution that's transforming this process for retailers and getting better and stronger with each passing year! 

Candace sat down to chat with Kat Carbonaro, Marketing Director at Astro Loyalty, and got a full insider's look at the platform that's helping independent pet retailers compete with the big boxes (and generating over $1.5 BILLION in sales in 2024 alone! Yes, you read that right! 🤯) 

In this episode, you'll hear more about:

🐾 Why Candace is 100% making Astro Loyalty one of her first commitments for her new store Dante and Dory's

🐾 The shocking amount of time pet retailers waste managing paper coupons and loyalty programs manually (Kat has direct experience with 2 AM nights doing this!)

🐾 How the Share the Love Adoption Program is creating incredible customer acquisition opportunities for retailers while also supporting new pet parents

🐾 Game-changing marketing automation features that bring customers back through your door without you lifting a finger

🐾 Real success stories from retailers who are using Astro Loyalty to create memorable experiences and build lasting customer relationships

If you are on the fence about using Astro Loyalty, you WON'T be after hearing this (and the good thing is, it's crazily affordable, especially given the ROI!) Listen in to learn MORE about this tool if you're already using it, and exactly what you're missing if you're not. 

Transcript

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• Find us on Facebook
• Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group
• Follow us on Instagram
• Read our Blog

That’s what happened to our guest on this episode of the Pet Boss Podcast. But don’t worry! Karissa Surprenant, owner of Dtails Pet Grooming and Nutrition, took an uncertain moment and turned it into a BIG opportunity for herself! 

And now? 

She's the powerhouse entrepreneur who turned one single grooming salon into a multi-location operation with grooming, retail, AND mobile grooming vans. 💪

Karissa's story and the way she runs her business will leave your jaw on the floor in the BEST ways! She unapologetically offers (and charges for!) PREMIUM services, and she has built a swoon-worthy company culture! 

In this episode, you'll hear more about:

🐶 The shocking way Karissa launched D'Tails after her old boss left her and her coworkers high and dry

🐶 How she rebuilt from scratch after the previous owner ripped out everything (even the baseboards and floor tiles!)

🐶 Why her salon charges $90+ when competitors charge much less... and why her clients happily pay it

🐶 Her brilliant client consultation process that keeps her books filled year-round

🐶 Why she has a waitlist of groomers who want to work for her 

🐶 The reason Karissa attends nearly one trade show EVERY MONTH

🐶 How being involved in the Pet Boss community helped fuel her incredible growth

Whether you're a groomer looking to raise your prices or any pet professional wanting to understand the power of positioning your business for premium clients, this episode is definitely for you! 

Transcript

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• Find us on Facebook
• Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group
• Follow us on Instagram
• Read our Blog

Yup, the pet industry's biggest party is just around the corner, and Candace and the team can't wait to hang with you at Global Pet Expo 2025 (March 26-28!)

This episode is dedicated to all things Global! From making the most of your experience to where to find CANDACE'S BIRTHDAY PARTY on the show floor! 🥳

You'll learn:

🐾 Why going to a pet industry trade show is a MUST for your growth and inspiration

🐾 Where to find the Pet Boss Nation team at the show (hint: mimosas are involved!)

🐾 How to prepare strategically instead of wandering aimlessly among 1,000+ exhibitors

🐾 The truth about trade show expenses from both retailer and vendor perspectives

🐾 Candace's personal story of something that happened to her at a trade show and how to avoid it 

🐾 Smart strategies for bringing your team to maximize the investment, and why Candace is bringing her new management team for Dante and Dory's 

🐾 AND MORE! 

Are you a Global Pet Expo veteran? Or a newbie? Either way, you'll want to listen to this episode to make the most of it or plan for a trade show to come in your future!

Transcript

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• Find us on Facebook
• Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group
• Follow us on Instagram
• Read our Blog

In this milestone celebration of 100,000 downloads, Candace brought together a room full of passionate pet professionals to reflect on our latest podcast series, "Fall in Love with Your Pet Business." Retailers, groomers, pet sitters, daycare owners... there was a whole mix of pet business owners in the room to participate and rekindle their spark with their business!  

In this fun, special episode, you'll hear: 

🎙️How to identify and nurture your business's unique "love language"

🎙️Real, vulnerable conversations about money mindset and financial habits that need changing

🎙️Powerful mindset shifts from pet pros who have overcome real-life challenges

🎙️Our real-time celebrations of both small and significant wins from our live audience

🎙️Our $100 cash prize giveaways to two lucky live attendees! 

Whether 2024 left your business relationship on thin ice or stronger than ever, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that you're not alone in your entrepreneurial journey. 🫶

Download the free companion guide at Learn.PetBoss.com/Love and join Candace and her live studio audience for an unforgettable podcast session of connection, reflection, and renewed passion for your pet business! 

Transcript

Show Notes

Join Us Online

• Find us on Facebook
• Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group
• Follow us on Instagram
• Read our Blog

Spoiler: IT'S HERE! 

The reality is if you're ignoring AI completely, you can get really behind in a world that is changing FAST.

In this episode of the Pet Boss Podcast, special guest and Pet Boss team member, Jolanta Smulski, breaks down how artificial intelligence is transforming the pet industry and why business owners can't afford to ignore this technology any more!

You'll learn: 

🤖How AI can help you save time and money on marketing, content creation, and business operations in your pet business. 

🤖 Which tools to use! These are Jolanta's top suggestions for pet pros. 

🤖More about ethical considerations, data privacy, and transparency when using AI in your pet business. 

🤖Very practical ways to start implementing AI in your pet business today, and so much more! 

Whether you're AI-curious or AI-anxious, this episode will get you more excited about its potential and more confident to use it if you're not already! Jolanta is the go-to guru on this topic, so if you've been feeling behind in the AI race, she's about to get you all caught up!  

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• Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group
• Follow us on Instagram
• Read our Blog

We're talking about Candace's comeback to the pet industry RETAIL WORLD!

Yup, but this isn't just another pet store opening–  it's SO much more, and we have all the juicy details ready to share! 

In this brand new monthly series, Candace will be dropping episode updates to take you behind the scenes of her building a dreamy pet destination from the ground UP. 

You're going to peek behind the curtain to watch an experienced Pet Boss truly bring a vision to life while hearing about every step it took to get there in REAL time. 

In this first episode, Candace spills the treats on:

🐾The serendipitous series of events that led Candace back to retail (was this a meant-to-be moment?!) 

🐾 Why she's dreaming bigger than just a basic pet store-- think coworking spaces, grooming education, and Instagram-worthy photo ops. 

🐾 The real talk about taking risks and seizing opportunities, even when others think you're "intense" or "overwhelming."

🐾 Her smart moves in bringing in a standout team to help her manage this big Pet Boss vision. 

🐾 The adorable and FUN name of this new business venture and why it's a PERFECT fit! 

This is just the beginning, and whether you're just starting your own pet business or you've been at it for years, we promise you will learn so much along the way while you take this journey with Candace. Buckle up and let the comeback commence! 

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 February, join Candace for a special 5-part series designed to help you rekindle your spark with your pet business! 

Whether you're feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or just need a fresh perspective, this series will help you see your business in a whole new light. Episodes will be released daily from February 2-6, 2025:

Episode 1 on February 2: What's Your Business's Love Language? 

Just like relationships, every business speaks its own love language! Discover how to identify and nurture your business's unique needs for maximum success and satisfaction.

Episode 2 on February 3: Your Money Love Story 

Turn your (maybe shaky) relationship with money into a beautiful romance! Learn how to stop ghosting your finances and start building a lasting, loving relationship with your business's bottom line.

Episode 3 on February 4: Your Marketing Love Story 

Marketing can feel like a bad blind date... will it work? Will it not? Will your audience like it? Start seeing it as the perfect match for your business growth! We'll show you how to make marketing fun, authentic, AND effective.

Episode 4 on February 5: Your Mindset Love Story 

Time to break up with limiting beliefs!  Learn how to overcome mindset blocks and fall head over heels for your true Pet Boss potential.

Episode 5 on February 6: Your Business's Love Story

This is where you and your business ride off into the sunset with a healthy foundational relationship to build from. The work doesn't stop once you fall in love, but you can keep the romance alive from here, and we'll tell you exactly how. 

Download your FREE BONUS CONTENT! 🎁 

Yup, we love you, our loyal podcast listener, SO much that we created a companion workbook to follow along with the series! Your download includes:

💌 A business love language assessment 

💌 Guided exercises for each episode

💌 Action steps to implement right away

💌 Access to our live celebration Zoom event!

A LIVE CELEBRATION EVENT?!

Yup, another way for us to show love to our listeners after we officially hit 100,000 downloads of the Pet Boss Podcast!  

Join us later this month for a special live recording where we'll connect with other loyal Pet Boss Podcast listeners, answer questions live, AND give away $100 cash prizes to celebrate 100,000 podcast downloads!

Ready to fall back in love with your pet business? Sign up now at Learn.PetBoss.com/Love to get your free guide and Zoom link!

View Episode 165 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 February, join Candace for a special 5-part series designed to help you rekindle your spark with your pet business! 

Whether you're feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or just need a fresh perspective, this series will help you see your business in a whole new light. Episodes will be released daily from February 2-6, 2025:

Episode 1 on February 2: What's Your Business's Love Language? 

Just like relationships, every business speaks its own love language! Discover how to identify and nurture your business's unique needs for maximum success and satisfaction.

Episode 2 on February 3: Your Money Love Story 

Turn your (maybe shaky) relationship with money into a beautiful romance! Learn how to stop ghosting your finances and start building a lasting, loving relationship with your business's bottom line.

Episode 3 on February 4: Your Marketing Love Story 

Marketing can feel like a bad blind date... will it work? Will it not? Will your audience like it? Start seeing it as the perfect match for your business growth! We'll show you how to make marketing fun, authentic, AND effective.

Episode 4 on February 5: Your Mindset Love Story 

Time to break up with limiting beliefs!  Learn how to overcome mindset blocks and fall head over heels for your true Pet Boss potential.

Episode 5 on February 6: Your Business's Love Story

This is where you and your business ride off into the sunset with a healthy foundational relationship to build from. The work doesn't stop once you fall in love, but you can keep the romance alive from here, and we'll tell you exactly how. 

Download your FREE BONUS CONTENT! 🎁 

Yup, we love you, our loyal podcast listener, SO much that we created a companion workbook to follow along with the series! Your download includes:

💌 A business love language assessment 

💌 Guided exercises for each episode

💌 Action steps to implement right away

💌 Access to our live celebration Zoom event!

A LIVE CELEBRATION EVENT?!

Yup, another way for us to show love to our listeners after we officially hit 100,000 downloads of the Pet Boss Podcast!  

Join us later this month for a special live recording where we'll connect with other loyal Pet Boss Podcast listeners, answer questions live, AND give away $100 cash prizes to celebrate 100,000 podcast downloads!

Ready to fall back in love with your pet business? Sign up now at Learn.PetBoss.com/Love to get your free guide and Zoom link!

View Episode 165 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 February, join Candace for a special 5-part series designed to help you rekindle your spark with your pet business! 

Whether you're feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or just need a fresh perspective, this series will help you see your business in a whole new light. Episodes will be released daily from February 2-6, 2025:

Episode 1 on February 2: What's Your Business's Love Language? 

Just like relationships, every business speaks its own love language! Discover how to identify and nurture your business's unique needs for maximum success and satisfaction.

Episode 2 on February 3: Your Money Love Story 

Turn your (maybe shaky) relationship with money into a beautiful romance! Learn how to stop ghosting your finances and start building a lasting, loving relationship with your business's bottom line.

Episode 3 on February 4: Your Marketing Love Story 

Marketing can feel like a bad blind date... will it work? Will it not? Will your audience like it? Start seeing it as the perfect match for your business growth! We'll show you how to make marketing fun, authentic, AND effective.

Episode 4 on February 5: Your Mindset Love Story 

Time to break up with limiting beliefs!  Learn how to overcome mindset blocks and fall head over heels for your true Pet Boss potential.

Episode 5 on February 6: Your Business's Love Story

This is where you and your business ride off into the sunset with a healthy foundational relationship to build from. The work doesn't stop once you fall in love, but you can keep the romance alive from here, and we'll tell you exactly how. 

Download your FREE BONUS CONTENT! 🎁 

Yup, we love you, our loyal podcast listener, SO much that we created a companion workbook to follow along with the series! Your download includes:

💌 A business love language assessment 

💌 Guided exercises for each episode

💌 Action steps to implement right away

💌 Access to our live celebration Zoom event!

A LIVE CELEBRATION EVENT?!

Yup, another way for us to show love to our listeners after we officially hit 100,000 downloads of the Pet Boss Podcast!  

Join us later this month for a special live recording where we'll connect with other loyal Pet Boss Podcast listeners, answer questions live, AND give away $100 cash prizes to celebrate 100,000 podcast downloads!

Ready to fall back in love with your pet business? Sign up now at Learn.PetBoss.com/Love to get your free guide and Zoom link!

View Episode 165 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 February, join Candace for a special 5-part series designed to help you rekindle your spark with your pet business! 

Whether you're feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or just need a fresh perspective, this series will help you see your business in a whole new light. Episodes will be released daily from February 2-6, 2025:

Episode 1 on February 2: What's Your Business's Love Language? 

Just like relationships, every business speaks its own love language! Discover how to identify and nurture your business's unique needs for maximum success and satisfaction.

Episode 2 on February 3: Your Money Love Story 

Turn your (maybe shaky) relationship with money into a beautiful romance! Learn how to stop ghosting your finances and start building a lasting, loving relationship with your business's bottom line.

Episode 3 on February 4: Your Marketing Love Story 

Marketing can feel like a bad blind date... will it work? Will it not? Will your audience like it? Start seeing it as the perfect match for your business growth! We'll show you how to make marketing fun, authentic, AND effective.

Episode 4 on February 5: Your Mindset Love Story 

Time to break up with limiting beliefs!  Learn how to overcome mindset blocks and fall head over heels for your true Pet Boss potential.

Episode 5 on February 6: Your Business's Love Story

This is where you and your business ride off into the sunset with a healthy foundational relationship to build from. The work doesn't stop once you fall in love, but you can keep the romance alive from here, and we'll tell you exactly how. 

Download your FREE BONUS CONTENT! 🎁 

Yup, we love you, our loyal podcast listener, SO much that we created a companion workbook to follow along with the series! Your download includes:

💌 A business love language assessment 

💌 Guided exercises for each episode

💌 Action steps to implement right away

💌 Access to our live celebration Zoom event!

A LIVE CELEBRATION EVENT?!

Yup, another way for us to show love to our listeners after we officially hit 100,000 downloads of the Pet Boss Podcast!  

Join us later this month for a special live recording where we'll connect with other loyal Pet Boss Podcast listeners, answer questions live, AND give away $100 cash prizes to celebrate 100,000 podcast downloads!

Ready to fall back in love with your pet business? Sign up now at Learn.PetBoss.com/Love to get your free guide and Zoom link!

View Episode 165 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 February, join Candace for a special 5-part series designed to help you rekindle your spark with your pet business! 

Whether you're feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or just need a fresh perspective, this series will help you see your business in a whole new light. Episodes will be released daily from February 2-6, 2025:

Episode 1 on February 2: What's Your Business's Love Language? 

Just like relationships, every business speaks its own love language! Discover how to identify and nurture your business's unique needs for maximum success and satisfaction.

Episode 2 on February 3: Your Money Love Story 

Turn your (maybe shaky) relationship with money into a beautiful romance! Learn how to stop ghosting your finances and start building a lasting, loving relationship with your business's bottom line.

Episode 3 on February 4: Your Marketing Love Story 

Marketing can feel like a bad blind date... will it work? Will it not? Will your audience like it? Start seeing it as the perfect match for your business growth! We'll show you how to make marketing fun, authentic, AND effective.

Episode 4 on February 5: Your Mindset Love Story 

Time to break up with limiting beliefs!  Learn how to overcome mindset blocks and fall head over heels for your true Pet Boss potential.

Episode 5 on February 6: Your Business's Love Story

This is where you and your business ride off into the sunset with a healthy foundational relationship to build from. The work doesn't stop once you fall in love, but you can keep the romance alive from here, and we'll tell you exactly how. 

Download your FREE BONUS CONTENT! 🎁 

Yup, we love you, our loyal podcast listener, SO much that we created a companion workbook to follow along with the series! Your download includes:

💌 A business love language assessment 

💌 Guided exercises for each episode

💌 Action steps to implement right away

💌 Access to our live celebration Zoom event!

A LIVE CELEBRATION EVENT?!

Yup, another way for us to show love to our listeners after we officially hit 100,000 downloads of the Pet Boss Podcast!  

Join us later this month for a special live recording where we'll connect with other loyal Pet Boss Podcast listeners, answer questions live, AND give away $100 cash prizes to celebrate 100,000 podcast downloads!

Ready to fall back in love with your pet business? Sign up now at Learn.PetBoss.com/Love to get your free guide and Zoom link!

View Episode 165 Transcript

Show Notes

Join Us Online

• Find us on Facebook
• Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group
• Follow us on Instagram
• Read our Blog

When everyone told Pet Boss Nation University member Alina McCue that she should go for her idea of opening a pet retail store in Missoula, Montana, she took action– even without a business background. 

Now, as the owner of Toiffer Pet Outfitter, she's transformed her passion for sustainability and pets into a thriving two-location business! 

In this episode, she joins Candace for an inspiring conversation about overcoming self-doubt, building a successful team, and creating a sustainable pet retail business from the ground up.

In this episode, you'll learn:

🐾 The importance of finding mentorship and community early on in your entrepreneurial journey (but it's never too late!) and how to leverage it for continued growth 

🐾 Strategies for managing retail finances, including dealing with seasonal fluctuations and dreaded business debt

🐾 Creative approaches to offering competitive employee benefits on a small business budget

🐾 The importance of building the right team and letting go of control as you scale

🐾 Why your business success isn't a reflection of your personal worth

Thanks to Alina's determination and "watch me do this" attitude, she's created more than just a pet store. She's built a curated shopping experience focused on sustainability and quality. 💪

Alina's story proves that it's never too late to take action, find support, and create the pet business of your dreams!

View Transcript

Show Notes

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• Find us on Facebook
• Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group
• Follow us on Instagram
• Read our Blog

In this episode, Candace chats with the Pet Boss Nation team social media guru, Amanda Nelson, about why 2025 is the year to turn your social media into a customer MAGNET for your pet business. 🧲

And, 🚨SPOILER ALERT: It's not just about posting cute pet pics anymore!

In this episode, you'll learn: 

📲 The Instagram profile must-haves that most pet businesses are missing (and why they're costing you customers!)

📲 How to make Facebook work for you (even if you think "nobody uses it anymore")

📲 What the TikTok ban drama means for your business (and why having all your eggs in one social media basket is risky!)

📲 Simple ways to make social media fun again (because you didn’t open a pet business to become an influencer)

📲 The #1 mistake that might be sending your potential customers to shop 45 minutes away

📲 Why 2025 is the make-or-break year for pet businesses on social media

Ready to stop letting social media be the chore you hate and turn it into the tool that grows your business? 

Listen in to get your social media strategy working as hard as you do... especially now, when it matters most!

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Yup, Lynn is bringing her 17+ years of pet industry brilliance straight to YOU– our Pet Boss Nation community. First, here on this podcast episode… and then directly in our program Profit Clinics and beyond!

Plain and simple, Lynn has the knowledge to connect all the moving parts of your pet business to make you more MONEY. And since we’re SERIOUS about helping you thrive this year, we knew we had to bring her on board!

In this episode, Candace and Lynn break down three trends that are MUST-knows if you’re going to adapt to the times and make more profit in your pet business. You’ll hear more about:

💰 Improving your processes to increase your profits– because, yes, there IS a connection, and you’ll see why!

💰 The “market of one” and why giving your customers a personalized experience will absolutely boost your retention.

💰 Embracing more than one selling channel and how to adapt to the different needs of your customers in order to still get the sale.

💰 A sneak peek inside Pet Boss Nation University’s very popular Profit Clinics– and how they just got even better with Lynn on board!

The days of crossing your fingers for profit are OVER. It’s time to PLAN for it! This episode is overflowing with real life examples of how to make that happen. So hit play and stop leaving money on the table!

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1. We're about to hit 100,000 downloads, and 

2. We are ready to help you THRIVE in 25! 

(Shoutout to Heather from Tails of Hawaii for this amazing motto!)

Here's what you'll learn in this episode that will make sure this is your most amazing year yet: 

🍾 Why you need to say goodbye to the "we've always done it this way" and hello to tech upgrades that will save your sanity!

🍾How to create the kind of customer experience that has pet parents bragging about you to all their friends (who then become your newest customers!)

🍾 The secret sauce to pricing and profits (Hint: it's all in the numbers, and we'll show you exactly how to crack the code!)

🍾 Real talk from Pet Boss Nation rockstars who are crushing it (like 38% growth just in 2024– YES, really!) 

Feeling fired up? Us too! Remember— we're in this together, and 2025 is OUR year. Listen in, and let's make it RAIN revenue! 

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In this special end-of-year episode, Candace is getting real with you about what 2024 looked like for Pet Boss Nation. 

There were wins, there were challenges, and yes– there were even moments where we had to pivot. Because let's face it– whether you're eight years in like us or just getting started in business, some years are building years, and that's exactly what they need to be!

In this episode, you'll hear:

🍾 The honest scoop about our 2024 journey! From bringing back Camp Pet Boss (finally!) and growing our amazing team to those moments when we had to admit we weren’t where we wanted to be (and how to handle those moments!) 

🍾 Some MAJOR news about 2025, including more about The Pet Boss Nation Foundation and maybe, just MAYBE, a surprise return to brick-and-mortar retail in the works. (I guess once a retailer, always a retailer?! To be determined.)

🍾 A little Pet Boss Podcast wrapped! Find out how many other Pet Bosses are tuning in (and what else they're listening to! True crime, anyone?!) 

🍾 2025 messages from our incredible team members who work behind the scenes to support YOU and your pet business dreams. 

Whether your 2024 was full of wins or felt more like a building year, remember this: we're in it together, and 2025 is full of possibilities. 

So, during this final time-warp week of the year, grab your favorite furry friend, maybe a cup of coffee (or wine!), and let's wrap up this year with some real talk about where we've been and where we're headed. 

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Marketing is the fuel that keeps your business engine running, and this episode is alllll about discovering strategies to fill up your customer's tank! 

In this episode, Fernando Camacho, CEO of OverDog Digital, shares his well-earned expertise on marketing strategies specifically tailored for pet businesses. 

With over 15 years of experience in the pet industry, including roles as a dog trainer, dog daycare employee,  and marketing consultant, Fern knows exactly how to attract, convert, and retain more customers without burning out.

Listen in to learn: 

⛽ Why taking care of existing customers should be your first priority before seeking new ones. 

⛽ The surprising percentage of revenue you should be investing in marketing (hint: it's more than you think!)

⛽ How to create marketing campaigns that’ll win back customers you might’ve lost along the way. 

⛽ Why you have to be the face of your business to build trust! 

⛽ The difference between long-term marketing strategies (like SEO) vs. quick-win tactics (like paid ads.) 

⛽ And so much more! 

So, ready to boss your marketing game? Whether you’re DIYing your marketing or have money to invest in it, this episode will show you how to turn your pet business into a well-oiled marketing machine that consistently attracts and retains customers! 

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In this myth-busting episode, Candace tackles the most common misconception about Pet Boss Nation-- that it's "just for retailers." 

Drawing from her experience running six different types of pet businesses, she reveals why this mindset might be a psychological "excuse" that's masking deeper fears holding you back from success!

In this episode, you'll learn:

🐾 Why Pet Boss Nation serves ALL pet business niches (with proof! We're busting this myth once and for all!) 

🐾 The real psychological barriers keeping pet businesses from growth

🐾 The specific resources available for each of the SIX (or more!) pet business niches we serve. 

🐾 How one program can serve multiple pet industry niches effectively.

🐾 Real success stories from within those six niches! 

Whether you're running a grooming salon, pet bakery, doggy daycare, self-wash facility, pet sitting business, or retail store, this episode exposes the excuses we tell ourselves and proves how Pet Boss Nation supports every corner of the pet industry. 

Don't let fear of vulnerability masquerade as "it's not for me." Listen in to discover how facing these challenges head-on can transform your business in 2025!

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In this special episode, we're sharing Candace's appearance on the Big Brave Business podcast with our very own podcast producer, Sarah Heeter! 

Candace opened up to Sarah about her 25-year entrepreneurial journey in ways she hasn't before on the Pet Boss Podcast, so we thought it was especially important to share this conversation with our Pet Boss Podcast listeners! 

Join Candace and Sarah as they discuss what it truly means to be "big and brave" in business beyond the typical entrepreneurial advice.

In this episode, you'll learn:

💪 How the concept of business bravery evolves at different stages of your pet business' growth. 

💪 Why "hire slow, fire fast" isn't always the best approach, and how to decide when to use it (or not!) 

💪 The real role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership and how it impacts your business. 

💪 Common pitfalls to avoid when scaling your business.

💪 Why trend-chasing won't matter in the long run. It's really about mastering fundamentals! 

Whether you're just starting your Pet Boss journey or leading a very established pet business, this candid conversation offers fresh perspectives on authentic leadership, sustainable growth, and courageous decision-making. 

Discover why being "big and brave" isn't about following the crowd– it's about having the confidence to chart your own path while staying true to your vision! 

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This episode is a game changer and might open your eyes to a non-profit venture that makes sense for your pet business! Candace sits down with Dr. Orazie Cook, founder of Paws on Purpose, a business that helps pet businesses transform their charitable giving into structured nonprofit arms. 

From pet food pantries to domestic violence support programs, you'll see how leading pet businesses are making a bigger impact while gaining significant financial benefits.

In this episode, you'll learn more about:

🥰 Why and how to establish a nonprofit arm for your pet business.

🥰 The tax advantages of structured charitable giving.

🥰 Creative ways pet businesses can integrate giving into their existing operations.

🥰 Real life examples of unique and successful pet business nonprofits. 

🥰 Step-by-step guidance for getting started!

Plus, a special announcement about the new Pet Boss Nation Foundation! (Isn't that name fun to say?!) 

Whether you're already giving back or looking to start, this episode will give you practical insights for making your charitable efforts more impactful and sustainable. Learn how to structure your giving in a way that benefits your business, your community, and the pets you serve!

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Let's get data-driven thanks to Pets+ Magazine! 

In this episode, Candace looks at the results of the Pets+ 2024 Big Survey, where over 500 independent pet retailers and service providers shared their answers to 75 questions that help set benchmarks within the industry. Plus, you'll discover the eight key factors that separate "thrivers" from "strugglers" in today's pet industry! 

In this episode, you'll learn:

📈 The  performance metrics of successful pet businesses (and some will surprise you!)

📈  Important insights about marketing spend and its impact on your growth.

📈  Why financial literacy might matter more than creativity for business success.

📈  Simple strategies to boost your profit margins right now! 

📈  The operational differences between thriving and struggling pet businesses.

📈  Candace's actionable steps to improve your business in five critical areas based on these results. 

Whether you feel like you're currently thriving or struggling, this episode will give you an overview of where you might fall in relation to other pet businesses, help you set realistic goals for yourself, and know exactly where to start!  Don't miss Candace's expert analysis of what these results mean for your pet business in 2025 and beyond!

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This statistic (and more you need to hear!) is brought to you by Melinda Thomas, Executive Director of Pets in the Classroom, an innovative program that is transforming education while cultivating the next generation of pet parents.

Melinda joined Candace on the Pet Boss Podcast to chat about how far the impact of pets can truly go when we introduce them to children at a young age and within a learning environment and what that means for the future of the pet industry. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

🐇 How classroom pets improve student engagement and academic performance.

🐹 The profound impact pets have on developing empathy and social skills.

🐠 Ways pet businesses can get involved and support their local schools. 

🦎 Heartfelt success stories of how classroom pets have transformed students' lives.

🐕 How Pets in the Classroom and Dogs in the Classroom are expanding their reach and impact even further. 

Plus, one of the biggest takeaways is how this program benefits everyone– from students and teachers to local pet businesses and the entire pet industry! 

Whether you're a pet business owner looking to make a difference or simply someone who believes in the power of the human-pet bond, this episode will inspire you to get involved in this life-changing initiative.

Let's create the next generation of responsible pet owners together! 

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In this episode, Candace shares powerful stories of how giving back can transform both your business and your community. From her own personal stories of donating $50,000 to Leader Dogs For The Blind, to innovative giving programs from your fellow pet businesses across the country, you’ll easily see how small acts of kindness can create huge ripples of change.

In this episode, you'll learn:

♥️ Creative ways to incorporate giving into your pet business model, whether that means giving monetary donations, time, or expertise. 

♥️  How being charitable in your pet business can boost brand visibility and customer loyalty.

♥️  Practical examples of successful giving programs, like round-up donations to powerful tip-sharing programs. 

♥️  The benefits of community involvement for everyone-- you, your team, your business, and those you're making a difference for! 

♥️  Simple steps to start your giving journey right NOW! 

Plus-- you don't want to miss a special announcement about Pet Boss Nation's new scholarship program for 2025 in this episode! You heard it here first! 

Whether you're just starting your giving journey or looking to enhance your current charitable initiatives, this episode is one that'll inspire you. We have a platform to do more good in the world and can make it happen together! 

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So, how do we reach those potential customers successfully? 🤔

Enter: UGC, or User Generated Content! 

In this episode, Candace chats with Pamela Keniston, founder of Big Paws Marketing, to explore the game-changing potential of User Generated Content (UGC).

And with the growing statistic of social media research that's happening daily, understanding UGC isn't just trendy—it's essential for pet business growth! 

In this episode, you'll learn:

🐶 What UGC is and why it generates 10x more engagement than branded content

🐶 How to encourage customers to create content for your pet business (did we mention this can be FREE marketing?!)

🐶 The difference between customer UGC and influencer partnerships.

🐶 Why "social SEO" matters and how to dominate your category's share of voice (and yes, we will define "share of voice!") 

🐶 Practical strategies for measuring UGC success beyond traditional metrics.

Marketing is ever-changing, and Pamela has a pulse on where it is, where it’s going, and how you can adapt! Listen in to learn how to transform your social media strategy from basic promotional posts to engaging, community-driven content that resonates with modern pet parents.

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What happens when Candace gathers some of the Pet Boss Mastermind members for an October retreat at her home in Galesburg, Illinois? 

Well, they gather 'round the campfire (or in her living room, but just for recording purposes!) and share spine-tingling tales of pet business mishaps, mayhem, and misadventures. 

From FBI investigations to creepy crawlies in the dog food, these real-life horror stories will make your blood run COLD. 

In this episode, you'll hear:

👻 The case of the cat-napped feline.

🎃 A groomer's brush with the FBI.

👻 The terrifying tale of the lawsuit ambush.

🎃 The mystery of the ‘Beetle’juice-invasion.

👻 All the valuable lessons learned from these haunting experiences... because yes, there is ALWAYS something to be learned! 

 Join us for this spooky pet business story time, and remember - take these stories to the Pet Boss Crypt! 🧟

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You’re about to find out! 

Candace has been there– in the thick of the busiest time of the year, watching the days quickly slip by on the calendar without any promotions or events planned, wondering how she’s going to move all that holiday inventory when she can’t seem to remove herself from the day to day tasks inside her business…

And guess what?➡️ Throughout all of her successes (and a few failures!) during Q4, she learned EXACTLY what type of support other business owners in the pet industry need right now.

In this episode, you will: 

🎁 Get the inside scoop of Candace’s brain during those overwhelming Q4s when she ran her own pet businesses, and what she did to go from overwhelmed to profitable and less stressed.

🎁 Learn three key things you need to be thinking about right now to make this Q4 your most successful one yet. 

🎁 Discover the exact resources you need to plan out the rest of this year efficiently and in manageable tasks.

🎁 And more!

Even though it’s October, and you might be thinking you missed the boat on planning a profitable, smooth Q4, that’s NOT true. No, Pet Boss. There is still time to have a very successful Q4, and your answers to how to get there are waiting inside this episode.

P.S. Don’t forget to utilize the tools you’re about to learn about! Here are the links:

✨ Purchase the Holiday Success Kit at Learn.PetBoss.com/HolidayKit

✨ Join us in the Pet Boss Club by visiting PetBossClub.com

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That's exactly what this episode is, as Candace sat down with Taylor Gonzalez, owner of Three Tails Parlor and Pantry, and a valued member of multiple Pet Boss Nation programs. 

Taylor shows us the emotional rollercoaster that being a pet business owner is, and the crossover between personal life and business. She went from facing personal tragedy to building a thriving pet business, and her story is a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and investing in yourself. 

In this episode, you'll hear more about: 

🐕How Taylor turned a deeply emotional personal loss into entrepreneurial drive.

🐕 The challenges of scaling a pet business from 1,400 to 5,000 square feet.

🐕 Why you HAVE to face your financial fears in your pet business, and what it looks like on the other side. 

🐕 The impact of having a supportive community that understands your struggles as a pet business owner.

🐕 What to do when you're just going through the motions and need to reignite your passion and purpose.

Taylor's story shows that we are all human, and behind the businesses we run, we struggle with real, raw problems... but when we lean on each other, invest in our potential, and put ourselves out there, beautiful things can happen. 

Don't miss this emotional and uplifting conversation that will remind you of why you fell in love with the pet industry in the first place! 

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You're in for a treat with this podcast episode where Candace sits down with Jess Berger, founder of Bundle x Joy!

Jess and Candace unpack the hidden challenges (and triumphs!) of building a pet brand from the ground up... especially one so different from what's out there! 

In this episode, you'll learn:

🌈 The unexpected hurdles new pet brands face when trying to partner with distributors and retailers.

🌈 The delicate balance of pursuing growth while supporting small, independent retailers. 

🌈 Why diversity and representation matter in the pet industry, and how it's shaping new brands like Bundle x Joy.

🌈 Creative ways emerging brands and independent retailers can collaborate for mutual success

🌈 Bundle x Joy's mission to bring more joy, color, and inclusivity to the pet industry while supporting women-led businesses

Jess has over 17 years of experience in the pet industry, and she's building a brand that she didn't see in the market to shape a NEW future-- one that is ethically led, collaborative,  AND inclusive. 

Find out more about how brands and retailers can collaborate in the spirit of everybody winning together! 

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You can take every course available on your own, but something magical happens when you lean on your “fur”-ternity members. Candace is grabbing the gavel and showing you the power of that community and how it perfectly intersects with the education aspect of PBU!

In part three of orientation, you'll learn:

🐾 The power of peer support in overcoming pet business challenges.

🐾 Inspiring success stories from current PBU members (who you will get to know when you enroll!)

🐾 A sneak peek at some upcoming PBU courses, including "Revenue Revolution" and "Fetch Success."

🐾 The structure of a typical PBU semester, including core classes and electives.

🐾 How PBU's study halls and roundtables foster collaboration and implementation.

Whether you're a pet business newbie or a seasoned pro, this episode will show you why PBU is more than just a learning platform – it's a lifeline for petpreneurs!

Ready to pledge your commitment to pet business growth and find an unbreakable bond with your “fur”-ternity members who truly “get” you?! 

Listen in to this last installment of orientation and get ready to find out when you can RUSH enrollment! 

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Like we said before, PBU is here to STAY📣, so class is back in session!

Professor Candace (who loves a good theme) is here to do a DEEPER dive into what you can expect from Pet Boss University and teach a little Growth Mindset 101.

In part two of orientation, you’ll learn:

📝 The power of a growth mindset and how it can revolutionize your business approach

📝 Real-world success stories from Pet Boss University members

📝 How PBU's core curriculum and elective tracks cater to various pet business niches

📝 The importance of implementing learned strategies for tangible results and how we’ll support you in implementing everything you learn. 

📝 Why Pet Boss University is valuable even if you already have a business degree.

📝 And more! 

This program is for you no matter what stage of business you’re in… seriously, from newbie freshman to established senior, there is something for YOU. Listen in to find out all the amazing things you’re about to learn and hear from some of your future fellow fur-ternity members!

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In this game-changing episode, Candace unveils Pet Boss University, a transformative educational program for pet business owners designed with YOU in mind… That’s right, Pet Boss Nation is in the middle of an evolution led by a missing piece we see in the pet industry!  

You will learn everything you need to know about that evolution, including how this innovative platform combines core curriculum, elective tracks, and a supportive community to provide the ultimate pet business education experience! 

You’ll learn more about:

🏫 The evolution of Pet Boss Nation and why it's time for a major pivot!

🏫 What sets Pet Boss University apart from traditional business education. 

🏫 How the program caters to pet professionals at ALL stages of their business journey.

🏫 What’s happening to the Pet Boss Club (spoiler: it’s not going anywhere! But there will be some changes!) 

🏫 And so much more! (Including Candace’s cheerleading abilities! 📣) 

School is IN session, and you don't want to miss this opportunity to be part of the inaugural class at Pet Boss University! 

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Some of the experience belongs to our Campers. If you know… you know. 😉

If you took our expectations for Camp Pet Boss and multiplied their impact by 100… THAT would be a more accurate depiction.

While it was fresh on her mind, Candace just had to share a behind the scenes of this powerful, unique event!

In this episode, you'll learn:

🔥 How Camp Pet Boss is reigniting passion in pet business owners who had trouble finding their flame after years in business. 

🔥 The true power of community and peer support in the pet industry and what that looks like when you bring it together in a one-of-a-kind, unmatched event. 

🔥 The creative activities and adventures that fostered unbreakable bonding and personal growth among campers.

🔥 Key takeaways from educational sessions on leadership, scaling, and emotional intelligence

🔥 Why pushing outside your comfort zone can lead to breakthrough moments in your life and your business.

From tearful campfire moments to exhilarating rock climbing challenges, discover why this event has quickly gained a reputation as a MUST-attend for pet professionals. (Plus, find out how to be the first to hear about 2025 dates we’re announcing SOON!) 

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And honestly, the topic is resonating. Why? 

Because self care is SO important for you as a business owner, but the term itself is so broad and it looks different for everyone, which makes navigating it tricky. 

We’re all in different stages of our lives, have different resources, and enjoy different things– so how can we determine the magic self care cure for battling burnout? 



The truth is– we can’t. This isn’t magic. This is about taking stock of your life, your priorities, and your burnout red flags and coming up with a self care plan that works for YOU. 

In this episode, your host and Pet Boss Nation CEO, Candace, shares: 

❤️ Where she is in her life right now, and why she’s been personally thinking about what self care looks like in her stage of life and business. 

❤️ Why self care is more than a mug of hot tea or a trip to the spa (although those things can totally be part of your plan too!)

❤️ Six realistic, raw, and helpful tips to help you get ahead of burnout before it’s too late. 

❤️ Why self care isn’t just about business– it’s about you as a human who is juggling business, life, family, and other priorities. 

❤️ Why finding your people is such a big difference maker in life AND business. 🫶

This episode is a labor of love, and we hope you use it to formulate a self care plan that extends well beyond September! Take care of yourself– and we’re here to help when you need it. 

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In this episode, Candace sits down with Todd Dittman, Executive Director of the Independent & Neighborhood Pet Retail Association, to explore how this amazing nonprofit trade association is leveling the playing field for neighborhood pet stores!

With the power of unity, innovative tools, and organizations helping indies compete, we KNOW indie pet businesses can make a lasting mark and take a BIG chunk of a money-making industry. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

🐾 What really defines an independent pet retailer, and how IndiePet supports businesses of all sizes.

🐾 The game-changing IndiePet Open Catalog and how it streamlines product management.

🐾 Details about Neighborhood Pet Store Day and its impact on sales (even BIGGER than Black Friday and Small Business Saturday last year!)

🐾 How IndiePet's niche committees are addressing big pet industry challenges.

🐾 The exclusive insights and analytics available to IndiePet members.

🐾 And MORE!

If you’ve been meaning to circle back and take a look at how IndiePet has grown as an organization since its inception, you DON’T want to miss this episode. Learn how joining forces with fellow independents can boost your business and strengthen the entire pet industry ecosystem!

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In this behind-the-scenes episode, Candace shares a peek inside a live Q&A session featuring Pet Boss Club member Matt McCord from DogiZone. In her response to Matt’s question, she reveals practical strategies for maximizing impulse buys and refreshing your checkout area. 

Whether you run a doggy daycare, grooming salon, or pet retail store, these simple tips could significantly boost your average transaction value, which can make a HUGE difference in your bottom line. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

🐾 How high-value items have a place near your register, and how to strategize placement for the most impact.  

🐾 The power of seasonal and holiday-themed displays in driving sales. 

🐾 Why rotating products regularly is a MUST, especially for businesses with frequent repeat customers.

🐾 Creative bundling ideas to increase your units per transaction.

🐾 Tips for utilizing counter space effectively, even if you have a minimalist setup. 

From bully stick bundling promotions to seasonal candles, this episode shows real-world examples and success stories. It also reveals the RESULTS Matt experienced after just a few months of implementation!

Whether you're looking to refresh your front desk area or implement new sales strategies, you'll want to get a peek inside this Q+A for some simple changes you can make TODAY! 

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In this episode, Candace D'Agnolo sits down with Megan Bolton, founder and chief creative officer of Metro Paws (a Camp Pet Boss sponsor!), to discuss her journey from the fashion industry to creating colorful, eco-friendly pet products. She’ll tell you all about how a simple frustration sparked a 15-year adventure in pet product innovation!

In this episode, you'll learn:

🐾 How Metro Paws transformed from a single poop bag design to a full line of creative and colorful pet products.

🐾 The challenges of manufacturing and dealing with competition in the pet industry.

🐾 Why Metro Paws prioritizes independent retailers over big box stores (and plan to keep it that way!)

🐾 Tips for working successfully with your spouse in business and for managing a team so that everyone can shine. 

🐾 The importance of staying true to your brand's moral compass! 

Whether you're a pet business owner or an aspiring petpreneur, this episode will leave you feeling inspired to take an idea and RUN with it (all while staying true to yourself and your morals!)  Tune in to hear how passion, creativity, and a commitment to quality can turn a simple poop bag idea into a game-changing pet brand. 🙌

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The winners of the PETS+ America's Coolest Contest could tell you! 😉

In this episode, Candace shines a spotlight on three Pet Boss Nation clients who clinched the prestigious title of America's Coolest pet businesses in the 2024 PETS+ contest. Their inspiring stories prove that with the right strategies and support, your pet business can achieve remarkable success… and get noticed for it! 

In this episode, you'll get inspired by these three pet businesses and learn:

🏆 How Alison Schwartz of All Pets Considered transformed a part-time job into a thriving 12,000 square foot pet store with very innovative marketing strategies (and a loyal customer base! They’re celebrating a big anniversary!)

🏆 Jessica Schlosser's, of Lizzi and Rocco’s, creative approach to community engagement, including a unique annual team potluck (complete with products they sell in their store) and fun seasonal enrichment boxes.

🏆 Brittany Schlup's, of Premium Pets- Natural Pet Market,  journey to success through lots of strategic planning and creative events (like taking full advantage of the "Christmas in July" theme to boost slower months!)

🏆 What ALL of these businesses (and past winners) have in common when it comes to what really makes a pet business standout.

🏆 How YOU can turn your pet business into an award-winning enterprise!

There’s something to learn from these well-deserving winners for every stage of pet business ownership! Listen in to discover how you can apply these winning strategies to your own pet business success story, and maybe we’ll see you on next year’s PETS+ America's Coolest winners list! 

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It’s Pet Boss Nation’s CEO and founder, hi, it’s Candace D’Agnolo, she’s the one who did that, it’s her.  (Did we get that Swiftie reference right?!)

In this eye-opening episode, Candace shares her personal journey of exiting three pet businesses and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way. No matter what stage of business you’re in, an exit strategy is relevant to you, and it’s a question that pops up in our community often.

How do you prepare to exit your pet business someday? 🤔

In this episode, you'll learn:

🐾 Why preparing for your business exit now is crucial, even if you're not planning to sell soon.

🐾 The most common reasons pet business owners sell their companies.

🐾 How to determine your business's current value (and increase it!)

🐾 The biggest takeaways from Candace's three business exits, including a down to the wire sale just before the pandemic!

🐾 Practical tips for navigating the complex process of selling a business.

Whether you're considering selling your pet business in the near future or simply want to build a more valuable company, this episode will give you insider knowledge you can't afford to miss. Let’s start  transforming your business strategy NOW to set you up for a successful exit (when the time comes!)

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We’re bringing you the best of the best on all three of those topics! 

This episode features Adrian Archie, founder of petNmind, the first Black franchisor in the pet industry, AND a Camp Pet Boss speaker. Candace and Adrian discuss his journey from pet lover to innovative business owner, and how emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in entrepreneurial success.

They covered all of this and more: 

🐾 Adrian's journey from athlete and aspiring veterinarian to pet industry innovator. 

🐾 The concept behind petNmind and its focus on holistic pet care. 

🐾 Franchising a pet business, including Adrian's "small box" concept and how that makes business ownership more accessible.

🐾 Creative ways to fund a pet business, from 401(k) rollovers to investor strategies and beyond. 

🐾 The importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in business and personal success.

🐾 A sneak peek into Adrian's upcoming presentations at Camp Pet Boss! 

Whether you're considering franchising your pet business, looking for funding options, or wanting to improve your leadership skills through emotional intelligence, this episode is for YOU. 

This is just the beginning of learning from this true innovator in the pet industry. Listen in and then grab your ticket to Camp Pet Boss to keep the wisdom from Adrian rolling! 

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What's important to you? 

How do you want to spend your time? 

THOSE are the end goals we’re pursuing inside the Pet Boss Mastermind, and after a year since launching, we can’t wait to pull back the curtain and show you the progress our members have made (and will continue to make, since many of them are STAYING for the next cohort!) 

As applications open for the next round, Candace offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this program so transformative for pet business owners, and how to determine if YOU are ready for a mastermind. 

She talks more about: 

• The evolution of the Pet Boss Mastermind program over its first year and how to shape your offerings to give people what they actually NEED.
• Success stories from current Pet Boss Mastermind members, including inspiring business growth and personal development.
• What exactly a mastermind is, and who it's best suited for in the pet industry. (Is it YOU?!)
• Details on the new and improved Pet Boss Mastermind program, including in-person meetups and one-on-one coaching sessions!
• How to apply for the Pet Boss Mastermind and what to expect in the application process.
• The importance of investing in yourself and your business through professional development.
• And more! 

Whether you're considering joining the Pet Boss Mastermind or simply curious about what high-level pet business coaching looks like, you’ll learn so much about the power of collaboration and continuous learning in the pet industry. Tune in! 

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Could this be your future?

In this episode of the Pet Boss Podcast, Candaces sits down with Teresa Miller, the visionary founder of Treats Unleashed, President of IndiePet, and Camp Pet Boss featured speaker!

Teresa reveals her journey of building a pet business powerhouse across Missouri, offering a treasure trove of insights for pet entrepreneurs at every stage. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

🦴 How Teresa grew Treats Unleashed from one location to 20 over 22 years.

🦴 The challenges of expanding from 1-3 stores and beyond.

🦴 Why Teresa chose organic growth over franchising.

🦴 How Teresa balances wholesale treat production with retail operations.

🦴 Teresa's involvement in small business advocacy and the IndiePet organization.

🦴 Teresa's perspective on the future of independent pet retailers.

🦴And MORE (wow, we covered a lot in this one!)

Whether you're dreaming of your first store or eyeing your tenth, Teresa's story is a masterclass in scaling a pet business with purpose and passion. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the pet industry's most successful entrepreneurs and get a sneak peek at what Teresa will be sharing at the upcoming Camp Pet

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Money talk is DAUNTING! 🤑

But it’s necessary! You have to face your money problems head-on if you want to address them, and as suspected, the Money Marathon was a HUGE success with so many big wins.

In this episode of the Pet Boss Podcast, Candace shares some of the biggest takeaways from that recent 8-week money marathon with our Pet Boss Club members. She even shares some direct clips from those Zoom calls that will be very eye-opening and relatable! 

In this episode, you'll learn:

💰 Why financial literacy is the key to building wealth, not the other way around.

💰 How to identify your biggest "money mess" and take steps to address it.

💰 The importance of understanding cash flow and using tools like cash flow snapshots.

💰 Strategies for pricing products and services to maximize profit margins.

💰 The power of tiered pricing and package options to drive sales to your most profitable offerings.

Whether you're struggling with cash flow issues, unsure about pricing strategies, or simply looking to improve your financial literacy, you’ll find so much actionable advice and inspiration in this episode!

Don't let financial challenges hold your pet business back. Tune in to this episode and take control of your money story TODAY!

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Well, this dynamic mother-daughter duo can tell you!

In this episode, Candace got to chat with Ava and Ina Dorsey, ⅔ of the team behind Ava’s Pet Palace, the company Ava started when she was just 8 years old!

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

👑 How Ava's Pet Palace grew from 6-year-old Ava’s drawing to a successful pet treat company.

👑 The behind-the-scenes of running a business as a family and how the Dorsey family manages decision making together. 

👑 What it's like to experience overnight viral success and how to handle rapid growth. 

👑 The importance of diversity and representation in the pet industry, and Ava and Ina’s perspectives on being Black entrepreneurs in an industry lacking in diversity.

👑 The future plans for Ava's Pet Palace, including product expansion, crowdfunding, Ava’s post-high school plans, and more! 

As if starting a business at 8 years old isn’t inspiration enough, Ava and Ina's story of persistence, passion, and family support will really inspire you to chase your dreams and make your own unique mark in the pet industry! 

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That’s one extra Saturday opportunity to run a successful promotion in your pet business, and today you’re going to learn exactly how to do that! 🙌

In this episode of the Pet Boss Podcast, Candace opens the door to the world of promotions, specifically focusing on the powerful "Fifth Saturday Sale" concept (which many of our Pet Boss Club members have seen great success with!)

You’ll learn: 

🌟 The importance of having a robust promotional calendar for your pet business so you can be the talk of the town AND stand out in a competitive market.

🌟 Different types of promotions, including annual, quarterly, monthly, weekly, and even daily promotions, and how to tailor them to fit YOUR business! 

🌟 The concept of the Fifth Saturday Sale in DETAIL. This one is the star of the show!

🌟 How to set goals for your promotions, identify your audience, and determine what kind of discounts will motivate your customers. 

🌟 How to market your promotions, including a Fifth Saturday Sale (which you still have time to put together for this month!)

Ready to take action and start building out your own promotional calendar? Get to it! When you stick with it, you’ll see your revenue grow and your customers smile! 

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In this episode, Candace went from fangirling these business owners on social media to connecting with them and finally got to sit down and interview her now friends, Charly and Larry Pruden, the powerhouse couple behind Pawdega – the first international online pet wellness store that's taking the world by storm. 

Charly and Larry, currently located in Dubai, share their incredible journey from concerned pet parents to influential voices in the holistic pet health space. With a passion for helping pets thrive and a commitment to carrying only synthetic-free products, they've built a brand that's making waves– across continents! 

In this conversation, you'll learn:

🌟 How Charly and Larry turned their personal pet health struggles into a mission to educate and empower others, and how you can do the same with your own experiences. 

🌟 The challenges and triumphs of building an international pet business and navigating import/export regulations.

🌟 Why saying "no" to synthetic ingredients has been a game-changer for Pawdega and the pets they serve.

🌟 How storytelling, user-generated content, and strategic reviews can help you build a loyal following. 

🌟 The importance of staying true to your values and ethics, even when it means going against the grain in the pet industry.

Whether you're a brick-and-mortar store, online retailer, or service-based pet business, this episode is packed with advice on how to stand out, make an impact, and grow your reach – no matter where in the world you are.

So, what does it take to build a pet business without borders? You’re about to learn and feel ready to take on the WORLD (or at least take one step at a time toward doing so!)

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In this episode of the Pet Boss Podcast, she shares her adventure-filled journey to Niagara Falls for her first-ever Canadian pet industry event!

You’ll get a front-row seat to the retelling of border crossings, Dave Grohl riding as her passenger, close calls with the police, her first ever Canadian trade show, and the many lessons learned along the way (which will benefit YOU!) 

And while the journey itself was eye-opening, Candace also shares her key takeaways from the Connect Pet Expo, including:

💪 The courage it takes to start something new, and the impact it can have on you, your business, and others.

💰 Navigating the challenges of revenue dips and finding ways to turn things around.

🤝 The power of community and collaboration within the pet industry and how Connect was so intensely focused on this important aspect.

Plus, Candace gives shout-outs to some vendors from the show and shares what made them stand out from the rest!

So, grab your passport (just kidding, you won't need it to listen in) and join Candace on this wild and wisdom-filled ride to visit our friends up North. 🍁

She’ll keep you laughing (there IS singing!), learning, and might even inspire you to take your own pet business adventure by the end of the episode! (Hello, Camp Pet Boss!) 

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In this episode, Candace sits down with marketing expert Kerrie Fitzgerald of the E-Commere Society to give you the best of both worlds– turning your customers into RAVING fans without breaking the bank on advertising.

Kerrie knows the nuances of the pet industry after growing her previous business, The Dapper Dog Box, to multiple six-figures in just two years. She was able to sell that business in 2019 and start helping MORE businesses see the same success. 

Here are some key topics they cover:

💰 Creating a memorable customer experience that sets you apart from the competition (and Amazon!)

💰 What “UGC” AKA user-generated content is and how to incentivize and encourage it to help you build trust and social proof for your pet brand.

💰 The true power of loyalty programs, email marketing, and post-purchase sequences to keep your customers coming back. 

💰 The difference maker branded packaging and promotional items can have in a cohesive marketing plan.

💰 Tips for keeping customer reviews organized and ready to use across all marketing channels. 

💰 And so much more! 

These actionable tips are great for ANY pet business—brick-and-mortar, online retail, service-based, etc. Grab a notebook and get ready to learn from Kerrie’s experience growing her own successful pet business and helping others do the same! 

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That’s not a pet business fairy tale, friends. Candace, the CEO of Pet Boss Nation, accomplished this in her own pet businesses!

And in this episode, she’s giving you the EXACT framework she used to do it.

Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this money-focused episode:

💰 Candace’s personal journey with money in her pet businesses and exactly what she did to take control back.

💰 The importance of understanding money, having a good relationship with it, and making decisions in your business based on numbers– NOT emotions.

💰 How to flip a toxic relationship with money into a productive one. 

💰 Where you’re making money in your business and how to really lean into what’s working instead of focusing on the wrong thing.

💰 How to take control of your financial situation and identify your “money mess”, whether it’s poor budgeting, overspending, accumulating debt, or something else.

💰 And so much more! 

Money is a tough topic to discuss, but this episode is sure to remove that stigma and inspire you to face your relationship with money head-on. Money bliss does NOT have to be a fairy tale story… it can be your real-life happy ending as a pet business owner! So listen in! 

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Camp Pet Boss is BACK and better than ever!

In 2019, Pet Boss Nation hosted its first-ever in-person conference, and it was a hit! But then… welp, 2020 happened, and our plans to continue with an annual Camp Pet Boss were put on hold.

Now we’re THRILLED to announce the comeback of Camp Pet Boss happening August 27th-30th, 2024 in Lake Delton, Wisconsin! 

There is no other in person business retreat for pet professionals quite like this! Camp Pet Boss is for the petpreneur who wants to reignite their passion for learning how to take their pet business to new levels, refuel their own leadership confidence and skills, and bring their dog along for the ride.

In this episode, Candace gives you ALL the details you need before purchasing your ticket to Camp Pet Boss:

🔥 The stunning campground location in Lake Delton, Wisconsin, where nature’s beauty will knock your socks off and you’ll have access to incredible amenities and activities.

🔥 The all-star lineup of speakers– and this is the FIRST announcement of who they are and why learning from them is a MUST!

🔥 The opportunity to bond with fellow pet professionals who will end up being your business friends for life!

🔥 The value of this experience– from lodging, meals, sessions, the unmatched approach to furthering your professional development, and more!

If you are a pet business owner, manager, or industry pro looking for a transformative experience that will help you grow both personally and professionally– then Camp Pet Boss is calling your name.

Tune in to learn more and we’ll save you a seat by the campfire!

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The financial side of your business might cause you anxiety to think about, but it’s a critical piece to your growth, so we’re facing it HEAD ON, Pet Boss!

Our guest today is Lynn Switanowski of Pet Retail Helper, and she is here to whip your inventory and profit planning into shape so that you can have a PROFITABLE business. And not two years from now! You can take actionable steps right now to see more immediate results.

Lynn has over 30 years of experience in this industry, and today, she’s sharing as much information as we could fit in one podcast episode, like:

How to analyze your stock-to-sales ratio and where to find opportunities for improvement.

The importance of understanding what your top AND bottom performing products are, and what to do with that information.

How to best negotiate and leverage your distributor relationships.

How to truly break down your financials and understand your profit baseline… and how to make it not-so-scary to start.

Tips for managing your cash flow and NOT overspending on inventory.

And so, so, SO much more. Like, how did we cover this much?! 

Whether you’re struggling to make payroll or just looking to take your profits to the next level, Lynn is NOT letting you walk away from this episode without at least one actionable takeaway. So listen in now! 

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So to our Canadian listeners– this one’s for YOU! 

And if you’re not listening from Canada, you’ll want to tune in anyway. This episode will not only teach you so much about the Canadian pet industry, but it’ll also give you actionable takeaways no matter where you live! 

Candace is headed to Canada for her first Canadian pet industry trade show in just a few weeks– the Connect Pet Trade Expo! So it’s great timing for us to chat about the amazing pet industry in Canada, some differences between the Canadian market and the U.S. market, and so much more. 

Listen in to learn:

🍁 The importance of offering value in the Canadian market, including participating in loyalty programs and more.

🍁 How going the extra mile to earn loyalty versus assuming it will set your pet business apart and enhance your customer’s experience.

🍁 The pending arrival of online giants further and further North and strategies to keep your customers loyal and engaged.

🍁 The pride Canadian pet businesses take in locally-made products, creating an unmatched strong sense of community amongst retailers. 

🍁 The importance of embracing technology, telling a compelling brand story, and creating a seamless customer experience across ALL platforms. 

🍁 And more! 

Here’s to our friends up North bossing their pet businesses. Let’s dive in so we can learn and grow TOGETHER. 🫶

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It’s safe to say that Dani Sweigert, owner of The Modern Dog Company, is turning up the volume on modernizing the pet industry!

In this episode, Candace gets a front-row seat to how Dani defines “modern” in her business and what that looks like in her (hugely successful!) marketing efforts. 

In this episode, they cover:  

🌟 Dani’s journey from corporate America to pet business ownership, the risk vs. reward of taking that route, and her experience manufacturing custom pet products. 

🌟 What “modern” means and how to cater to aesthetics, community, and trends to give millennial pet parents what they want. 

🌟 How Dani used TikTok to gain major exposure for her pet business and how it drove online sales. 

🌟 Dani’s advice for fellow pet business owners and why being a Pet Boss Club member was so important for her to pursue. 

“Modernizing” your pet business doesn’t mean you need a new identity… it just means you can find ways to cater to the pet parents of TODAY. This conversation with Dani will leave you buzzing with new ideas you can adapt to your own pet business! 

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In this episode, Candace and Amanda welcome you back for the next part of their Global Pet Expo 2024 major takeaways. They couldn’t cover everything in the first episode and have even MORE juicy insights to share! 

In this episode, they’re diving into:  

🌟 The “WOW Factor” at this year’s Global Pet Expo! They went above and beyond with immersive 3D environments and experiences that were the talk of the show floor. How can you apply this idea to your customer’s journey?

🌟 Technology and innovation! New tools like AI-powered assistants make it easier for your small business to compete with the big guys! 

🌟 More about the humanization of pets and how cats are claiming more of the spotlight than ever before, 

🌟 Diversity and inclusion in the pet industry. There was a focus on elevating voices and perspectives from people of color in the pet industry, and we LOVE to see it and support it! 👏

🌟 YOU as the face of your business. It’s time to leverage technology and social media to authentically connect with customers as the face of your brand! 

The ball is in your court, Pet Boss! Grab a notepad to keep track of these trends and how they can be applied in your own pet business to stand out, build connections, and drive success! 

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And while we didn’t leave with a tan, we did leave with something so much more valuable– insights into the latest innovations and trends in the pet industry! 

In this Global Pet Expo recap episode, Candace is joined by Pet Boss Nation’s Social Media Manager, Amanda Nelson, a newbie to Global, who has a very interesting point of view to bring to the table. 

You’ll hear more about: 

🌟 The educational sessions at Global Pet Expo, Candace’s sessions, and some of the amazing keynote speakers with official pet industry data to share. 

🌟 The difference maker an in-person event can be and how meeting with industry professionals and changemakers face-to-face can have such an impact on your career and business. 

🌟 The humanization of pets, what that looks like right now, and where the trends predict that could go. It’s a trend you must pay attention to, no matter your niche! 

🌟 The change in spending we’re seeing as we inch further away from 2020 and the impact it had on the industry, and the mindset you must have to adjust to the times and demand. 

🌟 And so much more! In fact, there’s so much more that we’ll be releasing part TWO of our major takeaways next week! 

Whether you were at Global Pet Expo or not, this episode is overflowing with ideas and viewpoints you’ll want to hear. You know it was a good one if we need TWO episodes to deliver all our takeaways! 

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The first-ever Connect, Canada's Pet Trade Expo. That's what!

The guest in this episode is Grant Crossman, the brain and drive behind this business-to-business trade show event coming to Niagara Falls Convention Center May 15th-16th, 2024. 

In this episode, Candace and Grant reveal everything you need to know about Connect, and why it's wise you make it a point to be there. You'll hear more about:

🐕 The inspiration behind creating Connect, Canada's Pet Trade Expo, and what sets it apart from other pet industry events.

🐕 Who will benefit most from attending, and spoiler... YOU might be on this list!

🐕 The BIG hitter featured speakers, and YES, Candace gets the go-ahead to name drop in this episode, so find out who she's talking about!

🐕 The unique aspects of Connect, including a raw showcase, games, cash prizes, and special promotions that highlight the event's focus on growth, innovation, and community building.

🐕 And so much more!

There's still time for you to make arrangements to be at Connect this May, but in case you need the facts first, we've got them right here for you! This is so much more than doing business... it’s about connecting, learning, and evolving in the pet industry together. So don't miss it!

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But then, before you know it, years have flown by.

Why does it feel like reaching the results you want in your pet business is not happening fast enough? 

This episode of the Boss Your Business Podcast is both reflective and insightful as Candace looks ahead to her upcoming birthday, how long she has been in the pet industry, and the timeline to success in her multiple pet businesses over the years.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

🎂 Stories of Pet Boss Club members and past clients who have persevered and it’s paid off big time. These businesses seem to have it all, but it didn’t happen overnight! 

🎂 The stages of the Pet Boss journey, how you can work through each level of entrepreneurship, and how to keep your focus when time in the business trenches seems to keep dragging.

🎂 What stage of business Pet Boss Nation is currently in, and everything it took too get it here. Yup, even the mistakes and things Candace could’ve done differently!

🎂 How celebrating every success along the way will build up your confidence and patience as a business owner. 

🎂 Why you can’t give up… because if not you, then who? If not now, then when? 

Another year around the sun and another perspective from Candace that will keep your pet passion fire FUELED. Would you mind using that fire to light her birthday candles?

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You’re about to find out what that is!

In this episode, Candace interviews Pet Boss Club member Tiah Rodriguez, owner of Super Tech Professional Pet Care Services in the Metro Atlanta area.

With over three decades of experience in the pet care and veterinary field, Tiah decided to take her expertise and turn it into a full-time entrepreneurial journey. But as you know, starting your own business is NOT for the faint of heart, so of course, she's faced some hurdles along the way!

Tune in to hear about:

🐈 Tiah's journey from aspiring veterinarian to vet tech-preneurship and how embracing her vet tech skills was the best move for her.

🐈 The difference a professional pet sitter can offer, especially one with vet tech experience, and what kind of peace of mind that can mean for pet parents.

🐈 How Tiah incorporates education on responsible pet ownership into her services, emphasizing vaccination histories, home safety, and more! (Plus, how she might've saved the life of one of her pet clients with her advice!) 

🐈 The benefits of mobile vet tech services in providing in-home care, which can be particularly valuable for pets that do not thrive in a clinic setting.

🐈 How joining the Pet Boss Club has transformed Tiah's business approach, including adjustments in pricing, packaging, and marketing strategies to serve her clients better.

Join Candace and Tiah for a deep dive into the heart of pet care entrepreneurship and discover how dedication, education, and a dash of creativity can lead to a fulfilling career!

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✨ An update on the new happenings inside the Pet Boss Club and what our members are LOVING about them, but more importantly…

✨ The essential business foundations Candace evaluates inside Pet Boss Nation and how YOU can do the same in your own pet business.

The truth is that no matter what kind of business you have– brick and mortar, online, product-based, service-based, etc.-- there are fundamental ideas that can help you run a more successful business.

At Pet Boss Nation, our CEO, Candace, is constantly evaluating those basic building blocks and looking at the BIGGER picture for how she can most effectively help more pet business owners.

She put her evaluation into ACTION at the beginning of this year, and this recap of what she’s doing differently will spur some BIG ideas for you and your business too!

In this episode, you’ll learn more about:

✅ The new and cool things happening inside the Pet Boss Club (like our current Six Week Kickstart Sprint!) and the WHY behind those ideas.

✅How we’re addressing overwhelm in the day-to-day of a pet business owner, and how YOU can eliminate the need to do everything at once. Small, manageable action makes the most progress!

✅How to evaluate your customer journey and create new and desired ways for your customers to connect with you, leading to better retention!

✅How to push past the “I don’t know how” fears and tackle optimizing systems in your pet business one step at a time.

✅ Having a CEO mindset that is laser-focused on the most important tasks and stays away from getting caught in the weeds of tasks that won’t get you anywhere fast.

✅So much more! (Including a secret link that can gain you immediate access to what you need in your pet business right now!🤫) 

If you’re curious about Candace’s decision-making process in Pet Boss Nation, you’ll get the inside scoop! Just grab a pen for note-taking and a CEO idea-brainstorm session! 

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In this episode, Candace and Pete dig deep into the crucial roles associations play in the pet industry, the upcoming Global Pet Expo, and strategies for overcoming barriers to pet ownership.

You’ll hear more about: 

🐕 Everything Pete brings to APPA with over 25 years of experience in the non-profit and association sphere, and how he is driving growth and cultivating a strong pet industry culture.

🐕 An insider's view on what to expect at the Global Pet Expo, happening March 20th-22nd in Orlando, including new additions you need to hear about! 

🐕 The comprehensive learning series offered at Global Pet Expo and the range of topics designed to set you up for pet business success.

🐕 How the Global Pet Expo is the prime opportunity for industry professionals to connect and collaborate, and how to make the most of it. 

🐕 APPA's initiatives to tackle common obstacles to pet ownership, their commitment to research and actionable insights, and more about their vision for the future!  

🐕 And so much more! 

Whether you're gearing up for the Global Pet Expo or looking to deepen your understanding of the pet industry's dynamics, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories from the big wig of ALL big wigs in the pet industry! Don’t miss it! 

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YOUR STORIES!

In this episode, Candace is diving into the power and emotional appeal of storytelling in your pet business’ marketing, and she invited a guest to share her thoughts on the topic– Pet Boss Nation’s copywriter, Cait Mellor.

Candace and Cait had a lot of fun discussing:

✨ The emotional impact behind connecting with your customers through your personal stories, and how you’ll find your most loyal fans by sharing them.

✨ Some of Candace’s personal stories, and how she has used personal experiences to inspire, relate to, and motivate others.

✨ How sometimes the stories we’re afraid to share are the ones that are the most genuinely relatable. As Candace says in the episode, “Make your mess your message!”

✨ How storytelling in your marketing and customer interactions can actually translate to sales.

✨ Practical, actionable tips for incorporating stories into your marketing. Start talking about yourself!

✨ And more! 

This episode is going to inspire a lot of marketing content, so take some notes and then ACT! The world wants to hear your story! 

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And now she’s a notable, award-winning T.V. star figure in the dog grooming world!

Yup, in this episode, Candace got the chance to interview Corina Stammworthy, the 2021 winner of ABC's "Pooch Perfect,” the founder of the Laundromutt, a self-service dog wash and grooming salon in New York, and the winner of the Barkleigh Honors award for contribution to the industry in 2020. 

Corina saw a gap in the self-wash world in her local community, and decided to fill it… and spark the beginning of her inspiring whirlwind journey in the pet industry!

 She’s paired her background in biology to contribute to the grooming education world in a very much-needed way, and today, you’re going to hear about the substantial impact she’s made in the dog grooming world.

In this episode, Candace and Corina discuss: 

🐕 Corina’s unexpected journey into the grooming industry, how her business has grown over the years, and what expansion looks like for her. 

🐕 Corina’s approach to leadership and how important it is to value her groomers’ expertise in her business 

🐕 Education in the dog grooming community, and how Corina used her knowledge to bring peace of mind and direction during a time of need in the industry. 

🐕 The absolutely surreal experience of winning “Pooch Perfect” and how that has impacted Corina’s career. 

🐕 And so. much. more! 

This episode has become one of Candace’s newest favorites, and for good reason! Corina has so much valuable insight to offer when it comes to pet business ownership, growth, leadership, education, and more. Don’t miss it! 

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This is *the* premier event where top-level executives from every segment of the pet industry community convene to network and discuss the future of the pet industry, and Candace loved EVERY minute of it… and of course, came back with some powerful takeaways to share with you!

Couldn’t make it to the Pet Industry Leadership Summit this year? No worries! In this episode, you’ll get a recap including:

✅ The epic teamwork of the American Pet Products Association. Pet Advocacy Network, the Pet Industry Distributors Association, and the World Pet Association to bring together the A-listers in the industry to have important conversations that will propel us forward together.

✅ Mixing a little bit of fun into your business-related trips, and how to step away from your business to assess how it runs without you there. 

✅ The top takeaways from each incredible keynote speaker, and where you can find more information (and inspiration!) from each. 

✅ Learning more about non-profit initiatives from organizations like HABRI, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, and Pets In The Classroom.

✅ Why it’s so important to visit conferences related to you and your business, and what you’ll get out of prioritizing it.

✅ And so much more! 

Ready to feel like you were at the Pet Industry Leadership Summit right alongside Candace? Just hit “play”! 

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Is there a nervous flutter in your stomach? Are you excited? Scared? Is it good? Bad?

In this episode of the Boss Your Business Podcast, we are riding that reviews rollercoaster with you and helping you navigate ALL of it– the good, the bad, the ugly, and the in-between. 🎢

In this episode, you’ll hear:

⭐ The statistics behind business reviews. How much do they matter? How does responding or not responding to them affect you? Is one bad review really the end of the world? Let’s look at the numbers!

⭐ Candace’s bad reviews. YUP, real bad reviews she got when she owned her pet businesses and some of the crazy stories behind them– like the review-turned-semi-stalker saga.

⭐ Practical tips on how to get more of those raving reviews and how to utilize them in your marketing. 

⭐ The emotional impact reviews can have on you as a business owner and how to have the right mindset when replying (and yes, you have to reply!)

⭐ Strategies for how to handle the bad ones (and maybe even turn them around and fix the relationship!)

⭐ And more! 

Buckle up, because talking about business reviews is a roller coaster of emotion, but it’s a ride we are NOT avoiding!

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Well... we were! We decided to switch things up and record this episode with a live audience on social media! It was so much fun to get REAL time feedback from our community members in the comments, PLUS, we covered a really important topic...

MOMENTUM. 🏃

How can you gain (and most importantly, KEEP) momentum in taking action in your pet business?

We've done a lot of thinking about this topic within Pet Boss Nation as we start a new year, and we are addressing it head on!

In this episode, Candace is joined by Maddie Shutts, our Creative Director, and Amanda Nelson, our Client Success and Community Manager.

You'll hear them discuss:

✔️ What to do when you aren't sure what to prioritize next in your business and where to turn for the help you need.

✔️ How Pet Boss Nation is tackling momentum this year, and how we plan to support our community members with the struggle to keep it rolling.

✔️ The power of PEOPLE who know what to say, what you're going through, and who can hold you accountable when you need it most.

✔️ And so much more!

PLUS, the added bonus is hearing feedback from live viewers who hung out while we recorded this episode! What a fun and creative switch-up for this magic momentum-making episode!

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Well, it’s NOT all rainbows, sunshine, and puppies all day long. THAT’S for sure.

But it IS exactly what today’s guest, Leann Dessauer, the Operations Manager of EarthWise Pet in Liberty Township, Ohio did three years ago. 

Leann was invited to come in and take over the day-to-day operations of her brother’s business, and quickly found that there were a lot of foundational pieces that needed some attention.

And here she is, three years later, completely BOSSING her days and helping the business and the team thrive with her perseverance.

In this episode, you’ll hear lessons from Leann that you might see a lot of yourself in, like:

🐾 What the nitty gritty details of your business financials can tell you, and how to work toward getting a hold of them.

🐾 How showing up in your marketing efforts can make a huge difference for your growth (and sometimes you need a little help because it’s exhausting to keep up!) 

🐾 The mindset MUST haves you need to keep going and celebrating your successes along the way, no matter how small. 

🐾 The realization that Leann had about one year into taking over the business, and why it’s ESSENTIAL that every business owner do this one thing to stay on track. 

🐾 How making a plan, even if it’s subject to change, is so important (and the tools you can use to make one!) 

🐾 And SO much more.

Leann is proof that steady progress wins the race, and when you surround yourself with the right support, the possibilities are ENDLESS. Give this one a listen to find out how you relate to Leann’s story! 

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Using the steady and strong business strategies that NEVER go “out of style,” AND…

Exploring what’s NEW. 

If you’re not growing, the bottom line is that, at some point, you may get left behind. This is why embracing new trends, investing in learning new skills, and choosing the “trends” that will best serve your pet business are so important.

In this episode, Candace is revealing a list of 5 trends she’s seeing in the pet industry that you will see stick around. 

These aren’t just quick fads– these are shifts in the behavior of consumers and the ways of the industry that, when adapted to, can enhance your customer experience and ultimately make you more money.

In this episode, you’ll hear more about:

✨AI and how you can use it in your marketing plan without sacrificing the human touch.

✨ Automation, improving your efficiencies, and leaving less room for error (while also making your job easier!)

✨ A quality experience and how you communicate it to your customers. 

✨ Emotional intelligence and doing the mindset work that will leave everyone around you feeling more fulfilled– from your customers to your team to YOU. 

✨ A seamless customer experience and utilizing various channels to achieve that. Are you easy to do business with?

Which of these trends is a MUST-implement for your pet business this year? Listen in to find out! 

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