Episodes

  • 191: From Solo Pet Sitter to Building the Largest Pet Network in the Midwest

    191: From Solo Pet Sitter to Building the Largest Pet Network in the Midwest
    Jul 6 2025
    What do you do when you realize you can't help every single dog owner in your city alone? 🤔 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
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    32 mins
  • 190: The Messy Truth About Opening a Pet Business (Behind Closed Doors)

    190: The Messy Truth About Opening a Pet Business (Behind Closed Doors)
    Jun 29 2025
    Ever wondered what it REALLY takes to open a brick and mortar pet business from scratch? 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
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    30 mins
  • 189: Stop Spinning, Start Wining: Your 3-Step Framework for Q3 and Q4 Domination

    189: Stop Spinning, Start Wining: Your 3-Step Framework for Q3 and Q4 Domination
    Jun 22 2025
    Feeling like you're not where you thought you'd be halfway through 2025? 💪 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
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    33 mins
  • 188: From Garage Grooming to 8-Week Waitlist: A Small Town Success Story

    188: From Garage Grooming to 8-Week Waitlist: A Small Town Success Story
    Jun 15 2025
    Get ready for one of the most emotional and inspiring episodes we've ever recorded! 🥺💪 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
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    24 mins
  • 187: The Event Strategy That Makes This Pet Cafe the “Starbucks for Dogs”

    187: The Event Strategy That Makes This Pet Cafe the “Starbucks for Dogs”
    Jun 8 2025
    What happens when a seasoned pet sitter loses her business during COVID but refuses to give up on her passion for pets? 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
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    26 mins
  • 186: Pet Boss Unhinged: Wild Stories from the Pet Business Trenches

    186: Pet Boss Unhinged: Wild Stories from the Pet Business Trenches
    Jun 1 2025
    Ever think your pet business experiences are totally unhinged? Think again! 😂😅 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
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    33 mins
  • 185: From Concept to Creation: Dante & Dory's Brand Journey [Behind Closed Doors Series]

    185: From Concept to Creation: Dante & Dory's Brand Journey [Behind Closed Doors Series]
    May 25 2025
    Ready to peek behind the curtain of some serious brand magic? 🎨✨ 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! Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog
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    39 mins
  • 184: 30 Money-Making Ideas in 30 Minutes to Supercharge Your Pet Business Profits

    184: 30 Money-Making Ideas in 30 Minutes to Supercharge Your Pet Business Profits
    May 18 2025
    We're almost halfway through 2025... how are your sales looking? 👀 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
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    34 mins