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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As Dante & Dory's approaches their grand opening, Candace is sharing the behind-the-scenes decisions that are shaping her new pet destination. 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! Transcript Show Notes

Ever wondered what happens when you put three pet business owners on stage with rapid-fire business scenarios and let a live audience judge their answers? 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! Transcript Show Notes

What happens when an 8-year partnership suddenly explodes and threatens your biggest community event just months before it's supposed to happen?! 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. Transcript Show Notes

Tired of watching customers scan your products and find them cheaper online? 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. Transcript Show Notes

Have you ever wondered what pet business managers really need to succeed? 🧐 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! Transcript Show Notes

Ever feel like your business projects are taking FOREVER? 🕐 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. Transcript Show Notes

🎄 Christmas in July Special: Q4 Planning Replay! 🎄 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 Transcript Show Notes

Ready to unlock a revenue stream that can't be replicated online? 💰 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. ⁠⁠Transcript⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Show Notes⁠⁠  Join Us Online ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find us on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Read our Blog⁠

What 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

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

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