All tagged business growth
How do you build a pet care business that stands the test of time while staying rooted in your core values? Amy Munns, owner of Leash 4 Lease, shares how she has successfully grown her company over 24 years by focusing on honesty, reliability, and professionalism. Through the challenges of balancing a team, client relationships, and evolving industry standards, Amy stayed true to her mission: providing high-quality pet care with a personal touch. She leveraged her values to guide decisions during difficult times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, and even turned those moments into opportunities to serve her community through initiatives like a pet food drive. By embracing open-mindedness, trusting her instincts, and empowering her team to shine, Amy has built a business defined by passion and purpose. Her story reminds us that staying authentic, even in the face of challenges, is the key to building a business you truly love.
How does consistency impact the long-term success of your pet care business? We explore why steady, reliable actions build stronger client trust and sustainable growth compared to short bursts of intense effort. Common pitfalls such as burnout and inconsistency are discussed, along with practical strategies to avoid them, including clear SOPs and effective habit stacking. From maintaining internal motivation to knowing when to delegate, we cover the essential components to ensure your consistency remains manageable and impactful. Plus, we share personal insights on how focusing on daily, repeatable tasks has significantly improved our business.
How do you build a thriving business while staying true to its legacy? Lauren Dunkle, owner of The Pet Lady, shares how she transformed her aunt’s long-standing pet care business into her own while honoring its foundation. She opens up about the struggles of hiring and staff turnover, the transition from independent contractors to employees, and the power of clearly defined roles and SOPs. Lauren also discusses the emotional challenges of business ownership, from self-doubt to burnout, and how she reignited her passion by embracing new learning opportunities. Her story is a powerful example of how growth, structure, and personal fulfillment can coexist in a pet care business.
What does the future of pet sitting and dog walking look like in a rapidly evolving industry? Collin sits down with four industry leaders—Morgan Weber, Doug Keeling, Michelle Kline, and Daniel Reitman—to talk about the changing landscape of pet care. They explore the challenges of economic uncertainty, competition with tech-driven platforms, and the impact of private equity entering the industry. The conversation highlights the importance of balancing automation with personal relationships, professionalizing businesses, and maintaining strong core values. Ultimately, they all agree that the next 30 years of the industry will be shaped by how pet sitters and dog walkers step up today.
How do you go from burnout to building a thriving pet care business? In this episode, Angela Watts of Pawsitive Dawg Walking shares her journey of navigating personal and professional challenges while scaling her business. She discusses the importance of building a strong management team, creating effective SOPs, and empowering employees to take ownership. Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, Angela’s insights will inspire you to streamline operations, support your team, and grow with purpose.
Is your pet business running you instead of the other way around? Jo Moorecroft and Vicky Davies from Canine Business Academy join us to share their expertise on building intentional, sustainable, and fulfilling pet care businesses. We discuss the power of defining your business purpose, creating win-win client relationships, and avoiding common pitfalls like burnout and disorganization. Learn actionable steps to shift from survival mode to thriving mode while maintaining exceptional care standards.
What’s holding you back from making the changes your business needs? Fear of the unknown can keep us stuck in outdated pricing, ineffective policies, and stale marketing strategies. In this episode we tackle the fears that prevent pet sitters from evolving, from raising rates to implementing new policies. We discuss how to test small changes, embrace iterative improvements, and reframe failure as a learning opportunity. If you’ve been hesitant to make a big decision in your business, this episode will help you push past the fear and take action.
How do you transform your business into one that works for you? In this episode, Corinne Moore, owner of Paws and Claws Pet Service and founder of Pawsome Metrics, shares how data-driven decisions helped her streamline services and reclaim balance. From navigating the challenges of purchasing a family business to making tough choices like cutting underperforming services, Corinne opens up about the power of metrics in creating a sustainable and fulfilling company. She emphasizes the importance of aligning business operations with personal and professional goals while empowering her team to thrive. Whether you’re looking to refine your services or improve work-life balance, Corinne’s story is a reminder that change starts with knowing your numbers.
How do you grow a pet care business while staying true to your values? Ruby Ballesteros, owner of Ruby Red’s Pet Care, shares how she maintained her standards during tough times, leading to a surge of new clients and stronger relationships with her community. She leveraged local TV segments to educate the public about professional pet care and collaborated with small businesses to promote their services through her newsletters. By embracing opportunities and pushing herself out of her comfort zone, Ruby grew personally and professionally, while elevating her business. Her story is an inspiring example of how staying authentic and community-focused can lead to sustainable success.
How do you build lasting trust with your clients while staying true to yourself? In this episode, Catherine Oury, owner of Ladybug Pet Care, shares how authenticity has been the cornerstone of her success as a solo pet sitter. From managing client expectations for overnight stays to setting boundaries for a better work-life balance, Catherine opens up about the lessons she’s learned in over five years of business. She highlights the importance of fostering genuine, long-term relationships with clients and tailoring services to align with personal and professional values. Whether you’re a solo sitter or managing a team, Catherine’s story offers powerful insights on balancing passion with sustainable growth.
Ever feel like the stress of competition overshadows the joy of your work? Amy Addington, President and Co-Founder of Woofie’s, shares her 20-year journey from a $10 dog walk to leading a thriving pet care franchise. Amy dives into the power of relationships in business, how to build trust with clients, and the importance of staying flexible in a changing industry. She also unpacks the challenges and rewards of franchising, the role of branding in maintaining consistency, and why networking—even with competitors—is essential. Full of insights and actionable tips, this episode will inspire you to lead with heart and build a pet care business that thrives on trust and connection.
Are you ready to take control of your motivation and redefine success in your pet care business? In this episode, we explore the importance of recognizing your hard work and celebrating wins, even when no one else is watching. We dive into how building trust with clients and staying aligned with your mission can fuel your drive. From reflecting on your values to embracing the challenges of serving others, we share practical tips to keep your momentum strong throughout the year. Tune in to discover how self-recognition can empower you to build a business you’re truly proud of.
How do you turn everyday dog walks into safe, enriching adventures? Mo Thompson, owner of Mo Mountain Mutts, explores her unique approach to dog walking, training, and pack dynamics. Mo shares how she uses structured training, reliable recall, and intentional programs to create off-leash adventures that build confidence and control. She also dives into the importance of clear client communication, adaptability, and continual improvement in running a successful pet care business.
How do you avoid letting the present overshadow the past and future in your business? In this episode, we dive into the concept of recency bias and its impact on decision-making. We discuss how relying solely on recent experiences can lead to emotional exhaustion, poor decisions, and skewed priorities. By balancing intuition with data, setting clear boundaries, and reviewing long-term trends, you can make more informed choices for your business. Overcoming recency bias is essential for building a thoughtful, sustainable, and successful business.
Ever wondered what it takes to build unwavering trust with clients in the pet care industry? Dan Reitman, owner of Dan’s Pet Care discusses into his journey of building a trusted pet care brand. Dan shares his evolution from a solo dog walker to managing a large-scale business that includes daycare and kennel-free boarding, emphasizing the importance of maintaining client trust throughout. We explore his challenges in deciding when to keep things in-house versus partnering, as well as his commitment to ensuring high standards of care in an increasingly competitive industry. Dan also opens up about overcoming personal and business-related fears, pushing himself to learn and grow continuously. This conversation is a deep dive into why trust remains the ultimate asset in pet services and how it can drive sustainable success.
Are you truly making the most of your local presence? In this episode, Fernando Vargas, owner of Florida Digital Center, shares how small businesses can achieve “neighborhood fame” by focusing on community engagement and strategic marketing. We explore the importance of optimizing your customer journey, setting up a Google Business Listing, and building strong local partnerships. Fernando emphasizes that branding and advertising require different approaches but work best together to create lasting impact. If you want to grow your local reputation and connect more effectively with your community, this episode is packed with practical tips.
Is your business helping you achieve your personal goals, or just financial ones? Doug Keeling, owner of Bad to the Bone Pet care, shares about hiring administrative help and defining team roles. We discuss how to delegate effectively, build trust with your team, and promote from within. Doug emphasizes the importance of aligning your business with your personal values for long-term success. If you want to grow your business while maintaining balance, this episode is a must-listen!
In this episode, we explore seven key strategies for ending the year well, including reflecting on surprises, analyzing client feedback, and adjusting your pricing to better align with your goals. We also emphasize the importance of refining your marketing efforts and streamlining operations to enhance efficiency. Listen in to learn how to make 2025 your best year yet, starting right now!
How can client feedback shape your business? Vanessa Williams, owner of Vanessa's Pet Sitting Services, shares her journey from part-time pet sitting to building a full-time business fueled by client confidence. We dive into the importance of setting boundaries, not only to maintain professionalism but also to foster trust with clients. Vanessa also opens up about hiring her first employee, the challenges of releasing control, and the joy of seeing her business grow. With insights on leveraging social media for client engagement and staying true to her values, Vanessa offers a roadmap for anyone looking to thrive in pet care.
Ever wondered how your business would handle a crisis or negative review? In this episode, we dive into the world of strategic communication with experts Keema Echols and Lauren Cain of Ethel Clark Services. Together, we explore how we can navigate crises, build strong client relationships, and maintain brand consistency. Keema and Lauren share actionable tips on using AI tools for effective messaging and managing negative publicity with professionalism and grace. If you're looking to strengthen your communication strategy and protect your business reputation, this episode is a must-listen!
