• 146: Orientation Part One: Welcome To Pet Boss University Campus
    Sep 15 2024
    Are you ready for the BIG announcement?! Let’s hear a CHEER if you are! 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! View 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
  • 145: We Camp WAIT To Tell You About Camp Pet Boss 2024
    Sep 8 2024
    We WISH words alone could convey the experience we just had at Camp Pet Boss, and while this episode does a wonderful job of conveying what happened there… 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!) View 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
  • REPLAY: Self Care Isn’t Selfish: Tips for Avoiding Burnout As A Pet Business Owner
    Sep 1 2024
    September is Self Care Awareness Month, and we’ve been talking about it– in our emails, on our social accounts, in conversations with one another. 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. View 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
  • 144: How IndiePet is Empowering Independent Pet Businesses to Thrive
    Aug 25 2024
    How is IndiePet helping independent pet stores THRIVE in a market dominated by big box retailers?💪 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! View 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
  • 143: One Simple Change That Will Boost Your Sales By 7% Or More
    Aug 18 2024
    Ever wonder how a simple change could increase your pet business sales by 7% or more?! 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! View 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
  • 142: Metro Paws’ Inspiring Story of Poop, Passion, and Persistence
    Aug 11 2024
    Ever wonder how a broken poop bag could lead to a thriving pet product empire? 💩 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. 🙌 View 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
  • 141: Learn What Makes A Pet Business “America’s Coolest
    Aug 4 2024
    What does it take to build an award-winning pet business empire? 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! View 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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    46 mins
  • 140: Candace’s Pet Business Exit Strategy Secrets
    Jul 28 2024
    Ever wonder how a pet business owner who was $400K in debt turned it all around and sold multiple businesses for millions? 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!) View 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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    37 mins