Pet Boss® Podcast with Candace

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...

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 trai...

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 nee...

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...

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 "tur...

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 ge...

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, l...

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!

...

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...

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 jus...

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 manufactu...

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.

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...

🎄 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...

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...

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 sitter...

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 tha...

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 t...

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.

Th...

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 ep...

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:

🐕...

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...

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

✂️ Pr...

Want your pet business to stand out from the big box stores? 🏆

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 quic...

The tariff situation is changing rapidly, and it's already affecting your pet business - whether you realize it or not! 📊

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 supp...

Tired of having to micromanage or do it all yourself because your team "just doesn't get it"? 🙄

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...

"Where ARE all the good employees?!" 🧐

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 t...

Candace just returned from Global Pet Expo 2025 in Orlando and this episode is a full insider breakdown of the experience! 🌴

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 c...

Getting a bank loan for your pet business doesn't have to feel like solving a mystery! 💰

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 mig...

Candace welcomes a retail LEGEND on this episode of the Pet Boss Podcast! 🙌

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...

What’s a business plan, and do you need one?! 

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, sh...

Ever wonder how successful pet stores manage all those loyalty programs and manufacturer deals without completely losing their minds? 

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 th...

Imagine showing up to your grooming job one day only to be met by the landlord of the building telling you to get out... 

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 mob...

Who's escaping to sunny Orlando in a few weeks?! ☀️

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...

The Pet Boss Podcast's first-ever live virtual audience recording?! Yes, please!

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, vulnera...

Are you ready for the AI revolution? 

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 a...

Ready for the comeback of the YEAR?!

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 ex...

Happy LOVE month! 💖

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...

Happy LOVE month! 💖

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...

Happy LOVE month! 💖

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...