The Daily Groomer

After Hours Episode #94: In this episode of After Hours, I sit down with Perry Q—aka “Perry from BioGroom”. We chat about the world of trade shows, grooming competitions, and what it really takes to find your place in the grooming industry. From the behind-the-scenes hustle to dealing with self-doubt and building a business you actually enjoy, it’s a laid-back conversation full of stories, insights, and a few laughs along the way. Whether you’re deep in the industry or just curious about it, there’s a lot to take away from this one.

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I sit down with Xavier Sanchez of Fluff 'n' Buff in East Austin to share his journey from side hustles and DIY dog tubs to running a successful grooming salon. We discuss building better systems, using social media to attract real clients, and finding pricing strategies that support long-term growth. A practical conversation for groomers looking to grow their business.

Timestamps

08:33 Modern Grooming Business Insights

15:47 Passion vs. Business in Grooming

19:40 Social...

After Hours Episode #93: In this episode of After Hours, it’s just me, Shannon, I get real about accountability, why self-awareness matters, and how our mentality shapes everything in the grooming world. We chat about industry drama, wild stories from the salon, raising prices without losing your mind, and how to handle negativity like a boss. I even answer some live questions about keeping your energy strong in a corporate setting. If you’re ready for honesty, laughs, and some straight-up advice, this one’s for you!

After Hours Episode #92: In this episode of After Hours, I’m hanging out with Axel the Groomer Guy and we’re keeping it super real—talking all things “Slow Groomers Gang,” why taking your time matters, and the wild stuff that goes down behind the scenes at trade shows. We get into doodle drama, those double coated dogs, handling tough client convos, and even a bit of industry beef (no holds barred after hours!). If you want honest groomer talk, some laughs, and lots of real-life advice, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in!

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I sit down with my friend Shannon Taylor, founder of Wonder Washers, a woman-led mobile grooming business in Palm Springs. We talk about Shannon’s journey from managing a furniture store to building a thriving grooming company with her family, the challenges of learning grooming from scratch, and balancing business with passion for pets. Shannon shares her best strategies for keeping her vans fully booked, setting boundaries as a new business owner, and building a loyal team. If you’re focused on strengthening your grooming business, there’s a lot...

After Hours Episode #91: In this episode of After Hours, I’m sharing my top three grooming rules, why energy matters, and why it’s never the dog’s fault. We’ll talk about belly bands, handling tips, potty breaks, and how to get fully booked. Plus, why solid business policies are a game changer. I’m also spilling the truth on pet industry regs and products—no fluff, just the real deal. It’s an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what goes down at the grooming table, with a little fun and smack talk mixed in!

After Hours Episode #90: In this episode of After Hours, I hang out with my girl Arielle “Teddy” Schroder and we get real about the ups and downs of grooming the so-called “difficult” dogs. We share stories about handling aggressive pups, chat about why communication (with both dogs and humans) is everything, and share how being a little neurospicy actually helps us thrive in this biz. If you’ve ever felt alone dealing with tough grooms, trust me—you’re not! Tune in for some laughs, hard truths, and plenty of support from your grooming fam.

After Hours Episode #89: In this episode of After Hours, I’m answering your mailbag questions—raspy voice and all. We talk about groomer burnout, why energy matters so much in the salon, how to price different types of grooms, and why it’s time to stop apologizing to clients. I also share some daily affirmations and mindset reminders to keep you grounded and motivated. If you’re feeling stretched thin, stuck with your schedule, or just need a little perspective, this episode is here to remind you of your value and help you keep moving forward in your grooming career.<

After Hours Episode #88: In this episode of After Hours, I’m hanging out with Brianna Wellendorf—one of my favorite people in the grooming world—and we get into everything from confidence and being real online to what it’s actually like running a grooming business and teaching new groomers. Bri talks honestly about her journey, the highs and lows, and why energy and authenticity matter so much. We also share some funny stories, talk about supporting the underdogs, and laugh our way through a few wild Vegas memories. If you’re into real conversations and good vibes, this one’s for

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I sit down with Shaina Denny, co-founder and CEO of Dog Drop, a modern, convenience-first dog daycare. We dive into how their flex-daycare model is shaking up pet care and why Shaina is all about doing one thing really well. She shares her tips on scaling a franchise, streamlining operations, picking the right locations, and why memberships are a game-changer in pet services. Whether you’re in the industry or just love dogs, this episode is full of smart insights and inspiring ideas for building a standout brand.

After Hours Episode #87: In this episode of After Hours, it’s just you and me talking shop about what really matters—raising prices the right way, knowing your worth as a groomer, and handling tough client situations. I break down why clear policies and boundaries are non-negotiable and how confidence plays a big role in running a successful grooming business. It’s real talk, practical advice, and a little tough love to help you grow behind the table and beyond.

After Hours Episode #86: In this episode of After Hours, I’m hanging out with Donny and Rita Buckenmeyer, and we cover a little bit of everything—from grooming and working together as partners to confidence, personal growth, and real life behind the scenes. We swap some pretty funny client stories, talk about competition nerves, balancing family with grooming, and what it’s really like trying to show up online. There’s talk of learning new techniques, mobile grooming chaos, social anxiety, and a whole lot of honest conversation. It’s a fun, real, no-filter episode with plenty of laughs and takeaw...

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I chat with Winn Claybaugh, dean and co-founder of Paul Mitchell Schools, about his journey from barely graduating high school to building the biggest beauty school network. We talk hustle, building a strong team culture, and smart systems that actually work. Winn also dives into why putting people first is key to long-term success and why the pet grooming world is ready for big growth. Full of passion, insight, and practical advice—you won’t want to miss it!

Timestamps

11:53 Building a Qu...

After Hours Episode #85: In this episode of After Hours, I’m taking a moment to look back on an unforgettable year of The Daily Groomer After Hours. I reflect on the incredible guests who joined me, the personal and professional growth that came with the year, and the lessons that really stuck—showing up as yourself, taking care of your energy, and moving forward with intention. I also share what’s ahead for 2026 and why this community continues to mean so much to me. Let’s close out the year together and head into what’s next with clarity and confid

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I’m joined by Carrie Ward, a military veteran whose life took a major turn thanks to her bond with a dog named Scooby—and an unexpected $20,000 gift from a mentor who believed in her. We talk about her path from battling adversity and depression to building both a mobile grooming business and a thriving brick-and-mortar shop. Carrie opens up about resilience, gratitude, leadership, and why paying it forward matters so much in this industry. It’s an inspiring story about purpose, community, and finding hope in the toughe...

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I’m joined by Elizabeth Gibbs as she shares her journey from washing her childhood dog to building Barkwood—a luxury grooming brand now featuring multiple mobile vans and a brick-and-mortar salon. We talk through her early days at Petsmart, the lessons she picked up while working with Jess Rona in LA, the challenges of launching and funding her own business, and how she’s scaled while keeping her standards sky-high. Elizabeth opens up about pricing, facing fears, and the power of a strong team. This one’s full of...

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I sit down with Greg Thomas—a multi-unit franchise owner who’s built an impressive career, starting out delivering water and eventually running dozens of businesses, including his newest venture, Salty Dog Pet Grooming. We dig into his humble beginnings, how he turns struggling businesses around, what it takes to build a loyal team, and the simple, low-cost marketing strategies he actually uses. Whether you’re launching your first salon or looking to scale, Greg brings real numbers, real talk, and a few wild stories about growing big withou...

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I sit down with Michelle Ayala, solo owner of Filthy Gorgeous Grooming in Albuquerque, to talk about what it really takes to build lasting client loyalty. Michelle shares how she kept her mobile grooming business going after a major surgery forced her to step away for three months. We get into setting boundaries, having honest conversations with clients, making tough calls, and planning financially for the unexpected. Her story is a real look at the resilience behind the scenes—and how strong relationships can carry your business through ha...

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In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, chat with Brandon Pedro—a young entrepreneur balancing college, semi-pro soccer, and helping run his family’s successful dog grooming business, PCoCo’s, in Coppell, Texas. We get into how Brandon built their standout social media presence, the strategy behind viral content, and his top tips for groomers looking to document their journey, connect with their community, and stay consistent online. He also shares how family and culture inspire the heart of the business. Whether you're new to social or ready to level up, Brandon’s advice is practica...

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In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I sit down with Tammi Bui, the owner of Wishbone Pet Care in Houston, to talk about how she built a full-service pet care business from the ground up—without any grooming experience to start. We get into what it’s really like to offer grooming, boarding, daycare, training, and wellness all in one place, and how she’s structured her team to keep things running smoothly. Tammi shares honest insights about growing beyond grooming and what it takes to add new services in a sustainable way. If you're...

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I had a great conversation with Josh Fitzgerald, the new CEO of Zoom and Grooming, about his journey from franchise owner to leading a national mobile grooming brand. We talk about what it really takes to grow a successful grooming business, the value of authentic customer service, and some of the challenges new franchisees face. Josh also shares his vision for the future of the company. For groomers, business owners, or anyone who loves stories, this episode is worth it.

Timestamps

04:47...

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I’m chatting with Rebecka Star, owner of Pampered Paws Grooming in Palmer Lake, Colorado. She shares her story of growing from mobile grooming into a successful brick-and-mortar shop, and all the lessons that came with it. We talk about building a strong team, encouraging ongoing education, and handling the tough stuff like pricing and staff management. Rebecka keeps it real—whether it's setting boundaries to avoid burnout or having honest conversations about raises with her team and clients. If you’re in the grooming world, there’s a lot he...

After Hours Episode #84: In our latest episode of After Hours, I had an awesome sit-down with Jonathan David to chat about everything grooming. We talked about our recent trip to Hershey, the rumors flying around the industry, and what really happens behind the scenes with competition judging. There was some trade show drama, lots of laughs, and even a few wild stories from Australia and TikTok. Jonathan also shared the sweet story behind surprising his husband with a golden retriever. Super real, unfiltered, and honestly one of my favorite convos yet.

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I’m chatting with Heidi McRannells, the founder of The Colorful K9 in Sioux Falls. We get into the world of creative grooming and what it really takes to build a successful salon from the ground up. Heidi opens up about everything from pay structure and employee handbooks to finding your niche and standing out in a crowded market. She’s super honest about the challenges too—like pricing, hiring, and keeping clients happy. No matter where you’re at in your grooming journey, there’s something in here you’l...

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I sat down with Aaron Voyden, the founder of Cobblestone Creek, to hear how he went from working as a vet tech to becoming an award-winning groomer with a focus on special-needs and often overlooked animals. We talked about what it’s really like working with pets that are anxious, aggressive, or aging, and how understanding animal behavior plays a huge role in grooming. Aaron also shared how he trains his team to tune into each animal’s unique needs. Groomer or not, you'll find something worth hearing in A...

After Hours Episode #83: In our latest episode of After Hours, it’s just me, Shannon, getting into the difference between perception and perspective, and how both play a big role in how we see ourselves, not just as groomers, but as people. I’m sharing a bit of my own journey with self-image and confidence, along with the mindset shifts and steps that have helped me grow. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or you're just curious about how to show up as your best self, I’ve got some honest thoughts and practical tips that might just hit home...

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I’m chatting with Rebacah Murchie, owner of Dockside Doggies in Tarpon Springs, Florida. We talk about how she went from grooming dogs as a teenager to running her own successful salon, her thoughtful approach to working with anxious pets, and how she’s built a business focused on natural, compassionate care. Rebacah also shares practical tips for anyone thinking about opening a grooming shop. Whether you’re in the pet world or just love a good small business story, there’s a lot to take away from this one...

After Hours Episode #82: In our latest episode of After Hours, I sat down with Trisha Bowen to talk about the real side of grooming life. She shared how she kind of stumbled into the industry, went from not being a dog person at all to eventually teaching others, and of course—we got into some of the wildest client stories (yes, there’s one involving a smoothie to the face). We also talked about being left-handed in a right-handed world, why a good support system matters, and how we each define success in this line of work. It’s an hon...

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I’m joined by Anurag Gandhi, who made a big shift—from a decade in the corporate world at companies like Apple and Nike to starting his own pet care business, Wolfgang Bakery and Grooming, right here in Seattle. We talk about what it really took to make that leap, from starting a franchise and hiring a team, to the day-to-day of running a grooming shop and building lasting relationships with clients. If you’re thinking about opening your own business or just curious about what it’s like beh...

After Hours Episode #81: In our latest episode of After Hours, I’m getting real about something we all need but rarely make time for—protecting your energy. I talk about what it really means to grow, set boundaries (yes, even at work), and take care of yourself without guilt. I open up about some of my own challenges with burnout and learning to hold myself accountable. Plus, I’ve got a simple challenge for you: just 10 minutes a day for you. I’ll even walk you through a quick five-minute grounding meditation you can use to start or wind down you...

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I’m joined by Crystal Gonzalez, the owner of Pooch à la Mode in Chicago. Crystal talks about how she bought and completely transformed a grooming salon—not just once, but twice. We get into the importance of perceived value, how she’s rethought staffing by creating specialized roles, and why branding has been key to building a high-end, profitable business. If you're looking for fresh ideas to level up your salon and stand out in the industry, this episode is full of practical insights.

Times...

After Hours Episode #80: In our latest episode of After Hours, I catch up with the amazing Sue Zecco to talk about her long and inspiring journey in the grooming world. We get into how the industry has changed over the years, how she's dealt with challenges like surgery and burnout, and why taking care of yourself matters more than ever. Sue also opens up about navigating social media as a seasoned pro, managing tough clients, and the importance of staying connected with the grooming community. She shares some honest insights on growth, mentorship, and what really keeps the heart...

After Hours Episode #79: In our latest episode of After Hours, I’m hanging out with the one and only Laura Jane! We get real about everything from taking care of ourselves (inside and out) to the messy, hilarious truth of aging, mental health, and why groomers need to put themselves first for once. We chat about meditation, goofy self-care routines, Gen Z skincare, and making time for YOU—even if it’s just ten minutes. If you want to laugh, relate, and pick up some feel-good vibes, this is the episode for you!

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I sit down with my good friend Nick Diamond—aka Nikki Dimes—founder of Chubbs Mobile Grooming in Paradise Valley, Arizona. We dive into his unique path from baseball and the corporate world to launching a successful mobile grooming business inspired by his late dog, Chubbs. Nick opens up about his hands-on business philosophy, creative marketing strategies, and how he built a loyal client base from the ground up. He also shares candid stories, lessons from early missteps, and why he believes grooming is one industry that’s here t...

After Hours Episode #78: In our latest episode of After Hours — it’s a mailbag edition! I’m answering your questions on everything from handling anxiety in the salon to helping clients stick to a four-week grooming schedule, and ways to boost your income as a mobile groomer. I’ll share honest insights on self-care, setting boundaries, and positioning yourself as a luxury service provider. Plus, I’ll highlight some upcoming grooming shows and remind you to keep your essentials well-stocked. Let’s get into it!

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I had the chance to chat with Samantha Hoffmann, the powerhouse behind BYOP in Staten Island. From a childhood love of animals to studying behavior and building a thriving grooming salon, her journey is anything but ordinary. We get into how she made the leap from pet store owner to full-time groomer, what it’s really like managing a team of 12, and how she’s adapted through big changes—like COVID, restructuring pay, and shaping a strong, supportive team culture. If you're growing your grooming business or just love h...

After Hours Episode #77: In our latest episode of After Hours, I’m hanging out with my good friend Jessica Clark for a real, unfiltered conversation. We talk about the Barkleigh Awards—nominations, the whole self-promo thing, and giving props to people who deserve it. We also share some trade show stories, get into the messiness of industry drama, and open up about dealing with self-doubt and setting boundaries. Plus, a few laughs about mullets, Cheeto hands, and why Golden Girls is the ultimate trade show wind-down!

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I chat with Shannon Cox, owner of Shannon’s Pretty Paws and a 2024 Top Grooming Business winner. Shannon’s known for her work with anxious and “difficult” dogs, and we get into how she builds trust with them, supports her clients through the process, and comes up with creative solutions for tough grooming situations. She also shares her approach to setting boundaries, maintaining strong client relationships, and running a salon where dogs feel genuinely safe. If you’re a groomer who works with challenging cases—or just looking for down-to...

After Hours Episode #77: In our latest episode of After Hours, I’m back after a month-long break and diving into what real growth actually looks like. Spoiler: it’s not always easy or clean. I’m sharing some personal stories—the wins, the setbacks, and everything in between. We get into why enthusiasm has been a quiet superpower for me, how vulnerability plays a bigger role than most people think, and why taking time to pause is sometimes the most powerful move. Whether you're in the grooming industry or just figuring life out, this one’s about keeping it real.

Summary

In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I talk with Gretchen McManus, founder of Rover Done Over, about how she grew her Tampa-based mobile grooming business from a single van to a fleet of eleven. She shares the strategies that helped her scale—like building a strong team, retaining groomers, and creating systems that actually work. We also get into the lessons she’s learned through industry shifts and why she’s thinking carefully about franchising.

Timestamps

07:23 Dynamic Truck Assignment System

11:09 Grooming Service Congestion Relief

20:0...