Practical Pet Business

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into the realities of navigating uncertain times in the pet industry. From rising ingredient costs and sudden pricing shifts to the ripple effects of tariffs and supply chain disruptions, today’s challenges can hit fast—and last a long time. Learn how to proactively prepare your business, make informed decisions, and stay resilient for the benefit of both your bottom line and your customers. What should you be doing now? What factors should you be watching? Get practical, actionable insights to weather the storm—only on Practical Pet Business.

In this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob dive into the world of branding—what your company image says about you, why it matters, and how to make sure it sticks. Whether you're launching a pet product line or expanding your services, your brand is more than just a logo—it's your voice, your reputation, and your promise. They break down how costly and confusing rebranding can be, especially as your business grows, and why it’s essential to build a solid, recognizable brand from the start. Learn how thoughtful branding can drive recognition, deepen customer trust, and ultima...

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive deep into the importance of truly understanding your business from the inside out. They explore how to become more effective and efficient by getting clear on your costs, dialing in your P&L, and recognizing how the "small things" can lead to big expenses over time. Whether you're looking to tighten up your operations or simply get smarter about your numbers, this episode is packed with insights that can help you run a more profitable, sustainable pet business. All this and more—tune in!

The Pros & Pitfalls of Private Labeling In this episode, Lorin and Rob dive into the world of private labeling—also known as white labeling—and explore what it really means for a business looking to grow its brand. From boosting brand presence and awareness to the potential challenges and risks, they break down everything you need to consider before jumping into a private label strategy. Is it the right move for your business? Will your customers see you as a trusted authority in this space? Tune in as they unpack these questions and more to help you make an informed deci...

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, hosts Lorin and Rob dive into the world of pet industry tradeshows. They explore the significance of these events and why they are crucial for your business growth. From planning and budgeting for show specials to maximizing your resources and ensuring your participation delivers a solid return, Lorin and Rob provide invaluable tips to help you make the most of every tradeshow experience. Tune in for insights that will make your next tradeshow a success—whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro. All this and more on Practical Pet Business!

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob tackle one of the most common questions aspiring pet entrepreneurs ask: "I want to start a pet business, is it difficult?" They dive into the realities of launching and running a pet business, covering the challenges, the costs, and the profound impact it can have on your life. With a focus on balancing passion over profits, they explore the ups and downs of starting a business in the pet industry and what you need to consider before taking the plunge. While it’s not a decision to be taken lightly, th...

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into the concept of Uniqueness — how you're showcasing yourself and presenting your brand identity. They explore what uniqueness means for a store brand and a product brand, and how to align your offerings with your customers' profiles. They also discuss how to identify products that resonate with your brand identity and are valuable to both you and your customers. Standing out as a store is just as crucial as standing out with your products. From customer interactions to product variety and niche offerings, the episode highlights the importance of bu...

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, hosts Lorin and Rob explore the delicate balance between competition and opportunity. They discuss why it's essential to carve out your own unique identity in the pet business world and how to nurture it for long-term success. The duo also dives into the significance of seasonality, calendaring, and adapting your approach to stay ahead. Plus, they ask the important question: Are you the difference you need to stand out from the competition? Tune in for actionable insights and thought-provoking discussions on how to elevate your pet business to the next level on this...

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into the ever-changing world of social media hot products. They explore how to assess if these trending items are the right fit for your store and share tips on tracking what's gaining traction in the market. The duo also reflects on the lessons they've learned over the years when it comes to trendy products and the importance of creating dynamic shopping experiences for pet parents. With emotional purchasing playing a significant role in consumer decisions, they discuss how to tap into that and boost sales. Plus, Lorin can't help...

In this weeks episode, Lorin and Rob discuss the pressures of Direct To Consumer competition, approaches to drive customer and brand loyalts, Navigating changes that come up seemingly out of nowhere and remembering that your knowledge is your value. Join Lorin and Robert in this Business Edition of Practical Pet Chat, where they dive into the latest trends and issues affecting the pet industry. Whether you’re a retailer, vendor, manufacturer, or simply someone interested in the business side of the pet world, this podcast is for you. In this episode, they discuss the significant shifts that have accelerated recently, in...