603: The Mission of Midwest Pet Sitter Affiliates with Kristin Holzapfel

603: The Mission of Midwest Pet Sitter Affiliates with Kristin Holzapfel

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What does local collaboration mean in 2025 and beyond? Why should pet sitters care about it? Kristin Holzapfel, founder of Midwest Pet Sitter Affiliates, joins us to share her journey of building a thriving community of pet sitters across the Midwest. She talks about the importance of educating both pet sitters and clients, how to move beyond third-party platforms, and why fostering an open-minded, collaborative culture matters for the future of the pet care industry. We cover how local organizations can raise industry standards, support professional growth, and create lasting connections that benefit sitters, clients, and communities alike.

602: From Pastels to Pet Care: Crafting a Lasting Legacy

602: From Pastels to Pet Care: Crafting a Lasting Legacy

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How can a centuries-old art supply company teach us about running a pet care business? This episode draws lessons from La Maison du Pastel in Paris, a 300-year-old handcrafted pastel maker, to explore what it means to build a business rooted in quality and culture. It highlights the importance of prioritizing craft over scale, using thoughtful service offerings to meet specific client needs, and collaborating with clients to create personalized care. The conversation also emphasizes the power of storytelling in marketing and preserving company culture through growth and change. You’ll walk away inspired to build a business that’s small, intentional, and deeply connected to its clients.

601: Not One More Vet with Gigi Tsontos

601: Not One More Vet with Gigi Tsontos

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What is life really like behind the scenes at your vet’s office? Collin sits down with Gigi Tsontos, Executive Director of Not One More Vet, Inc. (NOMV), to discuss the hidden mental health crisis facing veterinary professionals. Gigi shares the mission of NOMV, the complex stressors vets face, and the resources NOMV provides—from peer support to emergency grants. They also explore how pet sitters and pet parents can shift the culture through empathy, gratitude, and everyday check-ins. It’s a call to action to recognize, respect, and support the emotional toll behind every diagnosis.

600: Knowing When to Take Action

600: Knowing When to Take Action

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Have you ever found yourself endlessly planning but never actually launching? This episode explores the common trap of over-planning and perfectionism that keeps business owners stuck. Drawing lessons from Thomas Edison’s relentless experimentation, it contrasts “dwelling” with “doing” and emphasizes the power of messy, iterative action. It unpacks how fear of failure and the sunk cost fallacy often prevent entrepreneurs from testing ideas, and why feedback—not perfection—should guide the next move. With practical tools and real-world examples, the episode encourages you to take action and grow through experience.

599: Standing Out in a Saturated Market with Natalie Durack

599: Standing Out in a Saturated Market with Natalie Durack

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How do you take a pet sitting business from one city to two, grow a team of 30+, and develop a thriving brand? In this episode, Natalie Durack of Happy Hounds Pet Services shares how she expanded from the Gold Coast to Brisbane, navigating market differences and competition. She discusses the importance of client communication, onboarding team members, and building a recognizable brand. Natalie also explains how she introduced wedding pet attendance and proposal services, creating new ways for pet parents to include their furry friends in big life moments. Tune in to learn how she sets herself apart in an industry filled with hobby sitters and temporary dog walkers.

598: Selling What Has to Be Experienced

598: Selling What Has to Be Experienced

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How do you market something that has to be experienced to be believed? In this episode, we dig into the challenge of selling emotional value—like peace of mind, trust, and joy—when your service can’t be fully understood until after it’s delivered. We explore why emotional storytelling matters more than bullet points and how to connect with both logical and emotional buyers. From showcasing transformations to using guided testimonials, we share practical strategies for building trust and standing out. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your brand, this episode will help you sell the experience, not just the service.

597: Building Community, One Pet Store at a Time with Teresa Miller

597: Building Community, One Pet Store at a Time with Teresa Miller

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How important are independent pet stores to our community? In this episode, Teresa Miller, president of IndiePet and owner of Treats Unleashed, discusses the vital role of local pet retailers in building community connections. She shares insights into the challenges these stores face, including e-commerce competition and inflation, while highlighting how they can remain competitive through innovation and customer service. Teresa explains how IndiePet acts as a bridge between retailers and manufacturers to create sustainable industry growth. She also touches on the growing trend of cat ownership and the importance of fostering partnerships between independent pet businesses.

596: Being Price Proud

596: Being Price Proud

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How confident are you when sharing your rates? In this episode, we explore the mindset of being price proud—what it means to stand behind your pricing without apology. We discuss how pricing is a reflection of your values, structure, and the quality of your service. From overcoming imposter syndrome to handling client pushback, we share practical tips to strengthen confidence and communication. Whether you’re a solo sitter or leading a team, this episode will inspire you to sell with pride, not guilt.

595: Pet Aftercare and Ethical Standards with Donna Shugart-Bethune

595: Pet Aftercare and Ethical Standards with Donna Shugart-Bethune

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What happens after a pet passes away, and how can pet professionals support owners through this difficult time?Donna Shugart-Bethune, Executive Director of the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAOPCC), shares the importance of ethical pet aftercare. She discusses the industry’s lack of federal regulation, the role of IAOPCC in setting standards, and why transparency and trust are essential. Donna shares insights on the evolution of pet cremation, the impact of grief, and how professional pet sitters can guide clients in making informed aftercare decisions. This conversation highlights the importance of self-regulation and education in ensuring pet owners receive compassionate, reliable services.

594: Crafting Personalized Pet Care

594: Crafting Personalized Pet Care

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one-size-fits-all approach. As professional pet sitters, we’re responsible for tailoring our care to each pet’s needs—and clearly communicating that value to clients and team members. We break down how to gather the right information, implement scalable personalization, and build client trust through intentional care. We share practical ways to make visits more meaningful without overcomplicating your systems or burning out your staff.

593: Building and Letting Go with Nicole Packin

593: Building and Letting Go with Nicole Packin

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How do you know when it’s time to transition your business—or even your life? In this episode, Nicole Packin shares her incredible journey through selling two successful pet care businesses, moving across the country, and preparing for her next adventure. She opens up about the emotional and practical challenges of letting go, creating healthy boundaries, and finding new passions after nearly two decades in the industry. She discusses the evolving pet care landscape, the pressure entrepreneurs put on themselves, and the importance of taking space to breathe and reflect. Whether you’re thinking about selling your business, refining your services, or simply looking to reclaim your time, Nicole’s story offers valuable insights and inspiration.

592: Bridging the Trust Gap

592: Bridging the Trust Gap

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Trust is essential in every part of a pet sitting business. It begins before a client ever reaches out and is built through clear communication, consistency, and transparency. Clients look for reassurance at every step, and trust can grow when expectations are met and mistakes are owned. Building trust with pets requires patience, routine, and positive reinforcement to create a sense of safety. Internally, trust within a team—and with yourself as a business owner—comes from accountability, honest reflection, and clear follow-through.

591: From Lions to Labradors with Leanne Burger

591: From Lions to Labradors with Leanne Burger

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What happens when you treat pet sitting not just as a job, but as a serious and deeply rewarding responsibility?Leanne Burger, owner of Going Away Pet and House Sitting in South Africa, shares her journey from raising lion cubs to building a thriving team of pet sitters and groomers. Leanne shares how her passion for animals, commitment to trust, and attention to detail helped her business flourish across multiple cities. She explores the deep responsibility that comes with caring for both pets and homes and the balance needed to maintain quality as you grow. It’s an inspiring look at how love, professionalism, and hard work can create a business that changes lives — both for people and their pets.

590: Finding Repeatable Success

590: Finding Repeatable Success

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Have you ever wondered why something worked so well in your business, but struggled to replicate it? In this episode, we discuss the critical importance of building repeatable success by tracking your actions and outcomes. We share how documenting your systems, analyzing client feedback, and maintaining consistency lead to sustainable growth. We explore the connection between daily habits, professional development, and long-term business stability. By making intentional, data-driven decisions, pet sitters can create a reliable, thriving business and personal life.

589: It’s All About the Heart with Janet Buchwald

589: It’s All About the Heart with Janet Buchwald

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What does it take to create a pet care business that truly stands out? Janet Buchwald, owner of Kisses Happen, shares her journey from a corporate career to running a thriving pet sitting company. She discusses the deep emotional connections between pet sitters, clients, and their pets, and how understanding both animal and human behavior has helped her business grow. Janet emphasizes the importance of clear communication, maintaining professional boundaries, and marketing with authenticity. She also provides valuable insights into branding, SEO, and client retention strategies. This episode is a must-listen for any pet sitter looking to build a business with passion and purpose.

588: Success on Your Terms: Escaping the Comparison Trap

588: Success on Your Terms: Escaping the Comparison Trap

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What does success really look like in today’s pet care industry? In this episode, we dig into the shifting landscape of 2025 and explore how external pressures—from social media comparison to AI tools and rising costs—can distort our definitions of success. We challenge you to define success on your own terms rather than chasing someone else’s goals. From financial milestones to personal freedom and mental well-being, we highlight both tangible and intangible markers of a fulfilling business. We also share practical steps to help you gain confidence, clarity, and control over your pet business path.

587: The Changing Landscape of Pet Services with Carmen Rustenbeck

587: The Changing Landscape of Pet Services with Carmen Rustenbeck

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How are mergers and acquisitions reshaping the pet care industry? In this episode, we welcome back Carmen Rustenbeck of IBPSA to discuss the rise of corporate buyouts, the impact on small pet businesses, and the challenges of maintaining a personal touch in an evolving market. They explore industry regulations, including Ollie’s Law in Massachusetts and the new Veterinary Professional Associate role in Colorado, and what they mean for pet professionals. Carmen also highlights the growing influence of Gen Z pet owners and their unique preferences, from pet insurance to reptile care. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the shifting pet care landscape.

586: Stop Running Someone Else’s Business

586: Stop Running Someone Else’s Business

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Are you building the business you actually want—or just the one you think you should have? In this episode, we get honest about the constant pressure to scale, grow, and do more in the pet care industry. We share how chasing someone else’s definition of success can lead to burnout, resentment, and misalignment with your personal goals. Instead, we encourage you to use data, not emotion, when making decisions and to define what sustainable success means for you. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow intentionally and build a business that supports their life—not the other way around.

585: Building Client Trust Through Niche Services with Niki Lepine & Steph Law

585: Building Client Trust Through Niche Services with Niki Lepine & Steph Law

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How do you build trust with clients while offering specialized pet care services? Niki Lepine and Steph Law of Dog Jogs share how they carved out a niche in pet care by focusing on reactive dogs, shift workers, and personalized dog jogging services. They discuss how they built a loyal client base by addressing unique pet care needs, the importance of clear communication, and why community engagement matters. From offering pet first aid courses to hosting monthly dog walk meetups, Niki and Steph break down the strategies that have helped them stand out in a crowded market. If you’re looking for ways to specialize your services and build stronger client relationships, this episode is packed with inspiration!

584: Show Up and Stand Out: Visibility and Value for Pet Businesses

584: Show Up and Stand Out: Visibility and Value for Pet Businesses

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Can showing up at local events truly set our pet businesses apart? We discuss our experiences speaking at a Home and Garden show, highlighting how community visibility builds trust and credibility among pet parents. We also reflect on powerful lessons learned from our son’s entrepreneurship bake sale, emphasizing the importance of confidently pricing premium services. Practical insights are shared about identifying speaking opportunities to boost our brand’s visibility. Ultimately, this episode explores why delivering value first can transform our pet businesses into trusted community leaders.

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