644: Copycats: They Can Copy the Idea, Not the Way You Deliver
What do you do when competitors copy your ideas, wording, or services? In this episode, we share a practical mindset shift: ideas are cheap—execution is everything. We explore how delivery, team training, client experience, and reliability become the differentiators copycats can’t replicate. We talk through stability as a strategy, resisting reactive changes, and doubling down on strengths. We close with concrete ways to serve deeper, not louder, so you lead for years—not minutes.
643: Balancing the Hustle with Miguel Rodriguez
What does it really mean to educate your community while running a thriving pet care business? Miguel Rodriguez of City Dog Pack returns to share how he balances content creation, training, boarding, and walking services—while staying grounded in his values. He opens up about recognizing the value of his time, setting clear policies, and learning to say “no” without guilt. Miguel also explains his shift toward video and course-based learning, and how gratitude reshaped his approach after COVID-19. This conversation is a powerful reminder that being an educator starts with empathy, boundaries, and knowing your worth.
631: Building a Business that Feeds Your Soul with Sam Erbaugh
What does it look like to run a pet care business with heart? Sam Erbaugh, owner of Paw Beach Pet Care, shares her journey from interior designer to pet care entrepreneur. Sam shares how she rebuilt her life in Florida around joy, service, and sunshine—and how her business is a direct reflection of her personal values. Together, they discuss how to create a culture of genuine customer care, why team communication is critical, and how to grow a business without losing your soul. Sam’s story is a reminder that growth isn’t always about numbers—it’s about purpose, balance, and people.
617: Building a Community Pet Store That Sticks with Morgan & Austin Weber
What happens when pet sitters take the leap into retail? Morgan and Austin, owners of Lucky Pup Adventures, share how they purchased and now run Woofs and Waves, a beloved community pet store in Sioux Falls. They dive into the differences between managing a service business and a retail space, including inventory, staff training, and community outreach. The couple reflects on their complementary strengths and how they divide responsibilities for long-term growth. They also share how they’re staying intentional about values, culture, and customer experience while preparing for potential future expansion.
615: Boundaries, Budgets, and Burnout with Rachelle Steele
Are you treating your pet sitting like a real business? In this episode, Rachelle Steele of Loving Arms Pet Services returns to share how she transitioned from a hobbyist mindset to confidently leading her company. She dives deep into boundaries with clients, why setting an emergency fund is crucial, and how she prices her services based on value—not competition. Rachelle also opens up about preparing for the future, possible expansion, and navigating the mental shift from animal lover to business leader. Her advice is practical, empowering, and a must-listen for anyone ready to stop winging it and start planning with purpose.
614: How to Listen Instead of React
Business owners often feel compelled to defend every policy and decision. We share a recent incident that brought that into sharp focus. We explore why learning to observe rather than react is a skill worth cultivating. From dealing with difficult client feedback to navigating aggressive Facebook comments, we share some personal stories and hard-earned lessons in restraint. Observation leads to better leadership, stronger boundaries, and a healthier business culture. Remember, not everything deserves a reply—sometimes the best response is no response at all.
607: Sustainability, Stress, and Success with Wendy Mackay
What does building a sustainable pet care business look like? Wendy Mackay, founder and owner of Pet Sitters Nelson, shares her 20-year journey from backpacking traveler to thriving business owner, offering a fresh look at how community involvement and flexibility can drive success. She dives into how she developed her signature services like “doggy day outs,” and the power of group walks in rented paddocks. Wendy also opens up about facing burnout, overcoming serious health challenges, and reimagining her business to prioritize her well-being. Her story is a heartfelt reminder that pet care is about more than just animals—it’s about people, purpose, and balance.
597: Building Community, One Pet Store at a Time with Teresa Miller
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.
584: Show Up and Stand Out: Visibility and Value for Pet Businesses
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.
557: Scaling with Heart with Amy Addington
Ever feel like the stress of competition overshadows the joy of your work? Amy Addington, President and Co-Founder of Woofie’s, shares her 20-year journey from a $10 dog walk to leading a thriving pet care franchise. Amy dives into the power of relationships in business, how to build trust with clients, and the importance of staying flexible in a changing industry. She also unpacks the challenges and rewards of franchising, the role of branding in maintaining consistency, and why networking—even with competitors—is essential. Full of insights and actionable tips, this episode will inspire you to lead with heart and build a pet care business that thrives on trust and connection.
543: Trust is the Ultimate Asset in Pet Care with Dan Reitman
Ever wondered what it takes to build unwavering trust with clients in the pet care industry? Dan Reitman, owner of Dan’s Pet Care discusses into his journey of building a trusted pet care brand. Dan shares his evolution from a solo dog walker to managing a large-scale business that includes daycare and kennel-free boarding, emphasizing the importance of maintaining client trust throughout. We explore his challenges in deciding when to keep things in-house versus partnering, as well as his commitment to ensuring high standards of care in an increasingly competitive industry. Dan also opens up about overcoming personal and business-related fears, pushing himself to learn and grow continuously. This conversation is a deep dive into why trust remains the ultimate asset in pet services and how it can drive sustainable success.
539: Becoming Neighborhood Famous with Fernando Vargas
Are you truly making the most of your local presence? In this episode, Fernando Vargas, owner of Florida Digital Center, shares how small businesses can achieve “neighborhood fame” by focusing on community engagement and strategic marketing. We explore the importance of optimizing your customer journey, setting up a Google Business Listing, and building strong local partnerships. Fernando emphasizes that branding and advertising require different approaches but work best together to create lasting impact. If you want to grow your local reputation and connect more effectively with your community, this episode is packed with practical tips.
533: Strategic Communication for Pet Sitters: Navigating Crises and Building Trust with Keema Echols and Lauren Cain
Ever wondered how your business would handle a crisis or negative review? In this episode, we dive into the world of strategic communication with experts Keema Echols and Lauren Cain of Ethel Clark Services. Together, we explore how we can navigate crises, build strong client relationships, and maintain brand consistency. Keema and Lauren share actionable tips on using AI tools for effective messaging and managing negative publicity with professionalism and grace. If you're looking to strengthen your communication strategy and protect your business reputation, this episode is a must-listen!
311: Flourishing through Customer Service with Jan Brown
Self-doubt continues to come up, even after almost three decades in business. Jan Brown, owner of Jan’s Pet Sitting, shares how fear and self-doubt never really go away, and how you use them to make you better. Jan strongly believes that the pet care industry is better when more people pursue education, and that professionalism is the key to a flourishing industry. She gives some amazing advice on what it means to serve the long-term clients and why we need to get out of our own way as business owners.
080- Customer Service in Pet Care
Today on the podcast, Meghan and Collin discuss their personal approach to customer service and point out some best practices to ensure clients have the best experience possible. The goal is to provide the best possible care to the pet, but we can’t forget about how we treat the owners! On the ‘Ask a Pet Business Coach’ segment, Natasha O’Banion answers the question everyone has as they start to grow: how you stay connected and communicate with clients as you add staff.