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 t...
Jun 29, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 190
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...
Jun 22, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 189
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 ha...
Jun 15, 2025•24 min•Season 4Ep. 188
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...
Jun 08, 2025•26 min•Season 4Ep. 187
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, ...
Jun 01, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 186
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...
May 25, 2025•39 min•Season 4Ep. 185
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 ...
May 18, 2025•34 min•Season 4Ep. 184
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 palet...
May 11, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 183
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 💼...
May 04, 2025•37 min•Season 4Ep. 182
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 trainin...
Apr 27, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 181
"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 employe...
Apr 20, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 180
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 in...
Apr 13, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 179
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 conve...
Apr 06, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 178
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 n...
Mar 30, 2025•44 min•Season 4Ep. 177
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, she’s spill...
Mar 23, 2025•38 min•Season 4Ep. 176
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 boxe...
Mar 16, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 175
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 mobile gr...
Mar 09, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 174
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 to find the Pet Boss Nation team...
Mar 02, 2025•42 min•Season 4Ep. 173
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: 🎙️Ho...
Feb 23, 2025•38 min•Season 4Ep. 172
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 and money on marketing, content creation, an...
Feb 16, 2025•45 min•Season 4Ep. 171
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 experienced Pet Boss truly bring a vision to life w...
Feb 09, 2025•25 min•Season 4Ep. 170
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 iden...
Feb 06, 2025•16 min•Season 4Ep. 169
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 iden...
Feb 05, 2025•8 min•Season 4Ep. 168
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 iden...
Feb 04, 2025•13 min•Season 4Ep. 167
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 iden...
Feb 03, 2025•13 min•Season 4Ep. 166
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 iden...
Feb 02, 2025•12 min•Season 4Ep. 165
Want to see how far a "watch me do this" attitude can take you? When everyone told Pet Boss Nation University member Alina McCue that she should go for her idea of opening a pet retail store in Missoula, Montana, she took action– even without a business background. Now, as the owner of Toiffer Pet Outfitter, she's transformed her passion for sustainability and pets into a thriving two-location business! In this episode, she joins Candace for an inspiring conversation about overcoming self-doubt,...
Jan 26, 2025•41 min•Season 4Ep. 164
Is your pet business’ social media presence accidentally sending the wrong message to potential customers? In this episode, Candace chats with the Pet Boss Nation team social media guru, Amanda Nelson, about why 2025 is the year to turn your social media into a customer MAGNET for your pet business. 🧲 And, 🚨SPOILER ALERT: It's not just about posting cute pet pics anymore! In this episode, you'll learn: 📲 The Instagram profile must-haves that most pet businesses are missing (and why they're co...
Jan 19, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 163
We are pulling out ALL the stops to help you thrive in 2025– including bringing you Pet Boss Nation’s newest Industry Insights and Optimization Expert, Lynn Switanowski of Pet Retail Helper! 🎉 Yup, Lynn is bringing her 17+ years of pet industry brilliance straight to YOU– our Pet Boss Nation community. First, here on this podcast episode… and then directly in our program Profit Clinics and beyond! Plain and simple, Lynn has the knowledge to connect all the moving parts of your pet business to m...
Jan 12, 2025•49 min•Season 4Ep. 162
Pop those champagne bottles (or a new bag of treats for your pup!) because we're kicking off Season 4 of the Pet Boss Podcast with some exciting news AND a new year mantra! 1. We're about to hit 100,000 downloads, and 2. We are ready to help you THRIVE in 25! (Shoutout to Heather from Tails of Hawaii for this amazing motto!) Here's what you'll learn in this episode that will make sure this is your most amazing year yet: 🍾 Why you need to say goodbye to the "we've always done it this way" and he...
Jan 05, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 161
