"Hey Joe!" Podcast by Pet Pros, for Pet Pros

In this episode, Joe and Jeff talk through the concerns and considerations facility owners and operators can consider when looking at remodeling a current pet care facility or opening their very first! Areas covered in this episode include flooring, wall covering, outdoor spaces, HVAC and air exchanges, and much more!

There’s a saying out there that goes something like, “The way you dress is the way you will be addressed”. How someone dresses can definitely affect the way they feel about themselves and how people will feel about them. In this episode, Joe and Elli get very real about how first impressions and client expectations can influence a professional’s income potential.

In this episode of the Hey Joe Pet Pro Vod/Podcast, Joe speaks with Dennis Gnetz, the CEO of a leading Mobile Grooming Vehicle Conversion Company and long time industry friends of Paragon. Dennis shares a little of the history of Wag’n Tails and how they are celebrating 30 years in business in 2024. He recaps what he identifies as the Wag’n Tails team's most significant accomplishments in the past 30 years. Joe and Dennis look at the state of the pet grooming industry, and specifically the mobile grooming segment. There is great discussion about how mobile grooming differs from brick and mortar salons and the opportunities and challenges of each. Discussions continue to address safety and engineering importances for the Professional Pet Groomer as well as the Pet they are caring for when building mobile grooming vehicles and considering what options are best for the operator and the clients. Dennis provides a look at the product innovations in the mobile grooming niche, focusing on the Wag’n Tails CleanPower System and Mobile Grooming Software, as well as the new product models in the mobile grooming space.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Amy Hillis, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Social Pet, which provides daycare, lodging, grooming, and training services with 3 locations in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Listen to their discussion about building confidence and trust within your community so people know their pets are in good, capable hands. This nearly one-hour discussion includes stories, techniques, and ideas that will be invaluable to a new or growing grooming business.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Todd Dittman, the executive director of IndiePet, a nonprofit trade association created by and for independent pet retailers and the manufacturers, distributors and service providers who support the independent pet channel. Listen to their discussion about the support systems that are available for independent store owners to leverage. Todd goes into detail about IndiePet's mission and shares some examples of how IndiePet businesses have turned challenges into successes.

Paragon President Joe Zuccarello joins industry expert Garret Tadlock, founder of Paw Loyalty and Chief Product Officer at Hello-Groom, to unpack the keys to productivity in the pet grooming business. He shares his expertise in overcoming the unique challenges faced by pet boarding and daycare businesses in managing grooming staff, and the value-add grooming brings. From staffing to pricing and customer retention, don't miss this episode to benefit from decades of groomer business wisdom!

Joe Zuccarello interviews Danielle Aymar, owner of Zen Dog Spa in Charleston, SC, and a pet care expert with over 25 years of experience. In 2019, she was finally able to pursue her dream of starting her own business! Listen as she tells her story about launching and growing the pet spa and how her team has helped make it a success!

Joe Zuccarello interviews Jason Johnson of Project K-9 Hero, a non-profit organization that provides a peaceful retirement and quality healthcare for retired military and working dogs. These incredible animals serve alongside our brave men and women in uniform, risking their lives to protect and defend our nation. They detect explosives, locate missing persons, and perform a variety of other life-saving tasks. However, once these dogs retire, they often face a significant lack of support and funding for their medical care. Project K9 Hero steps in to bridge this gap. Their work ensures that these retired heroes can enjoy their well-deserved retirement years comfortably, receiving the medical care they need.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Tim Petsch of GrassWorx about how to set up a play yard for maximum comfort, safety, and ease of care. Find out the best yard strategies for your grooming business – and at home! • What materials should I use for a safe and clean yard? • How do I avoid the muddy "runway" effect at my grooming studio? • What can I do to maximize paw health? • Can I simplify yard care in a multi-dog scenario? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Stephanie Shipley of Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACCC)about continued education and certifications. - What is the importance of becoming a certified animal care provider? - What does it mean to your clients? - What does certification entail? Tune in to find out.

In this episode, Joe Zuccarello interviews Deb Compton, professional groomer and Pooch Perfect Contestant, about her path to success. - Where do you see yourself taking your grooming career? - What got you interested in grooming? - How can you get noticed in the industry? - What ignites you? - How can you be a teacher? Tune in to find out!

Joe Zuccarello interviews Dave Campanella of Best Shot about storing and mixing grooming liquids. - Have you ever thought you got a bad batch of shampoo? Moldy? Smelly? Separated? - What are the consequences of not properly storing and mixing liquid products? - How can I safely store and mix liquid grooming products? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Mark Kalaygian of PetBusiness Magazine about the pet industry as a whole. - Where can I get trusted sources about the pet industry? - How has the past couple of years affected retail stores, ecommerce and grooming salons? - How can grooming services positively affect retail salons? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Chris Miller of Pacific Store Design about retailing, remodeling and store designs! - What should I change about my salon? - Should I add retail to my salon? - What is your story?

Joe Zuccarello interviews Monica Cevallos of Sniff Design about Marketing Yourself & Your Business. - Why is it important to keep up your salon appearance? - How do I establish a brand? - Where do I find inspiration? Tune in to find out.

In this episode, Joe Zuccarello interviews Stacey Deshkulkarni, a Paragon Distance Learning Program Graduate. Stacey began her own mobile grooming business right after she graduated from Paragon and now she is here to share her experiences before, during and after Paragon! - What is it like making a career change? - Can you learn to groom online? - What does life look like after grooming school graduation? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Kristen Hedderich, Director of Pet Care Operations at Morris Animal Inn about their business model and practices during the global pandemic. - How can myself and my company stay centered during the pandemic? - How can I adapt to change? - How do I unify my employees? - Should I look externally for training, marketing, etc? - What is the best way to educate my clients? - What are the best communication practices with my clients? Tune in to find out.

In this episode, Joe Zuccarello interviews grooming icon Judy Hudson, award-winning pet stylist and NCMG, on the topic of Speed and Efficiency in the grooming salon. - What are time savers? - Can you groom a dog an hour? - How can you become more efficient without sacrificing quality? - How can you manage your clientele? Tune in to find out.

In this episode, Joe Zuccarello interviews Edu Artero of Artero Grooming Products in Barcelona, Spain. Edu has joined us to discuss Artero's journey and tips on grooming products and equipment. - What research should you do before choosing products? - How should you choose shears? - What questions should you ask yourself before you begin researching? - What should you ask the equipment providers? - Does price of a product dictate quality? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Josh Meyer of Tropiclean about Pet Dental Awareness. Dental awareness is important for pets overall well-being and health. - Why is it important for pet care providers to educate their clients? - Is it too late to start dental treatment? - Are there dental solutions available? - What are the early signs of periodontal disease? Tune in to find out.