In this episode, I’m joined by DogCo Operations Coordinator Albany Wilson for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build the DogCo Business Summit. Albany joined our team immediately after I committed to producing the first Summit and quickly became responsible for coordinating the many people, systems, vendors, and details required to bring the event to life.

We share stories and lessons from the first Summit, discuss what we are improving for 2026, and explore why creating a cohesive, welcoming experience matters so much. Most importantly, we talk about the value of bringing pet care business owners together with people who truly understand the challenges, pressure, and isolation that can come with running a pet sitting or dog walking company.

#DogCoSummit #PetCareBusiness #BusinessLeadership

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 – Meet DogCo Operations Coordinator Albany Wilson

1:33 – Joining DogCo and immediately planning a major Summit

2:32 – Albany’s experience at the first DogCo Business Summit

4:27 – Creating a cohesive and comfortable attendee experience

7:09 – Why the Summit would not be the same without Albany

7:35 – The “Michelle, please do not kill me” spreadsheet

8:54 – What became easier after producing the first Summit

10:52 – The biggest surprises in conference planning

12:29 – Why connection matters for pet care business owners

15:24 – What we are most excited about for the 2026 Summit

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Successful events require hundreds of moving pieces to work together

• Strong operations should make complex experiences feel simple

• Attendees should be free to focus on learning and connection

• Producing the first event creates systems that make future events stronger

• Great working partnerships balance different strengths and stress points

• Personal communication creates a more meaningful attendee experience

• Pet care business ownership can be deeply isolating

• Industry-specific community provides support that general conferences cannot

• In-person connection remains incredibly valuable for entrepreneurs

• A successful Summit means happy attendees and stronger systems for the future

🚀 Join Me at the DogCo Business Summit

If you’re ready to grow your company, connect with ambitious pet care business owners, and learn from some of the strongest speakers in the industry, I’d love to have you join us at the DogCo Business Summit, October 2nd–4th in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In-person and digital tickets are available 👉 dogcosummit.com

-M