Today, Clayton sits down with Billy Bosco from Pet King Brands, the family-owned company behind the well-known Zymox product line. Billy shares the inspiring story of how his mother started the business 26 years ago, driven by a personal need to find a solution for their German shepherd's recurring ear infections. They also take a look at the unique enzymatic technology behind Zymox, its journey from a basement operation to a recognized brand in veterinary and retail markets, and the challenges of navigating FDA regulations.

https://zymox.com/

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The company, Pet King Brands, was founded 26 years ago by a mother who developed the Zymox product line after seeking a solution for her dog's recurring ear infections. The business started in her basement and has grown significantly since then.

Zymox products utilise a proprietary enzyme system (LP3) that targets bacteria, fungus, and yeast without harming healthy tissue. This system is based on enzymes naturally found in the immune systems of both humans and dogs, making it effective and safe.

Initially, the company focused on veterinary markets, as retail and e-commerce were not as developed. Over time, they transitioned to retail to reach a broader audience, but faced challenges in educating retail staff and consumers about their products due to FDA regulations.

The company sees potential for growth in both the U.S. and international markets. They aim to penetrate the market further by increasing consumer awareness of their enzyme-based solutions and expanding their product offerings, including new applications for existing enzyme systems.

While e-commerce, particularly through platforms like Amazon, has become a significant sales channel, the company recognises the importance of maintaining a presence in brick-and-mortar retail to build trust and personal connections with consumers.

BEST MOMENTS

"Zymox got its start because my mom was a hoarder of animals growing up. We had a German shepherd that had serious reoccurring ear infections."

"It's almost like a pride point at this point to know we're still family owned and operated."

"The day we finally learned and convinced consumers that these enzymes are able to work, I think we could have endless growth in the US."

"We always have to be very surface level and we have to rely on consumers to want to take a risk or investigate the product."

"Amazon is like the power that be. It can give us and it can take us."

HOST BIO

Clayton Payne is an industry veteran of three decades of working in the pet industry. Brought up working in his parents' pet store, Clayton has seen the industry evolve over five different decades and has been on the cutting edge of the industry since the nineties. Building pet businesses from scratch, establishing multi-national distribution chains and having worked in every aspect of the industry, Clayton has a rare insight into the Pet Industry that is rivalled by few.

Clayton has been the spearhead of many of the industry's changes and has introduced numerous new concepts to market with a trail of success behind him. He has worked in numerous countries within the pet industry, speaks four different languages and has established both import and export relationships on all continents (excluding Antarctica).

As well as being COO of one of the UKs fastest growing insect technology companies, Clayton is a Pet industry consultant who has consulted for many household brands and delivers sales training to pet trade professionals.

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This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/