Pet Boarding and Daycare Podcast with Dominic Hodgson

What if the biggest problem in your pet business isn't your marketing, or your staffing, or the economy? What if it's your pricing?

How do some pet businesses command premium prices, attract better clients and continue to grow while everyone else is caught in a race to the bottom?

And why is it that almost every successful business owner eventually admits the same thing... "We were undercharging"?

In this week's episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom tackles one of the most important - and misunderstood - subjects in business: pricing!

Drawing on more than a decade of coaching over 3,000 pet business owners, Dom explains why almost every daycare and pet resort owner is charging less than they should be, the hidden beliefs that keep prices artificially low, and why those beliefs are costing businesses far more than they realise.

Along the way, Dom explores the psychology behind premium pricing, the famous Chivas Regal effect, why affluent clients actively seek higher-priced services, and why competing with the daycare down the road is one of the fastest ways to build a stressful, low-margin business.

The episode concludes with practical advice on how premium businesses justify higher prices through authority, positioning, customer experience and better marketing, along with a preview of Dom's upcoming Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo presentation on escaping the race to the bottom.

In this episode, you'll discover:

The Real Reason You're Undercharging – Why fear, not economics, is driving most pricing decisions.

The Chivas Regal Effect – How simply increasing the price transformed an ordinary whisky into a luxury brand, and what that means for your pet business.

Why Premium Prices Attract Better Clients – The psychology behind affluent buyers and why higher prices often improve customer quality.

The Seven Pricing Mistakes Pet Businesses Make – The beliefs and habits that quietly destroy profitability.

How Premium Businesses Justify Higher Prices – Why authority, positioning and client experience matter far more than being the cheapest.

Escaping the Race to the Bottom – How to build a business that grows through margin rather than volume.

Thanks also to our sponsor, Focus Answering Service. Remember, every missed call is a missed revenue opportunity; protect your reputation and scale your business with 24/7 live call support. focustele.comRemember, is now open for the biggest Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo on the planet, which is happening at the famous Hershey Lodge. Click here to grab your ticket now!Want to plug the Enrichment University program into your facility? Click here to enroll nowWant to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Add your name to the waitlist for Dom's Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now by clicking here.

Episode Highlights

[00:51] – Dom introduces one of the most important business topics of the year: pricing, and explains why nearly every pet business owner is undercharging.[03:50] – Dog News: A Tufts University study reveals how much owners truly value their dogs—and the marketing lesson hidden inside the research.[09:34] – Why pricing affects almost every decision you make in your business.[12:38] – The Chivas Regal story and the surprising psychology behind premium pricing.[15:50] – Reason #1: Why believing everyone buys on price is costing you customers.[19:15] – Why listening to your cheapest customers is one of the biggest pricing mistakes you can make.[22:30] – Why benchmarking against competitors keeps businesses trapped in the middle of the market.[24:12] – The emotional reasons pet business owners struggle to charge what they're worth.[30:14] – Why adding "more stuff" isn't the answer to premium pricing.[37:10] – The marketing assets every premium pet business needs to justify higher prices.

Why do some pet businesses seem to grow effortlessly year after year while others are constantly spending money trying to replace the clients they've just lost?

What if the biggest opportunity to increase your profits wasn't finding more customers but keeping the ones you already have?

And what if the secret to building a more valuable business wasn't better advertising at all but better systems?

In this week's episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom continues his conversation with customer experience expert Vance Morris, this time focusing on one of the most overlooked drivers of long-term business success: customer retention.

Vance explains why most business owners dramatically underestimate the cost of constantly chasing new clients, why customer retention deserves a much bigger slice of your marketing budget, and how businesses like Disney create loyal customers who return again and again. From newsletters and customer appreciation events to memorable experiences that keep your business front of mind, he shares practical ideas any pet business can implement.

After the interview, Dom builds on those lessons by explaining why great marketing alone isn't enough. He shares how successful daycare owners engineer retention directly into their business model through memberships, structured induction programmes and recurring attendance, creating businesses with more predictable income, stronger client relationships and significantly higher profitability.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why Retention Beats Acquisition – The surprising financial difference between winning a new client and keeping an existing one.

How Disney Creates Lifetime Customers – What every pet business can learn from one of the world's greatest customer experience brands.

The Six-Touch Retention System – Why newsletters, postcards and email work together to keep your business top of mind.

Why Experiences Create Loyalty – How memorable moments generate referrals, repeat visits and premium pricing.

The Membership Advantage – Why recurring revenue creates a more stable, profitable and predictable business.

How An Induction Program Locks In-Clients – Why onboarding is one of the most powerful retention tools available to pet businesses.

Huge thanks to this week special guest Vance Morris. Find out more about Vance by going to by going to Deliverservicenow.comThanks also to our sponsor, Focus Answering Service. Remember, every missed call is a missed revenue opportunity; protect your reputation and scale your business with 24/7 live call support. focustele.comRemember, registration opens soon for the biggest Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo on the planet, which is happening at the famous Hershey Lodge. Click here to add your name to the waitlist so you are first to here when registration opens!Want to plug the Enrichment University program into your facility? Click here to enroll nowWant to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Add your name to the waitlist for Dom's Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now by clicking here.

Episode Highlights

[00:51] – Dom shares a lesson from singer CMAT about criticism, personality-led marketing and why standing out inevitably attracts attention.[08:30] – Dog News: What a rescued Labrador and research into tennis ball addiction teach us about enrichment and balanced dog care.[14:48] – Vance Morris explains why customer retention is dramatically more profitable than constantly chasing new clients.[20:20] – The six-touch customer retention system that keeps businesses front of mind all year round.[26:00] – Customer appreciation events, memorable experiences and why businesses should invest in existing clients first.[29:35] – Why Disney's 80% repeat visitor rate should inspire every pet business owner.[33:26] – Using premium pricing to fund better customer experiences and stronger retention.[52:18] – Dom explains why memberships transform unpredictable daycare businesses into recurring revenue machines.[56:30] – How a structured induction programme improves retention, increases client commitment and creates premium positioning.[59:30] – Why the goal isn't simply filling tomorrow's daycare... it's becoming part of every client's weekly routine.

AI can write your emails. It can create your social media posts. It can even answer your phone.

But what happens when every pet business starts sounding exactly the same?

How do you stand out when everyone has access to the same technology?

And why might your greatest competitive advantage over the next decade have nothing to do with AI at all... and everything to do with being more human?

In this week's episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom is joined by two special guests to explore what premium pet businesses should be focusing on as AI becomes more powerful.

First, customer experience expert Vance Morris returns to the show to explain why authenticity is becoming one of the most valuable assets any business can possess. Drawing on lessons from Disney, Chick-fil-A and his own customer experience philosophy, Vance explains why technology should support great service, not replace it, and why those first few seconds of interaction with a prospective client matter more than ever.

Later in the episode, Dom catches up with 2026 Pet Business Marketer of the Year, Kim Buchanan. Kim shares how she transformed her 4,000-square-foot daycare into an enrichment-led, members-only business, increased revenue by more than $125,000, hired a General Manager and Enrichment Manager, and built a premium client experience that allows her to charge significantly more than the competition.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why Authenticity Matters More Than Ever – How AI is making genuine personality and human connection your biggest competitive advantage.

The Power of Moment Zero – Why the first few seconds of a customer's experience determine whether they'll trust your business for years to come.

Customer Experience That Commands Premium Prices – The simple changes that separate remarkable businesses from forgettable ones.

How Enrichment Builds Better Businesses – Why Kim Buchanan's enrichment-first approach transformed both profitability and client loyalty.

The Marketing Power of Hospitality – How thoughtful gifts, onboarding and communication create lifelong customers.

Why Standing Still Is the Biggest Risk – The mindset successful daycare owners adopt to keep innovating year after year.

Huge thanks to this week special guest Vance Morris. Find out more about Vance by going to by going to Deliverservicenow.comAnd thanks to ‘Pet Business Marketer of the Year’ Kim Buchanan for sharing her business story. Find out more about Kims incredible facility by clicking hereThanks also to our sponsor, Focus Answering Service. Remember, every missed call is a missed revenue opportunity; protect your reputation and scale your business with 24/7 live call support. focustele.comWant to plug the Enrichment University program into your facility? Click here to enroll nowWant to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Add your name to the waitlist for Dom's Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now by clicking here.

Episode Highlights

[00:51] – Dom introduces two special guests and explains why authenticity has become one of the biggest business challenges in the age of AI.[02:59] – Dog News: What New York's Bastille Day Dog Parade teaches us about promotional marketing and borrowing ideas from the world around us.[07:00] – Vance Morris explains why businesses shouldn't allow AI to replace genuine human connection.[16:07] – The Rock 'n' Roll Insurance Agent and the simple phone greeting that transformed an ordinary business into a category of one.[18:35] – Understanding "Moment Zero" and why the first few seconds of every customer interaction matter so much.[23:00] – Pet Business Marketer of the Year Kim Buchanan shares how enrichment transformed her business.[32:04] – How Kim increased annual revenue by $125,000 without increasing daycare capacity.[33:00] – Client appreciation gifts, hospitality and creating marketing that lives inside your clients' homes.[37:47] – Why newsletters, onboarding and origin stories build stronger customer relationships.[42:04] – Kim explains why great businesses never stop experimenting, measuring and improving.

Are you measuring the success of your business by how many dogs you can squeeze into daycare next week when you should really be asking how valuable your business is becoming?

Have you ever wondered why some pet businesses are worth millions of dollars while others, despite generating similar revenue, struggle to make any real profit?

And what if the biggest opportunity in your business isn't finding more customers but building the assets that make every customer more valuable?

In this week's episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom is joined by business valuation expert Teija Heikkilä from Pet Vet M&A to unpack one of the most important numbers in business: EBITDA – Which stands for Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization.

It might not be the most exciting acronym you'll ever hear, but as Teija explains, it's the figure that determines how profitable, bankable and ultimately valuable your business really is. Whether you're planning to sell in five years or never intend to sell at all, understanding EBITDA changes the way you make decisions.

After the interview, Dom takes the conversation one step further by explaining why you don't improve EBITDA directly. Instead, you improve the assets that create it. From premium pricing and memberships to marketing systems, automation, client experience and recurring revenue, Dom shares the practical ways daycare owners can build businesses that are more profitable today and significantly more valuable tomorrow.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why EBITDA Is the Number That Really Matters – Teija explains why buyers, lenders and investors focus on EBITDA rather than revenue.

The Funnel That Drives Business Value – How every decision you make, from pricing to staffing, eventually shows up in your bottom line.

Why Assets Beat Sales – Dom explains why building marketing, pricing and system assets creates long-term growth.

The Hidden Cost of Underpricing – Why raising prices isn't just about making more money today, but building a more valuable business.

How Memberships Create Predictability – Why recurring revenue makes your business easier to run and far more attractive to future buyers.

Thinking Like a CEO – The mindset shift from chasing more dogs to creating a business that grows in value year after year.

Huge thanks to this week special guest Teija Heikkilä. Find out more about Pet Vet MA by going to PetVetSales.comThanks also to our sponsor, Focus Answering Service. Remember, every missed call is a missed revenue opportunity; protect your reputation and scale your business with 24/7 live call support. focustele.comWant to plug the Enrichment University program into your facility? Click here to enroll nowWant to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Add your name to the waitlist for Dom's Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now by clicking here.

Episode Highlights

[01:16] – Dom previews a value-packed episode focused on EBITDA and building a more valuable business.[04:26] – Dog News: The weirdest things dogs have eaten... and how to turn the story into valuable marketing.[09:51] – A dog survives being swept 800 metres out to sea, and the enrichment lesson hidden inside the story.[11:48] – Dom shares what he's planning for the second half of the year, including new presentations and DDSA events.[14:35] – Teija Heikkilä explains what EBITDA is and why it affects every aspect of your business.[16:38] – Why every business decision should be filtered through one simple question: "Will this improve EBITDA?"[20:28] – How EBITDA is calculated and why owner-operated businesses require careful adjustments.[30:00] – The authority-building assets every premium pet business should be creating.[33:15] – Memberships, recurring revenue and why predictable income increases business value.[34:44] – Automation, CRM systems and building a business that works even when you're not.

Do you ever feel guilty stepping away from your business because you're convinced everything will fall apart without you?

Have you been so busy firefighting that you haven't stopped to think about where your business is actually heading?

And what if the biggest breakthrough in your business this year doesn't come from working harder but from not working?

In this week's episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom returns from a week away in Menorca with an important reminder for every pet business owner. After completely switching off for seven days — no emails, no social media and not even a laptop in sight — Dom reflects on why recovery shouldn't be treated as a luxury, but as an essential part of running a successful business.

Along the way, he shares a couple of fascinating stories from UK zoos that used creative enrichment to help animals cope with the recent heatwave, before explaining how smart daycare owners can use those same stories to educate clients and reinforce their position as enrichment experts. 

Drawing inspiration from some of the world's greatest sports coaches, including Sir Alex Ferguson, Phil Jackson and Carlo Ancelotti, Dom explores the importance of creating regular opportunities to stop, review, adjust and move forward with greater clarity.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why Recovery Is Business Maintenance – Why holidays, downtime and switching off should be planned into your business, not squeezed in when you're exhausted.

How Trust Protects Your Business – The powerful lesson Dom learned from returning to the same hotel in Menorca, and what it teaches us about client loyalty.

What Zoos Can Teach Us About Summer Enrichment – Creative ideas for helping dogs stay cool while positioning yourself as the local enrichment expert.

The Halftime Reset – Why the world's best sports teams stop to review, refocus and adjust before the second half begins.

Why 90-Day Planning Works – The psychology behind quarterly planning and why it creates more momentum than annual goals.

The Questions Every Business Owner Should Ask Right Now – A practical framework for reviewing the first half of the year and planning a stronger second half.

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Focus Answering Service. Remember, every missed call is a missed revenue opportunity; protect your reputation and scale your business with 24/7 live call support. focustele.comWant to plug the Enrichment University program into your facility? Click here to enroll nowWant to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Add your name to the waitlist for Dom's Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now by clicking here.

Episode Highlights

[00:51] – Dom returns from holiday and introduces the idea of the "Pet Business Pause."[02:54] – Dog News: How UK zoos used enrichment to help animals stay cool during the heatwave.[08:13] – Why Dom and Beth keep returning to the same hotel in Menorca, and the business lesson hidden within it.[11:22] – What happened when Dom completely switched off from work for a week.[14:18] – Why recovery should be treated as business maintenance, not an optional treat.[16:34] – Momentum is powerful... unless you're heading in the wrong direction.[17:53] – Lessons from Sir Alex Ferguson, Phil Jackson and the art of the halftime team talk.[24:04] – Why business owners need space to think like visionaries and not .[26:53] – Carlo Ancelotti, collaboration and making better decisions together.[28:26] – Why the DDSA Immersion Events happen every 90 days, and the psychology behind quarterly planning.[33:00] – The questions Dom asks himself after every quarter to improve his business.[36:45] – Why next year's holiday is already booked... and why your reset deserves a place in the diary too.

Do you feel like your marketing only works when you're actively pushing it?

Are you spending too much time chasing leads, following up with prospects and trying to remember who needs what?

And what if you could build a system that attracts clients, converts them, keeps them engaged and generates referrals... even while you're on holiday?

In this week's episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom checks in from the beaches of Spain (well, technically he recorded this before he left) and shares a fascinating story from the Oklahoma City Zoo about how enrichment is helping animals stay cool, comfortable and mentally stimulated during the summer months.

Then, Dom is joined by PetBizSuite co-founder Josh Hightower to break down the ACED Framework — a simple but powerful system for creating more predictable growth in your pet business. Together they explore how automation can help you attract more leads, convert more prospects, engage clients for longer and turn happy customers into referral-generating advocates.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why Planning Ahead Creates Momentum – Dom explains why mapping out events and promotions months (or even years) in advance makes growth easier.

The ACED Framework Explained – Josh breaks down the four pillars: Attract, Convert, Engage and Delight.

Why Most Businesses Struggle with Follow-Up – The simple automation that dramatically increases conversion rates.

How to Create a Marketing Flywheel – Building systems that generate leads, referrals and repeat business automatically.

How to Build Better Hiring Systems – Why the same framework used for customers can also be applied to attracting and retaining great employees.

Thanks to Josh Hightower from from PetBizSuite for sharing more about the amazing ACED automation framework Find out more about PetBizSuite by clicking here now.Huge thanks to this week's amazing show sponsors, Playcore and Focus. 

Big thanks to our sponsor, Focus Answering Service. Remember, every missed call is a missed revenue opportunity; protect your reputation and scale your business with 24/7 live call support. focustele.com

Playcore help communities create healthier, happier places through play, recreation, and outdoor spaces. To learn more about their innovative products and mission, visit PlayCoreWant to plug the Enrichment University program into your facility? Click here to enroll nowWant to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Add your name to the waitlist for Dom's Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now by clicking here.

Episode Highlights

[00:51] – Dom explains why he's recording from "the past" while enjoying a well-earned holiday in Spain.[02:00] – The importance of planning your events, promotions and key dates well in advance.[05:30] – Dog News: How the Oklahoma City Zoo uses enrichment to keep animals cool and stimulated during summer.[07:42] – Why enrichment should be viewed as a welfare necessity rather than a luxury add-on.[10:36] – Meet Josh Hightower and hear the story behind PetBizSuite.[15:52] – The implementation problem facing most pet business owners.[24:12] – Why lead magnets and irresistible offers remain essential marketing tools.[31:04] – Why booking the next appointment immediately increases conversion and retention.[40:25] – How PetBizSuite diagnoses bottlenecks and identifies the fastest route to growth.[43:13] – Why making more money from fewer customers is often the smartest growth strategy.[45:23] – How the ACED framework can also be applied to recruiting, onboarding and retaining employees.

Why do some pet business owners survive for twenty years while others disappear after two or three?

What does it really take to build a business that clients trust, staff stay with, and competitors struggle to copy?

And if you're feeling frustrated because growth is taking longer than you'd hoped, could it be that you're actually closer than you think?

In this week's episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom sits down with Dog Daycare Success Academy member Pat Hall to talk about his twenty-year journey building Dog Daze in South Carolina.

From starting out as a kennel technician at a veterinary clinic to becoming the owner of a thriving boarding, daycare and training business, Pat shares the lessons he's learned along the way, including the mistakes, the breakthroughs, and why playing the long game has paid off.

You'll hear how he differentiated his business through premium outdoor adventures, enrichment, concierge-style in-home pet care and exceptional customer hospitality. Pat also explains how Enrich U transformed his daycare programme, why his clients happily pay for premium services, and how a charity 5K race became a huge success for both his business and the local community.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why Most Businesses Underestimate the Long Game – Pat shares what it was really like building a business over two decades.

The Power of Premium Services – How outdoor adventures, enrichment and concierge care help Dog Daze stand out.

Why Customer Hospitality Matters So Much – The simple things that keep clients loyal through price increases and market changes.

How Enrich U Changed Everything – Why adding structured enrichment created happier dogs, happier staff and stronger profits.

The Value of Being Around Ambitious People – Pat explains why joining DDSA accelerated his thinking and implementation.

How a Charity Event Strengthened the Brand – The story behind Dog Daze’s hugely successful charity 5K and what other owners can learn from it.

Thanks to Pat Hall from DogDaze for sharing his amazing story. Find out more about Pats facility and services by clicking here nowHuge thanks to this week's amazing show sponsors, Playcore and First Financial Bank

First Financial Bank we offer a wide range of flexible terms tailored to your unique situation. Whether you are buying, selling or refinancing, we'll work with you, one-on-one, every step of the way. FFB lenders have been in your shoes and are here to help you reach your goals, click here to find out more

Playcore help communities create healthier, happier places through play, recreation, and outdoor spaces. To learn more about their innovative products and mission, visit PlayCoreWant to plug the Enrichment University program into your facility? Click here to enroll nowWant to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Add your name to the waitlist for Dom's Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now by clicking here.

Episode Highlights

[01:49] – Dom talks about planning ahead and why successful businesses use markers and events throughout the year.[03:49] – Meet Pat Hall and hear how he got started in the pet care industry.[08:27] – Why becoming a dog trainer wasn't quite the overnight success Pat imagined.[17:16] – Early struggles, waiting for the phone to ring and building a reputation from scratch.[20:14] – The role education, workshops and continual learning played in Pat's success.[23:34] – Why staff retention and customer hospitality are such powerful competitive advantages.[30:12] – How Pat discovered Enrich U and why he knew it would transform the business.[37:15] – Pat explains why he joined the Mastermind and later DDSA.[43:53] – The story behind Dog Daze’s charity 5K and raising more than $12,000 for a local animal charity.

Are you worried that AI is going to make every pet business sound exactly the same?

Have you ever wondered why some facilities become the obvious choice in town while others struggle to stand out, even when they offer similar services?

And what if the real competitive advantage in the years ahead isn't better technology but being more human?

In this week's episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom dives into one of the biggest topics affecting the pet industry right now: AI. After catching up with the PackPro team about safer playgroups, staff development and the future of training, Dom shares his thoughts on Netflix's decision to use a real Great Dane in its new live-action Scooby-Doo series — and why it might be a sign that authenticity is becoming more valuable than ever.

The show also features a fascinating conversation with Duane Carey from Impact Marketing, who breaks down how AI search is changing the marketing landscape and what pet businesses should be doing now to stay visible online. Finally, Dom gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at one of the foundational trainings inside the Dog Daycare Success Academy — the Business DNA Extractor — and explains why your stories, values, mission and origin are the things that will make your business impossible to copy.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why Authenticity Is Becoming More Valuable – What Netflix's new live-action Scooby-Doo tells us about the future of marketing.

How AI Search Is Changing the Game – Duane Carey explains what business owners need to know about ChatGPT, Google AI and online visibility.

Why Google Still Matters – The data behind how pet owners are actually searching for local services.

The Human Element That Businesses Can't Lose – Why community, relationships and personal connections will become even more important.

What Business DNA Really Means – How your origin story, mission, values and experiences shape your brand.

How to Build Marketing Assets That Increase Business Value – Why systems, newsletters, lead magnets, induction programmes and storytelling all make your company stronger.

Thanks to Duane Carey from IMPACT marketing for his amazing inputs. Find out more about how Duane can help your pet resort grow by clicking here nowHuge thanks to this week's amazing show sponsors, Playcore, First Financial Bank, and Cleanwise.

First Financial Bank we offer a wide range of flexible terms tailored to your unique situation. Whether you are buying, selling or refinancing, we'll work with you, one-on-one, every step of the way. FFB lenders have been in your shoes and are here to help you reach your goals, click here to find out more

CleanWise helps pet care facilities clean smarter with automated wet/dry cleaning systems

built for the real world, check them out here.

This episode is brought to you by PlayCore, helping communities create healthier, happier places through play, recreation, and outdoor spaces. To learn more about their innovative products and mission, visit PlayCoreWant to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Add your name to the waitlist for Dom's Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now by clicking here.

Episode Highlights

[00:51] – Dom previews a packed show featuring AI, Business DNA and conversations from the Expo.[02:38] – The PackPro team discuss staff training, safer playgroups and the future of daycare education.[07:25] – Scooby-Doo Dog News: Why Netflix is using a real dog for its latest series.[12:22] – Why the "final 10%" of any business still belongs to people, not machines.[15:19] – Duane Carey explains how AI search is changing and what business owners should do about it.[22:38] – How AI can be a creative thinking partner without replacing human judgement.[27:30] – Dom takes you inside the DDSA Business DNA Extractor training.[29:36] – Why business assets make your company more valuable and more profitable.[33:34] – Breaking down the components of your Business DNA: mission, vision, values and origin story.[40:49] – Kim Buchanan shares how the Business DNA training transformed her marketing and brand messaging.

Are you putting out plenty of marketing but still struggling to attract the kind of clients you actually want to work with?

Do you ever feel like your business sounds exactly the same as every other daycare, boarding kennel or pet resort in town?

And what if the problem isn't that you need to create more content but that you need to put more of yourself into it?

In this week's episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom looks back on the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo West in Phoenix and shares some of the biggest lessons he's brought home to his own business.

After spending time planning out the next phase of his marketing strategy, Dom explains why businesses need to stop hiding behind generic messaging and start telling more stories, showing more personality and attracting clients whose values align with their own. Along the way, you'll hear from leadership expert Alex Varney, who explains why even successful business owners need coaches, accountability and fresh perspectives if they want to keep growing.

There's also a fascinating conversation with pet industry attorney Shahrina Ankhi-Krohl, who reveals why protecting your brand could be one of the smartest investments you ever make, and why trademarks and copyrights aren't just for giant corporations. Finally, Dom catches up with good friends of the show Eve Molzhon and Melinda Stanford to talk about virtual assistants, gate control, retail sales and the hidden revenue opportunities many facilities are overlooking.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why Personality is a Marketing Superpower – How telling more stories helps clients decide whether you're the right fit for them.

The Sales Process Most Owners Ignore – Why there should be more opportunities for prospects to raise their hand and ask for help.

Why Great Business Owners Still Need Coaches – Alex Varney explains why education and accountability never stop being important.

How to Protect the Business You've Built – Sharina Ankie Kroll shares practical advice on trademarks, copyrights and increasing the value of your business.

The Power of Virtual Assistants – Why giving away the right tasks can create more headspace and fuel business growth.

How Retail Can Boost Revenue – Melinda Stanford explains why physical products can increase perceived value and deepen client relationships.

Huge thanks to this week's amazing show sponsors, Paragon and First

Financial Bank!

First Financial Bank offer a wide range of flexible terms tailored to your unique situation. Whether you are buying, selling or refinancing, we'll work with you, one-on-one, every step of the way. Our lenders have been in your shoes and are here to help you reach your goals, click here to find out more

More and more grooming businesses are discovering that growing their own talent is faster, smarter and more reliable than chasing the next experienced hire. To learn how Paragon helps salon owners do exactly that, click here.

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach? Add your name to the waitlist for Dom's Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now by clicking here.

Episode Highlights

[00:51] – Dom reflects on returning from Phoenix and planning the next phase of his marketing strategy.[04:58] – Understanding the customer journey and creating more opportunities to convert prospects.[06:39] – Alex Varney joins the show to discuss leadership and the challenges of team culture.[08:25] – Why even successful business owners benefit from coaching and accountability.[12:10] – Shahrina Ankhi-Krohl explains why pet businesses should think seriously about trademark protection.[19:35] – Investigating the many risks of ignoring intellectual property and how it can affect a future sale.[24:18] – Breaking down the trademark process and making legal protection less intimidating.[34:53] – Eve Molzhon joins the show and talks gate control, virtual assistants and creating more headspace.[40:41] – Melinda Stanford explains how retail can become a powerful additional revenue stream.[44:30] – Why becoming the local hub for pet owners builds stronger relationships and bigger businesses.

Why do some pet business owners seem to make years of progress in a matter of months while others stay stuck wrestling with the same problems year after year?

What separates the owners who go back from an industry event fired up and ready to change things from the ones who fill a notebook with ideas and never actually do anything with them?

And what if the biggest thing holding your business back right now isn't a lack of knowledge, but a lack of implementation?

In this week's episode of the Pet Boarding & Daycare Podcast, Dom reports live from the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo West in Phoenix, Arizona. Fresh off delivering two packed presentations — The Ultimate Profit Plan for Dog Daycares and The Enrichment Economy — Dom reflects on the energy, optimism and ambition that filled the event, before sharing conversations with the keynote speaker Harrison Forbes , first-time attendees, startup owners, established operators, and members of the Dog Daycare Success Academy.

And throughout all the conversations there was one recurring theme: Growth happens when you stop collecting information and start implementing it. Take Elaine and Sean who we hear from at the end of the podcast, who share the ways in which they’ve been able to transform their business in the last few years.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why Expos Accelerate Growth – The hidden value isn't just the speakers and sessions, but the conversations, connections, and ideas that change how you think.

The Common Challenges Facing Pet Businesses – Staffing, labour costs, space constraints, competition, and squeezed margins continue to dominate owners' concerns.

Why Speed Matters in Business – How many owners unknowingly stretch five-year goals into five-year projects when they could achieve them much faster.

The Luxury Advantage – Why premium positioning continues to become more attractive in an uncertain economy.

What Successful Owners Do Differently – The mindset shift that separates action-takers from idea collectors.

How Coaching Buys Speed – Why investing in guidance often helps owners skip years of trial and error.

Huge thanks to this week’s amazing show sponsors, Kuranda and First Financial Bank!First Financial Bank we offer a wide range of flexible terms tailored to your unique situation.  Whether you are buying, selling or refinancing, we’ll work with you, one-on-one, every step of the way. Our lenders have been in your shoes and are here to help you reach your goals, click here to find out moreBuilt for dogs who destroy everything else, Kuranda beds are chew-proof, raised, and ridiculously durable. They keep dogs cool, comfortable, and off the hard floor — which is why kennels swear by them. Check out Kuranda here

Want to work with the World Leading Pet Business Coach?  Add your name to the waitlist for Dom’s Exclusive coaching program The Dog Daycare Success Academy now, by clicking hereEpisode Highlights

[00:51] – Dom reflects on the Phoenix Expo and why he's already excited for Hershey.[03:15] – The unique passion and purpose that drives pet care business owners.[04:24] – Highlights from Dom's Ultimate Profit Plan and Enrichment Economy presentations.[07:20] – Keynote speaker Harrison Forbes discusses the evolution of the pet industry and the rise of the "fur baby."[09:28] – Why collaboration is one of the pet industry's greatest strengths.[13:44] – Tim Jackson interviews first-time attendees about what they're learning and why they came.[20:00] – A future luxury boarding owner explains why premium positioning feels safer than competing in the middle of the market.[28:29] – Dom shares why most businesses could move forward far faster than they think.[34:22] – Why Elena joined the Dog Daycare Success Academy and her belief that coaching is the fast-track to success.[43:05] – Sean reveals the marketing systems, lead magnets, and customer communication strategies that transformed his business.