Can you believe we're wrapping up another year? 🤯

In this special end-of-year episode, Candace is getting real with you about what 2024 looked like for Pet Boss Nation. 

There were wins, there were challenges, and yes– there were even moments where we had to pivot. Because let's face it– whether you're eight years in like us or just getting started in business, some years are building years, and that's exactly what they need to be!

In this episode, you'll hear:

🍾 The honest scoop about our 2024 journey! From bringing back Camp Pet Boss (finally!) and growing our amazing team to those moments when we had to admit we weren’t where we wanted to be (and how to handle those moments!) 

🍾 Some MAJOR news about 2025, including more about The Pet Boss Nation Foundation and maybe, just MAYBE, a surprise return to brick-and-mortar retail in the works. (I guess once a retailer, always a retailer?! To be determined.)

🍾 A little Pet Boss Podcast wrapped! Find out how many other Pet Bosses are tuning in (and what else they're listening to! True crime, anyone?!) 

🍾 2025 messages from our incredible team members who work behind the scenes to support YOU and your pet business dreams. 

Whether your 2024 was full of wins or felt more like a building year, remember this: we're in it together, and 2025 is full of possibilities. 

So, during this final time-warp week of the year, grab your favorite furry friend, maybe a cup of coffee (or wine!), and let's wrap up this year with some real talk about where we've been and where we're headed. 

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Is your marketing tank running on empty? 🚙

Marketing is the fuel that keeps your business engine running, and this episode is alllll about discovering strategies to fill up your customer's tank! 

In this episode, Fernando Camacho, CEO of OverDog Digital, shares his well-earned expertise on marketing strategies specifically tailored for pet businesses. 

With over 15 years of experience in the pet industry, including roles as a dog trainer, dog daycare employee,  and marketing consultant, Fern knows exactly how to attract, convert, and retain more customers without burning out.

Listen in to learn: 

⛽ Why taking care of existing customers should be your first priority before seeking new ones. 

⛽ The surprising percentage of revenue you should be investing in marketing (hint: it's more than you think!)

⛽ How to create marketing campaigns that’ll win back customers you might’ve lost along the way. 

⛽ Why you have to be the face of your business to build trust! 

⛽ The difference between long-term marketing strategies (like SEO) vs. quick-win tactics (like paid ads.) 

⛽ And so much more! 

So, ready to boss your marketing game? Whether you’re DIYing your marketing or have money to invest in it, this episode will show you how to turn your pet business into a well-oiled marketing machine that consistently attracts and retains customers! 

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Ever caught yourself saying, "This isn't for me..." when looking into business growth opportunities? 

In this myth-busting episode, Candace tackles the most common misconception about Pet Boss Nation-- that it's "just for retailers." 

Drawing from her experience running six different types of pet businesses, she reveals why this mindset might be a psychological "excuse" that's masking deeper fears holding you back from success!

In this episode, you'll learn:

🐾 Why Pet Boss Nation serves ALL pet business niches (with proof! We're busting this myth once and for all!) 

🐾 The real psychological barriers keeping pet businesses from growth

🐾 The specific resources available for each of the SIX (or more!) pet business niches we serve. 

🐾 How one program can serve multiple pet industry niches effectively.

🐾 Real success stories from within those six niches! 

Whether you're running a grooming salon, pet bakery, doggy daycare, self-wash facility, pet sitting business, or retail store, this episode exposes the excuses we tell ourselves and proves how Pet Boss Nation supports every corner of the pet industry. 

Don't let fear of vulnerability masquerade as "it's not for me." Listen in to discover how facing these challenges head-on can transform your business in 2025!

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Great collaborations lead to powerful conversations! 🧠

In this special episode, we're sharing Candace's appearance on the Big Brave Business podcast with our very own podcast producer, Sarah Heeter! 

Candace opened up to Sarah about her 25-year entrepreneurial journey in ways she hasn't before on the Pet Boss Podcast, so we thought it was especially important to share this conversation with our Pet Boss Podcast listeners! 

Join Candace and Sarah as they discuss what it truly means to be "big and brave" in business beyond the typical entrepreneurial advice.

In this episode, you'll learn:

💪 How the concept of business bravery evolves at different stages of your pet business' growth. 

💪 Why "hire slow, fire fast" isn't always the best approach, and how to decide when to use it (or not!) 

💪 The real role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership and how it impacts your business. 

💪 Common pitfalls to avoid when scaling your business.

💪 Why trend-chasing won't matter in the long run. It's really about mastering fundamentals! 

Whether you're just starting your Pet Boss journey or leading a very established pet business, this candid conversation offers fresh perspectives on authentic leadership, sustainable growth, and courageous decision-making. 

Discover why being "big and brave" isn't about following the crowd– it's about having the confidence to chart your own path while staying true to your vision! 

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Did you know that your pet business could be missing out on thousands in tax benefits while also giving back to your community or your favorite cause?! (A win-win!) 

This episode is a game changer and might open your eyes to a non-profit venture that makes sense for your pet business! Candace sits down with Dr. Orazie Cook, founder of Paws on Purpose, a business that helps pet businesses transform their charitable giving into structured nonprofit arms. 

From pet food pantries to domestic violence support programs, you'll see how leading pet businesses are making a bigger impact while gaining significant financial benefits.

In this episode, you'll learn more about:

🥰 Why and how to establish a nonprofit arm for your pet business.

🥰 The tax advantages of structured charitable giving.

🥰 Creative ways pet businesses can integrate giving into their existing operations.

🥰 Real life examples of unique and successful pet business nonprofits. 

🥰 Step-by-step guidance for getting started!

Plus, a special announcement about the new Pet Boss Nation Foundation! (Isn't that name fun to say?!) 

Whether you're already giving back or looking to start, this episode will give you practical insights for making your charitable efforts more impactful and sustainable. Learn how to structure your giving in a way that benefits your business, your community, and the pets you serve!

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Want to know how your pet business compares to others in the industry? 🤔

Let's get data-driven thanks to Pets+ Magazine! 

In this episode, Candace looks at the results of the Pets+ 2024 Big Survey, where over 500 independent pet retailers and service providers shared their answers to 75 questions that help set benchmarks within the industry. Plus, you'll discover the eight key factors that separate "thrivers" from "strugglers" in today's pet industry! 

In this episode, you'll learn:

📈 The  performance metrics of successful pet businesses (and some will surprise you!)

📈  Important insights about marketing spend and its impact on your growth.

📈  Why financial literacy might matter more than creativity for business success.

📈  Simple strategies to boost your profit margins right now! 

📈  The operational differences between thriving and struggling pet businesses.

📈  Candace's actionable steps to improve your business in five critical areas based on these results. 

Whether you feel like you're currently thriving or struggling, this episode will give you an overview of where you might fall in relation to other pet businesses, help you set realistic goals for yourself, and know exactly where to start!  Don't miss Candace's expert analysis of what these results mean for your pet business in 2025 and beyond!

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60% of students who experience pets in their classroom go on to have pets in their homes within the first year. The first year!  🤯

This statistic (and more you need to hear!) is brought to you by Melinda Thomas, Executive Director of Pets in the Classroom, an innovative program that is transforming education while cultivating the next generation of pet parents.

Melinda joined Candace on the Pet Boss Podcast to chat about how far the impact of pets can truly go when we introduce them to children at a young age and within a learning environment and what that means for the future of the pet industry. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

🐇 How classroom pets improve student engagement and academic performance.

🐹 The profound impact pets have on developing empathy and social skills.

🐠 Ways pet businesses can get involved and support their local schools. 

🦎 Heartfelt success stories of how classroom pets have transformed students' lives.

🐕 How Pets in the Classroom and Dogs in the Classroom are expanding their reach and impact even further. 

Plus, one of the biggest takeaways is how this program benefits everyone– from students and teachers to local pet businesses and the entire pet industry! 

Whether you're a pet business owner looking to make a difference or simply someone who believes in the power of the human-pet bond, this episode will inspire you to get involved in this life-changing initiative.

Let's create the next generation of responsible pet owners together! 

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You can make a bigger impact in your community while also growing your pet business (because success and service go hand in paw! 🐾) 

In this episode, Candace shares powerful stories of how giving back can transform both your business and your community. From her own personal stories of donating $50,000 to Leader Dogs For The Blind, to innovative giving programs from your fellow pet businesses across the country, you’ll easily see how small acts of kindness can create huge ripples of change.

In this episode, you'll learn:

♥️ Creative ways to incorporate giving into your pet business model, whether that means giving monetary donations, time, or expertise. 

♥️  How being charitable in your pet business can boost brand visibility and customer loyalty.

♥️  Practical examples of successful giving programs, like round-up donations to powerful tip-sharing programs. 

♥️  The benefits of community involvement for everyone-- you, your team, your business, and those you're making a difference for! 

♥️  Simple steps to start your giving journey right NOW! 

Plus-- you don't want to miss a special announcement about Pet Boss Nation's new scholarship program for 2025 in this episode! You heard it here first! 

Whether you're just starting your giving journey or looking to enhance your current charitable initiatives, this episode is one that'll inspire you. We have a platform to do more good in the world and can make it happen together! 

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Did you know that Gen Z is increasingly turning to social media over Google for brand research?! 

So, how do we reach those potential customers successfully? 🤔

Enter: UGC, or User Generated Content! 

In this episode, Candace chats with Pamela Keniston, founder of Big Paws Marketing, to explore the game-changing potential of User Generated Content (UGC).

And with the growing statistic of social media research that's happening daily, understanding UGC isn't just trendy—it's essential for pet business growth! 

In this episode, you'll learn:

🐶 What UGC is and why it generates 10x more engagement than branded content

🐶 How to encourage customers to create content for your pet business (did we mention this can be FREE marketing?!)

🐶 The difference between customer UGC and influencer partnerships.

🐶 Why "social SEO" matters and how to dominate your category's share of voice (and yes, we will define "share of voice!") 

🐶 Practical strategies for measuring UGC success beyond traditional metrics.

Marketing is ever-changing, and Pamela has a pulse on where it is, where it’s going, and how you can adapt! Listen in to learn how to transform your social media strategy from basic promotional posts to engaging, community-driven content that resonates with modern pet parents.

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⚠️Warning: This episode may cause unexpected laughter and the sudden urge to double-check your security cameras! 

What happens when Candace gathers some of the Pet Boss Mastermind members for an October retreat at her home in Galesburg, Illinois? 

Well, they gather 'round the campfire (or in her living room, but just for recording purposes!) and share spine-tingling tales of pet business mishaps, mayhem, and misadventures. 

From FBI investigations to creepy crawlies in the dog food, these real-life horror stories will make your blood run COLD. 

In this episode, you'll hear:

👻 The case of the cat-napped feline.

🎃 A groomer's brush with the FBI.

👻 The terrifying tale of the lawsuit ambush.

🎃 The mystery of the ‘Beetle’juice-invasion.

👻 All the valuable lessons learned from these haunting experiences... because yes, there is ALWAYS something to be learned! 

 Join us for this spooky pet business story time, and remember - take these stories to the Pet Boss Crypt! 🧟

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