Ready to peek behind the curtain of some serious brand magic? 🎨✨

This episode of our Behind Closed Doors series takes you deep into the psychology and strategy behind creating the Dante & Dory's Pet Emporium brand – and trust us, it's SO much more than just picking pretty colors!

I'm joined by the incredible J. Nichole Smith, the brand architect behind iconic pet industry names like Dog Is Good, P.L.A.Y., and many more! With nearly 20 years building feel-good brands, Nic is an expert in the art of joy and the psychology of color – and she just worked her magic on the new pet store and pet care center!

In this episode, you'll discover:

💡 The power of psychological consistency – why certain spaces make you want to stay forever (and it's not an accident!)

💡 Color psychology in action – how the right color palette can literally influence customer behavior and buying decisions

💡 The archetype method – discovering Dante & Dory's personality blend of Jester, Explorer, and Innocent (and what that means for the customer experience)

💡 Holding creative tension – how to be both premium AND approachable, modern AND vintage

Whether you're just starting out, planning to expand, or ready to elevate your existing brand, this episode will completely change how you think about the visual elements of your business. 

Because here's the thing – you have about 10 seconds online and 90 seconds in person to make that killer first impression, and your brand is doing ALL the talking before you even say a word!

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We're almost halfway through 2025... how are your sales looking? 👀

In this episode, Candace delivers 30 powerful money-making ideas in just 30 minutes – the perfect shot of inspiration for any pet business feeling a mid-year slump! Whether you're experiencing decision fatigue, feeling sales stagnation, or just need fresh ideas to supercharge your profits, this rapid-fire session is packed with actionable strategies you can implement NOW.

In this profit-packed episode, you’ll learn: 

💼 Seasonal product bundles, clearance strategies, and loyalty program ideas to help retailers move more inventory

✂️ Premium service upgrades that groomers can use to boost ticket value

🚶‍♀️ Enrichment add-ons for pet sitters, dog walkers and trainers seeking recurring revenue

🏢 Membership models and rental opportunities that help daycare and boarding facilities maximize their space

And so much more! 

Grab your notebook - this episode is one you'll want to revisit again and again as you work to boost your pet business profits throughout 2025 and beyond!

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Want your pet business to stand out from the big box stores? 🏆

In this episode, Candace welcomes Kristen Hawkins, owner of "Pup" (a super neat dog boutique) in Carl Junction, Missouri - and a Pet Boss Nation University scholarship recipient who's crushing it with her “snarky and silly” branding!

In this branding masterclass, you'll discover: 

🏠 How intentional branding helped Kristen hit her ENTIRE day's sales goal in just one hour during her Fifth Saturday promotion

🎨 The specific color palette and design strategy that makes customers instantly recognize Pup's marketing (even when scrolling quickly)

🎭 The story behind "Ted" (Kristen's husband's alter-ego) who's become a social media sensation that customers look forward to seeing

📱 Exactly how to use Canva's brand kit to maintain consistency without design skills or expensive software

The episode shares how authentic branding that reflects your genuine personality can create deep community connections. As Kristen says: "Find what lights you up and run, don't walk, toward it!"

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The tariff situation is changing rapidly, and it's already affecting your pet business - whether you realize it or not! 📊

In this episode, Candace breaks her silence on this complex topic to give you the straight facts about what's happening with tariffs, how they impact the pet industry specifically, and most importantly - what YOU can do about it right now.

You'll learn: 

💼 What tariffs actually are and who REALLY pays them (hint: it's not other countries!) 

💼 The current status of tariffs 

💼 How pet foods, accessories, toys, and even veterinary supplies are being affected 

💼 Why your supply chain is already being disrupted (40% emptier shipping containers!)

💼 Practical strategies to handle customer objections about rising prices 

💼 How to communicate effectively with both customers and employees about price changes

Don't miss the powerful real-world example showing how a small business owner's $40,000 budget potentially becomes a $145,800 invoice when hit with these tariffs.

This episode provides the clarity and action steps you need in these uncertain economic times.

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Tired of having to micromanage or do it all yourself because your team "just doesn't get it"? 🙄

In this special "Behind Closed Doors" episode about Dante & Dory's, Candace pulls back the curtain on what it REALLY takes to build a team that's as excited about your business as you are!

In this revealing episode, you'll learn: 

👥 Why team development starts BEFORE your business even opens its doors 

👥 The complete employee lifecycle and where most businesses drop the ball 

👥 How proper training can increase employee sales effectiveness by 57% 

👥 Why your employees are 3x more trusted than you (the CEO) by customers 

👥 Behind-the-scenes updates on Dante and Dory's progress including branding, floor plans, and new roof!

Plus, exciting news about an upcoming Manager's Retreat in Galesburg this July! If you want your managers to become true leaders in your business, this is your opportunity to send them for specialized training at Dante and Dory's and so much more! 

Whether you're hiring your first employee or struggling with a disengaged team, this episode delivers the blueprint for transforming your staff into your greatest business asset!

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"Where ARE all the good employees?!" 🧐

If you've ever asked yourself this question (especially lately), this episode of the Pet Boss Podcast is exactly what you need! Candace welcomes Joe Latona of Walker Scout, a specialized recruiter who focuses exclusively on the pet industry.

After 11 years of experience in the pet care world (where he grew a team from 5 to 45 employees🙌🏻), Joe has cracked the code on finding amazing talent in today's challenging labor market.

The good news? Great employees ARE out there – you just need the right recruitment strategy to find them!

In this episode, you'll discover: 

💼 Why most pet businesses are sabotaging their own hiring efforts without realizing it

💼 The surprising reason your job posts aren't attracting quality candidates (hint: it's not what you think!) 

💼 How to create a lightning-fast recruitment pipeline that beats competitors to the best talent 

💼 Why your mobile application process could be costing you amazing employees 

💼 The truth about wages in today's pet industry – you don't need to pay the most, but you can't pay the least 

💼 Creative strategies for addressing the groomer and trainer shortage challenge 

Whether you're fully staffed or desperately hiring, this episode provides actionable insights to transform your recruitment process and build the dream team your pet business deserves! 

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Candace just returned from Global Pet Expo 2025 in Orlando and this episode is a full insider breakdown of the experience! 🌴

After attending over 15 shows over her 22-year career, Candace calls this one of her absolute FAVORITE Global Pet Expos ever - but acknowledges the mixed reviews coming from other attendees. 

In this episode, you'll hear: 

🔍 Why some attendees felt disappointed about a particular presence on the show floor (and what this trend means for retailers) 

🔍 The truth about "no innovation" complaints and why your perspective completely changes your experience 

🔍 How Candace's strategy of "slowing down" led to discovering incredible opportunities others missed 

🔍 The exciting changes in ordering that make it easier than ever for small retailers to work with larger brands 

🔍 Insider tips from conversations about tariffs and how manufacturers are adapting (and why you should care)

🔍 Candace's favorite product discoveries and more!

Whether you attended Global Pet Expo or not, this episode offers valuable perspective on industry trends, relationship building, and how to maximize trade show experiences - even in uncertain economic times! 

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Getting a bank loan for your pet business doesn't have to feel like solving a mystery! 💰

In this episode, Candace brings in Jacqueline Pait, a specialized lender from Live Oak Bank who works with pet care businesses nationwide.

Unlike traditional banks that might put your pet business in the wrong "box," Jacqueline reveals what REALLY happens behind those imposing bank doors and how to position yourself for funding success.

You'll discover: 

💵 The crucial differences between SBA loans and conventional financing (and why one might give you much better terms for your situation)

💵 The documentation and preparation you need before even stepping into a bank 

💵 Why your personal credit history matters (but isn't the only factor banks consider!) 

💵 How industry-specific lenders can be game-changers for your pet business's financial future 

💵 Current pet industry lending trends showing a return to acquisitions and expansions in 2025 

💵 Why "good debt" that generates more revenue is a smart business strategy

Whether you're a startup dreaming big, an established business ready to expand, or considering acquiring another location, this episode strips away the mystery of financing and gives you a clear roadmap to funding your pet business vision.

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Candace welcomes a retail LEGEND on this episode of the Pet Boss Podcast! 🙌

Bob Negen of WhizBang! Retail Training has decades of experience helping thousands of retailers succeed. Today, he's sharing the exact formula for not just surviving but THRIVING (and growing your business strength!) when customers seem scarce. 

Here's some of what you'll learn in this episode:

🌟 The four P's mindset framework that will change how you respond to business challenges

🌟 Why focusing obsessively on sales numbers can sabotage your emotional well-being (and what to keep an eye on instead)

🌟 How to make the most of every customer interaction when traffic is down

🌟 The "Piña Colada Principle" for creating irresistible reasons for customers to visit your store

🌟 Why responding to stress with action always beats sitting in worry

🌟 How to approach vendor relationships during challenging times to create win-win partnerships

🌟 The key difference maker between retailers who will grow stronger through challenges versus those who won't make it

Whether you're worrying about tariff impacts, changing consumer behaviors, or anything that feels a little rocky at the moment, this episode delivers a mindset reset and practical action steps to help your pet business weather any storm. 

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What’s a business plan, and do you need one?! 

No matter what stage of business you’re in, if you don’t have a concrete business plan mapped out, let’s get to work! 💪

Candace recently got back into business planning mode to secure funding for her newest venture– Dante & Dory’s, a pet retail destination opening soon in Galesburg, IL!

This podcast series, Behind Closed Doors: Building a Pet Destination, takes you behind the scenes of EVERY step of Candace’s journey. In this update, she’s spilling the tea on how she crafted a 20 page business plan to wow the banks and get REAL about what her business goals are.

You’ll hear more about:

✔️ Candace’s secret AI weapon that helped her both dig deep to create her business plan AND do it a lot faster than she did 20 years ago 

✔️ Why it's a better idea to go to the bank with a business plan rather than some notes on a napkin

✔️ Details on the sections you should include in your business plan, like financial projections, for example (and what these look like in Candace's plan!) 

✔️ How Candace is already building a customer list and buzz WITHOUT having her branding finalized

✔️ How Candace is prepping her Dante & Dory's team before their doors are even open 

✔️ And so much more! 

Whether you're just starting out, planning to expand, or considering a business refresh, you'll want to take notes from this one! Your business plan will serve as the foundational document for all your future business decisions. 

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