Pet Boss® Podcast with Candace

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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Wondering how Candace was feeling during Q4 when she owned her pet businesses?

You’re about to find out! 

Candace has been there– in the thick of the busiest time of the year, watching the days quickly slip by on the calendar without any promotions or events planned, wondering how she’s going to move all that holiday inventory when she can’t seem to remove herself from the day to day tasks inside her business…

And guess what?➡️ Throughout all of her successes (and a few failures!) during Q4, she learned EXACTLY what type of support other business owners in the pet industry need right now.

In this episode, you will: 

🎁 Get the inside scoop of Candace’s brain during those overwhelming Q4s when she ran her own pet businesses, and what she did to go from overwhelmed to profitable and less stressed.

🎁 Learn three key things you need to be thinking about right now to make this Q4 your most successful one yet. 

🎁 Discover the exact resources you need to plan out the rest of this year efficiently and in manageable tasks.

🎁 And more!

Even though it’s October, and you might be thinking you missed the boat on planning a profitable, smooth Q4, that’s NOT true. No, Pet Boss. There is still time to have a very successful Q4, and your answers to how to get there are waiting inside this episode.

P.S. Don’t forget to utilize the tools you’re about to learn about! Here are the links:

✨ Purchase the Holiday Success Kit at Learn.PetBoss.com/HolidayKit

✨ Join us in the Pet Boss Club by visiting PetBossClub.com

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Ready for a raw and honest conversation about pet business ownership?

That's exactly what this episode is, as Candace sat down with Taylor Gonzalez, owner of Three Tails Parlor and Pantry, and a valued member of multiple Pet Boss Nation programs. 

Taylor shows us the emotional rollercoaster that being a pet business owner is, and the crossover between personal life and business. She went from facing personal tragedy to building a thriving pet business, and her story is a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and investing in yourself. 

In this episode, you'll hear more about: 

🐕How Taylor turned a deeply emotional personal loss into entrepreneurial drive.

🐕 The challenges of scaling a pet business from 1,400 to 5,000 square feet.

🐕 Why you HAVE to face your financial fears in your pet business, and what it looks like on the other side. 

🐕 The impact of having a supportive community that understands your struggles as a pet business owner.

🐕 What to do when you're just going through the motions and need to reignite your passion and purpose.

Taylor's story shows that we are all human, and behind the businesses we run, we struggle with real, raw problems... but when we lean on each other, invest in our potential, and put ourselves out there, beautiful things can happen. 

Don't miss this emotional and uplifting conversation that will remind you of why you fell in love with the pet industry in the first place! 

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Ever wonder what it really takes to launch a pet brand in today's competitive market? 

You're in for a treat with this podcast episode where Candace sits down with Jess Berger, founder of Bundle x Joy!

Jess and Candace unpack the hidden challenges (and triumphs!) of building a pet brand from the ground up... especially one so different from what's out there! 

In this episode, you'll learn:

🌈 The unexpected hurdles new pet brands face when trying to partner with distributors and retailers.

🌈 The delicate balance of pursuing growth while supporting small, independent retailers. 

🌈 Why diversity and representation matter in the pet industry, and how it's shaping new brands like Bundle x Joy.

🌈 Creative ways emerging brands and independent retailers can collaborate for mutual success

🌈 Bundle x Joy's mission to bring more joy, color, and inclusivity to the pet industry while supporting women-led businesses

Jess has over 17 years of experience in the pet industry, and she's building a brand that she didn't see in the market to shape a NEW future-- one that is ethically led, collaborative,  AND inclusive. 

Find out more about how brands and retailers can collaborate in the spirit of everybody winning together! 

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Now that you’re in the right Pet Boss Nation University mindset, it’s time to tie it all together and paint a picture of what a typical semester is going to look like for you!

You can take every course available on your own, but something magical happens when you lean on your “fur”-ternity members. Candace is grabbing the gavel and showing you the power of that community and how it perfectly intersects with the education aspect of PBU!

In part three of orientation, you'll learn:

🐾 The power of peer support in overcoming pet business challenges.

🐾 Inspiring success stories from current PBU members (who you will get to know when you enroll!)

🐾 A sneak peek at some upcoming PBU courses, including "Revenue Revolution" and "Fetch Success."

🐾 The structure of a typical PBU semester, including core classes and electives.

🐾 How PBU's study halls and roundtables foster collaboration and implementation.

Whether you're a pet business newbie or a seasoned pro, this episode will show you why PBU is more than just a learning platform – it's a lifeline for petpreneurs!

Ready to pledge your commitment to pet business growth and find an unbreakable bond with your “fur”-ternity members who truly “get” you?! 

Listen in to this last installment of orientation and get ready to find out when you can RUSH enrollment! 

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The announcement has been made… so now what?!

Like we said before, PBU is here to STAY📣, so class is back in session!

Professor Candace (who loves a good theme) is here to do a DEEPER dive into what you can expect from Pet Boss University and teach a little Growth Mindset 101.

In part two of orientation, you’ll learn:

📝 The power of a growth mindset and how it can revolutionize your business approach

📝 Real-world success stories from Pet Boss University members

📝 How PBU's core curriculum and elective tracks cater to various pet business niches

📝 The importance of implementing learned strategies for tangible results and how we’ll support you in implementing everything you learn. 

📝 Why Pet Boss University is valuable even if you already have a business degree.

📝 And more! 

This program is for you no matter what stage of business you’re in… seriously, from newbie freshman to established senior, there is something for YOU. Listen in to find out all the amazing things you’re about to learn and hear from some of your future fellow fur-ternity members!

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Are you ready for the BIG announcement?! Let’s hear a CHEER if you are!

In this game-changing episode, Candace unveils Pet Boss University, a transformative educational program for pet business owners designed with YOU in mind… That’s right, Pet Boss Nation is in the middle of an evolution led by a missing piece we see in the pet industry!  

You will learn everything you need to know about that evolution, including how this innovative platform combines core curriculum, elective tracks, and a supportive community to provide the ultimate pet business education experience! 

You’ll learn more about:

🏫 The evolution of Pet Boss Nation and why it's time for a major pivot!

🏫 What sets Pet Boss University apart from traditional business education. 

🏫 How the program caters to pet professionals at ALL stages of their business journey.

🏫 What’s happening to the Pet Boss Club (spoiler: it’s not going anywhere! But there will be some changes!) 

🏫 And so much more! (Including Candace’s cheerleading abilities! 📣) 

School is IN session, and you don't want to miss this opportunity to be part of the inaugural class at Pet Boss University! 

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