On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob revisit the often misunderstood world of white labeling. At first glance, it might seem like a quick way to expand your product line or increase profits, but as they remind us, it’s your name, your reputation, and your relationship with customers on the line.

They break down the key questions every pet business owner should ask: When does white labeling make sense, and when is it a mistake? How do you make a white-labeled product unique and reflective of your brand, rather than just another generic option? And how do you move beyond competing on price alone to deliver real value that keeps customers coming back?

Throughout the discussion, Lorin and Rob share best practices, common pitfalls, and creative approaches for making white labeling a strategic growth tool instead of a risky shortcut. Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or already have white label products in your lineup, this episode will help you think critically about how to protect your brand, build trust, and create offerings that truly stand out in the competitive pet marketplace.

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive deep into their experiences and observations from the SuperZoo 2025 National Trade Show in Las Vegas—one of the pet industry’s most anticipated events of the year. With thousands of retailers, vendors, groomers, innovators, and pet enthusiasts under one roof, SuperZoo once again delivered a whirlwind of energy, excitement, and discovery.

From the moment they stepped onto the show floor, Lorin and Rob were surrounded by the latest in new products, fresh services, up-and-coming companies, and innovative educational sessions designed to help the industry move forward. They take you along for the ride—sharing what they saw, what impressed them, and what left them scratching their heads.

But beyond the buzz and the shiny new launches, there are always questions that surface once the glow of the trade show fades:

Which trends have real staying power, and which are more hype than substance?

What are the true benefits of attending such a large-scale event for retailers and vendors?

And how do you separate the excitement of the show from the practical realities of running a business?

Lorin and Rob talk candidly about the hits and misses—from standout products and brands that genuinely moved the needle to the ones that didn’t quite deliver. They also highlight the evolving role of trade shows in today’s pet business landscape, and why it’s so important for businesses to have a clear strategy when deciding to attend.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Practical Pet Business without a little humor—so yes, Lorin even manages to sneak in a discussion about the cost of bananas amidst the deep industry talk.

Packed with insights, real-world reflections, and a few laughs, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the pet business space. Whether you’re considering attending your first national trade show, looking for inspiration from this year’s trends, or just curious about what the future of the industry might hold, you’ll find plenty to take away from this conversation.

On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob take a deep dive into the strategies and insights behind identifying the pet products that truly drive traffic and build excitement for your store. They discuss how small shifts—like moving the location of key products, refreshing displays, and keeping a close eye on consumer trends—can make a big impact on engagement and sales.

Beyond the logistics, they emphasize the importance of staying true to your store’s brand and philosophy while still catering to the evolving wants and needs of pet parents. When you connect your preferences and expertise with the desires of your customers, you not only strengthen your product mix but also create a unique shopping experience that stands out from the competition.

Lorin and Rob also explore how product selection ties directly into customer loyalty, and how loyalty naturally fuels repeat traffic, stronger word-of-mouth referrals, and ultimately more sales. By combining the right products with an intentional focus on customer experience, you can generate a buzz that keeps your store top of mind and your community excited to come back.

Whether you’re looking for practical merchandising tips, inspiration to refresh your product strategy, or ways to deepen customer loyalty, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you build traffic, sales, and long-term success in your pet business.

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into a pressing question for many pet business owners: physical store vs. virtual presence. They explore the key factors in weighing the value and return on a brick-and-mortar location versus running an online shop, from cost considerations to customer experience. Learn how to spot the signs and interpret customer trends so you can plan for long-term success—no matter which channel (or combination) you choose to reach your audience. Plus, they tackle the challenges of cutting through the noise in today’s crowded online pet business marketplace. All this and more, right here on Practical Pet Business.

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into the importance of having a clear purpose and plan when attending pet industry conferences and events. With the significant investment of time, money, and resources involved, simply showing up and winging it won’t deliver the results your business needs.

From strategically mapping out booth visits to prioritizing educational sessions, they share insights on how to make the most of your time—and avoid overwhelm. Is the payoff worth the cost? How do you measure success at these events? And what are the hidden opportunities you might be missing?

Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or heading to your first expo, this episode will help you maximize your conference ROI. All that and more on this edition of Practical Pet Business.

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into the delicate art of balancing customer relationships in the pet industry. As clients become regulars—and often, friends—it’s natural for personal stories to be shared. But how much is too much? Pet business owners aren’t just professionals; they’re pet parents and people with real lives, emotions, and boundaries. Lorin and Rob explore the emotional tightrope of connecting deeply while protecting your own mental and emotional well-being. From navigating grief and life changes to managing customer curiosity with care, this episode offers thoughtful insights into building meaningful, respectful relationships with your community. Tune in for a candid, compassionate conversation on the power—and complexity—of personal connection in pet business.

Join Lorin and Rob—your go-to duo in the pet world—as they get excited about all things pet-friendly events! Think puppy photo ops with ridiculous props, costume contests that’ll make tails wag, hands-on workshops that teach pet parents new tricks, and demo sessions showcasing the coolest pet products. Whether you’re dreaming up a “Bark-tastic” photo booth or a pup-approved training clinic, these two lay out the why, the how, and all the fun details to turn attendees into genuine fangirls and fanboys of your brand.

You can expect:

✅ Real-life event hacks—from planning to promoting—so your event shines

✅ Ideas that delight both four-legged guests and their humans

✅ Tips to turn every interaction into a loyalty-building moment

If you’re a pet service pro, shop owner, or trainer aiming to grow your community and your biz in a pawsitively pawfect way—this episode is for you!

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of the pet industry: product labeling. From bold marketing claims to fine print regulations, they explore what labels actually communicate—and what they often leave out. Learn how subtle changes in wording, regulation loopholes, and shifting standards can dramatically alter the meaning of a label, sometimes without the consumer ever realizing it. It's not just about “good,” “better,” or “best”—labels are just the beginning. As a pet professional, understanding and educating others about labels can make or break the trust you build with your customers. Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion on navigating the label landscape in the pet product world.

On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into the ever-shifting world of calendar planning for your pet business. While some dates are obvious—hello, National Dog Day—there are more hidden opportunities than ever before to engage pet parents and grow your business.

From the fast-moving retail landscape to the way big box stores and online giants have reshaped holiday timelines, timing your marketing and promotions has never been more critical—or more confusing. Lorin and Rob unpack how to navigate these changes, resonate with your audience, and stay one step ahead of the rush—without losing your mind.

If you're trying to figure out when to plan, what to promote, and how to stay sane while doing it all, this episode is for you.

Tune in and get practical with Practical Pet Business!

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob tackle a topic every business owner dreads: the "bad apple" employee. From subtle toxicity to outright disruption, one problematic team member can quietly (or loudly) erode your company culture, rattle your staff, and drive away loyal customers.

Tune in as they break down how to spot the signs early, what actions to take (and when), and how to protect your business before things spiral. Whether you're dealing with a current issue or want to prepare for the future, this candid conversation is packed with practical advice you won’t want to miss.