Practical Pet Business

Practical Pet Business

By Lorin Grow, Robert SemrowKids & FamilyPets & Animals
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Practical Pet Business episodes

  • Practical Pet Business - Episode 28 - Loyalty programs for pet businesses pet parents and much more
    On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob explore the ins and outs of Pet Business Loyalty and Rewards Programs—a powerful tool when done right, but a potential pitfall when handled poorly.
    They break down where and when these programs are having the greatest impact in today’s pet marketplace, and the different approaches businesses are using to strengthen customer connections. From punch cards and points systems to subscription perks and digital rewards, Lorin and Rob highlight the upsides and downsides of each approach, always emphasizing one key principle: your loyalty program should serve your business and your customers first—not the collective, not the trend.
    The conversation also shines a light on the missteps that can cause customers to feel less valued or even alienated when loyalty programs change in ways that don’t benefit them. Lorin and Rob discuss what to avoid, how to recognize when a program isn’t working, and where to refocus your efforts to build lasting relationships.
    Whether you’re considering launching a loyalty program, reworking an existing one, or just curious about what makes them succeed (or fail), this episode offers practical insights to help you design a program that drives real value, keeps customers engaged, and sets your business apart.
    25 min
  • Practical Pet Business - Episode 27 - Are you experience the pet industry growth
    On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob take a closer look at the state of the pet industry and uncover an important truth: while overall industry numbers show steady and even impressive growth, many individual pet businesses aren’t sharing in that success. The question is, why?
    They dig into the factors behind the disconnect—more competition than ever before, broader product availability across countless channels, and an expanding array of services that compete for the same customers. From big-box retailers to online marketplaces, direct-to-consumer brands to subscription models, the pet industry is more crowded and more competitive than it has ever been. Lorin and Rob discuss how this level of saturation can leave independent businesses and even established brands struggling to carve out their space.
    But it’s not all challenges—there are also opportunities, if you know how to find them. Lorin and Rob walk through practical ways to spot the difference between genuine opportunities for growth and the shiny objects that may look attractive but don’t deliver long-term, sustainable results. They highlight common traps pet businesses fall into—like chasing every new product fad or trying to be everything to everyone—and share strategies for evaluating whether an expansion of products, services, or business models truly aligns with your goals.
    From refining your core offerings, to identifying unmet needs in your community, to understanding customer trends and behavior, they provide tools and perspective that business owners can use to make smarter, more confident decisions. They also touch on the mindset shift required to thrive in a fast-moving industry: learning when to adapt, when to stay the course, and how to balance innovation with focus.
    If you’ve ever wondered why your business doesn’t feel like it’s riding the same wave of growth you see in industry reports—or how to separate the “noise” from the real opportunities that can take your business forward—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
    25 min
  • Practical Pet Business Episode 26 Burnout tough discussions and decisions
    On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob open up about some of the most challenging aspects of being a business owner—making tough calls, having uncomfortable discussions, and managing the inevitable waves of burnout. These are not just abstract business concepts; they’re real issues that almost every entrepreneur faces, especially in the pet industry where passion runs high and emotions are often intertwined with business decisions.
    Through candid conversation and actionable advice, Lorin and Rob share ways to be honest with yourself about where you and your business truly stand, while also extending yourself grace during the difficult moments. They explore practical tools and resources—like leaning on trusted contacts, using technology to measure progress, and building strong relationships—that can help you check in on the overall health of both your business and your personal well-being.
    Owning and running a business in the pet world comes with unique rewards and unique pressures. The very passion that drives us to serve pets and their people can sometimes make the challenges feel heavier and the stakes feel higher. But you don’t have to carry that weight alone.
    Join Lorin and Rob as they walk through strategies to identify stress points early, manage them with clarity and confidence, and create pathways that support not only the survival of your business but also your ability to thrive as a person and leader. This episode is both a reminder and a resource: that you’re not alone, that your struggles are valid, and that there are solutions and communities ready to support you.
    35 min
  • Practical Pet Business Episode 25 White labeling continued discussion and thoughts
    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.
    24 min
  • Practical Pet Business - Episode 24 - SuperZoo 2025 - National Pet Tradeshow - Overview and Experience
    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.
    30 min
  • Practical Pet Business - Episode 23 - Identifying products that drive traffic and satisfaction for pet parents mp3
    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.
    22 min
  • Practical Pet Business - Episode 22 - Physical stores vs virtual stores considerations mp3
    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.
    25 min
  • Practical Pet Business - Episode 21 - Attending pet conferences and events with a purpose mp3
    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.
    29 min
  • Practical Pet Business - Episode 20 - Balancing the customer relationship mp3
    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.
    27 min
  • Practical Pet Business - Ep 19 - Pet Centric Events That Build Customer Loyalty
    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!
    28 min

About Practical Pet Business

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Join Lorin and Robert in this Business Edition of Practical Pet Chat, where they dive into the latest trends and issues affecting the pet industry. Whether you’re a retailer, vendor, manufacturer, or…