Welcome aboard to another episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast, where the world of mobile and house call grooming comes alive! In this episode, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo dive deep into what it means to truly invest in your grooming business—especially during the holiday season and as we roll into the New Year. Forget standard New Year’s resolutions! Instead, our hosts challenge groomers to think about "gifting" their business—whether it’s upgrading equipment, streamlining operations by cutting unnecessary subscriptions, or even adding valuable enrichment tools and treats to make life easier for both pets and groomers. The conversation covers everything from the practical (like the importance of a trash can with a lid) to self-care for your business, such as revamping policies, updating first aid kits, and being honest with yourself and your clients. You’ll also hear real-world stories about upholding policies, handling those tricky cancellation fees, and advocating for yourself and your furry clients both in the grooming salon and at the vet’s office. Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo blend wisdom, humor, and a healthy dose of real talk, sharing both lessons learned the hard way and tips to start your new year with clarity and confidence. So grab your travel mug, hop aboard, and let’s explore how you can set your business up for another successful, fulfilling year. Happy New Year, and happy grooming!

Welcome aboard to episode 312 of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! In this festive and insightful episode, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo invite groomers, pet stylists, and canine cosmetologists to settle in with a travel mug and join them for a journey through the ups and downs of the grooming business during the holiday season.Recorded right before the holiday rush and airing just as groomers are in the home stretch, this episode dives into everything from surviving Christmas week and the importance of regular scheduling, to handling winter weather challenges and making the most of those coveted holiday tips. Chris  and mary share their favorite client gifts (yes, even cookies!), experiences with holiday slowdowns, and strategies for self-care and realistic goal-setting as you plan for the year ahead.Plus, they explore creative ways mobile and house call groomers can incorporate retail into their business, offer advice on managing finances, and discuss the value of outsourcing tasks to increase your hourly worth. Throughout, expect fun digressions (advent calendars for groomers and even cats!) and heartfelt encouragement to help you navigate the hectic season with a bit more grace and joy.Whether you’re hoping for a relaxing holiday, looking for inspiration for your grooming business, or just need some company to get through this busy week, Chris and Mary are here for you. Grab those mugs—let’s head out together and see where today’s episode takes us!

Welcome aboard the Traveling Groomers Podcast! In this episode, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo dive into the realities of wrapping up the year as professional groomers, pet stylists, and canine cosmetologists. As the holiday rush winds down, they share insight on taking a moment to breathe, assess your business, and make plans for the year ahead. Drawing parallels to the changing seasons and lessons learned from the pandemic, they discuss how to adapt to economic shifts, streamline your operations, and, most importantly, why having a coach is an investment in your success—not just an expense. You’ll also hear candid stories about travel mishaps, client cancellations, and the importance of self-care. Plus, join in as they swap tales from the Rocky Mountain show—Halloween costumes, local adventures, and unforgettable moments with their grooming community. Whether you’re prepping for the new year or recharging for another busy season, this episode is packed with practical advice, heartfelt anecdotes, and a few fun tangents to keep you smiling. So grab your travel mug and climb aboard—the Traveling Groomers Podcast is ready to roll!

Welcome aboard another lively ride with the Traveling Groomers Podcast! In this episode, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo are joined by special guest Samantha Palya for an honest and engaging roundtable that dives deep into the world of mobile and house call grooming, continuing education, and life on the road as a pet professional. This week, the trio swap stories about their experiences traveling to trade shows, the unique exhaustion that comes with always being “on,” and what it really means to manage a career in grooming – from long stretches away from family to the quirks of navigating New Jersey roads! Samantha offers fascinating insights into teaching grooming courses at the college level and shares her passion for cultivating structured education for up-and-coming groomers. The crew also opens up about the importance of early skills, safety, and evolving industry standards, highlighting the vital role that continued learning plays in staying at the top of your game. You’ll hear hilarious tales from the grooming table (yes, including face-fulls of anal glands), heartfelt advice about business skills, and memorable moments with family at industry events. Samantha also introduces her community-building initiative, Operation Read a Page, designed to spark joy and bonding for young attendees at trade shows. Whether you’re a seasoned groomer, aspiring stylist, or just tuning in for the camaraderie – grab your travel mug and join in on the journey! So get ready for laughter, learning, and plenty of relatable “why we do what we do” stories as the Traveling Groomers Podcast rolls out another episode packed with real talk, industry wisdom, and fun digressions you won’t want to miss.

Welcome to another lively episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! In today’s special live recording, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo are joined by Annalisa Signorelli, a seasoned grooming professional and problem-solver who’s bringing innovation to the grooming table. This episode—recorded live  simultaneously on the California Groomers Association and Traveling Groomers Facebook pages—dives into one of the industry’s most persistent challenges: communication between groomers and clients.Chris, Mary, and Annalisa share real-life anecdotes of grooming mix-ups, client misunderstandings, and the infamous “I’ll do my best” promise that leaves groomers everywhere sighing in solidarity. But it’s not just about venting—Annalisa introduces an exciting new app designed to transform client consultations, using easy-to-understand visuals and AI-powered customization to help bridge the communication gap and protect groomers from lost revenue and unhappy customers.If you’re a pet groomer who’s ever found yourself caught between a client’s expectations and grooming reality, or if you’re looking for practical tools to run your business smoother, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear about the importance of clear client communication, the role of continuing education, charming behind-the-scenes stories, and how technology is helping groomers everywhere “do their best”—and then some.Grab your shears and let’s get started!

The holidays can be the busiest—and most stressful—time of year for groomers. In this episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo share practical strategies to keep your business running smoothly while protecting your sanity.From smart holiday scheduling hacks to making sure your equipment and van are in top shape, we dive into everything you need to plan ahead and avoid chaos. You’ll pick up tips for clear client communication, setting boundaries, and finding time to breathe in the middle of the rush.And because self-care matters as much as business prep, we talk about the importance of taking downtime, rewarding yourself, and leaning on your grooming community for support.Whether you’re a seasoned pro or gearing up for your first holiday rush, this episode will help you stay organized, prepared, and positive—so you can make this your most successful (and least stressful) season yet.

Welcome aboard, fellow groomers, pet stylists, and canine cosmetologists!In this episode of The Traveling Groomers Podcast, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo are joined by the ever-delightful Amanda McGrath for an insightful—and frequently hilarious—conversation all about turning chaos into calm in your grooming business.The trio dives into Amanda’s brand-new, all-in-one planner created specifically for the grooming industry. They explore why organization is often the missing key for many professionals—and how implementing streamlined systems can save you hours every week.You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at Amanda’s approach to taming both physical and digital clutter, hear some all-too-relatable tales of tech trouble, and pick up expert tips on time-blocking, boosting productivity, and ditching that overwhelming “I’m drowning” feeling every busy groomer knows.Amanda also shares how to get your hands on her highly anticipated planner, gives us the scoop on her latest Etsy offerings, and teases what’s coming next in her mission to help groomers reclaim their time (and sanity).Whether you’re a mobile groomer, salon owner, or just trying to keep the fur off your keyboard, this episode is packed with laughs, wisdom, and real-world strategies to help you work smarter—not harder.So grab your travel mug, hit play, and get ready to get organized!

Hey, Traveling Groomers! In this episode, Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo take you along for an exclusive, whirlwind adventure behind the scenes at Super Zoo in Las Vegas and Hershey Groom Expo. From the bustling Mandalay Bay Convention Center floor to impromptu interviews with industry pros, vendors, and podcast fans, you’ll get a real insider’s look at the grooming world’s biggest trade shows.We explore the latest grooming tools and technology, like innovative neck dryers and AI-powered pet check-in assistants, and chat with vendors about everything from van conversions to cutting-edge sanitation solutions. Plus, Chris and Mary get real about the high-energy (and sometimes overwhelming) experience of trade shows, share tips for surviving long days on your feet, and reflect on the importance of industry connections, education, and, of course, comfy shoes!You’ll also hear about the Purina Purple Leash Project, fun vendor giveaways, and some hilarious trade show mishaps—because what’s a grooming expo without losing your spoons and  accidentally following a cute corgi? Whether you’re a show regular or thinking about attending your first expo, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and the kind of camaraderie that keeps the grooming community strong.So grab your travel mug and settle in—let’s roll!

From Groom Expo prep to celebrating Barkleigh Honors winners, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo mix laughs, real talk, and practical tips for grooming pros. Discover how Surrounded by Idiots can help you work better with clients and colleagues, why boundaries matter, and the life-saving importance of carbon monoxide detectors in mobile vans. Camaraderie, insight, and a few hilarious detours—this is grooming talk at its best.

Welcome to another lively episode of the Traveling Groomers Podcast! Hosts Mary Oquendo and Chris Anthony welcome Tina Davis  to share behind-the-scenes details and spirited conversations about preparing for the upcoming Rocky Mountain Groom Expo—now bringing its unique flair to Arizona! Laugh along as the hosts navigate technical hiccups, swap stories about altitude sickness and travel woes, and dig into the joys and challenges of organizing a grooming trade show. Tina gives listeners an exclusive peek at the Mesa Convention Center venue, complete with hotel tips, Arizona acclimation advice, and—of course—a glimpse at the food options (food trucks or concessions, anyone?). Get ready to mark your calendar: the show runs from October 31st through November 2nd, punctuated by not just expert classes but also community celebrations, including a vibrant Día de los Muertos festival and a Halloween costume parade for kids, adults, and even pets! Learn about the star-studded speaker lineup, specialty classes, and why this expo stands out from the rest. Whether you’re a seasoned grooming pro or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with camaraderie, insider tips, and genuine moments that remind us all why the grooming community is truly a family. So tune in, get inspired, and get ready for some laughs—you won’t want to miss this preview of everything the Rocky Mountain Groom Expo has in store!