Pet Boss® Podcast with Candace

This is a podcast for the local pet business owner. Get foundational business tips mixed with the latest secrets of what’s working now, especially in this challenging world. Hear honest conversations from industry peers working the streets of Main Street, where dog business is BIG business. So, if you’re a pet supply store, grooming salon, dog daycare, boarding facility, pet sitter or dog trainer - we welcome you! What really sets this show apart from others in this space is that your show host, Candace D’Agnolo, the CEO & Founder of Pet Boss Nation® - has started, scaled and sold successful pet businesses in almost every niche of the pet industry. Not only that, but her business had multiple locations, a team of 30 people, and annual revenue hitting multiple 7 figures. What this means for you is that you’ll get a holistic approach from someone who’s been on your biz journey from start to finish. Intrigued? Press play.

Entrepreneurship
Pets & Animals
Careers
1
199: Building a Pet Destination: Products, Plat...
This episode dives deep into the practical side of building a modern pet business - you'll get an inside look at the technology stack powering the store, real stories about vendor partnerships, and honest insights about the emotional side of opening a new business.
43 min
2
198: Pet Boss Showdown: Live From SUPERZOO Las ...
Ever wondered what happens when you put three pet business owners on stage with rapid-fire business scenarios and let a live audience judge their answers?
36 min
3
197: The Dock Diving Weekend That Almost Wasn't...
Meet Kim Loper, owner of Harbor Pet and creator of Life is Gruff sustainable dog treats, who faced exactly this nightmare scenario with her beloved North Fork Dock Diving Weekend - now in its 10th year.
35 min
4
196: From Generic to Branded: The Private Label...
This episode is your game-changer! We're sharing a special recording from one of our exclusive Pet Boss Nation Lunch & Learn sessions featuring Art Nakagawa from Artvark Pet Products, who's revolutionizing private labeling for independent pet businesses.
34 min
5
195: Why Pet Business Managers Need Community T...
In this unprecedented live recording from Pet Boss Nation's first-ever manager retreat, 12 incredible pet business managers from across the country share their stories, challenges, and breakthrough moments in real time.
32 min
6
194: 5 Hard-Won Lessons from 7 Months of Buildi...
You're not alone! In this candid Behind Closed Doors update, Candace shares the 5 game-changing lessons that have emerged from 7 months of building Dante & Dory's Pet Emporium.
25 min
7
193: REPLAY: Candace's Q4 Survival Guide for Pe...
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…
28 min
8
192: How to Add $150,000 in Revenue with Just a...
Meet Joe Zuccarello, who's spent 40+ years in the pet industry managing everything from 250-employee luxury pet resorts to coaching hundreds of businesses on explosive growth. His secret? Grooming services aren't just an add-on - they're the competitive advantage that transforms struggling businesses into profit powerhouses.
31 min
9
191: From Solo Pet Sitter to Building the Large...
Kristin has cracked the code on something most industries struggle with: turning competitors into genuine collaborators through education, strict standards, and authentic relationship building.
31 min
10
190: The Messy Truth About Opening a Pet Busine...
In this raw, unfiltered episode of our Behind Closed Doors series, Candace pulls back the curtain on the wild ride of building Dante & Dory's Pet Emporium. This is the real story of what happens between "great idea" and "grand opening."
29 min
11
189: Stop Spinning, Start Wining: Your 3-Step F...
This isn't just another "rah-rah, you got this!" pep talk. This is a strategic reset session designed to help you transform the next six months into the most profitable, purposeful stretch your pet business has ever experienced.
32 min
12
188: From Garage Grooming to 8-Week Waitlist: A...
Paige Thompson's story isn't just about business growth - it's about honoring a mentor's legacy, finding strength in the darkest moments, and proving that sometimes losing everything is exactly what you need to build something extraordinary!
23 min
13
187: The Event Strategy That Makes This Pet Caf...
Meet Patty Dill, who pivoted from 18 years of pet sitting to building Doggie Sweets - a pet café, food truck empire, and event powerhouse that's become the "Starbucks for dogs" in New Jersey!
25 min
14
186: Pet Boss Unhinged: Wild Stories from the P...
In this episode, Candace alongside Amanda from the Pet Boss Nation team dive headfirst into the wildest, most outrageous stories from pet business owners across the country. 
32 min
15
185: From Concept to Creation: Dante & Dory's B...
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!
38 min
16
184: 30 Money-Making Ideas in 30 Minutes to Sup...
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.
33 min
17
183: Brand Brilliance: How a Small-Town Pet Bou...
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!
27 min
18
182: Tariff Impact: What Every Pet Business Own...
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.
36 min
19
181: Building a Team That Actually CARES About ...
Candace pulls back the curtain on what it REALLY takes to build a team that's as excited about your business as you are!
31 min
20
180: Yes, Good Employees DO Exist: How to Find ...
Great employees ARE out there – you just need the right recruitment strategy to find them!
28 min
21
179: Mixed Reviews & Big Opportunities: A Veter...
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!
32 min
22
178: Show Me the Money: Funding Your Pet Busine...
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.
32 min
23
177: The Survival Guide for Uncertain Economic ...
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.
43 min
24
176: Writing a Pet Business Plan [Behind Closed...
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.
37 min
25
175: How Astro Loyalty is Making Pet Retail Eas...
If you are on the fence about using Astro Loyalty, you WON'T be after hearing this (and the good thing is, it's crazily affordable, especially given the ROI!) Listen in to learn MORE about this tool if you're already using it, and exactly what you're missing if you're not.
39 min