PetBiz Podcast for Pet Business Owners

Hosted by Janie Budnick

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124

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May 2025

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About the show

The PetBiz Podcast is the perfect place for pet business owners to learn, connect, and grow. Hosted by pet business expert Janie Budnick, this podcast features interviews with industry leaders, as well as actionable tips and strategies for building a successful pet business. Whether you're a groomer, a dog walker, a pet sitter, or any other type of pet business owner, you'll find valuable insights and inspiration in every episode. With a fun and engaging style, Janie brings her years of experience and expertise to the table, helping listeners navigate the challenges of running a pet business and achieve their goals. So if you're ready to take your pet business to the next level, join Janie and her guests on the PetBiz Podcast today!

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May 15, 2025Episode 853 min

#124 Growing Groomers with Joe Zuccarello

In this episode of the PetBiz Podcast, hosted by Janie Budnick, founder and CEO of multiple successful pet businesses, Janie interviews Joe Zuccarello from the Paragon School of Pet Grooming. They discuss the state of the pet grooming industry, strategies for scaling pet services businesses, and the future of mobile grooming. Joe shares his vast experience in the industry, highlighting the importance of training and mentoring, and provides actionable advice for recruiting and retaining skilled staff. The episode also covers effective marketing tactics and innovative ways to integrate grooming services into pet care facilities. Joe offers insights into the significant growth of mobile grooming and how businesses can leverage this trend. Additionally, recommended readings for business and personal development are shared, providing listeners with resources to improve their leadership and business management skills. 00:00 Introduction to the Pet Biz Podcast 00:48 Meet Joe Zuccarello from Paragon School of Pet Grooming 02:15 Joe's Journey in the Pet Industry 03:53 The Evolution of Paragon Pet Grooming School 04:43 Impact of the Pandemic on Pet Grooming Education 08:58 Paragon's Mentorship and Training Programs 13:34 The Future of the Pet Grooming Industry 16:42 The Rise of Mobile and In-Home Pet Services 21:23 Investing in People and Growing Leaders 28:12 Impact of the Gig Economy on Employment 28:51 Embracing Change in the Job Market 29:23 Strategies for Hiring in the Pet Industry 30:47 Fishing vs. Hunting for Talent 32:01 Targeting High Schools and Job Fairs 35:22 Exploring 4-H, FFA, and Scouting for Talent 38:52 Building a Farm Team for Grooming 41:13 The Doodle Grooming Niche 44:04 Retaining Employees and Building Culture 46:54 Recommended Business Books 50:35 Conclusion and Resources LINKS National Cat Groomers Institute JOE'S BOOK PICKS Start With Why by Simon Sinek Traction by Gino Wickman Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely Misbehaving by Richard H. Thaler CONNECT WITH JOE Paragon School of Pet Grooming Hey Joe! Podcast Hey there 👋 I’m Janie Budnick - Host of the PetBiz Podcast and founder of the P etBiz University™, including the PetBizMBA ® Business Accelerator and the PetBizCRM ™ Relationship Manager solution. No matter how far you are down the pet business path from START to FREEDOM I we are here to help! Friend, your entrepreneurial dreams can 100% be a reality – but, let me tell you, it’s so easy to get discouraged when you’re starting out or in the messy middle. There are so many things to learn. PetBiz University is the one place where you can get the support and education you need for your stage of entrepreneurship! “I love finding out about the strategies, tips, and cool people in our industry at the PetBiz Podcast!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show ! This helps us support the amazing pet industry and provide more education and resources to pet business owners. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode you heard! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. we add new interviews weekly, and if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now !

May 8, 2025Episode 723 min

#123 The 70-20-10 Rule in Your Pet Business

Diversification and Innovation: Balancing Your Pet Business Focus In this episode of the Pet Biz Podcast, Janie draws inspiration from an interesting Facebook discussion about diversification, focusing specifically on starting a pet waste removal service. Janie reflects on personal experiences in the pet industry since 1997, emphasizing the importance of diversification, without diluting core business offerings. She introduces the 70-20-10 rule for managing resources: 70% on optimizing core services, 20% on adjacent improvements, and 10% on bold new ideas. The episode concludes with guidance on sustaining focus while exploring innovations and a call to action for listeners to apply the 70-20-10 rule to their own businesses. Listeners are invited to share topic ideas and industry contacts via email at janie@petbizu.com 00:00 Introduction and Episode Inspiration 00:41 Diversification in Your Pet Business 01:43 Personal Experience and Business Focus 08:54 The 70-20-10 Rule for Time Management 14:13 Applying the 70-20-10 Rule to Your Pet Business 20:24 Homework and Final Thoughts In case you want to reference Alex Hermozi's education head on over HERE Hey there 👋 I’m Janie Budnick - Host of the PetBiz Podcast and founder of the P etBiz University™, including the PetBizMBA ® Business Accelerator and the PetBizCRM ™ Relationship Manager solution. No matter how far you are down the pet business path from START to FREEDOM I we are here to help! Friend, your entrepreneurial dreams can 100% be a reality – but, let me tell you, it’s so easy to get discouraged when you’re starting out or in the messy middle. There are so many things to learn. PetBiz University is the one place where you can get the support and education you need for your stage of entrepreneurship! “I love finding out about the strategies, tips, and cool people in our industry at the PetBiz Podcast!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show ! This helps us support the amazing pet industry and provide more education and resources to pet business owners. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode you heard! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. we add new interviews weekly, and if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now !

May 1, 2025Episode 643 min

#122 Email Marketing with Liz Wilcox

In this episode of the PetBiz Podcast, host Janie welcomes Liz Wilcox, a renowned email strategist and keynote speaker. Known as the 'Fresh Princess of email marketing,' Liz shares her journey from being an RV travel blogger to becoming a multi-six-figure email marketer. She dives into her signature framework, 'The Email Staircase,' which helps turn followers into friends and then customers. Liz discusses the importance of being relatable, invested, and staying top of mind in email marketing. She also debunks myths about email campaigns and offers valuable tips on building relationships through email. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting, Liz's practical advice on how to leverage email marketing is invaluable. 00:00 Welcome to the Pet Biz Podcast 00:14 Meet Liz Wilcox: The Fresh Princess of Email Marketing 01:07 Embracing the Nineties Vibe 01:49 From RV Blogger to Email Marketing Expert 03:41 The Importance of Email Lists 05:24 Email Marketing Strategies for Pet Businesses 08:14 Building Relationships Through Email 17:39 Frequency and Value in Email Marketing 19:26 Starting from Scratch: Building Your Email List 22:55 Emphasizing Your Business Story 24:08 Setting Email Expectations 25:31 Newsletter Formats and Spam Filters 31:34 Understanding Email Metrics 35:04 Personal Growth and Unique Stories 39:07 Email Marketing Membership BOOK MENTIONED Real Artists Don't Starve by Jeff Goins HOW TO CONNECT WITH LIZ WILCOX www.lizwilcox.com FOR MORE LISTENING The Email Sound Booth with Liz Wilcox (podcast) Hey there 👋 I’m Janie Budnick - Host of the PetBiz Podcast and founder of the P etBiz University™, including the PetBizMBA ® Business Accelerator and the PetBizCRM ™ Relationship Manager solution. No matter how far you are down the pet business path from START to FREEDOM I we are here to help! Friend, your entrepreneurial dreams can 100% be a reality – but, let me tell you, it’s so easy to get discouraged when you’re starting out or in the messy middle. There are so many things to learn. PetBiz University is the one place where you can get the support and education you need for your stage of entrepreneurship! “I love finding out about the strategies, tips, and cool people in our industry at the PetBiz Podcast!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show ! This helps us support the amazing pet industry and provide more education and resources to pet business owners. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode you heard! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. we add new interviews weekly, and if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now !

January 5, 2025Episode 556 min

#121 Metrics to Measure for 2025

In the inaugural episode of 2025, Janie kicks off episode 121 of the Pet Biz Podcast by reflecting on the accomplishments of 2024 and setting an uplifting tone for the year ahead. She dives deep into essential metrics that pet business owners need to track to set and achieve their business goals. The episode breaks down key metrics into three categories: financial metrics like Average Customer Value (ACV), Client Retention, Customer Lifetime Value (CLV), Cost Per Lead (CPL), and Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC); company metrics like Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT), Customer Churn, Revenue Growth Rate, Occupancy or Staff Utilization, Net Profit Margin, and business valuation metrics such as SDE and EBITDA; and employee metrics like Employee Retention, Employee Turnover, First-Year Employee Turnover, and the importance of scorecards for team accountability. Janie provides practical steps, valuable insights, and a motivational push for pet business owners to analyze their past performance and plan strategically for a successful year. 00:00 Welcome to the New Year! 00:26 Reflecting on 2024 Achievements 01:53 Importance of Metrics in Your Business 02:56 Financial Metrics: Understanding Your Numbers 03:16 Calculating Average Customer Value (ACV) 09:52 Client Retention and Lifetime Value 14:08 Marketing Metrics: Cost Per Lead and Customer Acquisition Cost 19:46 Company Metrics: Customer Satisfaction and Churn 27:43 Understanding Client Churn 30:51 Analyzing Revenue Growth Rate 33:03 Evaluating Occupancy and Staff Utilization 34:00 Calculating Net Profit Margin 35:40 Determining Business Value 38:53 Assessing Marketing Metrics 46:00 Employee Metrics and Retention 52:57 Final Thoughts and Summary Hey there 👋 I’m Janie Budnick - Host of the PetBiz Podcast and founder of the P etBiz University™, including the PetBizMBA ® Business Accelerator and the PetBizCRM ™ Relationship Manager solution. No matter how far you are down the pet business path from START to FREEDOM I we are here to help! Friend, your entrepreneurial dreams can 100% be a reality – but, let me tell you, it’s so easy to get discouraged when you’re starting out or in the messy middle. There are so many things to learn. PetBiz University is the one place where you can get the support and education you need for your stage of entrepreneurship! “I love finding out about the strategies, tips, and cool people in our industry at the PetBiz Podcast!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show ! This helps us support the amazing pet industry and provide more education and resources to pet business owners. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode you heard! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. we add new interviews weekly, and if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now !

December 29, 2024Episode 428 min

#120 Employee Contracts & Non-Competes

In Episode 20 of the Pet Biz Podcast, Janie Budnick delves into the critical aspects of employee contracts in the pet industry. She begins by reminding listeners of the importance of regularly reviewing these documents, particularly as the new year approaches. Janie clarifies the distinction between employee contracts and handbooks, discussing essential contract elements such as job information, benefits, compensation, termination clauses, and various protective clauses like non-disclosure, and non-solicit. She offers insights into avoiding potential legal and business pitfalls related to non-solicit and non-compete clauses, emphasizing the need for legal advice tailored to state-specific regulations. Additionally, Janie touches on the Federal Trade Commission's rulings on non-competes and the evolving legal landscape for such agreements. She also discusses stay-or-pay provisions from her own experience and their implications within the pet industry. Janie concludes with the importance of being compliant and vigilant in this ever-evolving regulatory environment. 00:00 Welcome to Pet Biz Podcast Episode 20 01:05 Understanding Employee Contracts 02:40 Non-Disclosure Agreements Explained 03:14 The Importance of Non-Solicit Clauses 07:58 Navigating Non-Compete Clauses 13:09 Legal Landscape of Non-Competes in 2024 20:58 Stay or Pay Provisions in Employment Contracts 25:49 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts Links Shared in this Podcast: State Non-Compete Map Hey there 👋 I’m Janie Budnick - Host of the PetBiz Podcast and founder of the P etBiz University™, including the PetBizMBA ® Business Accelerator and the PetBizCRM ™ Relationship Manager solution. No matter how far you are down the pet business path from START to FREEDOM I we are here to help! Friend, your entrepreneurial dreams can 100% be a reality – but, let me tell you, it’s so easy to get discouraged when you’re starting out or in the messy middle. There are so many things to learn. PetBiz University is the one place where you can get the support and education you need for your stage of entrepreneurship! “I love finding out about the strategies, tips, and cool people in our industry at the PetBiz Podcast!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show ! This helps us support the amazing pet industry and provide more education and resources to pet business owners. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode you heard! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. we add new interviews weekly, and if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now !

December 15, 2024Episode 339 min

#119 Pricing Strategies for 2025

In this episode of the Pet Biz Podcast, host Janie Budnick delves into strategic pricing strategies for pet business owners as they approach the end of 2024. Janie emphasizes the importance of regularly reviewing long-term goals and aligning them with actionable steps. The discussion covers the impact of industry growth, cost increases, market demand, and customer sensitivity on pricing decisions. Janie shares her personal experiences, insights on economic conditions, inflation, and the importance of understanding your client base. The episode provides practical advice on conducting customer surveys, implementing psychological pricing techniques, and preparing for incremental price increases to maintain profitability and sustainability in the pet industry. 00:00 Introduction to Long-Term Goals 00:31 Welcome to the Pet Biz Podcast 01:15 Pricing Strategies for 2024 01:49 Understanding Market Dynamics 05:17 Cost Considerations 11:33 Customer Sensitivity and Feedback 17:32 Economic and Political Factors 24:43 Strategic Pricing Adjustments 39:01 Conclusion and Next Steps Hey there 👋 I’m Janie Budnick - Host of the PetBiz Podcast and founder of the P etBiz University™, including the PetBizMBA ® Business Accelerator and the PetBizCRM ™ Relationship Manager solution. No matter how far you are down the pet business path from START to FREEDOM I we are here to help! Friend, your entrepreneurial dreams can 100% be a reality – but, let me tell you, it’s so easy to get discouraged when you’re starting out or in the messy middle. There are so many things to learn. PetBiz University is the one place where you can get the support and education you need for your stage of entrepreneurship! “I love finding out about the strategies, tips, and cool people in our industry at the PetBiz Podcast!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show ! This helps us support the amazing pet industry and provide more education and resources to pet business owners. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode you heard! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. we add new interviews weekly, and if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now !

December 8, 2024Episode 226 min

#118 Crush the Boxes We Put Ourselves In

In episode 118 of the Pet Biz podcast, we dive deeper into the theme of breaking free from societal and self-imposed limitations discussed in the previous episode. The conversation expands on how professionals in the pet industry often face misconceptions from others about their work. I talk about overcoming external and internal judgments about career choices. The episode emphasizes the importance of community, particularly in light of the isolation experienced during the pandemic, and how connecting with like-minded individuals can be empowering. The podcast also explores setting ambitious goals, leveraging books like Marie Forleo's 'Everything is Figureoutable' and Dan Sullivan's '10x is Easier than 2x' to shift mindsets from 'I can't' to 'I won't' and envisioning expansive growth. Finally, the host encourages listeners to uncover their passion, purpose, and integrate them into their professional lives, using the parable of the bricklayer to illustrate the varied perspectives on work. The episode concludes with a call to reflect on personal journeys and the factors that drive personal and professional fulfillment. 00:00 Introduction and Recap of Last Week's Episode 00:46 Society's Boxes and Personal Experiences 04:23 The Power of Community and Overcoming Isolation 06:20 Reflecting on Personal Journeys and Setbacks 09:16 Challenging Limiting Beliefs 12:01 Setting Goals and Dreaming Big 15:32 Finding Purpose and Passion in Your Work 23:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Hey there 👋 I’m Janie Budnick - Host of the PetBiz Podcast and founder of the P etBiz University™, including the PetBizMBA ® Business Accelerator and the PetBizCRM ™ Relationship Manager solution. No matter how far you are down the pet business path from START to FREEDOM I we are here to help! Friend, your entrepreneurial dreams can 100% be a reality – but, let me tell you, it’s so easy to get discouraged when you’re starting out or in the messy middle. There are so many things to learn. PetBiz University is the one place where you can get the support and education you need for your stage of entrepreneurship! “I love finding out about the strategies, tips, and cool people in our industry at the PetBiz Podcast!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show ! This helps us support the amazing pet industry and provide more education and resources to pet business owners. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode you heard! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. we add new interviews weekly, and if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now !

December 1, 2024Episode 123 min

#117 Crush the Boxes of Society and the Pet Industry

Hey there 👋 I’m Janie Budnick - Host of the PetBiz Podcast and founder of the P etBiz University™, including the PetBizMBA ® Business Accelerator and the PetBizCRM ™ Relationship Manager solution. No matter how far you are down the pet business path from START to FREEDOM I we are here to help! Friend, your entrepreneurial dreams can 100% be a reality – but, let me tell you, it’s so easy to get discouraged when you’re starting out or in the messy middle. There are so many things to learn. PetBiz University is the one place where you can get the support and education you need for your stage of entrepreneurship! “I love finding out about the strategies, tips, and cool people in our industry at the PetBiz Podcast!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show ! This helps us support the amazing pet industry and provide more education and resources to pet business owners. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode you heard! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. we add new interviews weekly, and if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now !

May 17, 2024Episode 5611 min

#116: Why Am I Rebranding My Business?

January 26, 2024Episode 5520 min

#115: "I'm sorry...we already found somebody else"

Welcome to the PetBiz Podcast! In this episode, we discuss the challenges pet business owners face when responding to lead inquiries and offer solutions to keep your leads wagging. We cover 5 common pain points, including missed opportunities, negative reviews, inefficiency, lack of organization, and frustrated customers. We provide practical tips to streamline your lead management process, improve response times, and increase efficiency. Don't let your leads walk away...learn how to keep them wagging with your pet business. In this episode we discussed the PetBizCRM - the pet industry's first all-in-one relationship management solution FOR pet business owners BY pet business owners. Discover the easiest way to automate and grow your pet business - whether you are a veterinarian, groomer, dog trainer, boarding and daycare owner, or dog walker and pet sitter! Sign up for the beta launch waitlist at www.petbizcrm.com . Will you be one of the 100? Hey there 👋 I’m Janie Budnick - Host of the PetBiz Podcast and founder of the P etBiz University™, including the PetBizMBA ® Business Accelerator and the PetBizCRM ™ Relationship Manager solution. No matter how far you are down the pet business path from START to FREEDOM I we are here to help! Friend, your entrepreneurial dreams can 100% be a reality – but, let me tell you, it’s so easy to get discouraged when you’re starting out or in the messy middle. There are so many things to learn. PetBiz University is the one place where you can get the support and education you need for your stage of entrepreneurship! “I love finding out about the strategies, tips, and cool people in our industry at the PetBiz Podcast!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show ! This helps us support the amazing pet industry and provide more education and resources to pet business owners. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode you heard! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. we add new interviews weekly, and if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now !