191: From Solo Pet Sitter to Building the Largest Pet Network in the Midwest

191: From Solo Pet Sitter to Building the Largest Pet Network in the Midwest

Author: Candace D'Agnolo of Pet Boss Nation® July 6, 2025 Duration: 31:30
What do you do when you realize you can't help every single dog owner in your city alone? 🤔 You build a network! And that's exactly what Kristin Holzapfel did with Pampered Pupperino and her incredible organization, Midwest Pet Sitter Affiliates. Kristin has cracked the code on something most industries struggle with: turning competitors into genuine collaborators through education, strict standards, and authentic relationship building. Here's what makes this episode special: 🌟 The exact grassroots strategies Kristin used to find and recruit 70+ professional pet sitters 🌟 How she created a "code of conduct" that prevents client poaching and builds trust 🌟 Her journey from attendee to speaker at the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters conference 🌟 The real challenges of managing both a pet sitting business AND a regional network If you've ever felt isolated in your pet business or wondered how to build genuine professional relationships in your market, this conversation will give you a roadmap for creating the community you've been searching for. Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find us on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Read our Blog⁠

Running a local pet business is a unique blend of passion and hard-nosed strategy, and the Pet Boss® Podcast with Candace speaks directly to that reality. Hosted by Candace D'Agnolo of Pet Boss Nation®, these conversations move beyond generic advice to tackle the actual challenges faced by shop owners and service providers on Main Street. You'll hear from fellow pet supply store operators, groomers, dog daycare managers, trainers, and sitters who are navigating the same daily realities you are. The discussions blend foundational business principles with actionable secrets that are proving effective right now, all within the specific context of the animal care industry. This isn't about abstract theory; it's about what works when the bell on your door jingles and a client walks in with their pup. Each episode aims to provide honest, peer-driven insights because, as any pet professional knows, a dog business is indeed big business. Tune in for a candid look at building resilience and success from the ground up, designed specifically for the dedicated local entrepreneur in the vibrant world of pets.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Pet Boss® Podcast with Candace
Podcast Episodes
170: Behind Closed Doors: Building a Pet Destination [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:05
Ready for the comeback of the YEAR?! We're talking about Candace's comeback to the pet industry RETAIL WORLD! Yup, but this isn't just another pet store opening– it's SO much more, and we have all the juicy details ready…
168: Your Mindset Love Story (Series #4 of 5) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:03
Happy LOVE month! 💖 This February, join Candace for a special 5-part series designed to help you rekindle your spark with your pet business! Whether you're feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or just need a fresh perspectiv…
167: Your Marketing Love Story (Series #3 of 5) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:25
Happy LOVE month! 💖 This February, join Candace for a special 5-part series designed to help you rekindle your spark with your pet business! Whether you're feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or just need a fresh perspectiv…
166: Your Money Love Story (Series #2 of 5) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:32
Happy LOVE month! 💖 This February, join Candace for a special 5-part series designed to help you rekindle your spark with your pet business! Whether you're feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or just need a fresh perspectiv…
165: What’s Your Business’s Love Language? (Series #1 of 5) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:45
Happy LOVE month! 💖 This February, join Candace for a special 5-part series designed to help you rekindle your spark with your pet business! Whether you're feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or just need a fresh perspectiv…
164: Building a Pet Biz Empire With Zero Business Background [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:08
Want to see how far a "watch me do this" attitude can take you? When everyone told Pet Boss Nation University member Alina McCue that she should go for her idea of opening a pet retail store in Missoula, Montana, she too…
163: Make Social Media Less of a Chore & More of a Customer Magnet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:01
Is your pet business’ social media presence accidentally sending the wrong message to potential customers? In this episode, Candace chats with the Pet Boss Nation team social media guru, Amanda Nelson, about why 2025 is…
162: 3 Profit Boosting Trends Your Pet Business Cannot Ignore in 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:57
We are pulling out ALL the stops to help you thrive in 2025– including bringing you Pet Boss Nation’s newest Industry Insights and Optimization Expert, Lynn Switanowski of Pet Retail Helper! 🎉 Yup, Lynn is bringing her 1…