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
161 - Thrive in 2025 with This Foolproof Game Plan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:28
Pop those champagne bottles (or a new bag of treats for your pup!) because we're kicking off Season 4 of the Pet Boss Podcast with some exciting news AND a new year mantra! 1. We're about to hit 100,000 downloads, and 2.…
160: Pet Boss Nation’s Real & Raw 2024 Wrap Up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:19
Can you believe we're wrapping up another year? 🤯 In this special end-of-year episode, Candace is getting real with you about what 2024 looked like for Pet Boss Nation. There were wins, there were challenges, and yes– th…
159: How Much Should Your Pet Business Really Spend on Marketing? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:22
Is your marketing tank running on empty? 🚙 Marketing is the fuel that keeps your business engine running, and this episode is alllll about discovering strategies to fill up your customer's tank! In this episode, Fernando…
157: Make Big, Brave Pet Business Moves With This Advice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:51
Great collaborations lead to powerful conversations! 🧠 In this special episode, we're sharing Candace's appearance on the Big Brave Business podcast with our very own podcast producer, Sarah Heeter! Candace opened up to…
154: Why Every Pet Business Should Support Pets in the Classroom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:33
60% of students who experience pets in their classroom go on to have pets in their homes within the first year. The first year! 🤯 This statistic (and more you need to hear!) is brought to you by Melinda Thomas, Executive…
153: How Giving Back Makes Your Community and Pet Business Stronger [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:39
You can make a bigger impact in your community while also growing your pet business (because success and service go hand in paw! 🐾) In this episode, Candace shares powerful stories of how giving back can transform both y…