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
151: Tales of Pet Business Horror From the Pet Boss Crypt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:22
⚠️Warning: This episode may cause unexpected laughter and the sudden urge to double-check your security cameras! What happens when Candace gathers some of the Pet Boss Mastermind members for an October retreat at her hom…
REPLAY: Candace’s Q4 Survival Guide for Pet Business Owners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:24
Wondering how Candace was feeling during Q4 when she owned her pet businesses? You’re about to find out! Candace has been there– in the thick of the busiest time of the year, watching the days quickly slip by on the cale…
147: Orientation Part Two: Mastering Your Pet Boss University Mindset [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:23
The announcement has been made… so now what?! Like we said before, PBU is here to STAY📣, so class is back in session! Professor Candace (who loves a good theme) is here to do a DEEPER dive into what you can expect from P…
146: Orientation Part One: Welcome To Pet Boss University Campus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:25
Are you ready for the BIG announcement?! Let’s hear a CHEER if you are! In this game-changing episode, Candace unveils Pet Boss University, a transformative educational program for pet business owners designed with YOU i…
145: We Camp WAIT To Tell You About Camp Pet Boss 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:01
We WISH words alone could convey the experience we just had at Camp Pet Boss, and while this episode does a wonderful job of conveying what happened there… Some of the experience belongs to our Campers. If you know… you…
144: How IndiePet is Empowering Independent Pet Businesses to Thrive [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:18
How is IndiePet helping independent pet stores THRIVE in a market dominated by big box retailers?💪 In this episode, Candace sits down with Todd Dittman, Executive Director of the Independent & Neighborhood Pet Retail Ass…