194: 5 Hard-Won Lessons from 7 Months of Building a Pet Business (Behind Closed Doors)

194: 5 Hard-Won Lessons from 7 Months of Building a Pet Business (Behind Closed Doors)

Author: Candace D'Agnolo of Pet Boss Nation® July 27, 2025 Duration: 25:50
Ever feel like your business projects are taking FOREVER? 🕐 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. The 5 T's you need to know: 🎯 Time - Why everything takes 3x longer than expected (and how to stay sane anyway) 🎯 Technology - How modern business tools make starting a pet business easier than ever 🎯 Team Buy-In - Why getting your team invested in the vision matters more than perfect timing 🎯 Talk to Your Reps - The untapped goldmine of knowledge from sales representatives 🎯 Talk About Yourself - Why Candace has been marketing for 7 months before opening (and you should too!) Plus, get the inside scoop on bank approvals that didn't go as planned, city council meetings, and why Candace is hosting 20 pet business owners for back-to-back retreats right in Galesburg! This episode is pure gold for anyone planning an expansion, starting a new venture, or wondering if they're "behind" on their business goals. Transcript Show Notes

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
230: Global 2026 Recap & Candace's Favorite Things Awards [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:46
Candace and Morgan are back from sunny Orlando after a long week at Global Pet Expo 2026 - and this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights, favorite product discoveries, and Morgan's fresh first-timer perspect…
226: Q2 Is Your Biggest Marketing Opportunity: Get The Strategy Here [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:38
Be honest: when was the last time you looked at your calendar and knew exactly what you were promoting, posting, and doing in your business three months from now? Do you even know what you're doing next week? Or do you w…
225: Donation Requests: Burden or Business Strategy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:53
How many donation requests have landed in your inbox lately? Today? This week? This month? Silent auctions, raffles, gift baskets, event sponsorships - can you donate a gift card? And if you're honest, how many of those…
224: 2,000 emails: Zero Campaigns. Here’s What I’m Doing About It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:19
Is email marketing dead? Well, Candace sure hopes not - because she's been sitting on over 2,000 customer emails from Dante and Dory's for the last 5 months and has done absolutely nothing with them. And as a business co…
223: What Slow Sales Are Really Telling You & How to Fix It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:00
It's cold. People are sick. Business feels quiet. Sound familiar? Candace is coming to you fresh off 10+ days sick with the flu - three of them completely in bed - and using this slower winter stretch at Dante and Dory's…