Are you running your business like a boss or leading it like a true leader? There’s a big difference, and it impacts everything—from your team’s morale to your bottom line. In this episode, we break down the key distinctions between being a boss and being a leader, revealing how even small shifts in your approach can create massive changes in your business. If you’ve ever struggled with staff retention, motivation, or just getting your team to truly buy into your vision, this is the episode you need.

We’ll also take a look at what some of the most successful companies are doing to cultivate strong workplace cultures and engaged teams—and how you can apply these same strategies in your pet care business.

We welcome back industry veteran Joe Zuccarello, who shares his extensive knowledge from over 40 years in the pet care industry. Joe, a leader at Paragon Pet Grooming School and a private consultant, dives into the challenges and opportunities of managing a grooming department. We explore the importance of fostering collaboration, setting clear expectations, and integrating grooming staff into the broader team culture.

Joe highlights actionable strategies, such as building a skilled team from within and ensuring regular check-ins for accountability and growth. Learn how to create a thriving grooming service as part of a pet care business, including tips on reducing operational headaches and maximizing revenue.

In this episode we focus is on critical business missteps that serve as powerful lessons for pet business owners looking to stay ahead of the curve. We’ll highlight how resistance to change and an over reliance on outdated business models can lead even the most successful companies to failure.

Whether it’s failing to embrace emerging technology, ignoring shifts in consumer behavior, or clinging to legacy systems, the key takeaway is clear: businesses must remain adaptable and forward-thinking. You’ll see that success is not just about what has worked in the past, but about staying flexible, embracing change, and always keeping the customer at the center of the business strategy.

Today we’re talking about how you can create a more structured and enjoyable environment for dogs and staff alike. With insights from the team at PackPro, listeners will learn how effective training, group management, and employee empowerment can transform daily operations and elevate the overall daycare experience.

Whether it’s refining processes or setting clear expectations, this discussion is packed with actionable strategies for success. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of how to build cohesive teams, reduce stress for staff, and tackle common challenges like noise and overstimulation.

As the pet care industry evolves, staying ahead requires more than just growth—it’s about adapting to change and building a strong foundation. In this episode, we explore the trends shaping the industry, the challenges businesses face, and the opportunities to stand out in a competitive market. Whether it’s refining your goals or focusing on what truly matters, this discussion sets the stage for success in 2025.

We also dive into strategies for navigating the shifting landscape, from improving internal operations to embracing new tools and technologies. With insights on how to differentiate your services and create lasting value for clients, this episode is packed with ideas to help your business thrive in the new year.

In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, Fern welcomes Candace D’Agnolo, founder of Pet Boss Nation, for an engaging discussion about how pet business owners can evaluate and optimize their operations. Candace shares her journey from running multiple brick-and-mortar pet businesses to becoming a dedicated business coach. Together, they explore strategies for auditing business practices, addressing pain points, and streamlining operations to build sustainable growth. From employee drama to financial challenges, Candace offers actionable insights drawn from her real-world experience.

Gain valuable takeaways on the importance of systems, employee handbooks, and core values in creating a thriving business culture. Candace also highlights the benefits of tackling the personal growth of business owners, emphasizing self-reflection and leadership development.

In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, Fern invites Krista Lofquist, owner of Wagging Tails in Connecticut, to discuss her unique journey and the exciting addition of dock diving as a service at her facilities. Krista shares her evolution from starting as a solo dog walker to managing three thriving pet resort locations. This service not only enhances the experience for boarding and daycare clients but also draws competitive dock diving enthusiasts from across the region.

Krista delves into the logistics and challenges of establishing and maintaining dock diving pools, including indoor and outdoor setups, while highlighting the joy and enrichment it brings to dogs and their owners. The conversation touches on the sport’s growing popularity, its potential as a revenue stream, and the gratifying transformation of hesitant swimmers into confident jumpers.

In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, we dive into how pet businesses can make 2025 their best year yet. We’ll talk about how to evaluate the past year—assessing everything from key performance indicators to customer and staff feedback—to identify strengths and opportunities for growth. From setting SMART goals to creating a motivating vision for your business, this episode is all about giving pet care providers the tools and mindset needed to thrive.

We also touch on the importance of consistent marketing and exploring new revenue streams, like premium services or enrichment programs, while sharing tips for fostering a motivated and skilled team. You’ll also get a free gift to help you map out your goals and stay on track throughout the year.