Big-box pet stores may offer convenience, but they often fall short when it comes to personalized service, expert nutrition advice, and a deeper overall commitment to pet wellness.

Today’s guest recognized this gap in the industry and set out to build a franchise model that delivered on all fronts—without sacrificing community values or sustainability. His goal: to empower local pet store owners with the tools and support to thrive in a competitive market where natural food and nutrition are expected from pet owners.

Michael Seitz is the CEO and Chairman of EarthWise Pet, one of only four national pet retail franchisors in the United States. Since joining his family’s business in 2005, Michael has grown the brand from a handful of stores into a nationwide operation with over 200 retail locations and a rapidly growing mobile grooming platform. His unconventional journey has shaped a unique, people-first approach to scaling a multi billion dollar franchising business in the pet industry.

In this episode, Michael shares how EarthWise Pet has differentiated itself through holistic nutrition, pet services, and sustainable sourcing. He shares his expertise on what it truly takes to scale a successful franchise, why mobile grooming services are now a multi-million-dollar growth engine.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why Michael left dental school to rejoin the family business.
• How EarthWise scaled from 3 stores to over 200 locations.
• The evolution from natural pet food to sustainable sourcing.
• How grooming services have become a huge growth driver, especially for new franchises.
• How EarthWise Pet uses AI to improve marketing and efficiency.

Find All Interview Resources Here - www.bayntree.com/113

Download your copy of The Entrepreneur's Financial Planning Checklist!

After years of service in the U.S. Navy, and a successful career in the corporate world, Michael Roviello found himself battling crippling neck and back pain. This led to a less-than-successful surgery and self-medicating with alcohol and prescription pain meds.

When faced with the prospect of having another surgery, he embarked on a healing journey that didn't come with more prescriptions or procedures, but through nature, ancient healing traditions, and deep introspection.

Today, Michael is the co-founder of Optimyze, a wellness studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Optimyze has become a community that empowers others to take personal responsibility for their physical, mental, and emotional health through natural healing methods.

In our conversation, Michael shares how his search for answers led him to meet Wim Hof and leave his corporate job to explore plant medicine, the science, and the benefits of cold plunges, breathwork, and energy practices. This experience ultimately reshaped his view of wellness and how the human body is equipped to deal with stress and health issues naturally and holistically.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Michael’s journey from the U.S. Navy to become an entrepreneur.
• How plant medicine and ceremonial practices transformed Michael’s life.
• The benefits of cold therapy and exercise as a way of stressing our body to improve wellness.
• The link between technology and common health issues and autoimmune diseases.
• The importance of setting boundaries with staff and customers as an entrepreneur.

More resources and info > https://www.bayntree.com/112

Are you feeling stuck in your personal or professional life, unable to break free from limiting beliefs that hold you back? Many high achievers struggle to find balance and fulfillment, often feeling overwhelmed by stress and self-doubt. In this episode, we dive into proven strategies for transforming your mindset and taking control of your future.

Michael Kohan, a certified life coach, speaker, and host of the Your Wellness Yogi podcast, has spent years helping individuals shift their perspectives and cultivate meaningful success. With a background in yoga, mindfulness, and personal development, Michael specializes in guiding entrepreneurs and professionals toward greater clarity and purpose. His work has empowered countless individuals to implement daily habits that drive lasting change.

In this conversation, we explore how self-awareness plays a critical role in personal growth, the science behind habit formation, and practical techniques to overcome self-imposed limitations. You’ll also learn how to develop resilience, enhance productivity, and align your daily actions with your long-term goals. If you're ready to take the next step toward unlocking your full potential, this episode is for you.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• How self-awareness plays a crucial role in achieving success and fulfillment.
• The impact of daily habits on mindset and long-term growth.
• Practical steps to shift limiting beliefs and create empowering routines.
• Why personal development is the key to thriving in both life and business.
• Strategies for maintaining motivation and focus in the face of challenges.
  

Interview Resources:

• Elevate Life Project
• Michael Kohan on LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
• BetterHelp
• Thumbtack
• Bark