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DogCo Secrets
Michelle Kline
63 episodes
2 days ago
Ready to scale your pet care business? Practical advice you can implement easily and quickly to 10x the growth of your business, musings on the current state of the pet care industry, and all the tips and tricks I've learned from coaching over 200 companies in the last two years.
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Entrepreneurship
Education,
Business
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All content for DogCo Secrets is the property of Michelle Kline and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Ready to scale your pet care business? Practical advice you can implement easily and quickly to 10x the growth of your business, musings on the current state of the pet care industry, and all the tips and tricks I've learned from coaching over 200 companies in the last two years.
Show more...
Entrepreneurship
Education,
Business
Episodes (20/63)
DogCo Secrets
Helping Companies Plan Their Futures with Maris Sonnabend | Ep. 63

In this episode, I sit down with my friend, long time client, and now DogCo team member, Maris Sonnabend, to talk about the real journey of scaling a pet care business, navigating big life changes, and building a company that truly supports your future.

Maris shares how she went from doing everything herself to running a thriving team of 27, stepping out of the field, taking maternity leave, and now using her experience to help other companies grow through DogCo.

If you have ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next move, this conversation is full of clarity, actionable insight, and the permission to build a business that works for the life you want.

Want to work with DogCo in 2026?
💡💡💡 Mastermind enrollment page: dogcolaunch.com/mastermind 💡💡💡

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:37 How Michelle and Maris met
01:25 Maris shares her business story
03:05 From doing everything to hiring a full team
04:40 Eliminating services that did not serve the business
06:50 What it took to get out of burnout
08:40 The role DogCo played in restructuring profitable service lines
10:24 Preparing for maternity leave while still scaling
12:05 Why investing in yourself matters
14:45 Implementing coaching vs only consuming it
16:00 Time blocking and getting unstuck
18:05 Learning to prioritize freedom and family
20:00 Why Maris joined the DogCo team
22:35 Honest conversations about fit and readiness for the Mastermind
25:00 Advice for companies stuck before the new year
27:00 Believing your business is within your control
28:40 Why reinventing the wheel slows companies down
30:10 The real value of proven SOPs and systems
31:50 The new DogCo Process Builder tool
33:40 Maris emotional story of growth
35:05 The invitation to schedule a consultation

🔥 Key Takeaways
• You do not have to offer every service to be successful
• Eliminating mismatched services often unlocks profit and sanity
• Investing in yourself pays off when you actually implement what you learn
• Time blocking creates clarity, momentum, and freedom
• You can still scale even in complex life seasons
• Your business can serve your life, not the other way around
• Proven systems save years of trial and error
• Scheduling a consultation costs nothing, and can change everything

dogco #michellekline #petcarebusiness #petbusinesscoach #smallbusinessgrowth 

-M

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2 days ago
35 minutes

DogCo Secrets
Hot Take - Be All In, Or All Out | Ep. 62

In this week’s Hot Take episode, I want to talk about what happens when you’re halfway in on your business, and why that middle ground is the hardest place to be.


I’ve had seasons where I was half-in and half-out, and they were always the most exhausting, confusing, and least successful seasons of my life. I’ll share a conversation I had with my husband that changed the way I approach my work, and how giving myself permission to go all in on DogCo completely shifted my momentum.

If you’re feeling torn between paths or hesitant to commit, I want to encourage you, clarity and progress only come when you make the call. Whether that means going all in or all out, you deserve to move forward with full alignment and energy.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Being half-in keeps you stuck longer than failing fast

• Clarity comes when you commit to one direction

• Sometimes stepping back fully is the healthiest decision

• Alignment and peace beat divided focus every time

• Go all in on what you truly want to build


💡 Join the DogCo Mastermind

If you’re ready to go all in on your business, the DogCo Mastermind is the place to do it. Enrollment is open now at dogcolaunch.com/mastermind.

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5 days ago
5 minutes

DogCo Secrets
Stop Underestimating Yourself | Ep. 61

What if the biggest thing standing between you and your next level isn’t strategy, but self-belief? In this episode, I dive into how mindset shapes growth. Not only in business, but in how you define what’s possible for your company.

I think its critical to reframe self-talk like “Can I do this?” into “What would it take to do this?” I share how this subtle shift can change everything about the way you lead, grow, and scale. If you’re ready to reframe the way that you think about your own capabilities, this one’s for you.

✨ Key Takeaways
• Success starts with how you view your own capability
• The right question isn’t “Can I?” but “What would it take?”
• Every goal has trade-offs — decide which are worth it
• Growth is about wisdom, not just feasibility
• Stop asking if it’s possible, and start building your plan

⏰ Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome and episode overview
0:35 – Why “realistic” goals limit entrepreneurs
1:18 – Shifting from feasibility to wisdom
2:06 – The belief that anything is possible
3:03 – Understanding trade-offs in scaling
4:01 – Paying for growth with time or resources
5:08 – Replacing “Can I?” with “How could I?”
6:06 – Scaling with intention, not ego
7:01 – Closing reflections and next steps

🚀 Join the DogCo Mastermind
Ready to take your business to the next level with expert coaching and community? Enrollment is now open for the DogCo Mastermind — visit dogcolaunch.com/mastermind to learn more and apply.

🎧 Also listen on:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

-M

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1 week ago
7 minutes

DogCo Secrets
Hot Take: How much time off should I give my team? | Ep. 60

If you’ve ever struggled to figure out how much time off to allow your team, this episode is for you. In today’s Hot Take Friday, I’m unpacking one of the most common challenges in the pet care industry: balancing flexibility for your team with the operational consistency your business needs.

I’ll share how I structured time-off requests in my own pet care company, what systems made it easier, and why focusing on clarity instead of control is the key to reducing burnout and building trust.


✨ Key Takeaways

• Shift your mindset from “how much time off” to “what system best supports clarity”

• Implement a clear notice cadence for time-off requests

• Protect your business by tracking averages and seasonal trends

• Encourage your team to post shifts and find coverage within a system

• Claim your own time off first - and protect it

Cheering you on,

Michelle


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1 week ago
7 minutes

DogCo Secrets
Reflecting on the DogCo Business Summit | Ep.59

The DogCo Business Summit 2025 was one of the most impactful experiences of my career, and today I’m taking you behind the scenes. From the original seed of the idea at a pet industry conference in LA, to seeing over 150 pet care business owners come together in one space, I’m unpacking how this event came to life, what I learned, and where DogCo is heading next.

If you’ve ever dreamed about creating something bigger than yourself or wondered what it looks like to lead a movement inside an industry that’s still evolving, this episode is for you.

⏰ Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome and post-Summit reflections
0:41 – How the Summit idea began
2:02 – The pet industry event that inspired DogCo
3:15 – Realizing the in-home pet care industry lacked representation
4:48 – Why I wanted to build something for our community
6:30 – The power of in-person connection in a digital world
7:55 – Setting the stage for the future of the pet care industry
9:03 – How speakers like Joey Coleman and Jamie Trull brought the event to life
10:21 – Lessons learned and goals for next year’s Summit
11:45 – The official 2025 DogCo Summit dates

✨ Key Takeaways
• How the vision for the DogCo Summit began
• Why in-person connection is more valuable than ever in the AI era
• The pet care industry is still in its early stages of recognition, and we’re changing that
• Behind-the-scenes lessons learned (and what’s improving next year)
• The exciting plans for the 2026 DogCo Business Summit

🐾 Join Us Next Year
The DogCo Business Summit returns October 2–4, 2026 in Winston-Salem, NC. Featuring Joey Coleman, live workshops, and more ways to connect and grow your business.

Get your early access ticket at 👉 http://dogcosummit.com

🎧 Also listen on:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music

-M

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2 weeks ago
13 minutes

DogCo Secrets
If I Could Only Do ONE Marketing Strategy, It Would Be This One : Ep. 58

In this week’s Hot Take Friday episode, I’m sharing the single most powerful marketing strategy I’d focus on if I were growing my pet care business again. Spoiler alert: it’s not another social media trend. It’s about going deep, not wide, building real relationships in your community that create lasting brand trust.

I walk through how to make your brand known in your area, how to connect your personal and business identities in a way that earns loyalty, and why the human side of your company is about to become your biggest competitive edge in an AI-saturated world.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Trust is the foundation of every effective sales strategy

• Relationship-driven marketing always outperforms quick hacks

• Local brand associations build long-term awareness and referrals

• Your personal brand can amplify your business brand

• The “human” element will set pet care businesses apart in the AI era

💡 Final Thought:

Scaling a business isn’t just about systems and strategy; it’s about alignment. Take the time to evaluate what truly drives growth for you, and double down on that.


🚀 Join the DogCo Mastermind

Ready to build your next level of business clarity and community?

Apply today at http://dogcolaunch.com/mastermind


🎧 Listen on:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube


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2 weeks ago
7 minutes

DogCo Secrets
Breaking Through Bottlenecks: A Strategy to Accelerate | Ep. 57

Feeling stuck in your business? In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact framework I use when growth stalls,  and how to identify what’s really holding your business back. Whether it’s staffing, marketing, or mindset, these strategies will help you pinpoint the problem, focus your energy, and accelerate forward with clarity and confidence.

⏰ Timestamps
0:00 – What causes bottlenecks in business
0:48 – Feeling stuck and identifying the root issue
2:20 – How to pinpoint your real constraint
3:30 – Why growth stalls even when leads increase
5:05 – The staffing bottleneck most owners miss
7:01 – How to simplify your focus and accelerate
8:10 – Using Facebook and content intentionally
10:12 – Going deeper on fewer marketing channels
12:00 – The danger of overextending your focus
13:05 – Getting out of your own way
14:20 – Aligning growth with your well-being

✨ Key Takeaways
• Bottlenecks often appear where you least expect them
• Balance operations and marketing for true growth
• Go deeper, not broader, in your strategy
• Focus on what actually drives results
• Learn to get out of your own way

💡 Final Thought:
Scaling a business isn’t just about systems and strategy; it’s about alignment. Take the time to evaluate what truly drives growth for you, and double down on that.

🚀 Join the DogCo Mastermind
Ready to build your next level of business clarity and community?
Apply today at http://dogcolaunch.com/mastermind

🎧 Also listen on:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

-M

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3 weeks ago
16 minutes

DogCo Secrets
Pet Care Pricing for Strategic Discounts | Ep. 56


In today’s Hot Take episode, I’m talking about one of the most important and misunderstood parts of running a profitable pet care business: pricing strategy.

So many business owners shy away from offering discounts or deals because they’re afraid it will hurt their margins. But what if you could build flexibility into your pricing from the start? In this episode, I break down exactly how to price your services to protect your profit while giving yourself room to test creative offers, run seasonal promotions, and attract new clients without cutting into your bottom line.

We’ll cover how to determine your ideal profit margin, what “wiggle room” to plan for, and how to think strategically about recurring services, after-hours fees, and value perception. This is one of those foundational mindset shifts that can completely change how you approach sales and profitability.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Why flexibility in pricing is key to long-term growth

• How to calculate a healthy net profit margin (20–30%)

• The benefit of building in 10–15% extra margin for promotions and creative offers

• How to structure “core pricing” and recurring service models

• Why being the price leader in your market is actually a good thing

💡 Final Thought


Give yourself permission to lead with confidence in your pricing. When you plan for margin, you create freedom, sustainability, and space for innovation.


🐾 Ready to elevate your business in 2026?

Join the DogCo Mastermind and get access to exclusive trainings, support, and strategy sessions at dogcolaunch.com/mastermind


- M


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3 weeks ago
8 minutes

DogCo Secrets
My 60 Day Plan to End the Year Strong | Ep. 55

As 2025 starts winding down, I’m sharing my personal 60-day plan for closing out the year strong. After an incredible DogCo Summit, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to finish well, to be intentional, to re-center, and to set a solid foundation for the new year.

In this episode, I walk through the exact three areas I’m focused on to wrap up the year with clarity and momentum, and the three things I’m putting in place to set up 2026 for success. Whether you’re running a growing pet care business or managing your own entrepreneurial goals, these strategies can help you finish strong and start the new year ahead of the curve.

✨ Key Takeaways
• How to refocus your energy after a major event or season of growth
• The three key areas to finish 2025 strong
• Why presence and gratitude are the real productivity hacks
• How to set systems, data, and people up for success next year
• The importance of taking intentional rest to reset your creativity

⏰ Timestamps
0:00  Welcome back to DogCo Secrets
0:45  Reflections on the DogCo Summit
2:30  Why refocusing matters after big wins
4:05  My 60-day focus to finish strong
6:10  The power of being present with clients and commitments
8:25  The importance of structure and data before growth
10:40  Taking time off intentionally to recharge
12:55  Setting the foundation for next year
15:00  Building proactive systems and empowering your team
17:00  Why people and relationships remain DogCo’s core
18:30  Setting clear goals for 2026
20:00  Why slowing down is sometimes the best growth strategy

💬 Final Thoughts
This time of year can feel like a whirlwind, but the last 60 days are where your next year begins. Take the time to reflect, rebuild, and rest so you can start strong in 2026.

🐾 Ready to elevate your business in 2026?
Join the DogCo Mastermind and get access to exclusive trainings, support, and strategy sessions at dogcolaunch.com/mastermind

🎧 Also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

— M

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1 month ago
21 minutes

DogCo Secrets
Hot Take: Should You Expand Your Service Area | Ep. 54


In this Hot Tip Friday episode, I tackle one of the most common and most misunderstood questions I get from growing pet care business owners: “Should I expand my service area?”

If you have been feeling the pull to grow into a new market or add another location, this episode is for you. I share my own experience of opening and later closing a second territory, and the lessons I learned about the real costs of expansion, including the hidden risks to your focus, team performance, and profit margin.

✨ What You’ll Learn

• The biggest risks of expanding too early

• When expansion makes strategic sense

• How to weigh operational complexity against opportunity

• The financial prep you must do before adding a new area

• Why more is not always better when it comes to growth

If you are considering an expansion, press play before you make the leap. Sometimes, the best next move for your business is not going wider, but going deeper.


- M


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1 month ago
9 minutes

DogCo Secrets
7 Figure Interview - Abby Strong with Auntie Abby's Professional Pet Sitting Service | Ep. 53

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with my client and friend Abby Strong, the owner of Auntie Abby’s Professional Pet Sitting Service in Des Moines, Iowa. Over the past six years, Abby has transformed her business from a solo operation into a thriving, multi-employee pet care company serving hundreds of clients, and she’s done it with incredible intentionality, heart, and leadership, and is scaling rapidly to the 7 Figure mark in her pet care business.

We talk about what it really takes to scale while staying true to your values, the fear and freedom of letting go of old business models, and how to navigate massive change without losing your “why.” Abby shares the pivotal decisions that propelled her forward, from ending overnight services to transitioning her team from contractors to employees, and what that journey has taught her about courage, burnout, leadership, and trust.


✨ Key Takeaways

• How embracing discomfort can spark powerful business transformation

• Why narrowing your focus can actually accelerate growth

• What shifting from contractors to employees taught Abby about leadership

• How to protect yourself and your team from burnout in a high-demand industry

• The importance of community and connection for long-term success


💡 Whether you’re an early-stage pet care business or scaling past six figures, Abby’s story offers wisdom, warmth, and inspiration for the road ahead.


🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you tune in.

-M


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1 month ago
28 minutes

DogCo Secrets
Repost: Quick & Dirty Metrics For Your Business | Ep. 52

This episode is a repost from May 9, 2025 - new content will resume again October 13, 2025!

This week’s hot take? Data. Why it matters, how to use it, and the seven essential metrics you should know to make faster, smarter decisions in your business—without drowning in spreadsheets or chasing perfection.


📈 If the phrase “track your KPIs” makes your eyes glaze over, I gets it. But in this bite-sized episode, I'll cut through the noise and shares quick + dirty math strategies that will help you:

 • Protect your profit

 • Diagnose weak spots

 • Focus your energy where it actually matters


From labor cost percentage to client retention and hiring trends, I'll break down the most actionable metrics that support real-time business health.


Key Metrics Covered:

 1. Labor cost percentage

 2. Profit margin percentage

 3. Week-over-week/month-over-month revenue

 4. Average client spend

 5. Average client retention

 6. Employee hiring leads

 7. Employee retention


💡 Takeaway: Protect your net profit. It is the lifeblood of your business.

Show more...
1 month ago
7 minutes

DogCo Secrets
Repost: Interviewing Best-Selling Author Joey Coleman | Ep. 51

This episode was originally posted on June 9, 2025. We felt that it was appropriate to resurface after Joey's amazing contribution to the DogCo Business Summit!

Hi everyone! Michelle here. Today’s episode is a big one. I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Joey Coleman, renowned speaker and bestselling author of Never Lose a Customer Again and Never Lose an Employee Again. Joey is not only a master of customer experience—he’s also someone who fundamentally understands how to make people feel seen, valued, and loyal from Day One.

We talk through everything from why so many businesses drop the ball during onboarding, to how pet care brands can scale trust without sacrificing humanity. Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the weeds of growing your team and services, this episode is packed with takeaways that can literally change your business.

📚 Get Joey’s Books (Affiliate Links):
• Never Lose a Customer Again → https://amzn.to/3SQRYdT
• Never Lose an Employee Again → https://amzn.to/4jqVDtp

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 Welcome and Intro to Joey Coleman
03:51 Joey’s background and mission
09:32 The cost of bad onboarding
13:10 Why most businesses lose clients early
18:27 Designing a first impression that lasts
24:03 Joey’s six stages of the customer journey
30:45 Turning casual buyers into lifelong fans
37:00 Building team culture that retains talent
43:19 Applying Joey’s principles to pet care
49:44 Joey’s advice on scaling experience with heart
55:02 What most businesses still get wrong
59:40 Behind the scenes of writing his books
1:03:55 Live Q&A with Joey Coleman
1:09:22 Closing thoughts and next steps

💥 Key Takeaways:
• The first 100 days of client or employee experience are the most influential
• Most businesses lose loyalty early due to lack of intentionality
• Great onboarding isn’t about automation, it’s about emotion
• It’s easier to fix broken internal systems than it is to repair broken relationships
• Customer experience is your brand
• Loyal clients and employees become your best marketers

Cheering you on - 

Michelle

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1 month ago
47 minutes

DogCo Secrets
Repost: Invest 10% of Revenue Into Yourself | Ep. 50

If you’ve ever wondered how much you should invest in your own growth, this one’s for you. In today’s short, impactful episode, I'll make a case for putting your money where your mindset is by setting aside a clear percentage of revenue to level up your personal and professional skills. I'll break down what “investing in yourself” really means, why it matters so much for your business’s success, and how to get over the barriers that keep most people from doing it.


💥 Key Takeaways:

  • Investing in your skills is the single most impactful way to grow your business
  • 10% of your revenue should go toward your education and development
  • Budget for it before the opportunity arrives, not after
  • If you’re stuck, action beats perfection—just move
  • Self-trust is built through action, not hesitation
  • Profit First is a helpful system to carve out your investment bucket

I'll also share the exact percentage she uses (hint: it’s higher than you think), along with a powerful mindset shift to help you take action before you’re “ready.” This episode will challenge you to stop waiting, start betting on yourself, and trust that you are the best asset your business has.


🎯 What’s Inside This Episode:

  • Why investing in yourself creates the biggest ROI
  • The exact percentage I budget for personal growth
  • 3 common barriers to investing in your education
  • A mindset shift that makes saying “yes” easier
  • Why betting on yourself beats betting on someone else
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1 month ago
14 minutes

DogCo Secrets
How to Get the Most Out of the DogCo Summit | Ep. 49

Today is the day! The DogCo Business Summit officially kicks off today, and I am beyond excited. Whether you are already in Winston-Salem or following along from home, I want to help you squeeze every ounce of value out of this event.


In this Hot Take episode, I share exactly how to make the most of your investment. From building meaningful connections to taking advantage of the event social pages, to setting yourself up for success after the Summit wraps, this is your roadmap for leaving the weekend with practical steps, deeper relationships, and renewed energy for your business.


👉 Did you miss attending in person? Want access to the full digital ticket for the DogCo Summit 2025? Grab yours today at http://dogcosummit.com

✨ What’s in this Episode:

• Why meeting just one person can transform your business journey.

• How to use the event Facebook group to connect before and after sessions.

• The secret value of Saturday night’s social event.

• A practical Monday morning plan to turn your notes into action.

This Summit is going to be game-changing, not only for the content but for the community you will build. If you are listening in real time, come find me and say hi. If you missed it, we’ll be announcing dates for 2026!


🎧 Also, listen to this podcast episode on:


Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube

-M


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1 month ago
6 minutes

DogCo Secrets
Final Scaling Series: $750,000 - 1 Million In Revenue | Ep. 48

Scaling from $750,000 to 1 million in annual revenue is one of the most exciting and challenging stages of building a pet care business. At this level, small cracks in your systems, finances, and brand become massive risks, and the wrong move can cost you hard-earned growth. In this episode, I break down what it really takes to cross the seven-figure line without losing profit, clarity, or sanity. 

👉 And don’t forget, the DogCo Business Summit is this week! Check out the online event with our digital ticket at http://dogcosummit.com

✨ Key Takeaways
• How to avoid systems debt as your company grows
• Why profit margins often compress at higher revenue levels
• The power and pitfalls of brand recognition at scale
• When to consider a rebrand and how to avoid losing equity
• Tech challenges facing seven-figure companies and what to do about them

⏰ Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome to the final scaling series episode
0:35 – Why hitting seven figures can look very different depending on structure
2:01 – Overview of scaling from $750K to 1 million in pet care
3:12 – Lessons from the Seven-Figure DogCo mastermind
4:50 – Risks of systems debt at this stage
8:02 – Compressed profit margins and what that means for growth
10:00 – Brand recognition and referral power at scale
11:00 – The dangers of rebranding too late
12:47 – Tech struggles for large pet care businesses
13:41 – Biggest risks for owners at this level
15:20 – Solutions: protecting profit and simplifying systems
20:00 – Final thoughts and invitation to share feedback

🚨 Final Call: DogCo Summit is Almost Here! 🚨
The industry’s most powerful event is happening this week September 26–28 in Winston-Salem, NC. This is the last call for you to join us. While in-person ticket sales are closed, you can still purchase a digital ticket to join in on the fun. You’ll walk away with strategies to grow your pet care business with confidence. Grab yours today at 👉 http://dogcosummit.com

🎧 Listen to this episode on:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

-M

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1 month ago
21 minutes

DogCo Secrets
Why Retention Matters More Than Any Other Metric | Ep. 47

In this Hot Tip Friday episode of the DogCo Secrets Podcast, I am breaking down the two most important metrics for your business: client retention and employee retention. These numbers matter more than any other because they shape the long-term health, profitability, and stability of your company.

I’ll share why focusing on retention is the fastest way to build sustainable revenue, how to calculate the true lifetime value of your clients, and what it really costs when you lose a team member. Plus, I’ll give you three practical strategies to improve retention for both clients and staff, so you can stop spinning in the whirlwind and start compounding your growth.

👉 If you are a pet care business that wants to level up, then the DogCo Business Summit is for you. Join me September 26–28 by grabbing your digital ticket at http://dogcosummit.com.


✨ Key Takeaways
• Client retention multiplies the lifetime value of every customer
• Retaining 100 clients at $100/week equals $520,000 a year
• Employee turnover is one of the most expensive drains on growth
• The first 100 days of employment are critical for staff retention
• Always give your team a path to grow with you, not away from you

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube

- Michelle

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2 months ago
9 minutes

DogCo Secrets
Scaling Series: From $500,000 - $750,000 In Your Pet Care Business | Ep. 46

In this episode of Scaling Series, we are tackling one of the most pivotal phases in pet care business growth, the $500k to $750k window.

This is where owners face critical inflection points around management teams, systems, retention, and data tracking. I will walk you through the biggest risks that can keep you stuck and the solutions that can unlock long-term growth. If you are ready to push past bottlenecks and set your company up for success, this episode is for you.

📢 And do not forget, the DogCo Business Summit is almost here! Join us September 26--28, 2025. Get your digital ticket now 👉 http://dogcosummit.com (in person ticket sales now closed)

✨ Key Takeaways
• The half-million to three-quarter million stage requires true decision-making managers
• New systems and policies can cause healthy breaking before stronger foundations emerge
• Client retention can suffer if not intentionally protected as owners step back
• Data clarity becomes non-negotiable for decision-making at this stage
• Owners must avoid becoming bottlenecks by stepping away strategically
• Slowing down to build systems correctly here accelerates growth later
• Culture leadership is essential as more managers take on responsibility

⏰ Timestamps
0:00 Welcome to DogCo Secrets with Michelle Kline
0:17 Scaling from $500k to $750k in pet care businesses
1:10 Why management teams become the biggest bottleneck
2:00 The need for true decision-makers
3:01 Domino effect of new policies and systems
4:40 Healthy breaking vs bad breaking in your business
5:45 Protecting client experience and retention as you step back
6:47 Why data and metrics are critical in this phase
7:45 Biggest risks that keep businesses stuck
9:40 Owner bottlenecks and system slowdowns
10:30 Retention decline during restructuring
11:45 Getting stuck in data debt
13:00 Solutions including retention systems, slowing down, and culture leadership
15:12 Closing thoughts and preview of the $750k to 1M episode

🎧 Also Listen On:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube

-Michelle

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2 months ago
16 minutes

DogCo Secrets
Are You Accidentally Turning Away Dog Walking Clients? | Ep. 45

In this episode, I’m digging into one of the most common priorities I hear from pet care business owners: attracting more dog walking clients. But here’s the kicker, you might be accidentally turning them away with the way your brand is positioned.

I share insights from scaling my own dog walking company to 25 staff and 600 clients before selling it in 2023, plus what I see inside businesses I coach every day. From how your business name communicates what you do, to how your website prioritizes services, to how your client onboarding either welcomes or repels dog walking clients,  these details matter more than you think.


✨ Key Points

• Your business name shapes client perception immediately

• Website service order can influence which clients you attract

• Onboarding forms should support long-term dog walking clients, not just pet sitting

• Convenience and clarity drive new client sign-ups

• Subtle brand tweaks can transform your lead flow


📢 DogCo Business Summit 2025

If you’re a pet care business that wants to level up, then this is for you. The DogCo Business Summit is happening in Winston-Salem, NC, September 26–28, and we still have digital tickets available. Grab your spot today at 👉 http://dogcosummit.com


🐾 Whether you’re trying to balance pet sitting and dog walking, or you’re ready to scale up with a stronger client flow, this Hot Tip will give you tactical strategies you can implement right away.

- Michelle


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2 months ago
7 minutes

DogCo Secrets
Scaling Series: Scaling from $300,000 to $500,000 a Year | Ep. 44

In today’s episode of the DogCo Secrets Podcast, I am diving into what I call the $300K to $500K window of growth for your pet care business, which I call "The Scaling Runway". This is one of the most critical and often chaotic seasons for pet care companies. If you are in this phase, you’re likely facing bottlenecks with admin support, burnout, client retention challenges, and the delicate balance of investing in structure without overextending.

I’ll share what I see over and over again from working with hundreds of pet care businesses, and I’ll give you the practical steps to move through this season without getting stuck.

And don’t forget, the DogCo Business Summit is coming up soon! Digital tickets are still available at 👉 http://dogcosummit.com

✨ Key Takeaways
• The $300K to $500K window requires more admin clarity and structure
• Avoid “all-hands helper” roles that create chaos and turnover
• Client onboarding should not bottleneck with the owner
• Burnout risk is high during this transition - plan for recovery
• Retention is the golden goose of pet care growth
• Focus on recurring client relationships for compounding revenue
• Invest carefully in admin support without over-leveraging

⏰ Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome and overview of the scaling series
1:00 – Why $300K to $500K is one big growth window
3:00 – Recap of the $200K to $300K stage
5:00 – Early hires that create chaos vs structure
8:00 – Risks of admin turnover and “key man” dependency
11:00 – Burnout in the $300K to $500K phase
13:00 – Why client onboarding must scale beyond the owner
16:00 – Retention as the golden goose of pet care businesses
20:00 – Practical solutions for structure, systems, and role clarity
27:00 – How to accelerate through this tier toward $500K+

🚨 Final Call: DogCo Summit is Almost Here! 🚨
The industry’s most powerful event is happening September 26-28 in Winston-Salem, NC. In-person ticket sales are closed but you can still get a digital ticket. You’ll walk away with proven strategies to grow your pet care business. Don’t miss it - tickets at 👉 http://dogcosummit.com

🎧 Also listen on
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube

-Michelle

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2 months ago
31 minutes

DogCo Secrets
Ready to scale your pet care business? Practical advice you can implement easily and quickly to 10x the growth of your business, musings on the current state of the pet care industry, and all the tips and tricks I've learned from coaching over 200 companies in the last two years.