If you have the ambition to grow a seven-figure pet care business, I want to share a few ways I would encourage you to start operating right now, even if that level still feels far off.

In today’s Hot Take episode, I break down three core behaviors I consistently see in companies that successfully scale past the seven-figure mark. This is not about chasing growth for growth’s sake. It is about learning to think long term, to build the right systems early, and to prepare your business for volume before it arrives.

If you are feeling stuck, burned out, unsure why profit feels tight, or frustrated that growth feels harder than it should, this episode is for you. These shifts do not happen by accident; they happen by intention.

I also share why tracking data earlier than you think matters, how future-focused problem-solving separates growing companies from reactive ones, and how asking “what breaks if we double?” can completely change the way you lead your business.

If working with DogCo has been on your radar, Mastermind enrollment is now open. We only enroll once per year.

Learn more and schedule a consultation at:
dogcolaunch.com/mastermind

Key Takeaways

• Seven-figure companies think long term, not just in short-term wins

• Building systems early makes scaling dramatically easier later

• Tracking data when you are smaller gives you a major advantage

• Growth requires proactive problem-solving, not constant reaction

• Building for volume starts long before you reach it

Cheering you on, 

Michele

What if your business could support your life instead of consuming it?

In this episode, I sit down with Angela Watts to talk about what it really looks like to intentionally design your role inside your business, rather than letting the business dictate every hour of your time. Angela shares her full journey from early hustle, burnout, and chaos to building systems, leadership, and a role that protects her energy while supporting real growth.

This is an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, identity, delegation, community, and why you cannot scale chaos, but you can scale systems. If you are building a pet care business and want it to serve you long term, this episode is for you. 

⏰ Timestamps
0:00 Introduction and why this conversation matters
1:24 Angela’s early story and starting a pet care business
4:34 Transitioning from field work to leadership
7:54 Hitting burnout and almost selling the business
10:35 Asking for help and building management
12:26 Community as a turning point
15:57 Investing in yourself and education
18:37 Joining the DogCo team and mentoring others
21:08 Advice for business owners entering a new year
25:15 Final thoughts on designing your own path

✨ Key Takeaways
• You cannot scale chaos, but you can scale systems
• Designing your role requires intention, not perfection
• Delegation and leadership unlock sustainable growth
• Community can prevent burnout and isolation
• Investing in yourself directly impacts business health

🚀 Ready to Build a Business That Works for You?
Mastermind enrollment is now open, but doors close December 31.

If you are ready to intentionally design your role, protect your energy, and scale your pet care business with support, learn more at
👉 dogcolaunch.com/mastermind

🎧 Listen to the DogCo Secrets Podcast on
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

The holidays are here, and if you run a pet care company, you already know this season can feel like a beautiful mix of gratitude, chaos, logistics, and stress. In today’s Hot Take episode, I am breaking down the most effective ways I have found to support your team during the busiest and most emotionally loaded weeks of the year. This is one of the most important leadership topics we cover inside DogCo because the way you show up for your staff during the holidays has a ripple effect on retention, culture, and the trust people place in you as their leader.

I am sharing practical strategies that are simple, implementable, and based on what I have seen work across hundreds of pet care companies. These ideas will help you ease the load on your team, reduce friction with clients, improve communication, and add touches of delight that make holiday work feel a little more human. This is a great episode for any owner who wants to nurture a healthy culture even in a high-demand season.

What You Will Learn

• How client-side expectations can drastically reduce stress for your staff

• Why shift-based scheduling is a major holiday sanity saver

• Small surprise and delight moments that have a huge cultural payoff

• What “status” looks like and why public appreciation matters

• How to reinforce healthy boundaries without sacrificing the client experience

• Ways to keep your team motivated during the toughest stretch of the year

Join the DogCo Mastermind

If you want to work with me in 2026, enrollment is open right now and we only accept companies once per year. This is your window to join us and completely transform the way you grow and scale your business.

👉 dogcolaunch.com/mastermind

Most pet care owners do not have a planning problem - they have a rushing problem. In this episode, I break down the five skills that separate reactive business owners from strategic ones. If you want 2026 to be your strongest year yet, it starts with learning how to slow down, follow the data thread, ask the right questions, and manufacture real accountability.

If you want support in scaling your team-based pet care business in 2026, enrollment for DogCo Mastermind is open now. Apply at 👉 http://dogcolaunch.com/mastermind

⏰ Timestamps
0:00 Welcome to the episode
0:15 Why I am already planning for 2026
0:29 The art of planning well
0:47 Five skills for becoming a better planner
1:01 Tip 1: Slow down
1:12 The client story that changed how I think about planning
2:05 Giving yourself the gift of time to think
2:39 Why rushing sabotages good planning
3:27 If you feel stuck in your pet care business, here is why
3:48 Mastermind enrollment is officially open
4:24 Tip 2: Follow the thread
5:01 Letting curiosity lead your planning
5:48 My personal quarterly planning ritual
6:41 Tip 3: Break big goals into actionable steps
7:26 Why defining next steps increases follow-through
8:12 Writing steps down to make them real
8:30 Tip 4: Ask better questions when planning
9:19 What does done look like vs done well
9:20 Identifying failure points and pivots
9:45 Tip 5: Manufacture accountability
10:08 Why accountability improves discipline
10:50 The trainer story and changing your environment
11:46 The truth about hitting goals
12:33 Final thoughts

✨ Key Takeaways
• Great planning begins by slowing down and resisting the pressure to rush
• Following the thread of your curiosity reveals insights you normally miss
• Break every goal into next steps so action becomes inevitable
• Ask the four questions that create clarity for any plan
• Accountability is not a character trait, it is a structure you can build

📣 Work With Michelle in 2026
DogCo Mastermind enrollment is officially open and we only bring in new companies once a year. If scaling your pet care business with clear systems, stronger leadership, and better profitability is a goal for next year, submit your application now at 👉 http://dogcolaunch.com/mastermind

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube

-M

In this Hot Take Friday episode, I am sharing three honest truths that I wish I could tell coaching clients when they are deep in the struggle. These are insights I hold closely in my own business, and they shape how I coach, how I lead, and how I navigate hard seasons. Some of these truths are not always easy to hear in the moment, but they absolutely transform how you show up in your business long term.

If you ever feel like you are carrying too much, worrying about things you cannot control, or frustrated by slow progress, this episode is for you. I hope it gives you a sense of grounding, power, and clarity for the road ahead.

✨ Key Takeaways

• If it is outside your control, it is not worth the time and energy you are giving it

• You have more control than you think, and extreme ownership can change everything

• The work has to get done regardless of how you feel about it

• Your mindset is one of your strongest business assets

• Avoidance feels safe in the moment but creates more pain in the long run

🔗 Helpful Links

• Explore the DogCo Mastermind and apply at dogcolaunch.com/mastermind

• Follow along on Instagram for more coaching insights

• Share this episode with a pet care owner who needs a little clarity this week

If you have ever wondered whether you can turn a struggling pet care business into a strong, scalable company, this episode is for you. Today I sit down with my friend, DogCo Team Member, and DogCo Mastermind member, Lauren Dunkle, to unpack one of the most inspiring business transformations I have ever witnessed. Lauren went from ending a year at a major financial loss with a 78 percent labor cost to becoming profitable, paying herself a real salary, and building a team with insane retention.

⏰ Timestamps
0:00 Welcome and why this episode matters
0:17 Meet guest Lauren Dunkle
0:52 The financial breaking point in 2023
2:03 Entering DogCo with a 78 percent labor cost
3:40 Learning to understand the numbers
4:50 How Illinois labor laws shaped her business
5:47 Transitioning from ICs to employees
7:01 Discovering and repairing the labor cost gap
8:48 Cutting labor cost from 78 percent to 52 percent
10:36 Paying staff well without destroying margins
12:49 Protecting profit and protecting your team
14:25 The mindset shift that changed her business
17:16 Why she did not fire anyone to fix the problem
20:32 Why profit matters for long term stability
23:00 Developing a data skill set from scratch
26:09 Deciding to drop pet sitting using clean data
33:01 Systems that allowed her to onboard 120 clients
36:00 Lauren joins the DogCo team and final reflections

This conversation is real, honest, tactical, and incredibly empowering for anyone who wants to run a healthier business without sacrificing values, team culture, or long term goals. I cannot wait for you to hear it.

✨ Key Takeaways
• How Lauren cut her labor cost from 78 percent to 52 percent
• Why labor cost is the most important number in a team based pet care company
• How to make data based decisions even if numbers make you nervous
• What it looks like to restructure a business without losing momentum
• The truth about growth curves, slow seasons, and emotional resilience
• How to position staff pay, benefits, and pathways in a high cost of living state
• How letting data guide decisions can help you scale cleanly and profitably

🚀 Ready to Scale Your Pet Care Business?
Mastermind enrollment is open for January 2026. If you want to work with DogCo, this is your window. Schedule your consultation at: dogcolaunch.com/mastermind

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube

Cheering you on, 

Michelle

In today’s Hot Take Friday episode, I am slowing down a bit and sharing something personal. This week felt like the perfect time to pause, reflect, and talk honestly about what I am most thankful for inside DogCo right now. Running a relational business can be messy and beautiful all at once, and I wanted to bring you behind the scenes of what that looks like for me.

If you are growing a pet care company and feeling stuck, tired, or unsure of what comes next, I hope this episode encourages you to look at what is already working, who is already beside you, and why those relational anchors matter more than we sometimes admit.

This episode covers three things I am deeply grateful for, pulled directly from what I have experienced this year in DogCo.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Running a relational company is not always simple, but the richness it adds to your work is unmatched.

• Bringing on the right people changes the energy of your entire business and allows you to grow in new ways.

• Feeling aligned in your priorities, systems, and direction gives you the energy needed to scale to the next level.

• Growth does not happen by accident. When you are ready, the right support can change everything.

💛 A Note From Me

Thank you for being here. Whether you are a long time client, a DogCo Secrets listener, or someone who just found this podcast today, I am thankful for you. I am excited to finish this year strong and step boldly into the next one together.

Cheering you on,

Michelle

If you are building a long-lasting, scalable, and stable pet care company, you will love this conversation with Kristin Skelton, founder of Floofins and Company. We talk about starting small, growing a team, planning for long-term success, navigating seasons of life and business, creating a supportive network, and building a business that supports your life. This episode is packed with insight for pet care owners who want to think bigger heading into 2026. 

📣 Ready to grow your business in 2025? Join the DogCo Mastermind.
Mastermind enrollment page is dogcolaunch.com/mastermind

⏰ Timestamps
0:00 Welcome and introduction to Kristin
0:52 How Kristin's business began and the story behind the name
4:51 Early bottlenecks and moving quickly into hiring
6:05 Realizing she was running both a pet care company and a recruiting company
8:26 Why ongoing recruiting is essential to staying ahead of demand
10:05 Why Kristin invests heavily in learning and conferences
11:03 Building groups like PCP and the early days of NAPS networking
12:56 How COVID forced major pivots in the business
14:30 Why in person learning accelerates growth dramatically
16:57 Entering new seasons as a parent and business owner
17:47 Digital learning versus in person transformation
20:01 Why the pet industry has massive opportunity going into 2026
21:20 Building a business that supports your life stage
23:08 Industry growth and higher expectations for professional care
25:35 Why finding your trusted circle is critical
27:10 Pet care as a real career path for teams
28:44 The mindset required for long term growth
29:35 Creating “almost overnights” and evolving service packages
31:47 Reducing service menus and finding the right model
32:56 Accepting imperfection and continuing to refine
33:39 Closing reflections on learning, community, and growth

✨ Key Takeaways
• Scaling a pet care company means mastering hiring and recruiting
• The industry is full of opportunities for owners who stay adaptable
• In-person learning creates breakthroughs that digital content cannot
• Your business model will evolve as your life evolves
• Long-term success requires refining systems again and again
• Networking and your professional circle directly impact your trajectory
• Growth is not linear and requires courage to keep changing

#DogCoLaunch #DogCoMasterMind

-M

In today’s Hot Tip episode, I am walking you through a 2026 financial planning crash course. We are only weeks away from a brand new year, which means this is the perfect moment to take stock of your finances, tighten up your money systems, and set yourself up to scale with confidence.

I am sharing the exact things I am doing inside DogCo as we grow our team. These are the foundations I believe every pet care business should have in place before the new year hits.

This episode will help you get crystal clear on what to focus on for stronger financial health, how to protect your net profit while still investing wisely, and how to prepare for your biggest year of growth yet.

What You Will Learn

• How I am planning my own 2026 financial strategy
• Why net profit protection matters more than top line growth
• The two financial support roles every pet care business needs
• How to prep your savings and tax accounts the smart way
• What to audit before the new year to keep your business lean
• Why planning ahead creates massive clarity for your goals
• The simplest way to map the gap between where you are and where you want to go

Mastermind Enrollment Now Open

If you want support scaling your team-based pet care company in 2026, this is your moment.

Enrollment for the DogCo Mastermind is officially open, and we only take companies once a year.

Learn more and schedule your consultation at dogcolaunch.com/mastermind

#petcarebusiness #businessfinancialplanning #dogcolaunch

If this episode gave you clarity or momentum, share it with another pet care business owner who wants to level up next year. Cheering you on as always.

-M

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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