Summary
In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I’m joined by Elizabeth Gibbs as she shares her journey from washing her childhood dog to building Barkwood—a luxury grooming brand now featuring multiple mobile vans and a brick-and-mortar salon. We talk through her early days at Petsmart, the lessons she picked up while working with Jess Rona in LA, the challenges of launching and funding her own business, and how she’s scaled while keeping her standards sky-high. Elizabeth opens up about pricing, facing fears, and the power of a strong team. This one’s full of inspiration and real-world, hard-earned insight.
Timestamps
07:49 Celebrity Dog Grooming Experience
13:14 Starting a Mobile Grooming Business
16:48 Budgeting and Side Hustles Explained
26:24 Charging for Quality Service
30:54 Embracing Change and Uncertainty
Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media @gibbsgrooming. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at The Daily Groomer. Join and be part of The Daily Groomer Community!
Summary
In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I sit down with Greg Thomas—a multi-unit franchise owner who’s built an impressive career, starting out delivering water and eventually running dozens of businesses, including his newest venture, Salty Dog Pet Grooming. We dig into his humble beginnings, how he turns struggling businesses around, what it takes to build a loyal team, and the simple, low-cost marketing strategies he actually uses. Whether you’re launching your first salon or looking to scale, Greg brings real numbers, real talk, and a few wild stories about growing big without losing who you are.
Timestamps
08:47 Overwhelmed New Business Owner Journey
13:54 Ideal Business Start Timing
22:53 Employee Retention Framework
27:12 Increasing Success through Collaboration
39:04 Skyrocketing Franchises in Dog Industry
43:31 Boosting Profits in Grooming Salons
Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media Salty Dawg Pet Salon Atlanta. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at The Daily Groomer. Join and be part of The Daily Groomer Community!
Summary
In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I sit down with Michelle Ayala, solo owner of Filthy Gorgeous Grooming in Albuquerque, to talk about what it really takes to build lasting client loyalty. Michelle shares how she kept her mobile grooming business going after a major surgery forced her to step away for three months. We get into setting boundaries, having honest conversations with clients, making tough calls, and planning financially for the unexpected. Her story is a real look at the resilience behind the scenes—and how strong relationships can carry your business through hard times.
Timestamps06:05 Surgery and Client Communication
08:07 Practical Long-Lasting Dog Haircuts
13:03 Client Bus Visit Dilemma
15:19 Maintaining Client Relationships Crucial
25:11 Grooming Career: Reality Check
Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media Filthy Gorgeous LLC. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at The Daily Groomer. Join and be part of The Daily Groomer Community!
Summary
In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, chat with Brandon Pedro—a young entrepreneur balancing college, semi-pro soccer, and helping run his family’s successful dog grooming business, PCoCo’s, in Coppell, Texas. We get into how Brandon built their standout social media presence, the strategy behind viral content, and his top tips for groomers looking to document their journey, connect with their community, and stay consistent online. He also shares how family and culture inspire the heart of the business. Whether you're new to social or ready to level up, Brandon’s advice is practical, honest, and easy to apply.
Timestamps
10:56 Optimizing Social Media Content Platforms
14:29 Using Trending Audio for Training
18:04 Finding Your Social Media Niche
23:31 Branding and Client Engagement
30:49 Effective Content Trends Discussion
Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media @pcocodoggrooming . For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at The Daily Groomer. Join and be part of The Daily Groomer Community!
Summary
In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I sit down with Tammi Bui, the owner of Wishbone Pet Care in Houston, to talk about how she built a full-service pet care business from the ground up—without any grooming experience to start. We get into what it’s really like to offer grooming, boarding, daycare, training, and wellness all in one place, and how she’s structured her team to keep things running smoothly. Tammi shares honest insights about growing beyond grooming and what it takes to add new services in a sustainable way. If you're thinking about expanding your offerings or adding wellness to boost both your revenue and reputation, you’ll definitely want to hear her practical tips and real-world experience.
Timestamps
08:06 Service Synergy in Pet Industry
15:13 Pet Wellness Transformation Advocacy
22:14 Managing Pet Care Team Dynamics
29:22 Starting Multi-Service Business Tips
31:22 Boarding and Daycare Profitability
Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media Wishbone Pet Care. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at The Daily Groomer. Join and be part of The Daily Groomer Community!
Summary
In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I had a great conversation with Josh Fitzgerald, the new CEO of Zoom and Grooming, about his journey from franchise owner to leading a national mobile grooming brand. We talk about what it really takes to grow a successful grooming business, the value of authentic customer service, and some of the challenges new franchisees face. Josh also shares his vision for the future of the company. For groomers, business owners, or anyone who loves stories, this episode is worth it.
Timestamps
04:47 Mobile Ventures and Franchise Growth
10:56 Problem Solving in Business Ownership
18:11 Expectations for New Business Owners
29:19 The Power of Owner-Customer Connection
34:29 Challenges of Rapid Growth
Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media Josh Fitzgerald. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at The Daily Groomer. Join and be part of The Daily Groomer Community!
Summary
In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I’m chatting with Rebecka Star, owner of Pampered Paws Grooming in Palmer Lake, Colorado. She shares her story of growing from mobile grooming into a successful brick-and-mortar shop, and all the lessons that came with it. We talk about building a strong team, encouraging ongoing education, and handling the tough stuff like pricing and staff management. Rebecka keeps it real—whether it's setting boundaries to avoid burnout or having honest conversations about raises with her team and clients. If you’re in the grooming world, there’s a lot here you’ll relate to
Timestamps
05:50 Entrepreneur Buys Grooming Business
10:11 Small Town Dog Grooming Advantage
16:15 Evaluating Dog Groomer Candidates
21:12 Salon Profitability Adjustments
26:49 Gradual Price Increases in Pet Grooming
Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media @pampered_pawsgrooming. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at The Daily Groomer. Join and be part of The Daily Groomer Community!
After Hours Episode #84: In our latest episode of After Hours, I had an awesome sit-down with Jonathan David to chat about everything grooming. We talked about our recent trip to Hershey, the rumors flying around the industry, and what really happens behind the scenes with competition judging. There was some trade show drama, lots of laughs, and even a few wild stories from Australia and TikTok. Jonathan also shared the sweet story behind surprising his husband with a golden retriever. Super real, unfiltered, and honestly one of my favorite convos yet.
Summary
In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I’m chatting with Heidi McRannells, the founder of The Colorful K9 in Sioux Falls. We get into the world of creative grooming and what it really takes to build a successful salon from the ground up. Heidi opens up about everything from pay structure and employee handbooks to finding your niche and standing out in a crowded market. She’s super honest about the challenges too—like pricing, hiring, and keeping clients happy. No matter where you’re at in your grooming journey, there’s something in here you’ll definitely take away.
Timestamps
09:24 Creating a Clear Employee Handbook
14:47 Photographer Boosts Dog Photo Business
19:45 Dog Grooming and Coloring Pricing
25:02 Business Expansion and Staffing Plans
27:00 Achieving Full Bookings in Year One
34:55 Business Owner Financial Preparedness
Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media The Colorful K9. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at The Daily Groomer. Join and be part of The Daily Groomer Community!
Summary
In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I sat down with Aaron Voyden, the founder of Cobblestone Creek, to hear how he went from working as a vet tech to becoming an award-winning groomer with a focus on special-needs and often overlooked animals. We talked about what it’s really like working with pets that are anxious, aggressive, or aging, and how understanding animal behavior plays a huge role in grooming. Aaron also shared how he trains his team to tune into each animal’s unique needs. Groomer or not, you'll find something worth hearing in Aaron's approach.
Timestamps
09:41 Grooming Business Growth Journey
14:55 Animal Behavior and Grooming Solutions
18:13 Training New Groomers from Scratch
24:34 Effective Dog Restraint Techniques
34:43 Compassionate Pet Care Approach
Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media Cobblestone Creek Pet Services. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at The Daily Groomer. Join and be part of The Daily Groomer Community!
After Hours Episode #83: In our latest episode of After Hours, it’s just me, Shannon, getting into the difference between perception and perspective, and how both play a big role in how we see ourselves, not just as groomers, but as people. I’m sharing a bit of my own journey with self-image and confidence, along with the mindset shifts and steps that have helped me grow. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or you're just curious about how to show up as your best self, I’ve got some honest thoughts and practical tips that might just hit home—both in the salon and beyond.
Summary
In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I’m chatting with Rebacah Murchie, owner of Dockside Doggies in Tarpon Springs, Florida. We talk about how she went from grooming dogs as a teenager to running her own successful salon, her thoughtful approach to working with anxious pets, and how she’s built a business focused on natural, compassionate care. Rebacah also shares practical tips for anyone thinking about opening a grooming shop. Whether you’re in the pet world or just love a good small business story, there’s a lot to take away from this one.
Timestamps
12:08 Seeking Support and Reassurance
15:33 Old-School Dog Grooming Secrets
19:02 Dog Care: Persistent Natural Remedies
23:20 Wellness Service Upcharges Explained
30:03 Mentorship Empowers Refugee's Dream
Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media Dockside Doggies Pet Grooming. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at The Daily Groomer. Join and be part of The Daily Groomer Community!
After Hours Episode #82: In our latest episode of After Hours, I sat down with Trisha Bowen to talk about the real side of grooming life. She shared how she kind of stumbled into the industry, went from not being a dog person at all to eventually teaching others, and of course—we got into some of the wildest client stories (yes, there’s one involving a smoothie to the face). We also talked about being left-handed in a right-handed world, why a good support system matters, and how we each define success in this line of work. It’s an honest, unfiltered convo between two Geminis just talking shop and what keeps us going in the grooming world.
Summary
In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I’m joined by Anurag Gandhi, who made a big shift—from a decade in the corporate world at companies like Apple and Nike to starting his own pet care business, Wolfgang Bakery and Grooming, right here in Seattle. We talk about what it really took to make that leap, from starting a franchise and hiring a team, to the day-to-day of running a grooming shop and building lasting relationships with clients. If you’re thinking about opening your own business or just curious about what it’s like behind the scenes, this one’s worth a listen.
Timestamps
06:08 Exploring Business Opportunities and Franchises
11:06 Franchise Agreements: 10-Year Commitment
14:54 Overcoming Challenges in Dog Salon
20:40 Pet Spa Notification and Care System
29:03 Grooming and Retail Business Strategy
Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media Anurag Gandhi. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at The Daily Groomer. Join and be part of The Daily Groomer Community!
After Hours Episode #81: In our latest episode of After Hours, I’m getting real about something we all need but rarely make time for—protecting your energy. I talk about what it really means to grow, set boundaries (yes, even at work), and take care of yourself without guilt. I open up about some of my own challenges with burnout and learning to hold myself accountable. Plus, I’ve got a simple challenge for you: just 10 minutes a day for you. I’ll even walk you through a quick five-minute grounding meditation you can use to start or wind down your day. No fluff—just real talk, personal stories, and practical tools to help you show up as your best, most grounded self for your clients, the pets you care for, and most importantly, yourself.
Summary
In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I’m joined by Crystal Gonzalez, the owner of Pooch à la Mode in Chicago. Crystal talks about how she bought and completely transformed a grooming salon—not just once, but twice. We get into the importance of perceived value, how she’s rethought staffing by creating specialized roles, and why branding has been key to building a high-end, profitable business. If you're looking for fresh ideas to level up your salon and stand out in the industry, this episode is full of practical insights.
Timestamps
09:47 Salon Acquisition Strategy Tips
14:54 Grooming Industry Pricing Insights
19:15 Fair Groomer Compensation Debate
28:16 Organic Salon Hiring Experience
36:22 Attracting Ideal Clients
Stay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media @poochalamode. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at The Daily Groomer. Join and be part of The Daily Groomer Community!
After Hours Episode #80: In our latest episode of After Hours, I catch up with the amazing Sue Zecco to talk about her long and inspiring journey in the grooming world. We get into how the industry has changed over the years, how she's dealt with challenges like surgery and burnout, and why taking care of yourself matters more than ever. Sue also opens up about navigating social media as a seasoned pro, managing tough clients, and the importance of staying connected with the grooming community. She shares some honest insights on growth, mentorship, and what really keeps the heart of this industry beating. It’s a fun, real, and motivating conversation—definitely one to tune into!
After Hours Episode #79: In our latest episode of After Hours, I’m hanging out with the one and only Laura Jane! We get real about everything from taking care of ourselves (inside and out) to the messy, hilarious truth of aging, mental health, and why groomers need to put themselves first for once. We chat about meditation, goofy self-care routines, Gen Z skincare, and making time for YOU—even if it’s just ten minutes. If you want to laugh, relate, and pick up some feel-good vibes, this is the episode for you!
Summary
In our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I sit down with my good friend Nick Diamond—aka Nikki Dimes—founder of Chubbs Mobile Grooming in Paradise Valley, Arizona. We dive into his unique path from baseball and the corporate world to launching a successful mobile grooming business inspired by his late dog, Chubbs. Nick opens up about his hands-on business philosophy, creative marketing strategies, and how he built a loyal client base from the ground up. He also shares candid stories, lessons from early missteps, and why he believes grooming is one industry that’s here to stay—no matter how smart AI gets.
Timestamps
08:12 Career Shift After Business Degrees
16:43 First Dog Grooming Experience
24:42 Business Managed by Text Messaging
26:13 Client Acquisition via Social Media
37:40 Starting a Mobile Dog Grooming Business
41:36 Word-of-Mouth Business Philosophy
Stay connected with our guest speakers! Visit their website Chubbs Mobile Dog Grooming. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at The Daily Groomer. Join and be part of The Daily Groomer Community!
After Hours Episode #78: In our latest episode of After Hours — it’s a mailbag edition! I’m answering your questions on everything from handling anxiety in the salon to helping clients stick to a four-week grooming schedule, and ways to boost your income as a mobile groomer. I’ll share honest insights on self-care, setting boundaries, and positioning yourself as a luxury service provider. Plus, I’ll highlight some upcoming grooming shows and remind you to keep your essentials well-stocked. Let’s get into it!