In this episode, Joe and Jeff talk through the concerns and considerations facility owners and operators can consider when looking at remodeling a current pet care facility or opening their very first! Areas covered in this episode include flooring, wall covering, outdoor spaces, HVAC and air exchanges, and much more!

There’s a saying out there that goes something like, “The way you dress is the way you will be addressed”. How someone dresses can definitely affect the way they feel about themselves and how people will feel about them. In this episode, Joe and Elli get very real about how first impressions and client expectations can influence a professional’s income potential.

In this episode of the Hey Joe Pet Pro Vod/Podcast, Joe speaks with Dennis Gnetz, the CEO of a leading Mobile Grooming Vehicle Conversion Company and long time industry friends of Paragon. Dennis shares a little of the history of Wag’n Tails and how they are celebrating 30 years in business in 2024. He recaps what he identifies as the Wag’n Tails team's most significant accomplishments in the past 30 years. Joe and Dennis look at the state of the pet grooming industry, and specifically the mobile grooming segment. There is great discussion about how mobile grooming differs from brick and mortar salons and the opportunities and challenges of each. Discussions continue to address safety and engineering importances for the Professional Pet Groomer as well as the Pet they are caring for when building mobile grooming vehicles and considering what options are best for the operator and the clients. Dennis provides a look at the product innovations in the mobile grooming niche, focusing on the Wag’n Tails CleanPower System and Mobile Grooming Software, as well as the new product models in the mobile grooming space.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Amy Hillis, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Social Pet, which provides daycare, lodging, grooming, and training services with 3 locations in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Listen to their discussion about building confidence and trust within your community so people know their pets are in good, capable hands. This nearly one-hour discussion includes stories, techniques, and ideas that will be invaluable to a new or growing grooming business.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Todd Dittman, the executive director of IndiePet, a nonprofit trade association created by and for independent pet retailers and the manufacturers, distributors and service providers who support the independent pet channel. Listen to their discussion about the support systems that are available for independent store owners to leverage. Todd goes into detail about IndiePet's mission and shares some examples of how IndiePet businesses have turned challenges into successes.

Paragon President Joe Zuccarello joins industry expert Garret Tadlock, founder of Paw Loyalty and Chief Product Officer at Hello-Groom, to unpack the keys to productivity in the pet grooming business. He shares his expertise in overcoming the unique challenges faced by pet boarding and daycare businesses in managing grooming staff, and the value-add grooming brings. From staffing to pricing and customer retention, don't miss this episode to benefit from decades of groomer business wisdom!

Joe Zuccarello interviews Danielle Aymar, owner of Zen Dog Spa in Charleston, SC, and a pet care expert with over 25 years of experience. In 2019, she was finally able to pursue her dream of starting her own business! Listen as she tells her story about launching and growing the pet spa and how her team has helped make it a success!

Joe Zuccarello interviews Jason Johnson of Project K-9 Hero, a non-profit organization that provides a peaceful retirement and quality healthcare for retired military and working dogs. These incredible animals serve alongside our brave men and women in uniform, risking their lives to protect and defend our nation. They detect explosives, locate missing persons, and perform a variety of other life-saving tasks. However, once these dogs retire, they often face a significant lack of support and funding for their medical care. Project K9 Hero steps in to bridge this gap. Their work ensures that these retired heroes can enjoy their well-deserved retirement years comfortably, receiving the medical care they need.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Tim Petsch of GrassWorx about how to set up a play yard for maximum comfort, safety, and ease of care. Find out the best yard strategies for your grooming business – and at home! • What materials should I use for a safe and clean yard? • How do I avoid the muddy "runway" effect at my grooming studio? • What can I do to maximize paw health? • Can I simplify yard care in a multi-dog scenario? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Stephanie Shipley of Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACCC)about continued education and certifications. - What is the importance of becoming a certified animal care provider? - What does it mean to your clients? - What does certification entail? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Dave Campanella of Best Shot about storing and mixing grooming liquids. - Have you ever thought you got a bad batch of shampoo? Moldy? Smelly? Separated? - What are the consequences of not properly storing and mixing liquid products? - How can I safely store and mix liquid grooming products? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Mark Kalaygian of PetBusiness Magazine about the pet industry as a whole. - Where can I get trusted sources about the pet industry? - How has the past couple of years affected retail stores, ecommerce and grooming salons? - How can grooming services positively affect retail salons? Tune in to find out.

In this episode, Joe Zuccarello interviews Deb Compton, professional groomer and Pooch Perfect Contestant, about her path to success. - Where do you see yourself taking your grooming career? - What got you interested in grooming? - How can you get noticed in the industry? - What ignites you? - How can you be a teacher? Tune in to find out!

Joe Zuccarello interviews Chris Miller of Pacific Store Design about retailing, remodeling and store designs! - What should I change about my salon? - Should I add retail to my salon? - What is your story?

Joe Zuccarello interviews Monica Cevallos of Sniff Design about Marketing Yourself & Your Business. - Why is it important to keep up your salon appearance? - How do I establish a brand? - Where do I find inspiration? Tune in to find out.

In this episode, Joe Zuccarello interviews Stacey Deshkulkarni, a Paragon Distance Learning Program Graduate. Stacey began her own mobile grooming business right after she graduated from Paragon and now she is here to share her experiences before, during and after Paragon! - What is it like making a career change? - Can you learn to groom online? - What does life look like after grooming school graduation? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Kristen Hedderich, Director of Pet Care Operations at Morris Animal Inn about their business model and practices during the global pandemic. - How can myself and my company stay centered during the pandemic? - How can I adapt to change? - How do I unify my employees? - Should I look externally for training, marketing, etc? - What is the best way to educate my clients? - What are the best communication practices with my clients? Tune in to find out.

In this episode, Joe Zuccarello interviews grooming icon Judy Hudson, award-winning pet stylist and NCMG, on the topic of Speed and Efficiency in the grooming salon. - What are time savers? - Can you groom a dog an hour? - How can you become more efficient without sacrificing quality? - How can you manage your clientele? Tune in to find out.

In this episode, Joe Zuccarello interviews Edu Artero of Artero Grooming Products in Barcelona, Spain. Edu has joined us to discuss Artero's journey and tips on grooming products and equipment. - What research should you do before choosing products? - How should you choose shears? - What questions should you ask yourself before you begin researching? - What should you ask the equipment providers? - Does price of a product dictate quality? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Josh Meyer of Tropiclean about Pet Dental Awareness. Dental awareness is important for pets overall well-being and health. - Why is it important for pet care providers to educate their clients? - Is it too late to start dental treatment? - Are there dental solutions available? - What are the early signs of periodontal disease? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Lori Davis of Paramount Success Group about perfecting customer experience. "The pulse of your business starts at the heart of your business," and that's why customer experience is SO important. - What is the difference between frontline staff and reservation specialist? - How can I train my frontline? - Are my customers satisfied? - How can I turn complaints into compliments? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Candace D'Agnolo of Pet Boss Nation about adding retail to your business. Find out how you can do a risk-reward analysis with Candace's Retail Guide. Should I sell retail in my business? How should I position myself in retail What should I carry? Tune in!

Joe Zuccarello interviews Dave Campanella of Best Shot about proper disinfecting. This timely topic can greatly affect you, your salon, and your clients. • What is the difference between clean, sanitizing, and disinfecting? • Do I safely and effectively disinfect my salon and tools? • Should I clean BEFORE I disinfect? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Connie Bailey about preparing for continuing education. Find out how you can get your studio ready for lifelong learning, keep your team engaged, and educate your customers! • How do I prepare for continuing education as a salon leader? • Who should I offer educational opportunities? • How do I keep groomers excited about learning? • What does increased confidence do for my staff? For my clients? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zuccarello talks with John Stockman of Wag'n Tails Mobile Conversions about the best ways to finance a mobile grooming operation. • How do I scope out my market and take on a reasonable number of clients? • What should I do to manage my debt? How important is my credit? • How should I finance a mobile grooming van? • What is verifiable income? What impact will it have on my business? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zuccarello interviews Tim Petsch of Pawz Dog Boots about proper paw care throughout the year. Paw health greatly affects both pets and their owners – especially with current public health concerns. • Should I use dog boots year-round? • Can I use human hand sanitizer on dogs? • How much bacteria do dogs carry with them? • Why do dogs lick their paws more in the spring and summer? Tune in to find out. See the Inside Edition report here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjfgm3y8Sng

Joe Zuccarello interviews Jen van Garderen of Kennelwood Pet Resorts about adding dog training to your business. Find out how Jen manages Kennelwood's services, hires reliable staff, and keeps clients invested! • Why would I want to add dog training to my grooming business? • How can I make sure client pets receive personal attention? • What defines a balanced approach to dog training? • Where can I find trainers for my facility? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zuccarello talks to certified groomer Annette Tucker of Bark Me Beautiful. Find out how Annette changed careers at age 50, what it took to get a job in the grooming industry, and how she's taking charge of Bark Me Beautiful's new mobile grooming division. • Can I really change careers at age 50? • What does it take to get up to speed on a different industry? • How do I get a job in a dog grooming studio, and how do I build industry relationships? • What role does continued education play in a career reset? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zuccarello meets with BC and Kathie Henschen of Platinum Paws for team-building tips, communication strategies, and sure-fire ways to keep your employees happy. Find out what they do to make their team feel appreciated, and how that comfort reflects in their work! • What kind of schedule should my I create for my employees? • How can I improve team recognition? • Who should I hire, and how long should I be willing to train them? • How do I make up for my own shortcomings and improve communication? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zuccarello joins Jeanine Palmiteer to talk about the challenges of being a young professional groomer. Find out how Jeanine made her way into the industry, and how the next generation of groomers influence the industry. • What's the most difficult part of being a young professional groomer? • How do blade numbers differ between cosmetology and dog grooming? • What goes into starting your own business? • Where can I start learning as a young groomer? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zuccarello is back with Dave Campanella from Best Shot Pet Products. Learn how to keep dogs looking and feeling good during the winter! By understanding coat physiology, grooming products, and the science of shedding, you can keep clients and pets happy year-round. • How can a double-coat cause skin irritation? • When should I educate a pet owner about shed control? • How often should I see a client during the winter? • What can I do to get ahead of shedding issues? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zucarello talks to Rene Davis about adopting a people-centered approach to your business. Find out the three major steps that can build your team – and yourself! • What can I do every day to develop my team? • How much feedback should I give my employees? • When should I point out issues in the workplace? • How can I keep track of positive behavior? • How do I view my staff? Tune in to find out.

Joe Zucarello returns with a big question – what are you doing to keep your employees? Tune in for Joe's five steps to create a culture your employees won't want to leave. Increase your engagement, retention, and loyalty. • What do customers and employees have in common? • How do I keep my employees engaged? • What does "high touch, not high tech" mean? • How can I reduce a lofty vision into one that's easy to follow? • Do I have to achieve perfection to improve my team's culture? Tune in to find out.

GroomTeam USA with Kathy Rose by Joe Zuccarello & Paragon Pet School

Salon Shortcuts to Start Your Day Right with Lorri Keller by Joe Zuccarello & Paragon Pet School

Skin Care Knowledge & Care with Christein Sertzel - by Joe Zuccarello & Paragon Pet School

Senior Pet Care Awareness & Techniques with Laurie Brush by Joe Zuccarello & Paragon Pet School

Joe Zuccarello discusses the importance of clarity, discipline, and consistency in the dog grooming industry! Sharing wisdom from Start With Why by Simon Sinek, Joe touches on key principles to make your grooming business shine.

Pet grooming is an athletic job, and the holidays are the grooming Superbowl! Join Joe Zuccarello and Dr. Matthew Phinney for tips on avoiding fatigue, stress, and injury throughout the season.

In this episode, Joe Zuccarello is joined once again by Dave Campanella for a deep exploration of conditioners. Dave clears up some common misunderstandings and offers great grooming advice!

Victor Rosado: I Want to Compete! by Joe Zuccarello & Paragon Pet School

In this episode, Joe Zuccarello interviews Teri DiMarino about her battle against devastating anti-groomer legislation in California. She tells the story of how she rallied groomers, defeated the bill, and formed the California Professional Pet Groomers Association.

In this episode, Delise Knight from Bardel Bows teams up with Joe to discuss techniques for getting to know your clientele and building a long-term relationship with each customer.

Is your pet business making the right impression? Is your salon putting its best foot forward? In this episode, host Joe Zuccarello talks to Monica Cevallos of Sniff Design. Together, they'll unpack how to choose the right design partner to help you create a compelling brand.

Do you need to build your skills? In this episode, Joe Zuccarello is joined by author, master groomer and groom world icon, Melissa Verplank. Together they'll discuss the origins of the all NEW Learn2GroomDogs.com site, and her devotion to helping groomers find their success through skill-building.

In this episode, Dog Gurus co-founder Susan Briggs joins host Joe Zuccarello to explore the topic of dog body language. Learn how to read the sign and get tips for safe grooming.

In this episode, Joe Zuccarello teams up with purveyor of paw protection, Tim Petsch from PawZ Dog Boots. Together they'll explore the evolution of pet product industry and specifically the ways that paw protection can improve the health and well-being of our fur friends. Together, they'll answer questions like: What are "Frito feet" and how can you identify and avoid them? Why do senior dogs often have problems gaining traction on smooth surfaces? Which poses the greatest risk to dogs paws - salt, pesticides, hot pavement, foxtail burrs? Where do the chemicals, bacteria and fungi go when your dog comes in from outdoors?

Would you like to boost your profits and expand your services? In this episode, Joe Zuccarello teams up with "The Dog Gurus" business coach & doggie daycare pioneer Susan Briggs to unpack the secrets to nurturing a thriving pet business through add-on services, from play-care to enrichment. Tune in to learn more

Do you know what to do if a pet you're working with has a medical crisis? Are you prepared to help a fur friend who can't breathe or is losing blood from an open wound? If you DO know, would you like to teach others? In this episode, Joe Zuccarello teams up with Thom Somes, Vice President and Co-founder of Pet Tech Productions, Inc., to discuss the value of  CPR and Pet Care First Aid training. Learn how to become an instructor to build your pet care business with popular classes for pet parents.

Is your "brand" as memorable as your best groom? Groomers strive to create beautiful results, but often forget to give the same loving attention to their business branding. In this episode, Joe Zuccarello connects with Monica Cevallos, a pet business design and branding expert, to discuss ways to up your marketing game and enhance your brand.

Research shows that dog grooming and pet care services can be very physically demanding occupations that by nature cause a higher incidence of pain and injury. Joe Zuccarello teams up with Chiropractor & Learn2GroomDogs.com expert Matt Phinney to learn tips and tricks to avoid injury, reduce repetitive stress and mitigate pain on the job. See how taking care of your body can help you stay in your career longer and how you can even get a FREE session with a doc + lunch for your team!

In this episode, Joe Zuccarello is joined by John Stockman from Wagn’ Tails to discuss mobile grooming. With more than 3,300 mobile units and two decades on the road, Wagn’ Tails makes “mobile” grooming “friendly.” John will enlighten us today on his 7 Keys to Success in Mobile Grooming and also answer some of the most pressing questions in mobile grooming.

Equipment Maintenance 101 with Trevor Vold by Joe Zuccarello & Paragon Pet School

In this episode, Joe Zuccarello is joined by British groomer icon, Master Groom UK founder and author, Colin Taylor. You’ll hear how Colin got his start, and explore his views of the grooming profession and its future.

In this episode, Joe Zuccarello is joined by Chuck Simons, founder of the Groomer's Helper. Hear Chuck's fascinating origin story and learn how to increase your productivity through safe pet handling practices.

In this episode, Joe Zuccarello is joined by cat-master and feline aficionado, Danelle German, from the National Cat Groomers Institute of America. They'll explore ways that dog groomers can build a lucrative cat clientele into their business for an excellent return-on-investment.

The Mindful Groomer…Achieving balance throughout your entire grooming process! It’s easy to overlook how professional grooming is an intricate process. We will Identify the Key Elements required to manage a successful, efficient and stress-free grooming environment. Not understanding these elements can make for an up-hill struggle of “trial and error”, not to mention unnecessary physical and mental anguish often leading to burn out or failure. Discuss and illustrate how applying simple coat & skin facts, basic hair care chemistry, and scientifically proven methods relates to developing a more mindful grooming protocol for mastering one’s tools, equipment, techniques, safety and health. Balancing these elements helps manage a more successful and effective business overall.

In this episode, Joe Zuccarello is joined by John Stockman from Wagn’ Tails to discuss mobile grooming. With more than 3,300 mobile units and two decades on the road Wagn’ Tails makes “mobile” grooming “friendly.” John will answer some of the most pressing questions in mobile grooming: • How can I make more money grooming fewer pets? • How would I avoid spending most of my day in transit? • What is an appointment cluster and how do you make more money using them? • Is it possible to operate on a 75% gross profit margin? • What are the benefits of mobile grooming for pet parents and pets themselves? Special Offer: Valid through Dec. 31, 2019 “Hey Joe!” listeners who buy a Wagn’ Tail van, bus or trailer receive a free Christensen Kool Dry dryer installed, valued at $486. (http://bit.ly/2LwWexm) Just mention the Secret Code “Lucky Leo.”

In this episode, Joe Zuccarello teams up with Jerry Dubos of Governor Insurance to unpack the inner working of insurance tailored to professional groomers and salons. Pet Groomer Insurance is more than general business coverage; it’s peace of mind! What happens if a dog falls off a grooming table and breaks his leg? Who pays the $7,000 vet bill? What is K-9 Kennel Cough Insurance? What is an umbrella policy, and does it have anything to do with rain? Can you cover loss of income? What happens if a product you sell injures a pet and you’re named in a lawsuit? Who pays the lawyers fees? Tune In to find out!

In this episode, Joe Zuccarello is joined by groomer superstar Victor Rosado, who shares the compelling story of his rise from humble beginnings in Puerto Rico with a book and noisy clippers to an award-winning, international grooming expert and instructor to instructors. Along the way, you'll learn about the evolution of pet culture around the world, and the elevation of grooming as a vocation. How do you go from shaving dogs for surgery to being one of the world’s foremost, award-winning groomers? How do you command respect as a professional groomer? How important is it do understand breed standards, temperaments, and groups?What do you do when you get into a rut? Why do poodles in China have high-water shaved feet? How does social media negatively impact quality groom instruction? Tune in to find out.

Grooming is grueling work. In this episode, Joe Zuccarello teams up with groom expert Dave Campanella to learn the tricks of the trade. Together, they'll unpack the hard-earned secrets great groom salons use to produce a masterpiece every time. Learn to master canine hair physiology, chemistry and the scientific method behind faster, easier grooming. Do you know how to work smarter, not harder? How critical is "tub time?" What's the difference between shedding, matting and tangling? What is "porosity" and how does hair physiology play into good grooming? What is the answer to the age-old question: Do you pre-brush a dog, or do you bath it first? Tune in to find out. Special Offer:Check out bestshotpet.com to learn more and put the methods discussed today to the test. Simply go to “Products” on the menu bar and click on “3-Step”, then select “FREE Shipping Trial Offer”  for a variety of product assortments tailored to your specific needs for less than 25 bucks! Hurry this offer may not be held over too long!

In this podcast, Joe Zuccarello is joined by Jessica Romani of Clippervac to "get the poop" -- so to speak -- on health hazards found in grooming salons. Learn how a self-taught, single-mom revolutionized groom room sanitation more than three decades ago and how you can leverage this invention to stay healthy and productive.

To Groom or Not To Groom Cats - That Is The Question in this edition of "Hey Joe!" when he teams up with feline aficionado and expert Danelle German. What are the key characteristics of those willing to groom cats? The Fear Factor - Is feline-fear healthy, or something you need to overcome? How should your grooming choices differ between cats and dogs? Is grooming cats financially rewarding? How do you tap into that? How do you make a million dollars grooming cats? About Danelle German: Danelle currently serves as President and Certified/Instructor of the National Cat Groomers Institute of America. Along with her husband, she is the inventor and patent holder of the Catty Shack Vac drying system. She is a sought-after speaker, innovator and entrepreneur within the pet care industry. She is known not only for her exceptional skills as a feline-handler but also for her awesome show-worthy grooming results developed over years of successfully competing in the show ring. Combined with her seemingly unlimited knowledge of the feline-species, her training proves time and time again to be the best that can be found. Danell is also the author of The Ultimate Cat Groomer Encyclopedia. This encyclopedia focuses on the cat grooming business, CFA-approved cat breeds, feline behavior, grooming and handling techniques, feline health, and case studies on cat grooming. In her talks, she leads people into self-awareness and self-actualization, inspires them to find and pursue their own excellence, motivates humans to reach deeper within themselves as they learn to communicate with another species on a profound level. She espouses several simple truths along the way: never trust a cat; failure is not an option; every cat deserves the best groom and groomer.

Delise Knight from Bardel Bows teams up with Joe to discuss ways to build your business with Social Media. What makes social media different than advertising? What should your goal be when using social media? How often should you post on social media? What makes a post “sharable”? Tune in to find out. About Delise Knight: Delise has been in the pet industry for over 40 years. She started her career working in a pet store and showing dogs. Delise and her business partner later opened the first all-in-one location that combined veterinarian services, a pet store, and a grooming salon. Delise owned a very successful grooming salon for many years. She saw a need for high-quality, fun and functional grooming accessories, and knew she could produce a product that groomers would love. Delise and her Mother started Bardel Bows in 1989. Delise is passionate about the importance of education and loves sharing her knowledge with other groomers.

Answering questions asked by our listeners, this podcast focuses on subject matter experts and their proven methods to solving some of the most common challenges in the pet industry and sharing how to take full advantage of the possibilities and opportunities in this incredible business!