Boss Your Business: The Pet Boss Podcast with Candace D'Agnolo

Ready to peek behind the curtain of some serious brand magic?

We're almost halfway through 2025... how are your sales looking?

Want your pet business to stand out from the big box stores?

The tariff situation is changing rapidly, and it's already affecting your pet business - whether you realize it or not!

Tired of having to micromanage or do it all yourself because your team "just doesn't get it"?

"Where ARE all the good employees?!"

Candace just returned from Global Pet Expo 2025 in Orlando and this episode is a full insider breakdown of the experience!

Getting a bank loan for your pet business doesn't have to feel like solving a mystery!

Candace welcomes a retail LEGEND on this episode of the Pet Boss Podcast!

What's a business plan, and do you need one?!  No matter what stage of business you're in, if you don't have a concrete business plan mapped out, let's get to work!

Ever wonder how successful pet stores manage all those loyalty programs and manufacturer deals without completely losing their minds?  This episode will show you how! Astro Loyalty offers a tech solution that's transforming this process for retailers and getting better and stronger with each passing year!  Candace sat down to chat with Kat Carbonaro, Marketing Director at Astro Loyalty, and got a full insider's look at the platform that's helping independent pet retailers compete with the big boxes (and generating over $1.5 BILLION in sales in 2024 alone! Yes, you read that right!

Imagine showing up to your grooming job one day only to be met by the landlord of the building telling you to get out...  That's what happened to our guest on this episode of the Pet Boss Podcast. But don't worry! Karissa Surprenant, owner of Dtails Pet Grooming and Nutrition, took an uncertain moment and turned it into a BIG opportunity for herself!  And now?  She's the powerhouse entrepreneur who turned one single grooming salon into a multi-location operation with grooming, retail, AND mobile grooming vans.

Who's escaping to sunny Orlando in a few weeks?! ☀️ Yup, the pet industry's biggest party is just around the corner, and Candace and the team can't wait to hang with you at Global Pet Expo 2025 (March 26-28!) This episode is dedicated to all things Global! From making the most of your experience to where to find CANDACE'S BIRTHDAY PARTY on the show floor!

The Pet Boss Podcast's first-ever live virtual audience recording?! Yes, please! In this milestone celebration of 100,000 downloads, Candace brought together a room full of passionate pet professionals to reflect on our latest podcast series, "Fall in Love with Your Pet Business." Retailers, groomers, pet sitters, daycare owners... there was a whole mix of pet business owners in the room to participate and rekindle their spark with their business!   In this fun, special episode, you'll hear: 

Are you ready for the AI revolution?  Spoiler: IT'S HERE!  The reality is if you're ignoring AI completely, you can get really behind in a world that is changing FAST. In this episode of the Pet Boss Podcast, special guest and Pet Boss team member, Jolanta Smulski, breaks down how artificial intelligence is transforming the pet industry and why business owners can't afford to ignore this technology any more! You'll learn: 

Ready for the comeback of the YEAR?! We're talking about Candace's comeback to the pet industry RETAIL WORLD! Yup, but this isn't just another pet store opening–  it's SO much more, and we have all the juicy details ready to share!  In this brand new monthly series, Candace will be dropping episode updates to take you behind the scenes of her building a dreamy pet destination from the ground UP.  You're going to peek behind the curtain to watch an experienced Pet Boss truly bring a vision to life while hearing about every step it took to get there in REAL time.  In this first episode, Candace spills the treats on:

Happy LOVE month!

Happy LOVE month!

Happy LOVE month!

Happy LOVE month!

Happy LOVE month!

Want to see how far a "watch me do this" attitude can take you? When everyone told Pet Boss Nation University member Alina McCue that she should go for her idea of opening a pet retail store in Missoula, Montana, she took action– even without a business background.  Now, as the owner of Toiffer Pet Outfitter, she's transformed her passion for sustainability and pets into a thriving two-location business!  In this episode, she joins Candace for an inspiring conversation about overcoming self-doubt, building a successful team, and creating a sustainable pet retail business from the ground up. In this episode, you'll learn:

Is your pet business' social media presence accidentally sending the wrong message to potential customers?  In this episode, Candace chats with the Pet Boss Nation team social media guru, Amanda Nelson, about why 2025 is the year to turn your social media into a customer MAGNET for your pet business.

We are pulling out ALL the stops to help you thrive in 2025– including bringing you Pet Boss Nation's newest Industry Insights and Optimization Expert, Lynn Switanowski of Pet Retail Helper!

Pop those champagne bottles (or a new bag of treats for your pup!) because we're kicking off Season 4 of the Pet Boss Podcast with some exciting news AND a new year mantra! 1. We're about to hit 100,000 downloads, and  2. We are ready to help you THRIVE in 25!  (Shoutout to Heather from Tails of Hawaii for this amazing motto!) Here's what you'll learn in this episode that will make sure this is your most amazing year yet: 

Can you believe we're wrapping up another year?

Is your marketing tank running on empty?

Ever caught yourself saying, "This isn't for me..." when looking into business growth opportunities?  In this myth-busting episode, Candace tackles the most common misconception about Pet Boss Nation-- that it's "just for retailers."  Drawing from her experience running six different types of pet businesses, she reveals why this mindset might be a psychological "excuse" that's masking deeper fears holding you back from success! In this episode, you'll learn:

Great collaborations lead to powerful conversations!

Did you know that your pet business could be missing out on thousands in tax benefits while also giving back to your community or your favorite cause?! (A win-win!)  This episode is a game changer and might open your eyes to a non-profit venture that makes sense for your pet business! Candace sits down with Dr. Orazie Cook, founder of Paws on Purpose, a business that helps pet businesses transform their charitable giving into structured nonprofit arms.  From pet food pantries to domestic violence support programs, you'll see how leading pet businesses are making a bigger impact while gaining significant financial benefits. In this episode, you'll learn more about:

Want to know how your pet business compares to others in the industry?

60% of students who experience pets in their classroom go on to have pets in their homes within the first year. The first year! 

You can make a bigger impact in your community while also growing your pet business (because success and service go hand in paw!

Did you know that Gen Z is increasingly turning to social media over Google for brand research?!  So, how do we reach those potential customers successfully?

⚠️Warning: This episode may cause unexpected laughter and the sudden urge to double-check your security cameras!  What happens when Candace gathers some of the Pet Boss Mastermind members for an October retreat at her home in Galesburg, Illinois?  Well, they gather 'round the campfire (or in her living room, but just for recording purposes!) and share spine-tingling tales of pet business mishaps, mayhem, and misadventures.  From FBI investigations to creepy crawlies in the dog food, these real-life horror stories will make your blood run COLD.  In this episode, you'll hear:

Wondering how Candace was feeling during Q4 when she owned her pet businesses? You're about to find out!  Candace has been there– in the thick of the busiest time of the year, watching the days quickly slip by on the calendar without any promotions or events planned, wondering how she's going to move all that holiday inventory when she can't seem to remove herself from the day to day tasks inside her business… And guess what?➡️ Throughout all of her successes (and a few failures!) during Q4, she learned EXACTLY what type of support other business owners in the pet industry need right now. In this episode, you will: 

Ready for a raw and honest conversation about pet business ownership? That's exactly what this episode is, as Candace sat down with Taylor Gonzalez, owner of Three Tails Parlor and Pantry, and a valued member of multiple Pet Boss Nation programs.  Taylor shows us the emotional rollercoaster that being a pet business owner is, and the crossover between personal life and business. She went from facing personal tragedy to building a thriving pet business, and her story is a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and investing in yourself.  In this episode, you'll hear more about: 

Ever wonder what it really takes to launch a pet brand in today's competitive market?  You're in for a treat with this podcast episode where Candace sits down with Jess Berger, founder of Bundle x Joy! Jess and Candace unpack the hidden challenges (and triumphs!) of building a pet brand from the ground up... especially one so different from what's out there!  In this episode, you'll learn:

Now that you're in the right Pet Boss Nation University mindset, it's time to tie it all together and paint a picture of what a typical semester is going to look like for you! You can take every course available on your own, but something magical happens when you lean on your “fur”-ternity members. Candace is grabbing the gavel and showing you the power of that community and how it perfectly intersects with the education aspect of PBU! In part three of orientation, you'll learn:

The announcement has been made… so now what?! Like we said before, PBU is here to STAY

Are you ready for the BIG announcement?! Let's hear a CHEER if you are! In this game-changing episode, Candace unveils Pet Boss University, a transformative educational program for pet business owners designed with YOU in mind… That's right, Pet Boss Nation is in the middle of an evolution led by a missing piece we see in the pet industry!   You will learn everything you need to know about that evolution, including how this innovative platform combines core curriculum, elective tracks, and a supportive community to provide the ultimate pet business education experience!  You'll learn more about:

We WISH words alone could convey the experience we just had at Camp Pet Boss, and while this episode does a wonderful job of conveying what happened there… Some of the experience belongs to our Campers. If you know… you know.

September is Self Care Awareness Month, and we've been talking about it– in our emails, on our social accounts, in conversations with one another. And honestly, the topic is resonating. Why?  Because self care is SO important for you as a business owner, but the term itself is so broad and it looks different for everyone, which makes navigating it tricky.  We're all in different stages of our lives, have different resources, and enjoy different things– so how can we determine the magic self care cure for battling burnout?   The truth is– we can't. This isn't magic. This is about taking stock of your life, your priorities, and your burnout red flags and coming up with a self care plan that works for YOU.  In this episode, your host and Pet Boss Nation CEO, Candace, shares:  ❤️ Where she is in her life right now, and why she's been personally thinking about what self care looks like in her stage of life and business.  ❤️ Why self care is more than a mug of hot tea or a trip to the spa (although those things can totally be part of your plan too!) ❤️ Six realistic, raw, and helpful tips to help you get ahead of burnout before it's too late.  ❤️ Why self care isn't just about business– it's about you as a human who is juggling business, life, family, and other priorities.  ❤️ Why finding your people is such a big difference maker in life AND business.

How is IndiePet helping independent pet stores THRIVE in a market dominated by big box retailers?

Ever wonder how a simple change could increase your pet business sales by 7% or more?! In this behind-the-scenes episode, Candace shares a peek inside a live Q&A session featuring Pet Boss Club member Matt McCord from DogiZone. In her response to Matt's question, she reveals practical strategies for maximizing impulse buys and refreshing your checkout area.  Whether you run a doggy daycare, grooming salon, or pet retail store, these simple tips could significantly boost your average transaction value, which can make a HUGE difference in your bottom line.  In this episode, you'll learn:

Ever wonder how a broken poop bag could lead to a thriving pet product empire?

What does it take to build an award-winning pet business empire? The winners of the PETS+ America's Coolest Contest could tell you!

Ever wonder how a pet business owner who was $400K in debt turned it all around and sold multiple businesses for millions?  It's Pet Boss Nation's CEO and founder, hi, it's Candace D'Agnolo, she's the one who did that, it's her.  (Did we get that Swiftie reference right?!) In this eye-opening episode, Candace shares her personal journey of exiting three pet businesses and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way. No matter what stage of business you're in, an exit strategy is relevant to you, and it's a question that pops up in our community often. How do you prepare to exit your pet business someday?

Ready for franchising, funding, and emotional intelligence?

What's the wildest, biggest thing that you could make possible for your pet business and your life?  What's important to you?  How do you want to spend your time?  THOSE are the end goals we're pursuing inside the Pet Boss Mastermind, and after a year since launching, we can't wait to pull back the curtain and show you the progress our members have made (and will continue to make, since many of them are STAYING for the next cohort!)  As applications open for the next round, Candace offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this program so transformative for pet business owners, and how to determine if YOU are ready for a mastermind.  She talks more about:  The evolution of the Pet Boss Mastermind program over its first year and how to shape your offerings to give people what they actually NEED. Success stories from current Pet Boss Mastermind members, including inspiring business growth and personal development. What exactly a mastermind is, and who it's best suited for in the pet industry. (Is it YOU?!) Details on the new and improved Pet Boss Mastermind program, including in-person meetups and one-on-one coaching sessions! How to apply for the Pet Boss Mastermind and what to expect in the application process. The importance of investing in yourself and your business through professional development. And more!  Whether you're considering joining the Pet Boss Mastermind or simply curious about what high-level pet business coaching looks like, you'll learn so much about the power of collaboration and continuous learning in the pet industry. Tune in!  View Transcript Show Notes Join Us Online Find us on Facebook Join our Free Pet Industry Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Read our Blog

From a single store ➡️ to a 20-location pet business empire.