DogCo Secrets

When I first became an entrepreneur, there were a lot of things I didn’t understand yet, things that only come into focus after you’ve carried the weight of the business for a while.In today’s episode, I share five lessons I wish I had known earlier in my entrepreneurial journey. These are not tactical shortcuts or growth hacks, but hard-earned truths that have shaped how I lead, make decisions, and care for myself as a business owner.If you’re early in your journey, I hope this gives you language for things you may already be feeling. And if you’ve been in business for a while, I hope it helps you reflect on how far you’ve come and what you want to carry forward differently.🧠 Key Takeaways• Why leadership can feel lonely, and why that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong• How delaying hard decisions only makes them heavier over time• Why people take you as seriously as you take yourself• The one skill that quietly strengthens every other skill in your business• Why understanding your numbers creates better decisions and less stress• How urgency can serve you, but also burn you out if left unchecked• Why the work will always be there, and why learning to step away matters🚀 Want a Real-World Example of What’s Possible?If you want to see how clarity, ownership, and intentional decision-making can transform a business, I’ve put together a case study showing how one pet care company grew monthly revenue from $19,000 to over $73,000 in a single year.It breaks down the decisions, structure, and leadership shifts behind that growth, not just the outcome.👉 You can access the case study at dogcolaunch.com/case-study and see how DogCo Launch supports pet care owners who are building something meaningful and sustainable.This episode is a reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t about doing everything perfectly or knowing everything ahead of time. It’s about learning, adapting, and giving yourself permission to grow into the role over time.

Hiring and retention are the biggest bottlenecks I see in pet care businesses today, and they’re also the areas where small changes can unlock massive growth.In today’s episode, I’m joined by my good friend Doug Keeling, and we dig deep into what actually breaks down when companies struggle to grow their teams. Doug shares his personal journey from solo pet sitter to leading a 30-person team, and the hard-earned lessons that eventually led him to specialize in hiring and retention.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by staffing, unsure where to start with hiring, or frustrated by turnover that keeps slowing your momentum, this conversation will help you understand why these challenges exist and how to approach them more intentionally.🐶 Check out Doug👉 DougTheDogGuyyoutube.com/DougTheDogGuyInstagram (Personal / Main Account)👉 @DougTheDogGuyOfficialFacebook (Pawsitive Hiring Course)👉 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583169482484Website👉 https://dougthedogguy.co/pawsitive-hiring-course⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Why hiring and retention are the biggest bottlenecks in pet care0:30 – How Doug accidentally grew his first team2:08 – Making every hiring mistake and learning the hard way4:49 – Why Doug shifted fully to W-2 employees6:05 – From YouTube videos to the Positive Hiring Course8:02 – Why hiring is mystifying for so many owners10:02 – Who the Positive Hiring Course is really for13:02 – Why foundations matter before scaling15:43 – How hiring and retention changed post-pandemic27:00 – Looking ahead to 2026 and supporting teams long-term🧠 Key Takeaways• Why hiring and retention are long-term systems, not quick fixes• How most owners skip foundational steps when building teams• Why culture and alignment now matter more than wages alone• How post-pandemic shifts changed employee expectations• Why proactive culture-building prevents burnout and turnover• How slowing down to build foundations leads to faster growth later• Why staffing issues are solvable with the right framework🚀 Want a Real-World Example of What’s Possible?If you want to see how clarity, systems, and intentional leadership can transform a business, I’ve put together a case study showing how one pet care company grew monthly revenue from $17,000 to over $73,000 in a single year.It breaks down the decisions, structure, and leadership shifts that made that growth possible, not just the numbers.👉 You can access the case study at dogcolaunch.com/case-study and see how DogCo Launch supports pet care owners who are ready to scale sustainably.This episode is a reminder that growing a team isn’t about finding perfect people, it’s about building the right foundation so good people can succeed and stay.

In this Hot Take episode of the DogCo Secrets Podcast, I’m getting very honest and very direct, because I genuinely want to see you win this year.I walk through three core mindsets that I believe must shift if you want to see real growth in your business. These are patterns I see over and over again with smart, hardworking pet care owners who care deeply about what they’re building, but feel stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated by a lack of momentum.Everything I share in this episode comes from a place of support, not judgment. If something here feels confronting, it’s because I believe you’re capable of more and I want to help you get there.🧠 Key TakeawaysWhy no one is coming to do the hard things for you, and why that’s actually empoweringHow avoiding difficult decisions compounds problems over timeWhy deciding something is “out of your control” guarantees that it always will beHow reframing control changes what’s possible in your businessWhy working harder is rarely the real solutionHow slowing down strategically can unlock faster, more sustainable growthWhy these mindset shifts matter if you want this year to be differentI want to send you a case study showing how one of my clients grew monthly revenue from $19,000 to over $73,000 in just one year.👉 Visit dogcolaunch.com/case-study to get the case study and learn more.

If this year is going to be different in your business, it has to start with clarity, not guesswork. I’ve found that grounding your goals in the local context of your business is one of the most effective ways to build momentum at the start of the year.In today’s episode, I walk through how to assess real opportunity in your local market. Too often, business owners focus first on competitors, pricing, and what everyone else is doing. In this conversation, I explain why that’s the least important place to start and what actually matters if you want sustainable growth.If you’ve been setting big goals for this year but feel unsure where to focus, this episode will help you rethink how you evaluate opportunity, define your value, and identify the client types that create outsized returns in your specific community.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Why local market context matters going into a big year0:34 – What people get wrong about competitor research1:17 – Differentiation and why pricing should follow value2:14 – Why being the price leader starts with clarity2:52 – Defining your unique value proposition3:20 – Why “who your business is for” should guide everything4:09 – Using community data to identify opportunity5:01 – A real example of narrowing focus without losing growth6:02 – Looking inward at your current client base7:01 – Final thoughts on starting the year grounded and focused🧠 Key Takeaways• Why competitor research matters less than most people think• How clear differentiation creates pricing confidence• Why narrowing your focus actually reduces risk, not opportunity• How defining your ideal client improves every marketing decision• Two practical ways to identify high-opportunity client types• Why local data is more powerful than assumptions• How looking inward can reveal overlooked growth paths🚀 Want a Real-World Example of What’s Possible?If you want to see what clarity, positioning, and strategic focus can actually create, I’ve put together a case study showing how one pet care business grew monthly revenue from $19,000 to over $73,000 in a single year.It breaks down how opportunity was assessed, where decisions were made differently, and why focus mattered more than expansion.👉 You can access the case study at dogcolaunch.com/case-study and see how DogCo supports pet care owners who are ready to grow with intention and confidence.This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t come from copying competitors or doing more for the sake of doing more. It comes from understanding your market, your people, and the opportunities already around you, and choosing to build from there.

In this Hot Take episode, I reflect on the single biggest leadership lesson I'm taking from 2025 into 2026 in leadership: the power of clarity.After returning to building a team following time as a solo founder, I'll share an honest look at what changed between an early hiring misstep and a year of rapid, healthy growth at DogCo. With a growing team and expanding responsibilities, I'll breaks down why clarity, context, and intentional onboarding are not optional leadership skills, but foundational ones.This episode explores:Why vision alone isn’t enough without clear communicationThe responsibility leaders carry when teams lack contextHow clarity directly impacts execution, morale, and scalabilityThe shift from explaining everything yourself to building systems that create clarityWhat I'm intentionally focusing on as DogCo moves into 2026If you lead people, or plan to, this episode is a powerful reminder that when people don’t have what they need to succeed, the work starts with leadership.To learn more about how DogCo Launch helps pet care companies grow and scale, visit dogcolaunch.com.

In this episode of the DogCo Secrets Podcast, I sit down with Dan Reitman, owner of Dan’s Pet Care, to unpack a Facebook post he shared in my community that deeply resonated across the pet care industry.What started as a message to dog walkers and pet sitters working through Thanksgiving turned into a powerful conversation about conviction, sales, mindset, and how tools like AI can help service-based businesses grow without sacrificing integrity.Dan shares the real story behind a Black Friday campaign that generated over $100,000 in four days, why sales isn’t a dirty word, and how belief in your work directly impacts results.🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode• Why sales and compassion can coexist in pet care• Why conviction matters more than perfection• What actually drives high-performing promotions• How AI tools like ChatGPT support ethical marketing• Why long-term consistency beats shortcuts⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Why I wanted to have this conversation0:16 – Dan’s background and the post that sparked it all2:47 – Reading the Thanksgiving post and its impact4:37 – From $40K in 18 hours to $100K in four days7:08 – DogCo Launch case study8:32 – Why sales applies to every pet care business model12:10 – Reframing sales as service and education18:14 – Conviction vs perfection in business growth26:15 – How to start planning now for Black Friday 202636:21 – Final thoughts on belief, trust, and leadership🎵 Let's Connect!What does it take to scale your pet care business?I want to send you a case study showing how one of my clients grew monthly revenue from $19,000 to over $73,000 in just one year. 👉 Visit dogcolaunch.com/case-study to get the case study and learn more.🔗 Resources & Mentions•  Business frameworks inspired by Alex Hormozi•  Marketing philosophy influenced by Gary Vaynerchuk• Industry wisdom from Kristen Morrison• Tools discussed include ChatGPT, email segmentation, form builders, UTMs, and CRM systems🔔 Subscribe & Stay ConnectedIf you’re building or scaling a pet care business and want honest conversations about leadership, sales, and sustainable growth, subscribe to the DogCo Secrets Podcast for weekly episodes.-M

We are officially stepping into a new year, and in this episode, I want to talk about how to make 2026 a year that actually feels different. Not just busier, not just louder, but more intentional, more impactful, and more aligned with what you really want from your business and your life.I walk you through three specific shifts I believe make the biggest difference for entrepreneurs, especially pet care business owners who are scaling and carrying a lot of responsibility. These are changes I am actively focusing on myself, and they are rooted in time clarity, execution, and the courage to face hard things sooner instead of later.This is not about setting vague resolutions or chasing more ideas. It is about focus, follow through, and creating real momentum by doing fewer things better.Key Takeaways• Why understanding where your time actually goes is foundational to growth• How doing less, but executing better, creates faster and more sustainable results• Why pushing hard conversations and difficult decisions into the future keeps you stuck• How facing discomfort directly creates the biggest breakthroughs as a leaderIf you are stepping into 2026 wanting real change, not just good intentions, this episode will help you reset your focus and choose where to apply your energy in a way that actually moves the needle.If you want to learn more about how I support pet care business owners through growth and strategy, you can explore resources and case studies at dogcolaunch.com.Thanks for being here, and I hope this episode helps you start the year with clarity and confidence.Cheering you on.-Michelle

2025 stretched me, refined me, and clarified what actually matters. In this episode, I am reflecting out loud on the wins I am proud of, the areas where I fell short, and the lessons I am carrying into 2026 as a founder, coach, and human. If you are closing out a demanding year and thinking deeply about how you want to grow next, this conversation is for you.This is not a highlight reel. It is an honest look at health, momentum, leadership, systems, and what it really takes to build something sustainable without burning yourself out.✨ Key Takeaways• Why prioritizing health changed how I show up in business• What investing in myself taught me about clarity and momentum• The hidden cost of growing without clean systems and data• Why planning further ahead is now non-negotiable for me• How closing the loop on projects creates real client success• What I want 2026 to feel like, not just look like on paper⏰ Timestamps0:00 Intro and why I wanted to reflect publicly1:23 The sweatshirt, discipline, and following the plan1:36 My biggest personal win in 20253:48 What surprised me about DogCo this year4:49 Why investing in yourself creates clarity6:59 The DogCo Summit and momentum heading into 20267:45 Why the podcast became one of my favorite projects9:03 Gratitude for the DogCo team10:26 Planning further ahead and communication gaps12:44 Data, metrics, and systems debt15:46 Shipping full cycles and closing the loop19:41 Hopes, plans, and personal goals for 202624:35 Final reflections and closing thoughtsI also want to say happy holidays! 🎄 I sincerely hope you had a restful, meaningful holiday season and were able to spend time with the people who matter most to you. Thank you for listening, for supporting this podcast, and for being part of the DogCo community. I am incredibly grateful for you and excited for what we are building together in the year ahead!- M

In today’s Hot Take Friday episode, I am sharing three specific, tactical things I want you to focus on next year if your goal is to increase profit in your pet care business. These are not abstract ideas or long-term theories. These are levers you can actually pull, starting now, that I see move the needle for companies over and over again.I am talking about labor costs, recurring service models, and before and after hours fees, and I am being very direct about where I see businesses getting stuck, what growth will not fix, and where profit actually comes from in this industry.If you feel burned out, underpaid, stuck, or frustrated that growth has not solved your financial problems, this episode is for you.💡 Key Takeaways• Labor costs above 60 percent will always bottleneck profit and growth• Growth does not fix high labor, it often makes it worse• Recurring service models protect margin better than one off visits• As needed services should cost more, not less• Before and after hours fees are one of the fastest ways to increase net profit• Profit creates stability for you, your team, and your business long term🎯 Mentioned in This Episode• Episode 067 with Lauren Dunkle, where she shares how she reduced labor by over 24 percent in a high cost market• Real examples from companies inside DogCo that have implemented these strategies successfully🚀 Ready to Go Deeper?If this episode is hitting close to home and you want hands on support applying these strategies to your business, mastermind enrollment is now open - doors close December 31, 2025.The Mastermind enrollment page is - dogcolaunch.com/mastermindWe only open enrollment once a year. If working with DogCo is on your radar for 2026, now is the time to take action.

Automation is not always about doing more faster. It is about getting your time back so your business can actually support your life.In this episode, I sit down with my friend, mentor, and DogCo automation expert Robert Strickland to talk about how pet care business owners can use systems, AI, and intentional automation to reduce burnout, reclaim time, and scale sustainably.Robert shares his journey from corporate process work to building and scaling a multi-state pet care business, and how automation became the unlock that changed everything. If you feel buried by daily operations, stretched thin, or unsure where automation actually helps, this episode is for you.🔗 Connect with Robert StricklandNext Level Pet Businesses Facebook Group👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/nextlevelpetbusinessesThis is where Robert teaches practical AI and automation strategies alongside some of the sharpest minds in the pet care industry.✨ Key Takeaways• Automation should protect your time, not create complexity• Most bottlenecks in growing businesses start with the owner• Client onboarding and employee management are the biggest time drains• Tracking your time reveals what actually needs automation• AI is changing SEO, discovery, and how clients find pet care companies• Systems should support your life goals, not just revenue growth⏰ Timestamps0:00 – Welcome and introduction to Robert Strickland1:20 – How Michelle and Robert first connected3:40 – Robert’s background in corporate systems and tech5:15 – Hitting burnout as a solo pet care owner6:06 – Treating your side hustle like a real business7:24 – Why automation changed everything9:50 – Time return vs money return12:20 – Scaling impact beyond one on one work14:13 – Building DogCo as something bigger than one person17:09 – Automation as a path to autonomy19:47 – Identifying yourself as the bottleneck21:17 – Tracking time to find what should be automated24:22 – What Robert hopes DogCo members experience next year25:17 – AI, SEO, and the future of client discovery28:41 – Where to find Robert and how to connect🚀 Work With DogCoIf you are ready to scale your pet care business with intention, clarity, and real systems support:👉 Mastermind enrollment page:https://dogcolaunch.com/mastermindEnrollment opens once per year and spots are limited.-M

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/mastermindKey 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 itCheering 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. ⏰ Timestamps0:00 Introduction and why this conversation matters1:24 Angela’s early story and starting a pet care business4:34 Transitioning from field work to leadership7:54 Hitting burnout and almost selling the business10:35 Asking for help and building management12:26 Community as a turning point15:57 Investing in yourself and education18:37 Joining the DogCo team and mentoring others21:08 Advice for business owners entering a new year25:15 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 onApple 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 yearJoin the DogCo MastermindIf 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⏰ Timestamps0:00 Welcome to the episode0:15 Why I am already planning for 20260:29 The art of planning well0:47 Five skills for becoming a better planner1:01 Tip 1: Slow down1:12 The client story that changed how I think about planning2:05 Giving yourself the gift of time to think2:39 Why rushing sabotages good planning3:27 If you feel stuck in your pet care business, here is why3:48 Mastermind enrollment is officially open4:24 Tip 2: Follow the thread5:01 Letting curiosity lead your planning5:48 My personal quarterly planning ritual6:41 Tip 3: Break big goals into actionable steps7:26 Why defining next steps increases follow-through8:12 Writing steps down to make them real8:30 Tip 4: Ask better questions when planning9:19 What does done look like vs done well9:20 Identifying failure points and pivots9:45 Tip 5: Manufacture accountability10:08 Why accountability improves discipline10:50 The trainer story and changing your environment11:46 The truth about hitting goals12:33 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 2026DogCo 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 PlatformApple 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.⏰ Timestamps0:00 Welcome and why this episode matters0:17 Meet guest Lauren Dunkle0:52 The financial breaking point in 20232:03 Entering DogCo with a 78 percent labor cost3:40 Learning to understand the numbers4:50 How Illinois labor laws shaped her business5:47 Transitioning from ICs to employees7:01 Discovering and repairing the labor cost gap8:48 Cutting labor cost from 78 percent to 52 percent10:36 Paying staff well without destroying margins12:49 Protecting profit and protecting your team14:25 The mindset shift that changed her business17:16 Why she did not fire anyone to fix the problem20:32 Why profit matters for long term stability23:00 Developing a data skill set from scratch26:09 Deciding to drop pet sitting using clean data33:01 Systems that allowed her to onboard 120 clients36:00 Lauren joins the DogCo team and final reflectionsThis 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 PlatformApple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTubeCheering 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 MeThank 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⏰ Timestamps0:00 Welcome and introduction to Kristin0:52 How Kristin's business began and the story behind the name4:51 Early bottlenecks and moving quickly into hiring6:05 Realizing she was running both a pet care company and a recruiting company8:26 Why ongoing recruiting is essential to staying ahead of demand10:05 Why Kristin invests heavily in learning and conferences11:03 Building groups like PCP and the early days of NAPS networking12:56 How COVID forced major pivots in the business14:30 Why in person learning accelerates growth dramatically16:57 Entering new seasons as a parent and business owner17:47 Digital learning versus in person transformation20:01 Why the pet industry has massive opportunity going into 202621:20 Building a business that supports your life stage23:08 Industry growth and higher expectations for professional care25:35 Why finding your trusted circle is critical27:10 Pet care as a real career path for teams28:44 The mindset required for long term growth29:35 Creating “almost overnights” and evolving service packages31:47 Reducing service menus and finding the right model32:56 Accepting imperfection and continuing to refine33:39 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 goMastermind Enrollment Now OpenIf 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 #dogcolaunchIf 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 💡💡💡⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:37 How Michelle and Maris met01:25 Maris shares her business story03:05 From doing everything to hiring a full team04:40 Eliminating services that did not serve the business06:50 What it took to get out of burnout08:40 The role DogCo played in restructuring profitable service lines10:24 Preparing for maternity leave while still scaling12:05 Why investing in yourself matters14:45 Implementing coaching vs only consuming it16:00 Time blocking and getting unstuck18:05 Learning to prioritize freedom and family20:00 Why Maris joined the DogCo team22:35 Honest conversations about fit and readiness for the Mastermind25:00 Advice for companies stuck before the new year27:00 Believing your business is within your control28:40 Why reinventing the wheel slows companies down30:10 The real value of proven SOPs and systems31:50 The new DogCo Process Builder tool33:40 Maris emotional story of growth35:05 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 everythingdogco #michellekline #petcarebusiness #petbusinesscoach #smallbusinessgrowth -M