The Daily Groomer

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.

SummaryIn 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.Timestamps09:24 Creating a Clear Employee Handbook14:47 Photographer Boosts Dog Photo Business19:45 Dog Grooming and Coloring Pricing25:02 Business Expansion and Staffing Plans27:00 Achieving Full Bookings in Year One34:55 Business Owner Financial PreparednessStay 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!

SummaryIn 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.Timestamps09:41 Grooming Business Growth Journey14:55 Animal Behavior and Grooming Solutions18:13 Training New Groomers from Scratch24:34 Effective Dog Restraint Techniques34:43 Compassionate Pet Care ApproachStay 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.

SummaryIn 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.Timestamps12:08 Seeking Support and Reassurance15:33 Old-School Dog Grooming Secrets19:02 Dog Care: Persistent Natural Remedies23:20 Wellness Service Upcharges Explained30:03 Mentorship Empowers Refugee's DreamStay 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.

SummaryIn 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.Timestamps06:08 Exploring Business Opportunities and Franchises11:06 Franchise Agreements: 10-Year Commitment14:54 Overcoming Challenges in Dog Salon20:40 Pet Spa Notification and Care System29:03 Grooming and Retail Business StrategyStay 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.

SummaryIn 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.Timestamps09:47 Salon Acquisition Strategy Tips14:54 Grooming Industry Pricing Insights19:15 Fair Groomer Compensation Debate28:16 Organic Salon Hiring Experience36:22 Attracting Ideal ClientsStay 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!

SummaryIn 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.Timestamps08:12 Career Shift After Business Degrees16:43 First Dog Grooming Experience24:42 Business Managed by Text Messaging26:13 Client Acquisition via Social Media37:40 Starting a Mobile Dog Grooming Business41:36 Word-of-Mouth Business PhilosophyStay 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!

SummaryIn our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I had the chance to chat with Samantha Hoffmann, the powerhouse behind BYOP in Staten Island. From a childhood love of animals to studying behavior and building a thriving grooming salon, her journey is anything but ordinary. We get into how she made the leap from pet store owner to full-time groomer, what it’s really like managing a team of 12, and how she’s adapted through big changes—like COVID, restructuring pay, and shaping a strong, supportive team culture. If you're growing your grooming business or just love hearing real talk from people in the industry, this one's packed with insight.Timestamps05:20 Integrating Energy in Pet Grooming12:48 Dog Grooming: Insights and Observations20:45 Transitioning from Business Operations25:41 Commission Structure Awareness for Groomers34:35 Email Automation: Efficient Client InteractionStay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media BYOP 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 #77: In our latest episode of After Hours, I’m hanging out with my good friend Jessica Clark for a real, unfiltered conversation. We talk about the Barkleigh Awards—nominations, the whole self-promo thing, and giving props to people who deserve it. We also share some trade show stories, get into the messiness of industry drama, and open up about dealing with self-doubt and setting boundaries. Plus, a few laughs about mullets, Cheeto hands, and why Golden Girls is the ultimate trade show wind-down!

SummaryIn our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I chat with Shannon Cox, owner of Shannon’s Pretty Paws and a 2024 Top Grooming Business winner. Shannon’s known for her work with anxious and “difficult” dogs, and we get into how she builds trust with them, supports her clients through the process, and comes up with creative solutions for tough grooming situations. She also shares her approach to setting boundaries, maintaining strong client relationships, and running a salon where dogs feel genuinely safe. If you’re a groomer who works with challenging cases—or just looking for down-to-earth advice—you’ll find a lot of value in this conversation.Timestamps06:43 Dog Grooming: Handling Noisy Reactions10:31 Common Anxieties in Dogs16:35 Handling Client Disappointment19:57 Dog Grooming Hacks at Home30:21 Budget-Friendly Canadian Calendar ToolStay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media Shannon’s Pretty Paws 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 #77: In our latest episode of After Hours, I’m back after a month-long break and diving into what real growth actually looks like. Spoiler: it’s not always easy or clean. I’m sharing some personal stories—the wins, the setbacks, and everything in between. We get into why enthusiasm has been a quiet superpower for me, how vulnerability plays a bigger role than most people think, and why taking time to pause is sometimes the most powerful move. Whether you're in the grooming industry or just figuring life out, this one’s about keeping it real.

SummaryIn our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I talk with Gretchen McManus, founder of Rover Done Over, about how she grew her Tampa-based mobile grooming business from a single van to a fleet of eleven. She shares the strategies that helped her scale—like building a strong team, retaining groomers, and creating systems that actually work. We also get into the lessons she’s learned through industry shifts and why she’s thinking carefully about franchising.Timestamps07:23 Dynamic Truck Assignment System11:09 Grooming Service Congestion Relief20:02 Franchise Growth Challenges Impact Groomers25:44 Post-COVID Workforce Changes28:37 Client Follow-Up System Overview32:42 Appointment Booking StrategyStay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media @Rover Done Over Mobile 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!

SummaryIn our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I chat with Tasha Long—owner of Dog Dynasty and The Downtown Cat in Grand Junction, Colorado. We talk about the real-life ups and downs of running a multi-service pet business, from salon build-outs to the challenges of daycare, boarding, and cat grooming. Tasha shares how she’s turning her passion for felines into profit and what’s next with her upcoming cat café.Timestamps05:32 Unexpected Client Differences in Pet Services12:50 New Cat Cafe Plans Unveiled14:47 Cat Grooming Misconceptions20:05 Dog Grooming Tips for Cat Groomers27:54 Tasha's Pet Business ManagementStay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media @The Downtown Cat. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Groomer⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join and be part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Groomer Community⁠⁠!

SummaryIn our latest episode of The Daily Groomer, I sit down with Chris and Emily Elias to dive into their newest adventure—Dapper Tales Mobile. After building Rough Life Mobile from the ground up, they’re now rolling out a franchise model made for groomers, by groomers. We get into how they’re picking markets, tackling industry hurdles, and creating real support for independent groomers across the country. Chris and Emily bring the energy as they share what makes Dapper Tales different and why they’re so fired up about the future of mobile grooming. If you're dreaming about scaling your grooming biz or just love a good underdog-to-powerhouse story, this one’s for you.Timestamps07:26 Expanding Mobile Grooming Franchise19:23 Rebranding for Business Growth22:01 Overcoming Groomer Corporate Stigma26:07 Franchise Training and Expert Support30:43 Groomer Network Boosts Market EntryStay connected with our guest speakers! Follow them on their social media Dappertails Official. For more grooming tips, insights, and stories, check out our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Groomer⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join and be part of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Groomer Community⁠⁠!