Is attending an Expo really worth it for your business growth?

Can a single event really change how you price, promote, and plan your pet care business?

What are real facility owners saying about their experience at Expo West, and why do they keep coming back?

In this special recap episode, Dom brings you another exclusive behind-the-scenes conversations from the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo West in Las Vegas. You’ll hear from pet biz newbies like Michelle Macklin – who’s converting a horse property into a full-blown dog daycare – alongside seasoned pros like Alex Varney and Eyal Cohen, who tell us why, even when you feel comfortable in your business, there’s always more to learn.

Michelle shares why she finally took the leap into pet care at 60 and how Dom’s enrichment talk lit a fire under her plans. We also hear from attendees like Peyton and Katie, who are already implementing pricing changes and preparing for second locations before they’ve even left Vegas. Plus, Dom offers his own advice on why pausing to assess after big events is just as crucial as action – and shares a key clip from his standout presentation “The Price Is Right” to highlight how most business undervalue their services.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Fear Can Be Fuel – Michelle’s story shows it’s never too late to launch the business you really want.

• Stop and Assess – After a sprint of activity, smart owners slow down to regroup and realign.

• Raise Your Prices – If clients love your service and demand is high, it’s time to charge what you’re worth.

• Expos Create Momentum – Why getting in a room with other pet professionals is one of the best ways to keep your business growth on track

• Learning Never Ends – Hear why it doesn’t matter if you’re the keynote speaker or a first-timer, there’s always more to learn at an industry event.

Huge thanks to our incredible show sponsor Canine Lab Testing!

Canine Lab Testing helps pet care businesses like yours screen for parasites quickly and reliably, so you can keep your furry guests safe and your clients reassured. Find out more at CanineLabTesting.com

If you would like to get Dom’s personal help to grow your pet business then you should check out his Diamond Business Development program. Click here to join now.

Barkleigh’s next show is the Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo which is happening in Hershey in November 10th to 13th.

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Michelle Macklin shares how attending Dom’s enrichment seminar left her buzzing with ideas—and led her to enroll in Enrich U on the spot.[02:14] – Michelle talks about being brand new to the industry and how the expo opened her eyes to everything she didn’t know she didn’t know.[04:50] – Dom introduces this special recap episode, featuring attendee insights, vendor perspectives, and an exclusive snippet from his seminar “The Price is Right.”[07:35] – Alex Varney breaks down her presentation on building strong operational foundations and the challenge of cramming too much value into one talk.[09:27] – Eyal Cohen of Pet Resort Hospitality Group explains why his company prioritizes quality over quantity—and how today’s sellers are savvier than ever.[13:04] – Dom and Eyal reflect on the long-term benefits of attending expos, sharing how one conversation can shift your whole business trajectory.[18:49] – Peyton Peroni of Dog Days Daycare describes her excitement at attending her first expo and how the pricing seminar was a major lightbulb moment.[21:34] – Emily from Beaver Creek Dog Retreat shares how Dom’s talk gave her the confidence to raise prices and recognise her worth.[23:04] – Katie from The Great Outdoors Pup Camp explains how Dom’s pricing session helped her rethink her value and prepare to open a second location.[25:31] – Dom shares a clip from his “Price Is Right” seminar, urging listeners to stop undercharging and to structure their businesses like elite athletes—with intense sprints and strategic recovery.

If this episode fired you up, don’t wait—start taking action now and we’ll see you at the next expo!

Can attending one industry event really change your business trajectory?

What happens when you step away from your business in order to find out where you’re going wrong with it?

And is it possible to raise your prices, sell more extras, and supercharge your revenue – before breakfast?

In this Expo West recap episode, Dom shares inspiring stories and interviews recorded live in Las Vegas. You’ll hear first from Tara and Skylor of King Style Dog Boarding, who took the brace decision to close down their business for the week, to learn from the expo expert speakers. After leaving Dom’s presentation they immediately raised their prices that very morning by $20 – then they booked a premium client with add-ons to boot. That’s what you call taking action!

Plus, roving podcast reporter Tim Jackson hits the expo floor to capture conversations with other facility owners, both new and experienced, who share what they’ve gained from the expo – like Colton from Vera’s Posh Paws who’s fresh out of Dom’s ‘gold’ talk (his words, not ours). You’ll also hear from keynote speaker Candace D’Agnolo of Pet Boss Nation and catch a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to step into the next level of your business.

Tune in to discover;

Raise Prices with Confidence – Tara and Skylor proved that when you believe in your service, premium pricing follows naturally—sometimes within hours.

Why Enrichment = Client Value – How offering fun, themed activities and structured enrichment can be a major revenue-driving part of your offering.

You Gotta Be in the Room Where it Happens – Hear how the conversations and connections you make at events like the PB & D Expo, can spark bold moves in your business

Plan for Growth Early – Whether you’re about to open or scaling up, building systems and pricing strategies from the start, will set the tone for success.

Push Past the Fear – Growth starts when you stop waiting for permission and start acting on your ambition – Expo attendees tell their personal transformation stories.

Huge thanks to our incredible show sponsor Canine Lab Testing!

Canine Lab Testing helps pet care businesses like yours screen for parasites quickly and reliably, so you can keep your furry guests safe and your clients reassured. Find out more at CanineLabTesting.com

If you would like to get Dom’s personal help to grow your pet business then you should check out his Diamond Business Development program. Click here to join now.

Barkleigh’s next show is the Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo which is happening in Hershey in November 10th to 13th. Register now to be the first to find out when tickets go on sale. Click here to connect now

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Tara and Skylor share how Dom’s talk inspired them to increase prices on the spot—and make a sale.[03:36] – How Enrich U became the perfect plug-and-play enrichment solution for their business.[06:48] – Dom reflects on the energy, takeaways (not food), and transformations he witnessed at Expo West.[10:08] – Elaine and Mike reveal how Expo learnings are shaping their soon-to-launch Arizona facility.[16:20] – Ariel and Jamel’s “aha” moment about the hidden power of paid enrichment and themed activities.[21:56] – Francesca shares how she’s using the Expo to build and solidify her systems before taking over her mentor’s training company.[24:08] – Candace D’Agnolo recaps her keynote and why Gen Z pet owners are a major opportunity.[30:47] – Devon and Christie talk about the value of peer-to-peer learning and crucial pricing confidence.[35:11] – Dom explains how fear blocks growth—and how networking events like this help owners push past it.[37:14] – Colton shares how he thought up five (yes, five) new service packages during Dom’s pricing session.

Feeling fired up? Make sure you’re in the room for the next Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo and turn your own lightbulb moments into massive wins.

What’s the real ROI (return on investment) of showing love to your best clients?

Can dinner, drinks and a friendly conversation really drive customer loyalty in your pet care business?

And how can you build a leadership team that actually frees you up to work on the business instead of in it?

Then stay tuned, because in this episode, Dom chats with Mike McIntyre from Fetch Family Pet Resort about his facility’s journey from launch to expansion. After a whirlwind opening just before COVID hit, Mike and his GM Carolyn built something truly special in Sewell, New Jersey – thanks in part to expert mentorship from Stephanie Shipley and a leadership team that now runs the show. Mike shares the little touches that make Fetch stand out, like sending new clients home with personalised artwork and creating word-of-mouth magic by building a truly “club-like” daycare experience.

Mike also shares the behind-the-scenes story of their first-ever client appreciation dinner: a simple but powerful gesture that turned regulars clients into raving fans. And, as Dom points out, it’s not just making a nice gesture for the sake of it – these are the kind of smart moves that fuel referrals, loyalty, and make high-margin memberships feel like an exclusive club.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• From Insurance to Enrichment – Why Mike left the corporate world to build a 10,000 sq ft pet resort (with plans to double it).

• Crates and Leadership – How working with a consultant helped rewire their approach to structure, team building, and dog care.

• Personal Touches Pay Off – Why every evaluation ends with a memento—and what it does for retention.

• Community, Not Just Clients – Inside their client appreciation event and why it worked better than any marketing campaign.

• Memberships Need More Than Discounts – Why emotional value beats price cuts when it comes to loyalty.

Huge thanks to our incredible show sponsor Canine Lab Testing!

Canine Lab Testing are the industries go-to partner if you want to keep your furry guests safe. They provide fast, reliable parasite screening and health testing, ensuring peace of mind for you and your clients! To get started with a stress-free screening process click here CanineLabTesting.com

Huge thanks to special guest Mike McIntyre for sharing his story. To find out more about Mike business go to FetchResort

Also, thanks to Molly Taylor from Mollys’ Mutthouse for sharing her bootcamp business wins. Find out more about Molly by going to Mutthouse

Want to work with Dom’s inside of his exclusive coaching programs? Go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom introduces the episode and the key talking point: a customer appreciation night that became a word-of-mouth goldmine.[06:03] – Molly Taylor shares how she flipped her model from pay-as-you-go to membership-only—and ended up with a waitlist every day but Monday.[07:30] – The power of peer support: why bootcamp helped Molly take action fast and gain massive clarity.[13:30] – Mike McIntyre shares how a chance meeting and a bold pivot from insurance led to launching Fetch Family Pet Resort.[18:47] – How pet care consultant Stephanie Shipley helped Mike overhaul operations and embrace crate-based enrichment daycare.[22:30] – Mike explains how investing in staff education and certification strengthens client trust and builds reputation.[26:32] – Inside the Customer Appreciation Night: why Mike’s team took 12 loyal clients out to dinner—and how it boosted client buy-in.[29:45] – Real feedback, real results: how honest conversations with clients led to small tweaks and big relationship wins.[31:00] – Turning a pet business into a club: Dom and Mike explore how regular social events can power retention and community.[36:01] – Mike outlines future plans, including facility expansion, new service offerings, and a client membership program done right.

How do you stop your daycare going from calm to chaos in 30 seconds flat?

Can staff training really reduce noise, improve behaviour and boost morale?

And do you ever wonder what ripple effects are ruining your business without you even realising it?

In this episode, Dom is joined by Mallory Poirier from PackPro to discuss their revolutionary approach to staff training. Mallory breaks down the key mistakes dog daycare owners make when it comes to training, and why fixing group management first leads to improvements everywhere else in your business. Mallory reveals how she and cousin Dan did the dirty work to transform their own facility and have now created a stonewall system that’s helping others do the same.

We also get an update from Sean Felty, who shares why spring and summer can make or break your profit margins – and how getting a tighter grip on labour costs can unlock six-figure savings. Sean describes how a data-driven approach stops hidden profits from slipping through the cracks of your business, and how if you’re still going off your gut-feeling when it comes to staffing costs, you’ve got to shape up and get real. Let’s get statistical!

In this episode, you’ll discover…

• Fix the Noise First – Why a thunderous daycare floor isn’t normal…it’s a warning sign.

• Group Management Wins – How the ripple effect leads to calmer dogs, more confident staff, and a smoother-running business.

• Train the Trainers – How PackPro’s proven staff training system turns chaos into control.

• Don’t Skip the Staffing Numbers – Sean Felty explains how to spot payroll leaks before it’s too late.

• You Always Need a Marketing Plan – Why even the busiest facilities must adapt to deal with increased competition.

Huge thanks to our incredible show sponsor Canine Lab Testing!

Canine Lab Testing are the industries go-to partner if you want to keep your furry guests safe. They provide fast, reliable parasite screening and health testing, ensuring peace of mind for you and your clients! To get started with a stress-free screening process click here CanineLabTesting.com

Huge thanks to special guest Mallory Poirier from Pack Pro! To find out more about their amazing staff training, go to PackPro

Also, thanks to Sean Felty for the cool labor costs update. To grab Sean’s FREE pet care labor calculator, go to NextTreeStrategies

Want to work with Dom’s inside of his exclusive coaching programs? Go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition

Remember, you can see Dom and all the other great speakers, and find out more about enrichment, marketing secrets, staffing solutions, and a ton of other topics by attending the next Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo which is happening in Las Vegas from 5th-8th May, 2025, and registration is open NOW, click here to grab your ticket.

Episode highlights:

[00:51] – Dom introduces the show with a reminder of how you can get your tickets for the upcoming Pet Boarding and Daycare expo in Vegas.[02:20] – Dom shares dog news from the Financial Times, exploring how premium enrichment is shaping the future of dog daycare—from scent dens to psychic sessions.[04:52] – Why enrichment-focused services are driving massive growth for daycares—and how one facility boosted daycare revenue by 40%.[07:06] – Dom welcomes Sean Felty back to the podcast to discuss labor cost control and why seasonal planning is critical.[11:11] – Sean breaks down the staggering payroll savings his clients have achieved—up to $150K annually—through smarter scheduling systems.[13:32] – Dom introduces Mallory Poirier from PackPro and kicks off their conversation with the origins of her daycare business. [17:48] – Mallory explains how the pandemic inspired the launch of PackPro and how their group management course quickly became a must-have for daycares.[24:11] – Mallory highlights why word-of-mouth isn’t enough anymore, and how her facility adapted its marketing strategy to stay competitive.[25:50] – How themed enrichment events like dog birthday parties and holiday celebrations are increasing customer loyalty and staff morale.[32:06] – Mallory previews her upcoming Expo talk on the “ripple effect” of better group management and how reducing noise can transform your daycare.[36:56] – Why you need to secure your place at the Vegas expo in order to build a supportive network in an isolating industry…

Could your hiring process be hurting your pet business without you even realizing it?

Are you still relying on platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn to find your next great team member?

How would your business change if you had a system that brought in passionate, qualified candidates, automatically?

In this episode, Dom sits down with marketing automation expert and PetBizSuite co-founder Josh Hightower, for a deep dive into building your own hiring funnel. Josh explains why you need to think about recruitment the same way you think about marketing: as a smooth, fool-proof system. From leveraging automation to speeding up response times, Josh lays out the exact playbook he’s used to help dozens of pet business owners streamline the hiring process – and start attracting the right people faster.

Plus, Rebecca Shipman from Barkleigh joins the show to provide a sneak peek at what’s coming up at this year’s Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo West. Rebecca reveals how it doesn’t matter if you’re an industry veteran with years of experience or you’re a newbie whose just about to put pen to paper on their first facility; conventions and expos are the networking gamechangers that set the great businesses apart from average ones. Click here to grab your ticket now

Tune in to discover…

• Speed to Lead – Responding to job applicants quickly is just as critical as following up with potential clients.
• Systemise Your Hiring – Build a repeatable funnel that pre-qualifies great candidates and saves you time.
• Double Duty Lead Magnets – Use marketing tools not just for client attraction, but for recruiting too.
• Get Reviews That Matter – How automation can help you consistently collect powerful Google reviews and turn them into testimonials that build trust.
• Expos Create Impact – How stepping out of your business to attend events – like the PBD expo – pays off in unexpected ways.

Huge thanks to our incredible show sponsors PackPro and Canine Lab Testing!

PackPro provide comprehensive, affordable, and efficient daycare staff training for your pet boarding and daycare facility, to find out more about how they can help you empower and support your team by creating playgroups that are safe, productive and fun to manage, go to PackPro

Canine Lab Testing are the industries go-to partner if you want to keep your furry guests safe. They provide fast, reliable parasite screening and health testing, ensuring peace of mind for you and your clients! To get started with a stress-free screening process click here CanineLabTesting.com

You can find out more about PetBizSuite and even watch a free webinar that lays out the Pet Care Hiring Funnel by clicking here

Remember, you can see Dom and all the other great speakers, and find out more about enrichment, marketing secrets, staffing solutions, and a ton of other topics by attending the next Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo which is happening in Las Vegas from 5th-8th May, 2025, and registration is open NOW, click here to grab your ticket.

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom introduces the episode and discusses the return of Josh and Rebecca.[03:51] – Rebecca Shipman from Barkleigh previews the upcoming Pet Boarding and Daycare expo at the Horseshoe in Vegas![05:07] – Rebecca reveals why the expo is the perfect place to learn about every stage of the pet business journey, all the way from starting up to selling.[10:17] – Dom and Rebecca pay tribute to friend of the podcast and pet industry legend Phillip Paris.[13:40] – Josh Hightower tunes in and shares the story of how he ended up in the data-driven marketing space[14:00] – Dom and Josh discuss their joint online-marketing venture Pet Biz Suite and what’s holding people back from becoming marketing masters.[17:35] – How the Pet Biz Suite onboarding system eliminates that first-email fear and gives business owners the perfect foundation for success.[26:55] – Why having an automated reviewing process leads to faster growth and serious pet biz street cred.[33:16] – The nuts and bolts of creating a lead-generating hiring funnel that takes the stress out of recruitment.[41:15] – Why time kills good candidates—and how automation keeps you one step ahead.

Is your marketing working hard enough both on and offline?

Are you tired of pumping out pointless Facebook and Instagram posts that feel like you are shouting into the social media void?

Do you wish there was a way to attract more great clients who never complain about price and invest in all your enrichment extras?

What if there IS a better way…

Could a paper and ink newsletter be the secret weapon your pet business is missing?

In this episode, Dom brings you a marketing mini-masterclass about the power of owned print media – specifically, how old-school newsletters can drive new-school results.

He shares why you can’t rely solely on social media to grow your business and explains how a printed newsletter builds authority, deepens relationships, and keeps clients thinking about you even when they don’t need you.

You’ll also hear exactly what to include in a newsletter, how to structure it, and why storytelling beats “business-as-usual”-style marketing every time.

Later in the episode, special guest Eve Molzhon shares her best advice for getting the most from your time at the pet boarding and daycare expo.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Print Isn’t Dead – Why a monthly physical newsletter still gets more attention than a Facebook post.
• Top-of-Mind Marketing – How consistent newsletters keep your business in clients’ thoughts (even when they don’t need you right now).
• Easy Content Wins – What to include each month so writing your newsletter doesn’t feel like a chore.
• From Inbox to Mailbox – Why sending a printed letter gives you a unique edge over your competitors.
• One Page, Big Impact – How a simple newsletter can boost referrals, trust, and client loyalty.

If you’ve tried paper and ink before but not got the results you were looking for, then this episode will explain exactly what to say, send, and share to stay top of mind

Huge thanks to our incredible show sponsors PackPro and Canine Lab Testing!

PackPro provide comprehensive, affordable, and efficient daycare staff training for your pet boarding and daycare facility, to find out more about how they can help you empower and support your team by creating playgroups that are safe, productive and fun to manage, go to PackPro

Canine Lab Testing are the industries go-to partner if you want to keep your furry guests safe. They provide fast, reliable parasite screening and health testing, ensuring peace of mind for you and your clients! To get started with a stress-free screening process click here CanineLabTesting.com

Remember, you can see Dom and a ton of other great speakers, and find out more about enrichment, marketing secrets, staffing solutions, and a ton of other topics by attending the next Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo which is happening in Las Vegas from 5th-8th May, 2025, and registration is open NOW, click here to grab your ticket.

Want to work with Dom’s inside of his exclusive coaching programs? Go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition

Episode Timestamps:

[00:51] – Dom kicks off the episode and introduces this week’s focus on paper-and-ink marketing.[04:17] – Dom shares the reasons most people DON’T want to use paper-and-ink and why they’re missing out.[06:15] – How paper-and-ink as well as other offline forms of promotion allow you to differentiate yourself from the competition.[08:27] – Dom delivers a quick crash course on the various types of media you can use to grow.[14:15] – How to leverage any media coverage you receive to the max and build interest off the back of it.[16:41] – The devil is in their details! Why getting email addresses by the dozen (more like hundred) is the key to growth.[18:02] – Dom shares why you need to be in complete control of your media presence and how you interact with your clients.[21:51] – The realm of owned offline media and why having a book is the best business card ever.[25:48] – How having a newsletter raises your business credibility and positions you as an expert in your field.[38:04] – Eve Molzhon tunes in to reveal her top tips for making the most of expos and conferences.

Is your business built to scale, or is it held together by duct tape and desperation?

How do you maintain high standards as you grow your team and customer base?

What services will your affluent clients gladly pay extra for?

This week, host Dom Hodgson is joined by Alex Varney of Pinnacle Pets, a luxury pet resort in Ohio. Alex shares how her family built their business from scratch – without experience in pet care or entrepreneurship – and turned it into a high-end, high-demand operation. We discuss the early days, scaling pains, and the secret to standing out in an increasingly competitive market.

We also dive into how Alex developed a structured service model that appeals to the modern pet parent – this includes some cool innovations enrichment sessions, custom snack upgrades, and even bedtime stories. Alex explains how she systemised her care, empowered her team, and introduced new upsells that drive profits without draining resources. If you want to build something bigger, better, and built to last, this podcast is a must-listen.

In this Episode, you’ll discover:

1. Personalised care sells: Offering services like enrichment, scent work, and bedtime stories creates real value.
2. Transparency builds trust: 24/7 webcam access and detailed daily report cards go a long way.
3. Systemise early: Standardised protocols help you scale without sacrificing quality.
4. Empowered teams grow the business: Investing in staff development reduces turnover and increases consistency.
5. Use local partnerships: Collaborating with small businesses for treats and extras adds value and creates community ties.

Huge thanks to our incredible show sponsor PackPro! PackPro provide comprehensive, affordable, and efficient daycare staff training for your pet boarding and daycare facility, to find out more about how they can help you empower and support your team by creating playgroups that are safe, productive and fun to manage, go to PackPro

Thanks to Alex for sharing her industry knowledge. You can find out more about Alex and Pinnacle Pets by going to PinnaclePets

Everyone in the Barkleigh family and the wider pet industry are sending our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Phillip Paris, who sadly passed away recently. If you would like to donate to a GoFundMe page set up to supports Phil’s family at this difficult time, go to GoFundMe

Remember, you can see me, Alex and a ton of other great speakers, and find out more about enrichment, marketing secrets, staffing solutions, and a ton of other topics by attending the next Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo which is happening in Las Vegas from 5th-8th May, 2025, and registration is open NOW, click here to grab your ticket.

Want to work with Dom’s inside of his exclusive coaching programs? Go to www.petbusinessmarketing.com/audition

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] – Dom introduces the pod with some essential advice on staying on top in this ever-growing industry.[05:32] – Why routines and systems are the backbone of any efficient and profitable business.[08:33] – The importance of setting aside some time to work ON your business rather than IN your business.[11:46] – Alex Varney from Pinnacle Pets shares how her family switched their respective service roles for a luxury pet resort.[13:59] – Alex shares how a coffee shop and a restaurant ended up on the cutting room floor when the family decided to enter the pet industry.[16:08] – The tricky first few months and how the mistakes and decisions you make during them shape the future of your business.[20:16] – Scaling headaches: why some services need to be scrapped in order to make room for business and profit growth.[22:38] – Why constant client communication is the key to creating trust within your community.[26:17] – Alex explains how optimizing and structuring her services more precisely was a gamechanger for productivity and client satisfaction.[32:44] – How networking at local events and creating a web of valuable business buds can help boost your reputation.