In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, Fern welcomes Candace D’Agnolo, founder of Pet Boss Nation, for an engaging discussion about how pet business owners can evaluate and optimize their operations. Candace shares her journey from running multiple brick-and-mortar pet businesses to becoming a dedicated business coach. Together, they explore strategies for auditing business practices, addressing pain points, and streamlining operations to build sustainable growth. From employee drama to financial challenges, Candace offers actionable insights drawn from her real-world experience.

Gain valuable takeaways on the importance of systems, employee handbooks, and core values in creating a thriving business culture. Candace also highlights the benefits of tackling the personal growth of business owners, emphasizing self-reflection and leadership development.

In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, Fern invites Krista Lofquist, owner of Wagging Tails in Connecticut, to discuss her unique journey and the exciting addition of dock diving as a service at her facilities. Krista shares her evolution from starting as a solo dog walker to managing three thriving pet resort locations. This service not only enhances the experience for boarding and daycare clients but also draws competitive dock diving enthusiasts from across the region.

Krista delves into the logistics and challenges of establishing and maintaining dock diving pools, including indoor and outdoor setups, while highlighting the joy and enrichment it brings to dogs and their owners. The conversation touches on the sport’s growing popularity, its potential as a revenue stream, and the gratifying transformation of hesitant swimmers into confident jumpers.

In this episode of the Overdog Podcast, we dive into how pet businesses can make 2025 their best year yet. We’ll talk about how to evaluate the past year—assessing everything from key performance indicators to customer and staff feedback—to identify strengths and opportunities for growth. From setting SMART goals to creating a motivating vision for your business, this episode is all about giving pet care providers the tools and mindset needed to thrive.

We also touch on the importance of consistent marketing and exploring new revenue streams, like premium services or enrichment programs, while sharing tips for fostering a motivated and skilled team. You’ll also get a free gift to help you map out your goals and stay on track throughout the year.