Pet Business Disruptors

In this episode, Clayton interviews Chris and Katie from the Animal People Recruitment Company. The trio discusses the origins of the business, their passion for the pet and animal health industry, and the unique challenges and successes they have encountered in their recruitment work. They delve into the importance of cultural fit in hiring, the value of transparency in salary negotiations, and s...

In today's episode, Clayton interviews Dr. Conor Brady, a prominent figure in the raw pet food movement and founder of Dr. Brady's Supplements. Dr. Brady shares his unique journey from studying zoology and animal behaviour to becoming a thought leader in canine nutrition. He discusses the challenges he faced while manufacturing raw dog food, including the importance of understanding cash flow and...

In this episode, Clayton engages in a lively conversation with Mike and Olga Rasmussen, founders of Melagris, a natural dog treat company based in Poznań, Poland. The trio delves into the origins of Melagris, tracing its roots back to the mink food market and the pivotal shift towards dog treats following the passing of Olga's father. They discuss the evolution of the pet treat industry, sharing a...

Clayton interviews Rob Downey, the president of Annamaet Pet Foods, as he shares his own fascinating journey into the dog food industry. Rob recounts his early experiences with dogs, including his passion for sled dog racing and a life-changing encounter with a moose that nearly cost him his life. He discusses the evolution of pet nutrition, highlighting the importance of proper dietary balance an...

In this episode, Clayton interviews Skyler Crook, head of international sales for Bosco and Roxy, a family-run pet bakery. Skyler shares how the business grew from a small kennel baking dog cookies in their kitchen to an 85,000 square foot gourmet dog treat facility. They discuss overcoming financial hurdles, navigating retail partnerships, and creating a new market for pet celebrations. KEY TAKEA...

In this episode, Clayton sits down with Nathan Dunleavy, a passionate mentor in the dog walking industry. Nathan shares his journey from a corporate banking background to becoming a successful dog walker and mentor, highlighting the challenges and opportunities within the pet services market. Nathan emphasizes the value of building relationships with clients and diversifying income streams through...

Today, Clayton interviews Milka Tesla, the owner of Passion for Food and director of Nordic Pet Food Events in Norway. Milka shares her journey into the pet food industry, highlighting her background in animal science and feed technology. She discusses the evolution of pet food, the importance of ingredient quality, and the challenges of formulating products that meet both nutritional standards an...

This week Clayton interviews Victor Carpio, the founder of InventorCat, a company dedicated to improving feline dental health. Victor shares the inspiration behind his innovative product, the dental wand, which was born out of his personal struggles to care for his cat's teeth. He discusses the challenges faced by cat owners in maintaining their pets' dental hygiene and the misconceptions surround...

Today, Clayton interviews Clayton Grimes, a Business Development Manager at Naturediet Pet Foods, a well-established player in the independent pet trade. They discuss Grimes' journey into the pet food industry, starting from his role as a warehouse operative to his current position in sales and marketing. The conversation delves into the evolution of Nature Diet, including its transition from froz...

In this episode, Clayton sits down with Craig and Ross from Dofos, a third-generation pet shop brand with a rich history. They discuss their journey of transforming a struggling traditional pet shop into a thriving retail business amidst the challenges posed by e-commerce and the pandemic. Craig and Ross also share their experiences of redefining their brand identity, moving away from selling live...

In this episode, Clayton sits down with Nick, co-founder of The Canine Menu, a unique hospitality company focused on providing high-quality food and experiences for dogs. Nick shares insights into the evolution of the pet industry, particularly how the pandemic has transformed dog ownership and the demand for dog-friendly spaces. He discusses the challenges of entering the pet food market without...

In this episode, Clayton interviews Vanessa White, the owner of The Vet Station in Molesey, an independent veterinary practice. Vanessa shares her journey from aspiring vet to running her own clinic, emphasising the importance of community and accessible veterinary care. They delve into the challenges faced by the veterinary industry, including rising costs, the impact of corporate ownership, and...

In today's episode, Clayton sits down with Fern Gristie and Sarah Mackay, the founders of the iPet Network, to discuss their journey in the pet care industry and the establishment of their awarding organisation. They share their experiences in dog grooming, training, and the challenges they faced in finding qualified professionals due to a lack of accessible qualifications. Fern and Sarah also loo...

In this episode, Clayton interviews Angela Jones, co-founder of PetScribers, a platform aimed at democratising veterinary medicine pricing. Angela shares her journey from being a veterinarian to launching PetScribers, highlighting the challenges pet owners face in accessing affordable medication for their pets. They consider the complexities of the veterinary industry, including the lack of transp...

In today's episode, Clayton interviews Mike Dixon, the founder of Huggle Pets, a family-run business that has evolved over 15 years from wholesaling dog crates to a comprehensive pet retail operation with a community focus. Mike shares insights into the growth of Huggle Pets, which now boasts a diverse range of products across various pet categories and a commitment to animal therapy for children...

Today, Clayton interviews Danny Nellis-Rouse, the managing director of Tug e Nuff, a leading training toy company renowned for its innovative tug toys. Danny shares his journey from a background in customer support to taking the reins of Tug e Nuff, which was founded by his mother in 2009. He discusses its strong connections with dog trainers and the emphasis on education and quality in their prod...

In this episode of Pet Business Disruptors, host Clayton interviews Alison Thomas, the founder of Smolzz, a unique pet food storage container company. Alison shares her journey of creating innovative solutions for storing opened wet pet food, highlighting the importance of proper food storage to prevent spoilage and cross-contamination. With a background in events and investment banking, Alison tr...

In this episode of Pet Business Disruptors, host Clayton interviews Graham Matheson, co-founder of Tvati, a herbal medicine originating from the Cook Islands. Graham, a medical doctor with a background in orthopedic research, shares his journey from sports injuries to developing a natural remedy that promotes bone and soft tissue healing. He discusses the unique properties of Tvati, its applicatio...

Clayton interviews Kerry Sutherland, the owner and founder of Kerry Sutherland PR, who shares her extensive experience in the pet industry and public relations. With nearly two decades of expertise, Kerry discusses the evolution of the pet market, the changing landscape of media, and the importance of personalized PR strategies. She emphasizes the need for brands to identify their target audience...

Clayton interviews Peter Roy, the managing director of the Nutriment Group, who shares his extensive experience in the pet food industry, particularly in raw feeding. Peter discusses his journey from working as a consultant to leading significant companies in the raw pet food market, including the transformation of Angler Meat Products into Nature's Menu. He highlights the evolution of raw feeding...

Clayton and Marina sit down with Alex and Kim, the founders of "Westies and Besties," a niche publication dedicated to West Highland White Terriers. The conversation delves into the evolution of publishing, highlighting the shift towards breed-specific content in an era where consumers crave detailed and specialized information. Alex and Kim share their personal journey, inspired by their beloved...

Clayton sits down with Declan O'Keeffe, the founder of Dec's Pets and the Rob the Dog podcast. Declan shares the inspiring journey of his family-run pet business, which began in Wexford, Ireland, in 2018. He discusses the transition from a traditional brick-and-mortar store to a successful online presence, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and exceptional customer service. The con...

Clayton discusses the challenges faced by pet owners in the UK rental market with a relocation agent who specializes in finding pet-friendly accommodations. They explore the stark contrast between the high percentage of pet ownership in the UK and the limited availability of rentals that accept pets, highlighting the impact of recent legislation aimed at improving renters' rights. The conversation...

Clayton interviews Vicky Davis and Jo Moorcroft, the founders of the Canine Business Academy and co-authors of "Let's Talk Dog Business." The conversation delves into their unique journeys into dog training, highlighting Vicky's background in animal welfare and Jo's transition from corporate marketing to dog training. They discuss the challenges faced by dog trainers in a competitive and often cha...

Host Clayton sits down with Mark Walden, Head of Partnerships at Agria Insurance, to discuss the evolving landscape of pet insurance and the importance of animal welfare. Mark shares his journey from working in his family's boarding kennels to becoming a passionate advocate for pet health and welfare through his role at Agria. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by the Kennel Club, t...