Practical Pet Chat

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive deep into the importance of truly understanding your business from the inside out. They explore how to become more effective and efficient by getting clear on your costs, dialing in your P&L, and recognizing how the "small things" can lead to big expenses over time. Whether you're looking to tighten up your operations or simply get smar...

In this episode, Lorin and Rob dive into the heart of personalized pet care—feeding the actual pet in front of you. It’s not just about what’s in the bowl; it’s about tuning in to each pet’s unique needs, preferences, and challenges. Whether you're navigating mealtime in a multi-pet household or trying to support a pet with specific health concerns, this conversation is packed with practical insig...

The Pros & Pitfalls of Private Labeling In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into the world of private labeling—also known as white labeling—and explore what it really means for a business looking to grow its brand. From boosting brand presence and awareness to the potential challenges and risks, they break down everything you need to consider before jumping into a private...

In this episode of Practical Pet Chat, hosts Lorin and Rob dive into the behind-the-scenes world of pet adoption and rescue agencies. From the thorough procedures and requirements to the careful balance of ensuring a good match between pet and owner, they explore why the process isn't always as quick or simple as we'd like it to be. Tune in to learn about the reasons behind the steps these organiz...

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, hosts Lorin and Rob dive into the world of pet industry tradeshows. They explore the significance of these events and why they are crucial for your business growth. From planning and budgeting for show specials to maximizing your resources and ensuring your participation delivers a solid return, Lorin and Rob provide invaluable tips to help you make the m...

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob tackle one of the most common questions aspiring pet entrepreneurs ask: "I want to start a pet business, is it difficult?" They dive into the realities of launching and running a pet business, covering the challenges, the costs, and the profound impact it can have on your life. With a focus on balancing passion over profits, they explore the...

Welcome to this week’s episode of Practical Pet Chat! Join Lorin and Rob as they dive into the world of pet registration. In this episode, they discuss what it really means to register your pet with various organizations, why people do it, and what it actually entails. They also tackle common myths about registered pets, when it’s the right time to register your furry friend, and much more. Tune i...

In this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob explore the world of creative grooming—from turning your dog into a panda to the skills and patience required for these bold styles. They weigh the pros and cons of creative grooming and share important insights on what it really takes. But that’s not all! They also dive into the everyday grooming needs of our pets, including the importance of c...

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into the concept of Uniqueness — how you're showcasing yourself and presenting your brand identity. They explore what uniqueness means for a store brand and a product brand, and how to align your offerings with your customers' profiles. They also discuss how to identify products that resonate with your brand identity and are valuable to...

In this episode, Lorin and Rob dive into the importance of assembling your Pet Care Team. Who are the key players in your pet's care? How do you build a team you can trust, and why is it essential to have backups in place? They also explore the challenges of finding the right people and discuss the unique needs of different pets, from medical care to daily routines. If you're looking for practical...

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, hosts Lorin and Rob explore the delicate balance between competition and opportunity. They discuss why it's essential to carve out your own unique identity in the pet business world and how to nurture it for long-term success. The duo also dives into the significance of seasonality, calendaring, and adapting your approach to stay ahead. Plus, they ask the...

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, hosts Lorin and Rob dive deep into the world of packaging. They break down what packaging really means, what it doesn’t, and what factors you need to consider when evaluating the products you use in your pet business. Learn how to set yourself up for success by staying informed about the changes (or lack thereof) in the products you love, and why it’s cru...

In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into the ever-changing world of social media hot products. They explore how to assess if these trending items are the right fit for your store and share tips on tracking what's gaining traction in the market. The duo also reflects on the lessons they've learned over the years when it comes to trendy products and the importance of creati...

In this episode of Practical Pet Chats, Lorin and Rob dive into a variety of essential pet parenting topics. They explore who’s truly qualified to offer the advice you need, how to find trustworthy guidance, and the importance of understanding that every pet is unique, both inside and out. Taking advice can be tough, and many pet parents are often amazed when they see results—“I can’t believe it w...

In this weeks episode, Lorin and Rob discuss the pressures of Direct To Consumer competition, approaches to drive customer and brand loyalts, Navigating changes that come up seemingly out of nowhere and remembering that your knowledge is your value. Join Lorin and Robert in this Business Edition of Practical Pet Chat, where they dive into the latest trends and issues affecting the pet industry. Wh...

In this episode of Practical Pet Chat, hosts Lorin and Rob dive into the constantly evolving world of pet products. They explore how products designed for humans are being adapted for pets and vice versa, offering a fascinating look at this crossover trend. The duo also discusses the hype vs. reality of the latest pet products, shedding light on what’s worth the buzz and what’s not. Along the way,...

Join Lorin and Robert in this Business Edition of Practical Pet Chat, where they dive into the latest trends and issues affecting the pet industry. Whether you’re a retailer, vendor, manufacturer, or simply someone interested in the business side of the pet world, this podcast is for you. In this episode, they discuss the significant shifts that have accelerated recently, including the pressures f...

In this episode of Practical Pet Chat, hosts Lorin and Rob dive into a wide array of pet-related topics. From the imperfections of pet food to the personal truths we all face as pet parents, they explore the often-unspoken limitations we place on ourselves. The conversation also tackles the tricky world of marketing versus the reality of pet products, shedding light on the struggles of pet loss an...

In this episode Lorin and Rob discuss what constitutes an expert, why Lorin disagrees with the term expert and how Rob applies the term. They discuss how to find someone to trust and when to trust advice. They also discuss attitudes towards pet care, pet nutrition and the overly passionate and judgmental extremes that some will go. As always, they share personal experiences, anecdotes, shared outc...

In this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob take a deep dive into the often overlooked but incredibly important topic of pet dental health. They explore the common myths surrounding pet dental care, providing clear facts to help pet parents make informed decisions. From basic brushing techniques to dental products on the market to common sense, Lorin and Rob share their practical tips on...

Welcome to the very first episode of Practical Pet Chat, where Lorin Grow and Robert Semrow dive into their shared love for pets through engaging conversations, personal stories, and insights from their own pet journeys. Both award-winning pet professionals, Robert and Lorin are driven by their passion for animals, constantly inspired by the experiences that have shaped them and their dedication t...