Pet Business Disruptors

• How Community and Collaboration Drive Success in Retail

  In this episode, Clayton engages in a lively conversation with Sherry and Carly, known as the Pet Shop Girls, who share their unique experiences as independent pet store owners in the U.S. and Canada. Sherry, owner of Odyssey Pets in Dallas, Texas, and Carly, who runs a holistic pet store in Regina, Saskatchewan, discuss the challenges and triumphs of navigating the pet industry, especially in the wake of COVID-19. They delve into topics such as the importance of customer service, the impact of social media on business, and the differences in pet food regulations between North America and Europe. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sherry operates a large pet store in Dallas, Texas, offering a wide range of services including grooming and daycare, while Carly runs a smaller, holistic pet store in Regina, Saskatchewan, focusing on retail and consultations. This highlights the different approaches independent pet retailers can take based on their market and size. Both Sherry and Carly emphasise the value of community among independent pet professionals. They have created a Facebook group, Indie Insider, to share knowledge and support each other, which helps them stay informed about industry trends and innovations. Carly discusses her commitment to educating pet parents about pet nutrition, using tools like a grading chart for kibble. This approach not only helps customers make informed choices but also positions her store as a trusted resource in the community. Sherry shares strategies for competing against larger pet retailers, such as focusing on customer service, knowledge, and agility in adapting to market changes. This adaptability allows independent stores to respond quickly to consumer needs, unlike larger corporations. Both retailers maintain a strong stance on the quality of products they carry. Sherry avoids mid-grade kibble to ensure her customers trust the healthiness of her offerings, while Carly has seen success with raw food sales, indicating a growing trend towards healthier pet diets among consumers. BEST MOMENTS "I started studying nutrition and I certified in pet nutrition and I certified in raw nutrition and then advanced canine nutrition." "I want people to walk in and trust that the products that I have are healthy." "If you don't keep up with the times, you're going to find out eventually that what you're doing isn't working." "We are the ones that are steering the industry and making it interesting." "I can't sell a mid-grade kibble. I need to be able to sleep at night." HOST BIO Clayton Payne is an industry veteran of three decades of working in the pet industry. Brought up working in his parents' pet store, Clayton has seen the industry evolve over five different decades and has been on the cutting edge of the industry since the nineties. Building pet businesses from scratch, establishing multi-national distribution chains and having worked in every aspect of the industry, Clayton has a rare insight into the Pet Industry that is rivalled by few. Clayton has been the spearhead of many of the industry's changes and has introduced numerous new concepts to market with a trail of success behind him. He has worked in numerous countries within the pet industry, speaks four different languages and has established both import and export relationships on all continents (excluding Antarctica). As well as being COO of one of the UKs fastest growing insect technology companies, Clayton is a Pet industry consultant who has consulted for many household brands and delivers sales training to pet trade professionals. https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-payne-a6772244/ https://www.tiktok.com/@petbusinessdisruptors https://www.youtube.com/@PetBusinessDisruptors This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

  --------  

  58:20

  --------

  58:20
• Karla's Vision for the Future of No Bull

  In this episode, Clayton interviews Karla Pearson, the founder of the No Bull Facebook group, which has grown to over 100,000 members in just six years. Karla shares her journey of becoming a passionate advocate for dog health after her own experiences with her dog, Betty. She discusses the challenges of managing a large online community focused on holistic pet care, emphasising the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for pet owners. KEY TAKEAWAYS The No Bull Facebook group has grown organically to over 108,000 members in nearly six years, primarily through word of mouth and the trust built within the community. The group emphasises providing non-judgmental, evidence-based information about dog nutrition and health, aiming to create a safe space for pet owners to ask questions and learn without fear of ridicule. A dedicated team of moderators ensures that discussions remain respectful and constructive, actively managing conflicts and discouraging negativity, including the use of passive-aggressive reactions like laughing emojis. The group promotes a holistic view of dog care, encouraging members to consider natural alternatives and make informed decisions about their pets' diets and health, while also recognising that not all dogs can be fed the same way. Plans for the future include launching a website to provide more resources and information, seeking sponsorships to support the group's operations, and continuing to help pet owners navigate their dogs' health challenges. BEST MOMENTS "I just wanted to do everything in my powers to keep her as healthy as possible." "We are very, very strict on our rules." "There is no such thing as a stupid question because if you don't know the answer, how are you going to find out unless you ask?" "I think the one thing that always comes through with my group is that it still feels like a warm, friendly place to be." "I think if we all strive to do the best that we can with our budgets and our lifestyle, feed as fresh as you can." HOST BIO Clayton Payne is an industry veteran of three decades of working in the pet industry. Brought up working in his parents' pet store, Clayton has seen the industry evolve over five different decades and has been on the cutting edge of the industry since the nineties. Building pet businesses from scratch, establishing multi-national distribution chains and having worked in every aspect of the industry, Clayton has a rare insight into the Pet Industry that is rivalled by few. Clayton has been the spearhead of many of the industry's changes and has introduced numerous new concepts to market with a trail of success behind him. He has worked in numerous countries within the pet industry, speaks four different languages and has established both import and export relationships on all continents (excluding Antarctica). As well as being COO of one of the UKs fastest growing insect technology companies, Clayton is a Pet industry consultant who has consulted for many household brands and delivers sales training to pet trade professionals. https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-payne-a6772244/ https://www.tiktok.com/@petbusinessdisruptors https://www.youtube.com/@PetBusinessDisruptors This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

  --------  

  54:17

  --------

  54:17
• Emily Mugford on Innovation and Growth at the Company of Animals

  Today, Clayton sits down with Emily Mugford, the new CEO of the Company of Animals, to discuss her unique journey from being a small animal veterinarian to leading a well-established pet product company founded by her father, Roger Mugford. Emily shares insights into the challenges and rewards of transitioning into her new role, the evolution of the Company of Animals over the past 45 years, and the importance of understanding the psychology behind dog training. KEY TAKEAWAYS Emily Mugford, daughter of Roger Mugford, has transitioned from being a small animal vet to the CEO of the Company of Animals, a company founded by her father 45 years ago. She has a strong veterinary background and has taken on a leadership role in the family business, focusing on succession planning and company growth. The Company of Animals has evolved from primarily dog training to a broader focus on animal behaviour and lifestyle products. The Halty Head Collar, designed to help stop dogs from pulling, remains a flagship product, while the company has expanded its range to include various training and lifestyle items. The company has successfully expanded its operations internationally, with distribution in the US, UK, Netherlands, and Australia. This growth has been facilitated by the use of third-party logistics (3PL) providers, allowing for more efficient distribution without the need for physical warehouses in every location. The US market presents unique challenges due to its size and fragmentation. While the Company of Animals has established a presence, competition from well-known brands and the need for greater brand awareness remain significant hurdles. BEST MOMENTS "I think the problem isn't with veterinarians, it's with the larger corporate industry." "If something goes wrong, it can be fixed, it can be sorted." "We want to be long-term partners with people, not just short-term, flash-in-the-pan affairs." "I think we can be proud that many of our products have enabled those families to stay together." "It's a much scarier role, but do you know what, like nothing dies." HOST BIO Clayton Payne is an industry veteran of three decades of working in the pet industry. Brought up working in his parents' pet store, Clayton has seen the industry evolve over five different decades and has been on the cutting edge of the industry since the nineties. Building pet businesses from scratch, establishing multi-national distribution chains and having worked in every aspect of the industry, Clayton has a rare insight into the Pet Industry that is rivalled by few. Clayton has been the spearhead of many of the industry's changes and has introduced numerous new concepts to market with a trail of success behind him. He has worked in numerous countries within the pet industry, speaks four different languages and has established both import and export relationships on all continents (excluding Antarctica). As well as being COO of one of the UKs fastest growing insect technology companies, Clayton is a Pet industry consultant who has consulted for many household brands and delivers sales training to pet trade professionals. https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-payne-a6772244/ https://www.tiktok.com/@petbusinessdisruptors https://www.youtube.com/@PetBusinessDisruptors This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

  --------  

  59:31

  --------

  59:31
• How to Create a Thriving Pet Business with Less Stress

  In this episode, Clayton interviews Kristen Morrison, founder of the Six Figure Business Academy and host of the Prosperous Pet Business podcast. Kristen shares her journey from starting a pet sitting and dog walking business in 1995 to coaching over 3,500 pet business owners. She discusses the challenges she faced in building her business, the importance of creating a work-life balance, and the evolution of marketing strategies in the pet industry. Kristen emphasises the significance of relationships and community engagement in business growth, while also addressing the need for clarity and focus in service offerings. KEY TAKEAWAYS The journey began with a passion for pets, leading to the establishment of a pet sitting and dog walking business in 1995, despite having no prior business knowledge. Over 18 years of running a business, valuable lessons were learned through trial and error, including the importance of effective marketing, hiring the right people, and maintaining a work-life balance. The transition to coaching other pet business owners emerged organically, with initial clients achieving success and spreading the word, leading to a coaching practice that has helped over 3,500 individuals. While modern marketing tools like social media and SEO are essential, traditional methods such as building relationships with local pet businesses remain effective for attracting clients. Success is not solely defined by financial metrics; it also involves creating a business that allows for personal happiness and time freedom, emphasising the need for balance in the entrepreneurial journey. BEST MOMENTS "I realised, hey, I could turn this into a business." "Everyone is so different, and the advice that I give to each person is going to be really different as well." "If you're working seven days a week and you can't get any time, you're obviously not earning enough money." "A lot of people who are making over six figures and beyond are totally stressed out." "You're going to have to work before you've even worked for me." HOST BIO Clayton Payne is an industry veteran of three decades of working in the pet industry. Brought up working in his parents' pet store, Clayton has seen the industry evolve over five different decades and has been on the cutting edge of the industry since the nineties. Building pet businesses from scratch, establishing multi-national distribution chains and having worked in every aspect of the industry, Clayton has a rare insight into the Pet Industry that is rivalled by few. Clayton has been the spearhead of many of the industry's changes and has introduced numerous new concepts to market with a trail of success behind him. He has worked in numerous countries within the pet industry, speaks four different languages and has established both import and export relationships on all continents (excluding Antarctica). As well as being COO of one of the UKs fastest growing insect technology companies, Clayton is a Pet industry consultant who has consulted for many household brands and delivers sales training to pet trade professionals. https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-payne-a6772244/ https://www.tiktok.com/@petbusinessdisruptors https://www.youtube.com/@PetBusinessDisruptors This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

  --------  

  50:27

  --------

  50:27
• Insights from Tranquil Tails on The Growing Importance of Senior Pet Care

  In this episode, Clayton sits down with John and Lisa Bryson, the president and vice president of Tranquil Tails, at SuperZoo 2025. They share their unique journey from diverse backgrounds - John's transition from law to small business and Lisa's experience in neonatal intensive care and retail—to create a product aimed at alleviating pet anxiety through a non-toxic pheromone diffuser. They also discuss the growing awareness of pet anxiety, particularly in cats, and the innovative solutions Tranquil Tails offers, including a plug-in diffuser and a spray formulation for travel. KEY TAKEAWAYS John transitioned from a law career to the family business after a personal tragedy, leading to the development of Tranquil Tails, a company focused on calming products for pets using pheromones. Tranquil Tails offers a plug-in heated diffuser that releases a non-toxic pheromone blend to help alleviate anxiety in pets, particularly dogs and cats. The product is based on years of research and aims to address the growing issue of pet anxiety. There is a noticeable shift in pet ownership dynamics, with more people treating pets as family members. This has led to increased awareness of pet anxiety, particularly in cats, which have historically been underserved in the pet product market. Entering the pet market involves navigating significant challenges, including competition from established brands and the complexities of retail partnerships. The company is focusing on direct-to-consumer sales through their website and Amazon to build their brand. The founders see potential in expanding their product line to address issues related to aging pets and are committed to innovation in the pet care space. They emphasise the importance of adapting to market changes and consumer needs while maintaining a focus on safety and efficacy. BEST MOMENTS "We talked to our supplier about this pheromone and we said, wait a minute, maybe we could put this in the pad." "The pheromones that we are using in our formulation are mammillary." "The interesting thing is, the difference between animals and humans is you don't get the placebo effect in animals." "If a pheromone can be used to alleviate that bad behaviour, a lot of these dogs that are put down don't have to be put down." "It's not how many times you fall down, it's how many times you get back up." HOST BIO Clayton Payne is an industry veteran of three decades of working in the pet industry. Brought up working in his parents' pet store, Clayton has seen the industry evolve over five different decades and has been on the cutting edge of the industry since the nineties. Building pet businesses from scratch, establishing multi-national distribution chains and having worked in every aspect of the industry, Clayton has a rare insight into the Pet Industry that is rivalled by few. Clayton has been the spearhead of many of the industry's changes and has introduced numerous new concepts to market with a trail of success behind him. He has worked in numerous countries within the pet industry, speaks four different languages and has established both import and export relationships on all continents (excluding Antarctica). As well as being COO of one of the UKs fastest growing insect technology companies, Clayton is a Pet industry consultant who has consulted for many household brands and delivers sales training to pet trade professionals. https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-payne-a6772244/ https://www.tiktok.com/@petbusinessdisruptors https://www.youtube.com/@PetBusinessDisruptors This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

  --------  

  49:42

  --------

  49:42

Meer Zaken en persoonlijke financiën podcasts

Trending Zaken en persoonlijke financiën -podcasts

Over Pet Business Disruptors

Pet Business Disruptors: Podcasts in familie