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What does it take to build a pet care business where clients, sitters, and owners never have to guess what happens next? Max Vickers and Nelson Kahr share how they are building Paige's In-Home Pet Care in Illinois and Bentonville Pet Care in Arkansas while adapting their systems to two very different markets. They discuss why listening is at the heart of sales, how simply answering the phone can dramatically improve conversion, and why professional pet care has to communicate its value beyond price. Max and Nelson also explain their rigorous approach to hiring, sitter accountability, technology, and creating enough operational capacity before pursuing additional growth. Their experience is a reminder that sustainable expansion comes from continually refining the systems that create peace of mind for both clients and the people providing the care. Main topics: Building Capacity Before Growth Selling Through Better Listening Answering Every Client Call Hiring for Reliable Care Creating Systems Without Guesswork Main takeaway: "We want to be able to give them what they're buying for, which is peace of mind and love for their pets and animals." This is the heart of professional pet care. Clients aren't simply purchasing a 30-minute visit, an overnight stay, or a dog walk. They're purchasing the ability to leave home knowing someone dependable is going to show up, follow the instructions, communicate clearly, and genuinely care about their pets. Creating that peace of mind requires more than loving animals. It takes intentional hiring, strong systems, accountability, communication, and enough capacity to deliver what you've promised. In this episode of Pet Sitter Confessional, Nelson Kahr and Max Vickers share what they're learning while building pet care businesses in two different states—and why their goal is to create a service where the client, sitter, and business owner never have to guess what's happening. About our guests: Max Vickers is the co-founder of Paige's In-Home Pet Care in Illinois and Bentonville Pet Care in Arkansas. After years of using different pet care providers with his wife Paige and their own rescue pets, Max saw an opportunity to build a professional service around reliability, strong processes, and exceptional care. His professional background in sales and technology influences his systems-oriented approach to operations, communication, automation, and growth. He is focused on building businesses with the infrastructure and capacity to grow without sacrificing the client experience. Nelson Kahr is the co-founder of Bentonville Pet Care and has been caring for pets professionally since one of his first jobs after moving to the United States. Originally from Venezuela, Nelson later built a career in technology and sales, including work at Amazon, where he met Max. Now based in Bentonville, Arkansas, he combines his sales experience with a lifelong love of animals to help build a professional pet care company focused on communication, reliability, and peace of mind. Nelson remains active in the field so he can understand firsthand what great care should look like for both clients and sitters. Bentonville Pet Care's current website identifies Nelson and Max as founders and pet sitters and describes the company's focus on customized, professional in-home care.  Paige's In-Home Pet Care similarly describes its mission around reliability, professionalism, and providing the standard of care the owners expect for their own animals. Links: Bentonville Pet Care — Pet sitting, dog walking, and cat drop-ins in Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas. BentonvillePetCare.com⁠ Paige's In-Home Pet Care — In-home pet sitting, dog walking, and cat care in Illinois. PaigesPetCare.com⁠ Buy Us A Coffee to help the show grow! Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest. Music: "Almost August" by Dan Lebowitz. Used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0). Source: Directory.Audio. Edited for length and mixed with spoken audio. Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters   Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months   Pet Sitters International- Visit https://www.petsit.com/psc

Does your team experience you as an enforcer, an encourager, or both? We discuss why maintaining high standards and recognizing good work are two essential responsibilities of leading a pet care team. We explore how the vigilance that helped us build our businesses can keep our attention on mistakes while everyday contributions go unnoticed. We share practical ways to offer specific appreciation, recognize good judgment, and let encouragement stand on its own. Through honest reflection on our own leadership, we examine how to hold people accountable while helping them feel seen, supported, and equipped to succeed. Main topics: Balancing Accountability With Meaningful Encouragement Breaking the Negative Feedback Cycle Recognizing Good Judgment and Initiative Making Everyday Employee Contributions Visible Building Trust Through Specific Appreciation Main takeaway: "Our employees shouldn't have to make a mistake to get our attention." Our teams need us to uphold standards, address problems, and protect the quality of care we provide. They also need us to notice their thoughtful decisions, consistent effort, and everyday contributions. Both are part of our responsibility as leaders. It's easy to slip into being the enforcer when mistakes are what demand our attention. Becoming an encourager takes intentional attention, too. That might mean acknowledging someone's careful follow-through, recognizing a good judgment call, or explaining how their reliability supports the whole team. We can correct what needs to change and appreciate what's going well. In "The Enforcer and the Encourager: Your Team Needs Both," we talk about making space for both responsibilities as our pet care businesses grow. When your team hears from you, do they know there's room for encouragement, too? Links: Buy Us A Coffee to help the show grow! Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest. Music: "Almost August" by Dan Lebowitz. Used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0). Source: Directory.Audio. Edited for length and mixed with spoken audio. Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters   Your peace of mind is part of great pet care. Pet Sitters Associates provides the insurance you need to get the work done. Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com and use the code 'confessional' for $10 off today!   Pet Perennials Visit: https://petperennials.com/pages/register-for-a-business-account Code: 'PSC' when registering for a $2 off coupon on any purchases in the 1st 90 days

What does your team actually need from you as a business owner? Morgan Weber joins us to explore why one of the most important things we owe our employees is our own capacity; the time, energy, and resources necessary to lead well. We discuss how owner burnout quietly changes company culture, why delegation should never mean simply transferring your overwhelm to someone else, and how leaders can support employees without becoming their therapist. Morgan also explains the importance of protecting employees who struggle to hold their own boundaries and creating enough breathing room in the business to handle unexpected challenges. Ultimately, sustainable leadership means caring for your people while remembering that you are one of the people who needs care, too. Main topics: Protecting Your Leadership Capacity Preventing Employee Burnout Cycles Creating Healthy Workplace Boundaries Leading Through Overwhelming Seasons Building Sustainable Team Culture Main takeaway: "Our team deserves our capacity." Morgan Weber makes a powerful point in this episode: taking care of yourself as a business owner isn't separate from taking care of your team. When we're exhausted, overwhelmed, and operating without margin, that stress inevitably begins showing up in how we communicate, make decisions, and support our employees. But the solution isn't simply handing everything on our plate to someone else. If delegation only replaces our burnout with an employee's burnout, we haven't actually solved the problem. Sustainable leadership requires enough capacity to show up, provide resources, hold boundaries, and take care of the people who depend on us—including ourselves. About our guest: Morgan Weber is the founder of Luckypup Adventures, a pet sitting and dog walking company in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, which she started in 2013 while working as an architect. She is also the founder of Memory Flame Candle Company and co-owns a multi-location pet supply business with her husband. After more than a decade of building businesses in the pet care industry, Morgan also provides coaching to fellow pet business owners. Her work focuses heavily on sustainable business growth, leadership, team development, and building businesses that support the people inside them. Links: Luckypup Living: https://luckypupliving.com Instagram: @luckypup_pod Factor Meals: https://www.factor75.com https://pumble.com Buy Us A Coffee to help the show grow! Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest. Music: "Almost August" by Dan Lebowitz. Used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0). Source: Directory.Audio. Edited for length and mixed with spoken audio. Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters   Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months   Tiny Paws Bookkeeping - visit TinyPawsBookkeeping.com to start putting profit first!

How do we know whether a hard season in our pet care business calls for patience, a change in direction, or a decision to stop? We share our experiences with hiring challenges, slow growth, and stepping back from a service we worked hard to build. We explore why effort does not guarantee success and why difficulty alone does not mean our business is failing. Along the way, we examine the struggles we create through unclear processes, low prices, and decisions we keep defending. We talk about staying connected to our mission, taking responsibility for difficult conversations, and practicing perseverance that leaves room to learn and adapt. Main topics: Distinguishing Difficulty From Business Failure Practicing Perseverance Without Becoming Stubborn Recognizing Hardships We Create Ourselves Facing Responsibilities Only Owners Carry Deciding When to Change Direction Main takeaway: The level of difficulty does not dictate success or failure in business and in life. Have you ever finished a long day of visits, answered the last message, and wondered whether all this effort is actually getting you somewhere? We've been there, too. A difficult season can leave us questioning our decisions, our abilities, and whether we're cut out for business ownership. Sometimes the work needs more time, repetition, and patience. Sometimes we need to fix a process, own a mistake, or admit that a service no longer supports the business we want to build. Our mission helps us evaluate those choices, even when the answer is uncomfortable. In this episode, we talk honestly about continuing, changing course, and allowing something to end. We can't promise that every effort will pay off, but we can keep asking what the experience is teaching us and what responsibility we need to take next. What is one hard thing in your business asking you to reconsider? Links: Buy Us A Coffee to help the show grow! Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest. Music: "Almost August" by Dan Lebowitz. Used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0). Source: Directory.Audio. Edited for length and mixed with spoken audio. Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters   Your peace of mind is part of great pet care. Pet Sitters Associates provides the insurance you need to get the work done. Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com and use the code 'confessional' for $10 off today!   Critter to turn insights into action. Use 'PSC20' for 20% off your first three months

What does it look like to build a pet care business that means something beyond today's appointments and revenue? Jillian and Bert Riegelsperger, owners of Mama Jill's Pet Care in Smithfield, North Carolina, share how a desire for greater freedom grew into a family business rooted in trust, service, and a deeply personal mission. They discuss building sustainable pricing and boundaries, maintaining high standards inside clients' homes, and balancing their very different strengths as husband-and-wife business owners. Jillian also shares how the loss of her brother Stephen shaped the business's connection to suicide prevention and their desire to remind people that they matter. Together, they explore what it takes to turn dreams into goals and build a company their children could one day choose to carry forward. Main topics: Building a Generational Business Trust Through Consistent Service Balancing Care and Profitability Working Successfully With Family Turning Dreams Into Goals About our guest: "We can dream it, but is it a dream or is it a goal?" There's a big difference between having an idea for your pet care business and building a plan to make it happen. Jillian and Bert of Mama Jill's Pet Care have plenty of dreams for their company, but they're learning to slow down, look at the numbers, understand the costs, and identify the steps required to move forward. That matters whether your goal is hiring your first employee, adding a service, opening a facility, or simply creating a business that gives your family more freedom. Dreaming gives you direction. Planning gives you movement. On this episode of Pet Sitter Confessional, we talk about building a business for the long term, balancing heart with financial sustainability, protecting client trust, and creating something that might one day continue without you. About our guest: Jillian and Bert are the owners of Mama Jill's Pet Care, a personalized in-home pet care company serving Smithfield, North Carolina, and the surrounding area. After years in corporate accounting and the fire service, they launched the business with a vision of creating greater freedom for their family and something their children could one day choose to continue. Their approach centers on dependable care, integrity, strong client relationships, and treating both pets and homes with respect. Mama Jill's Pet Care also carries a personal connection to suicide prevention in memory of Jillian's brother, Stephen. Links: Mama Jill's Pet Care: https://www.mamajillspetscarellc.com Buy Us A Coffee to help the show grow! Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest. Music: "Almost August" by Dan Lebowitz. Used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0). Source: Directory.Audio. Edited for length and mixed with spoken audio. Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters   Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months C-Squared Accounting

What would we do with the time we spend downloading reports, searching for information, and clicking the same buttons every week? In this episode, we break AI into five categories (creation, retrieval, analysis, automation, and computer use) to help us evaluate specific jobs in our pet care businesses. We share how we're using automated report downloads and explore where data analysis and schedule reviews might offer support. We also discuss protecting sensitive information, checking results, and matching human oversight to the consequences of a mistake. Before we automate anything, we ask whether the task deserves to exist and how handing it off could give us more time to care for clients, support our teams, and lead with intention. Main topics: Understanding Five AI Categories Automating Repetitive Administrative Tasks Using Data With Judgment Protecting Sensitive Client Information Matching Oversight to Consequences Main takeaway: "What we are looking to do is build a better business and build a business that serves our clients with excellence." What could you do for your clients and your team with a little more room in your day? Downloading the same reports and copying the same numbers can take time away from coaching an employee or checking in with a client. Using AI for some of that repetitive work may help us show up with more attention for the people counting on us. We still need to check the results, protect sensitive information, and own the decisions made in our businesses. Before handing off a task, ask whether it serves a purpose, what could happen if it goes wrong, and how much human judgment it needs. In this episode of Pet Sitter Confessional, we explore those questions and share where we're drawing the line in our own business. What's one repetitive task you'd love help with, and what would you do with the time you gained? Links: Buy Us A Coffee to help the show grow! Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest. Music: "Almost August" by Dan Lebowitz. Used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0). Source: Directory.Audio. Edited for length and mixed with spoken audio. Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters   Your peace of mind is part of great pet care. Pet Sitters Associates provides the insurance you need to get the work done. Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com and use the code 'confessional' for $10 off today!   Using Meta ads is hard, www.petcaregrowth.com makes it easy. Use PSC15 for 15% off the course!

What if the behavior we label as a problem is actually a dog trying to tell us something important? Lauren Sisak, founder of Sit Stay Stella, joins Collin to explore how pet care professionals can better understand anxious, reactive, and overwhelmed dogs by paying attention to what their behavior is communicating. Lauren explains her green, yellow, and red zone framework, how to recognize when a dog cannot perform a familiar behavior, and why treats, distance, and environmental changes can be powerful tools. They also discuss safer meet-and-greets, building trust without forcing interaction, and communicating clearly with clients about what their dogs actually need. Along the way, Lauren connects those same lessons to entrepreneurship, boundaries, sustainable growth, and learning to give ourselves the same grace we give the dogs in our care. Main topics: Understanding canine stress signals Green yellow red zones Safer dog meet-and-greets Communicating expectations with clients Boundaries for sustainable businesses Main takeaway: "The moment that they see the scary thing and they check in with you first, you're golden." Trust with a dog does not always look like cuddles, perfect leash manners, or immediately accepting affection. Sometimes, the biggest breakthrough happens when something scary appears and the dog chooses to look at you. As Lauren Sisak explains, "The moment that they see the scary thing and they check in with you first, you're golden." That check-in tells us the dog is beginning to see us as part of their support system. Getting there requires patience, observation, consistency, and a willingness to listen when a dog says an environment or interaction is too much. As pet sitters and dog walkers, our job is not simply to get a dog to comply. It is to create enough safety and predictability that they learn they can work through difficult moments with us. About our guest: Lauren Sisak is the founder of Sit Stay Stella, a dog training and concierge pet care company serving clients in the New York City area. Her work was heavily influenced by her experiences with her own dogs, including Stella, whose anxiety and reactivity led Lauren deeper into positive-reinforcement and force-free training. Today, Lauren and her team provide personalized training and pet care with an emphasis on dogs who may need additional patience, support, and individualized routines. Her approach focuses on protecting a dog's agency while helping pet parents develop practical skills that strengthen their relationship with their dogs. Links: Sit Stay Stella Website: ⁠sitstaystella.com Stellar Sitter Course / Course Waitlist:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFjuUJ_U3vbR7aW7xb6Kz4HYJvBH4-Oi7LlXH293WWsNcChQ/viewform Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest. Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters  Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months Pet Sitters International- Visit https://www.petsit.com/psc

What happens when we are organized, scheduled, and still cannot keep up? In this episode, we look at why overwhelm is often a capacity problem rather than a productivity problem, and why another planner, app, or system cannot create more time, energy, or people. We walk through six moves available when demand exceeds capacity: do less, delay, delegate, simplify, stop, or intentionally increase capacity. We also talk about stabilizing the business around pet safety, existing commitments, payroll, scheduling, and truly urgent work before trying to redesign everything at once. Finally, we challenge ourselves to ask what can wait, what exists only because we have always done it, what we are the wrong person to keep doing, what can be 80% good, and what can stop entirely. Main topics: Capacity Versus Better Organization Stabilizing Core Business Functions Six Moves for Overload Delegating Work You Outgrew Choosing Eighty Percent Good Main takeaway: "You cannot organize your way out of having more responsibilities than you actually have the capacity to carry." That is the trap so many of us fall into as business owners. We think the answer to feeling overwhelmed is another planner, another app, another calendar system, or a better way to organize the work already sitting in front of us. But a beautifully organized schedule full of too much work is still too much work. When demand exceeds our capacity, something actually has to change. Some work may need to wait. Some needs to be delegated, simplified, done at 80% instead of 100%, or stopped entirely. The question isn't always, "How do I get everything done?" Sometimes the much more important question is, "What am I willing to let drop?" Links: Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest. Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters   Your peace of mind is part of great pet care. Pet Sitters Associates provides the insurance you need to get the work done. Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com and use the code 'confessional' for $10 off today!   Pet Perennials Visit: https://petperennials.com/pages/register-for-a-business-account Code: 'PSC' when registering for a $2 off coupon on any purchases in the 1st 90 days

What does it take to confidently care for dogs that other pet professionals may be hesitant to handle? Collin talks with Maddie Krzonowski, owner of Maddie's Dog Walking, about building trust with reactive dogs, recognizing behavioral warning signs, and knowing when a case is beyond your skill set. Maddie shares how honest client communication and thorough meet-and-greets help her determine whether a dog is a safe and appropriate fit. They also discuss growing a pet care business while attending college, hiring help, and becoming known for solving difficult client problems. Finally, Maddie opens up about burnout, physical limitations, grief, and why sustainable self-care matters when you build close relationships with pets and their families. Main topics: Evaluating Reactive Dog Clients Reading Canine Warning Signals Building Trust Through Boundaries Protecting Staff From Risk Preventing Pet Care Burnout Main takeaway: "Come to me with how your dog is, not how you want them to be." That may be one of the most important things a pet care professional can ask of a client. Honest information about reactivity, bite history, triggers, equipment, and behavior allows us to make better decisions for everyone involved. We cannot build an effective care plan around the dog someone hopes to have six months from now—we have to care for the dog standing in front of us today. In this episode, Maddie Krzonowski shares how that honesty helps her work with reactive and behaviorally challenging dogs while maintaining clear safety boundaries. Sometimes great pet care means helping a dog make progress. Other times, it simply means respecting that dog's limits, creating predictability, and giving the client a trustworthy person who understands their situation. About our guest: Maddie Krzonowski is the owner of Maddie's Dog Walking, a New Jersey pet care business she first began as an entrepreneurial 11-year-old walking neighborhood dogs. Over the past decade, she has grown the business into a multi-area operation with additional team members while simultaneously completing her undergraduate education. Maddie is also a dog trainer with a particular interest in reactive dogs and helping owners navigate challenging behaviors. Her background also includes several years working as a veterinary technician, giving her a broad perspective on animal care, client relationships, and the emotional demands of the pet care industry. Links: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/maddies.dog.walking/ Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583299275196 Her new book: https://amzn.to/4AEYR6x Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest. Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters   Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months   Tiny Paws Bookkeeping - visit TinyPawsBookkeeping.com to start putting profit first!

What if the next stage of growth in our business comes not from adding more, but from deliberately taking things away? In this episode, we examine the owner trap; how work stays on our plates because we are fast at it, familiar with it, and emotionally attached to being needed. We explore how complexity creeps into services, scheduling, pricing, communication, and client exceptions, and why every extra variation quietly raises the cost of running the business. We walk through a five-question subtraction audit: should this stop, can it be simpler, can we standardize it, can we automate it, and who should own it? By learning to remove what no longer deserves to exist, we can create more capacity for the work, people, and systems that actually move the business forward. Main topics: Escaping the owner dependency trap Reducing operational complexity deliberately Standardizing policies and exceptions Stopping work before automating it Building capacity through subtraction Main takeaway: "A better business isn't the one doing the most. It's the one that has figured out how to do fewer things exceptionally well." Growth has a funny way of convincing us that the answer is always more. More services. More software. More meetings. More processes. More exceptions. But every new thing we add creates something that has to be priced, trained, scheduled, communicated, monitored, and eventually handed off. Sometimes the best thing we can do as business owners is stop asking, "How can I get this off my plate?" and start asking, "Does this need to exist at all?" Before you automate it, delegate it, or write another SOP for it, give yourself permission to remove it. Your next stage of growth might not come from adding another thing. It might come from finally deciding what your business can do without. Links: Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest. Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters   Your peace of mind is part of great pet care. Pet Sitters Associates provides the insurance you need to get the work done. Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com and use the code 'confessional' for $10 off today!   Pet Perennials Visit: https://petperennials.com/pages/register-for-a-business-account Code: 'PSC' when registering for a $2 off coupon on any purchases in the 1st 90 days

What does Google actually need to see before it trusts and recommends your pet care business? Amy Toman of Pet Sitter SEO joins us to explore how AI is changing Google Business Profiles, local search, reviews, photos, verification, and even phone calls to businesses. We discuss why consistency across your website, social media, directories, and Google listing matters more than ever and how experience, expertise, authority, and trust help establish your business online. Amy also shares important cautions about changing your Google Business Profile, dealing with missing or fake reviews, claiming 24/7 availability, and relying on AI-generated advice. We close with practical ways pet sitters can build a stronger digital presence without chasing every new SEO trend. Main topics: AI Changes Local Search Building Google Business Trust Managing Reviews and Verification Optimizing Google Business Profiles Strengthening Online Business Authority Main takeaway: "The more Google knows about you, the more likely they are to recommend you or your business." — Amy Toman Being found online is becoming about much more than stuffing the right keywords into a website. Google is looking across your website, Google Business Profile, social media, reviews, photos, services, directories, and other sources to understand who you are, what you do, and where you do it. For pet care businesses, that means consistency matters. If you want to be known for dog walking, cat sitting, or another specific service, make sure your online presence actually demonstrates that expertise instead of simply mentioning it once. In this episode, Amy Toman joins us to unpack how AI is changing local search and what pet sitters should be doing now to build trust, authority, and visibility. The goal isn't to trick Google. It's to give Google enough consistent evidence to confidently understand and recommend your business. About our guest: Amy Toman is the founder of Pet Sitter SEO and a Google Business Profile Diamond Product Expert who specializes in local SEO, Google Business Profile troubleshooting, and reinstatements. She founded Pet Sitter SEO in 2017 after beginning website work in 2015 and has worked extensively with pet care professionals to improve their online visibility. Amy has contributed to industry organizations, spoken at pet care conferences, and audited hundreds of websites and Google Business Profiles. Today, she continues to help small businesses navigate the increasingly complex relationship between local search, Google Business Profiles, and AI. Links: Earn 1 CEU https://petsitterseo.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-toman-🗺️-25945047 https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/575 https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/267 https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/120 https://whitespark.ca/blog/missing-google-reviews-checklists-for-troubleshooting-review-loss/ https://reputationarm.com/why-are-my-google-reviews-disappearing-the-silent-review-purge-what-google-isnt-telling-you/ Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest. Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months Critter to turn insights into action. Use 'PSC20' for 20% off your first three months

Have you reached the point where your pet care business is too busy to run alone but not yet profitable enough to comfortably add support? In this episode, we unpack the "messy middle," where demand has outgrown our available hours even though the margin has not caught up. We talk through the two intentional paths forward: growing through the stage by pricing in help, delegating, and building systems, or scaling back by raising prices, tightening service areas, and simplifying services. We also explain why hiring admin should be based on hours, measurable triggers, and a defined trial period rather than fear or vague job titles. Most importantly, we challenge ourselves to build a business that fits our lives, protects our capacity, and operates better regardless of its size. Main topics: Recognizing the messy middle Choosing growth or scaling back Pricing support into services Delegating through strategic admin hours Protecting capacity with boundaries Main takeaway: "The messy middle is your business asking a simple question: Do you want to operate in a better way, regardless of size?" The messy middle isn't just about revenue. It's what happens when your business has grown beyond what one person can comfortably carry, but the margin hasn't caught up enough to pay for the help you need. That tension can make you feel like the only answer is to keep pushing harder. It isn't. You can intentionally grow through this stage, or you can intentionally simplify and scale back. Both can be smart business decisions. What matters is choosing a direction, building the systems to support it, and creating a business that works better for the life you actually want. If you're in the messy middle right now, what needs to change first? Links: Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest. Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters Your peace of mind is part of great pet care. Pet Sitters Associates provides the insurance you need to get the work done. Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com and use the code 'confessional' for $10 off today!  Tiny Paws Bookkeeping - visit TinyPawsBookkeeping.com to start putting profit first!

What happens when your business is built around a mission instead of just making money? In this episode, Collin sits down with Jon Eckrich of Jon Loves Dogs to discuss how a clear mission influences every decision—from hiring and onboarding to client relationships and long-term growth. Jon shares how his corporate leadership experience shaped his approach to building a professional pet care team without losing sight of compassion. Together they explore company culture, Fear Free principles, training systems, and setting high standards for employees. The conversation is a reminder that a strong mission doesn't limit your business—it gives every decision a clear direction. Main topics: Mission-driven business leadership Hiring with clear standards Fear Free training principles Building intentional company culture Balancing purpose and profit Main takeaway: "If the business doesn't exist, then we can't achieve our mission." Every business owner eventually faces the tension between purpose and profit. Jon reminds us that those two things aren't enemies—they depend on each other. A healthy business isn't the destination; it's the vehicle that allows us to keep serving pets, clients, and our teams for years to come. When every decision is filtered through a clear mission, even difficult choices become easier to make. About our guest: Jon Eckrich is the founder of Jon Loves Dogs, a New Jersey-based professional pet sitting and dog walking company built around a mission of enriching the lives of companion animals. After spending more than fifteen years in corporate healthcare recruiting and leadership, he transitioned into professional pet care, combining his leadership experience with Fear Free principles and animal welfare. In addition to running his growing business, Jon consults with pet care companies on hiring, onboarding, leadership, and building healthy workplace cultures. Links: Jon Loves Dogs — https://jonlovesdogs.com Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/jonlovesdogsllc Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest. Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters   Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months   Pet Sitters International Visit: https://www.petsit.com/psc Code: PSC15

Get 1 CEU: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEo5RsHFqlc5t5OXPZIf2CSWjuVQwS-abZVi_phWPC4CC9vg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=107413215510797164078 What do we actually want our pet care businesses to make possible for us? In this episode, we build on our conversation about ownership stages by exploring how our goals shape the work we do and the responsibilities we share. We discuss the mindset shifts involved in trusting others with pet care, decisions, and leadership, including why being needed can become tied to our sense of value. We share how reviewing two weeks of our calendars can reveal where our time goes and which dependencies are keeping us from the roles we want. Whether we love doing visits, managing operations, or developing leaders, we can take intentional steps toward a business that supports that choice. Main topics: Defining Your Own Business Success Changing Mindsets Across Ownership Stages Separating Personal Value From Dependency Auditing Your Actual Ownership Role Delegating Responsibility With Clear Authority Main takeaway: What got you here may eventually become the thing keeping you here. Being great at the work helped you build your pet care business. You know how to fix the schedule, answer the client, and make sure every detail is handled. But when your goals call for a different role, reaching for those familiar tasks can leave you without time for the work only you can do. It can also keep the people you hired from getting the chance to lead. Your experience still matters, even when you use it to coach someone through a decision instead of making that decision yourself. In episode 734, we talk about choosing the role you want and working through the discomfort of changing how you contribute. What is one responsibility you could help someone else take ownership of this week? Links: Get 1 CEU: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEo5RsHFqlc5t5OXPZIf2CSWjuVQwS-abZVi_phWPC4CC9vg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=107413215510797164078 Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest. Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters  C-Squared Accounting Your peace of mind is part of great pet care. Pet Sitters Associates provides the insurance you need to get the work done. Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com and use the code 'confessional' for $10 off today!

What happens when the biggest obstacle to your business's growth is the owner? In this episode Maris Sonnabend is back on the show to discuss the difficult but necessary transition from doing everything yourself to becoming a true leader. They explore why systems, delegation, and trust are essential for sustainable growth, even when letting go feels uncomfortable. Maris shares practical insights on identifying the work only the owner can do while empowering others to take ownership. Whether you're hiring your first employee or leading a growing team, this conversation offers encouragement to build a business that can thrive beyond you. Main topics: Transitioning into leadership Delegation versus control Building sustainable systems Creating team ownership Scaling beyond yourself Main takeaway: "Your business can only grow to the level that you're willing to let other people succeed." One of the hardest parts of growing a business isn't finding more clients—it's learning to let go. As owners, it's easy to believe we're the only ones who can do things "the right way." But if every decision, every problem, and every client depends on us, our business eventually reaches a ceiling. In this episode, Maris Sonnabend reminds us that leadership isn't about doing everything ourselves. It's about creating systems, building trust, and helping other people succeed. Growth doesn't happen because we hold on tighter. It happens because we learn how to lead. About our guest: Maris Sonnabend is the owner and founder of House of Paws Pet Care. She is also an operations strategist who helps service-based business owners build companies that are sustainable, scalable, and less dependent on the owner. Drawing from years of experience helping entrepreneurs improve leadership, delegation, and operational systems, Maris focuses on practical strategies that empower teams while reducing owner overwhelm. She is passionate about helping business owners reclaim both their time and their vision. Links: Previously on: Episode 455 https://www.houseofpawspetcare.com https://www.facebook.com/houseofpawspetcare/ https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawspetcarellc/ Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest. Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters   Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months   Using Meta ads is hard, www.petcaregrowth.com makes it easy. Use PSC15 for 15% off the course!