Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo West information coming soon!
*Last year's info below
Speakers
Bryan Kiefer
Bryan is the General Manager of Von Waldberg Kennels (VWK) located in Snohomish Washington. Prior to the dog industry he held roles in the automotive industry, insurance industry and tech startup. His role at VWK has turned this half-century-old German Shepherd breeding business from a single revenue source operation into a premier boarding, training, grooming and GSD breeding facility. His management experience has led to five straight years of doubling YoY revenue. With their success the VWK is exploring building a new state-of-the-art boarding facility and opening a second location.
Jeff Adney
Jeff has worked in the resinous coatings industry for the past 30 years and has been heavily involved in the Animal Care Industry for the past 25. He has worked in the field, trained, sold and marketed for manufacturers and installation companies. Jeff's latest venture is bringing epoxy and installation of animal care related equipment in house. In addition to working with the various flooring and wall products specific to this industry, he consults with designers and architects and enjoys speaking at the various animal care conferences, Veterinary Universities and privately-sponsored events. Jeff currently does strategic business development for TCW Construction, Inc.
Heather Beck
For more than 25 years, Heather Beck has been saving the lives of dogs all over the world by providing the tools, education, and training that canine professionals and dog owners need in order to improve behaviors and transform relationships. Much of this work has been done within the walls of her training, daycare, and boarding facility, K9 Lifeline, located in Draper, Utah. K9 Lifeline works with dogs of all ages, sizes, and temperaments by helping them learn proper behaviors and socialization skills. The facility has not only been critical for the families in the community, but has hosted education workshops to help trainers from around the world improve their skills to better serve the dogs in their care. Heather and K9 Lifeline have been able to save dogs and help them to live happier and fuller lives.
John Beres, DVM
Dr. John Beres is a veterinarian who owned and operated a pet boarding and doggy daycare center along with his general practice for 12 years. He is now the CEO and founder of Canine Lab Testing. Canine Lab Testing partners exclusively with pet enrichment centers like pet boarding and doggy daycare centers to provide Healthy Pets Healthy Packs solutions. He is the first to offer a comprehensive parasite monitoring program for these facilities, improving the lives of many dogs and pet parents.
Fernando Camacho
Fern has been a dog behavior consultant for over a decade, helping people and dogs live together better. In addition to working with dogs, he also does private consulting with dog businesses, doing staff training as well as helping them utilize modern resources to expand their customer base and grow their businesses. In addition, Fern runs Overdog Digital, a digital marketing agency specializing in helping dog businesses grow utilizing online tools and platforms. He is also the author of seven books and a speaker at national conferences and private events.
Kari Campbell
Kari Campbell, a Certified Professional Animal Care Operator, speaker and pet business expert, has over twenty years’ experience in the pet care industry, eighteen as the founder and operator of Dog Tired K9 Activity Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Dog Tired is an enrichment based daycare that operates with the health, safety, and well-being of their guests as their top priority. Her passion is to provide the highest level of care quality for her clients through education, compassion, and transparent communication. She has worked with The Dog Gurus for the past five years as a business coach and recently joined their team full time. Kari served on the Professional Animal Care Certification Council Board of Directors for the past six years. She is the co-founder of The Normandy Project, an animal pet food bank in Alaska and co-founder of the Alaska League for Animal Welfare Standards (LAWS).
Duane Carey
Duane is the founder and president of IMPACT Marketing, a 19-year-old, digital marketing firm in Maryland that specializes in the pet care industry. With a science degree and an MBA in finance, he takes a refreshingly bottom-line approach to marketing. He says it's all about the results, not the pretty pictures! He works with more than 50 pet care clients all over the U.S. Duane and his wife, a veterinarian, have three kids in college and an Australian Labradoodle named Olaf.
Dana Chavez-Rey
Dana began her career in animal care as a lead veterinary technician at the North Peninsula Humane Society. In 2005, Dana and her husband founded A Purrfect Groomer, then after 10 years they ditched the salon and hit the road in their new mobile grooming van, bringing the care and attention they gave to their salon clients to them. In 2016, Dana joined the Intellectual Groomers Association as a founding member and was on staff as an expert in feline grooming. As a staff member of IGA, Dana traveled the country giving seminars on feline grooming and certifying qualified groomers. In 2018, she joined Andis as a feline educator and tours the country giving demos and presentations on feline grooming, feline grooming certifications and the benefits of Andis products.
Claire Cronin
Claire originally joined Live Oak Bank in 2015. In 2018, Claire moved onto the vet and kennel team, where her focus has been on assisting customers with financial options, including acquisitions, expansions, start-ups, and renovation projects. Her goal is to provide financial solutions that afford her clients opportunities to continue to grow their businesses.
Eric Doering
Eric Doering is the Business Development Manager for TWC, one of the leading Animal Care Design Build firms in the United States. TWC specializes in driving new design ideas and creative use of space for Animal Care facilities as well as balancing all the conditions around the project. Eric has presented at the Western Veterinary Conference, Pet Boarding and Daycare conferences, Purdue University, numerous independent one-day seminars, and guided numerous small business owners in maximizing their return on the expanding their business. In addition to working in this specialized field since 2005, he is married to the Executive Director of a multi-doctor Mixed Animal Veterinary Practice in Pennsylvania.
Mel Forbes
Mel Forbes is a National Animal Care Cleaning Consultant for Health Technology Professional Products Inc, nearing his 20th year as a Pet Care Facility Maintenance consultant for veterinary, pet boarding & daycare, grooming, and animal shelter staff on daily cleaning protocols and OSHA Compliance. He consults with architects, animal care facility personal, and speaks at various animal care conferences. Mel is proud to be part of the Health Technology team of consultants that specializes in the Safe Sanitation Processes of animal care facilities.
Dr. Matthew Goetz
Dr. Matthew Goetz is a dedicated veterinarian currently serving as the Clinical Relations Lead Veterinarian for the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. In this role, he manages relationships between veterinary practices and the college, mentors veterinary students, and ensures a positive experience for both students and practitioners. Dr. Goetz has extensive experience in veterinary population medicine, having worked for a biopharmaceutical company where he advised animal shelters and large boarding kennels on disease management, including vaccine protocols, sanitation, disinfection, and disease outbreak response. His career also includes significant experience in animal shelters in the Phoenix area and private practices across North Carolina, South Carolina, and New Mexico.
Teija Heikkilä
Teija Heikkilä has been a business owner in the pet care industry since the early 90's. She has owned several full-service pet care facilities and founded PET|VET M&A, Sales & Advisory (formerly National Kennel Sales & Appraisals) in 2007. Having personally owned, operated, built and sold pet businesses over the course of her long career has given her the invaluable insight to understand the business aspect of our industry, facility owners, their challenges and drivers. Teija is a highly accredited professional having been awarded "Certified M&A Professional" (CM&AP), "Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary" (M&AMI) and "Middle Market Professional" (MMP) designations along with being a Licensed Real Estate Broker in most states.
Denise Heroux
Denise Heroux owns Awesome Paws Pet Salon, a Cleveland-based chain with two locations and active plans for expansion. Awesome Paws fosters a healthy environment for employees and pets with a focus on employee investment and learning. While managing both locations and a staff of over 20 employees, Denise finds time to work with the Ohio Professional Pet Groomers Association, which she founded. The association focuses on setting a higher standard for pet safety, business-building opportunities, versatile learning experiences, and creating legislative fluidity in the industry. You may have listened to Denise on both the Women PetPreneurs and Small Business Hiring podcasts.
Dominic Hodgson
Dom Hodgson, from North East England, is known as “The Pet Biz Wiz,” and is CEO of Pet Business Marketing Ltd. In 2011, he pioneered the launch of the UK's first Dog Adventure company and is also a highly respected dog trainer who has authored nine books. As one of the world’s leading pet business coaches and marketing strategists, Dom has helped over 1,600 frustrated pet business owners to double or triple their revenue so they can work less, have more fun, and create a truly impactful business. His superpower is helping ambitious, heart-centred petpreneurs to stand out, systemise and scale up their existing business, and find the “hidden money” by exploiting new business opportunities.
Allison Jacobs
Allison ended her six-year retail manager career to finish her undergraduate degrees in Media and Italian Language from Indiana University. She started a private pet-sitting business with her husband, Henry Grosvenor, after graduation in 2018. They rapidly could not meet demand for services and saw a need for higher-paying jobs in their local pet care industry. In 2021, they opened Scout’s Honor with Kristen Perrus. Through persistent education and a vision of doing things better, they grew their business revenue to double their initial projections by year three. Today Allison is the President and co-owner of Scout’s Honor, an International Pet Boarding and Daycare Association’s “Pet Care Excellence” award-winner of 2023.
Dana Kreutzer
Dana Kreutzer is a business owner, investor, and an expert in the pet industry. With over 11 years of experience in the pet industry, Dana built a multi-million dollar pet resort chain in the Southwest before she made the choice to found the company Wild Paw Consulting, a firm that offers exceptional advisory services to pet industry business owners. When not busy with work, Dana loves spending quality time with her family, traveling, and exploring the great outdoors with her beloved English bulldog, Rosie.
Laura Laaman
Laura Laaman is known as the queen of revenue for the pet care industry. Since 1989, her company Outstanding Pet Care has been providing word-class consulting and education for the pet care industry. Laura has helped her clients collectively generate over an additional $1 billion in revenue growth. Laura’s effective strategies and techniques are consistently proven to boost revenues while empowering her clients to deliver even greater pet care. Since the beginning of her career Laura has been breaking national sales records, publishing top-selling business books, and winning awards for her precedence as a speaker and trainer.
C. Scott Learned, PE, LEED AP
Scott Learned is a licensed mechanical engineer and a licensed electrical engineer as well as a LEED Accredited Professional and is licensed in over 45 states. He has provided engineering and consultations on hundreds of animal shelters, veterinary hospitals, kennels, daycares, and grooming facilities across the U.S. and Canada. Scott supervises the engineering and design of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and noise control systems as well as interior design and planning. He is also a published author and sought-after speaker in the animal care industry. Additionally, Scott is a Principal Member of the National Fire Protection Association Standards Committee 150: Standard on Fire and Life Safety in Animal Housing Facilities.
Eve Molzhon
Eve Molzhon’s interest in dogs began 20 years ago as a board member for Capable Canines of Wisconsin, a non-profit service dog organization. She worked in sales management, marketing, and project management, but CCOW inspired her to delve into the animal care industry. She is a member of APDT, IACP, and IAABC. In 2013, she opened Fun Fur Pets Dog Daycare and Boarding. As business grew, Eve saw gaps in employee training, so she created an online, video-based, fully automated staff training program, Dog Handler Academy. At Fun Fur Pets, she created Dog School, a program for dog socialization and obedience training.
Phillip Paris
Phillip Paris is the lead consultant at Phillip Paris Consultants and is the co-founder of Pet Business REVolution and Founder of Leadership REVolution through which he has worked with many facilities all over the U.S. and Canada. Having owned a pet resort for over 11 years, Phillip has learned many valuable principles and lessons that he shares with people all over the U.S. His passion is helping businesses understand the industry, increase revenue, manage payroll, implement excellent customer service systems, develop leaders, empower owners to make big shifts in their businesses, and to help modernize the pet care industry through innovative and creative methods.
Timothy Parsons
Since joining TWC, Tim has designed over 100 animal care facilities in a dozen states, including both large and small animal clinics, hospitals, specialty care, 24-hr emergency, daycare, boarding and grooming. Tim has not only designed construction projects, but also gives his time as a student advisor, engages with industry professionals as a seminar presenter, and provides a unique leadership style for his fellow employees at TWC, INC. Sharpening his expertise has been a long work in progress as Tim has delved into a variety of aspects of architecture. He has a distinct talent for incorporating his client's personality into each design and takes pride in providing on-budget depth to their vision.
Kristen Perrus
Kristen had worked in pet care management for six years before she opened Scout’s Honor with her business partners Allison Jacobs and Henry Grosvenor. Kristen’s inspiration to create Scout’s Honor, the International Pet Boarding and Daycare Association’s “Pet Care Excellence” award-winner of 2023, came from her passion to create a better and safer dog daycare for both dogs and employees. Kristen is Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge SkillsAssessed and Fear Free Certified. Today Kristen is the co-owner and head dog-trainer at Scout’s Honor.
Rich Schlatter
Rich Schlatter is a highly accomplished and experienced professional, with twenty years in the pet care industry. His commitment to continuous learning and professional development is evident through his extensive canine care certifications, and Hospitality Management certification from Cornell University. Rich is currently the General Manager of K9 Resorts in Hamilton, NJ and is a Board Member with the Professional Animal Care Certification Counsel (PACCC). His achievements in financial milestones and business operations, as well as his recognition through several awards, showcase his proficiency in managing and growing a successful business.
Garret Tadlock
Garret Tadlock has worked with thousands of Pet Care Professionals over the past decade to improve the pet and parent experience, educate staff on data-driven decision making, and improve profitability across daycare, grooming, training and boarding facilities. With a proven track record in technology and automation, he always provides actionable tips and tricks that can be implemented by any facility, big or small, new or seasoned.
Peter Tanella
Peter Tanella is the Co-Chair of the Mandelbaum Barrett PC Corporate Practice Law Group and a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. Peter’s practice focuses heavily on representing entrepreneurs, emerging growth companies, and owner-managed businesses. Having worked with many companies throughout his career, Peter brings a depth of legal and business knowledge to his clients, coupling experience with practical and creative advic. Peter has extensive experience in a diverse range of practice areas, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate formations, commercial transactions, corporate governance, commercial real estate, commercial lending, construction law, employment law, healthcare and life sciences, intellectual property and risk management.
Chris Tilson
Chris Tilson, with twenty years of expertise, stands out as a dynamic pet care operator and industry innovator. His journey, rooted in a family legacy of pet care, has seen him spearhead the integration of hospitality revenue management strategies, helping to reshape the industry landscape. Now, as the co-founder of Goose, Chris is pioneering technological advancements, blending his rich practical knowledge with modern solutions. His focus is on elevating pet care services, ensuring operational excellence and superior customer experiences.
Annette Uda
Annette Uda, the visionary president of Aerapy Animal Health, has been at the forefront of indoor air quality since 2008. With an intimate understanding of what it takes to eradicate disease from animal care environments, Annette's deep passion for the industry and unwavering commitment to mitigating disease transmission have driven Aerapy to excel in commercial-grade UVGI air and surface disinfection technology. Her dedication to human and animal health led to patents, design awards, and Emergency Use Authorization during the pandemic, garnering prominent media recognition. As a published writer, and sought-after speaker, she actively contributes to ASHRAE committees, shaping UV technology and air disinfection standards.
Madison Warner
After a decade of working as an emergency responder, vet tech, and in other pet business roles, Maddie saw the need for pet emergency education programs and jumped into action. Since 2018, she has been teaching pet first aid & CPR and providing emergency prevention consulting to pet owners and professionals across the US. Maddie was a FEMA search & rescue K9 handler, firefighter/EMT-A, and holds many disaster-related certifications, including Animals in Disasters, Veterinary Tactical Group T3C, and a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management. She brings a whole-picture approach to teaching, which includes prevention, response, and recovery.
Jennifer Wolf-Pierson
Jennifer has served since 2016 as General Manager for ABC Pet Resort & Spa, a multi-service pet care center located in North Houston. She also is a consultant and instructor for Pet Care Management Boot Camp, in partnership with Turnkey, Inc., an architectural design/build/operations firm specializing in pet care and veterinary facilities. Jennifer helps both existing and start-up facilities streamline their operations, improve their team management, and understand revenue-generating strategies. Jennifer earned her BS in Agricultural Science at Colorado State University, is a Certified Professional Animal Care Operator (CPACO), a PetTech CPR and First Aid Instructor, and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA).