Practical Pet Business

About Practical Pet Business

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 faced by independent stores. From the challenges of consumer choice and vendor feedback to the evolving roles of independent distributors and stores, the landscape is changing rapidly. They also explore how the shopping experience has shifted with fewer staff, less product knowledge, and increased availability issues. With stores struggling to maintain brand knowledge and staffing levels, consumer trust, relationships, and loyalty are all on the line. Additionally, they highlight the impact of reduced educational offerings that once defined the local pet store experience. Tune in weekly to Practical Pet Chat Business Edition for a focused look at the pet industry from a business perspective.

Publisher

Lorin Grow, Robert Semrow

Category

kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

24 Feb 2025

Latest episode

18 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

37 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Dec 2025

   Practical Pet Business - Episode 38 - The Pet Business Year - Review and Look Ahead

   On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob take pet business owners through a comprehensive and practical year-end review designed to turn reflection into forward momentum. As the year comes to a close, they break down what to look at across your business—from timelines and key events to sales performance, seasonal trends, and the initiatives that delivered results (or didn’t). They explore the changes that happened over the past year and the changes that still need to happen, helping owners assess what evolved organically and what requires intentional adjustment. The conversation covers vendor relationships, product assortments, pricing, and partnerships, with insight into what to keep, what to refine, and what to reconsider as you plan ahead. A central focus of the episode is your customers: how their needs, expectations, buying behaviors, and feedback shifted throughout the year, what they communicated directly or indirectly, and how those insights should influence your decisions going forward. Lorin and Rob also discuss how external factors—market conditions, industry trends, and operational realities—play into your planning process. The episode wraps with a clear, actionable “quick-start” path for 2026, offering guidance on setting priorities, creating realistic timelines, and aligning your business goals with customer success. It’s a practical, thoughtful roadmap to help pet business owners close the year with clarity, confidence, and a strong foundation for the year ahead.

2. 

   11 Dec 2025

   Practical Pet Business - Episode 37 - Tradeshow and Event Planning for 2026

   In this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob tackle one of the most important—and often overlooked—topics for pet professionals as we head into a new year: budgeting and planning for the 2026 pet industry landscape, with a special focus on local events, expos, shows, and community gatherings. As the pet industry continues to grow and evolve, so do the expectations placed on business owners. Events that were once “must-attend” cornerstones have become increasingly expensive, more complex to navigate, and, in many cases, less predictable in the value they provide. Lorin and Rob encourage listeners to take a step back and ask the tough but necessary questions: Am I truly getting enough ROI from the events I attend? Is the financial cost aligned with the opportunities I’m actually receiving? How much time, team bandwidth, and personal energy am I sacrificing—and is it worth it? They break down the hidden costs that pet pros often forget to calculate: staff coverage, travel logistics, preparation hours, inventory management, marketing spend, post-event follow-up, and the emotional toll of constant show cycles. As the industry shifts, the “value” of showing up is no longer as straightforward as it once was. Lorin and Rob also explore a deeper question: loyalty. You reward your customers’ loyalty every day. But are the events, associations, and organizations you support giving you that same loyalty back? Are they helping your business grow, supporting your goals, and acknowledging the commitment you bring year after year? Because at its core, the pet industry is built on relationships—relationships with customers, vendors, community partners, and each other. Yet those relationships are being tested as resources are stretched thinner and expectations continue to climb. The hosts unpack how to evaluate which relationships are truly beneficial, which commitments deserve to be renewed, and which may need to be reconsidered altogether. Whether you're a retailer, service provider, manufacturer, or pet professional carving out your place in the market, this episode gives you the tools to rethink your 2026 strategy with clarity and confidence. All of this—and plenty more strategic insights, tough truths, and practical advice—on this episode of Practical Pet Business.

3. 

   4 Dec 2025

   Practical Pet Business - Episode 36 - What Pet Industry Centric Organizations Do and Don't Do

   On this thought-provoking episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob take a candid look at the evolving world of pet industry organizations, associations, and trade groups — and what their shifts mean for today’s pet professionals. As the industry continues to grow, so do the expectations placed on business owners. Associations revise their missions, events change formats, leadership shifts direction, and suddenly what once felt like home can start to feel unfamiliar. Lorin and Rob unpack why these changes happen and how they can be both positive and challenging for those who are trying to stay informed, connected, and relevant. They explore questions many pet business owners quietly wrestle with: What if an organization you’ve always supported no longer aligns with your values or business philosophy? How do you decide whether the pressure to join, renew, or attend is worth the investment of money, time, and energy? What does real value and industry support look like today? From shifting educational agendas and membership requirements to events that cater to new audiences or priorities, the hosts discuss how these changes can spark growth — but also confusion, reflection, or frustration. Lorin and Rob share practical insight on: ✔ recognizing when an affiliation is no longer a fit ✔ how to maintain professional relationships without compromising integrity ✔ setting healthier expectations for what associations should provide ✔ choosing groups, events, and partnerships based on purpose — not pressure They remind listeners that belonging everywhere isn’t the goal — belonging where you are respected, supported, and aligned is. Whether you’re a longtime industry insider, a growing business trying to find your seat at the table, or someone reevaluating where you spend your resources and attention, this episode offers clarity, confidence, and a refreshing dose of honest conversation. Tune in for perspective, encouragement, and guidance on navigating pet industry affiliations in a way that supports you, your mission, and your business growth.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 38 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

76

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.