In this episode of Pet Business Disruptors, Clayton interviews Marina Jennings, the manager of Wallace & Sons Pet Supplies, a unique pet store located within a petrol station in Cambridge. With over 20 years of experience in the retail industry, Marina shares her insights on effectively selling pet products and the advantages of operating in a high-traffic location. The conversation delves into the importance of customer engagement, the challenges of selling dog food, and the need for...

In this episode of Pet Business Disruptors, Clayton interviews Sam Hanbury, co-founder of Doggy Doggy Yum Yum, a unique ice cream brand designed specifically for dogs. Sam shares the fascinating journey of how their human ice cream company transitioned into the pet food industry after noticing dog owners purchasing ice cream for their pets. He discusses the importance of using high-quality, dairy-free ingredients, and the brand's commitment to transparency and health. The conversation delves...

In this episode of the Pet Business Disruptors podcast, Clayton engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Casey Bradley, president of the Sun Swine Group and a PhD animal nutritionist. They delve into the nuances of animal nutrition, discussing the differences between PhD nutritionists and board-certified veterinarians, and the importance of understanding dietary needs for various dog breeds. Dr. Bradley shares her expertise on the implications of high-protein diets, the role of grains...

In this episode, Clayton welcomes Jon Patch, the legendary host of "Talkin Pets," a radio show that has been captivating audiences for over 34 years. They discuss the challenges and rewards of working with both domestic pets and wildlife, touching on topics such as animal rescue, the impact of captivity on wild animals, and the significance of zoos in conservation efforts. Jon shares personal anecdotes, including his encounters with celebrities like Betty White and Linda Blair, and reflects...

In this episode, Clayton sits down with Chris Jones, the Managing Director of Peregrine Live Foods, the UK's leading distributor of reptile and live food products. Chris shares the fascinating history of Peregrine, which began 35 years ago as a small live food business founded by two scientists and has since evolved into a major player in the pet industry, employing around 170 people and serving over a thousand shops weekly. Chris also discusses the importance of independent pet shops in the...

Welcome to the latest episode of Pet Business Disruptors! In this exciting installment, host Clayton sits down with Harry Bremner, the founder of Tuggs, a groundbreaking dog food company that is changing the game in the pet food industry. Tuggs stands out by blending traditional animal proteins with insect proteins, specifically black soldier fly larvae, to create a nutritious and sustainable dog food option. Discover how Harry's journey began with a curiosity about entomophagy and evolved...

In this episode, Clayton interviews Anne Carlson, the founder of Jiminy's Dog Food, a pioneering brand in the alternative protein market that specializes in insect protein for dogs. Anne shares her journey of introducing cricket protein into the pet food industry, discussing the challenges of regulatory approval and consumer education. The conversation delves into the unique health benefits of insect protein, including its positive impact on gut health, oral hygiene, and overall dog wellness....

In this episode Clayton interviews Lara McCullough , the owner of Karnlea, a company specializing in high-quality pet supplements. Lara shares her journey in the pet industry, which began 20 years ago out of a personal need to help her rescue dog with dietary issues. The conversation delves into the evolution of the supplement market, the importance of quality and transparency in pet nutrition, and the challenges of distribution for new brands. Lara discusses the unique aspects of her...

In this episode, Clayton engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Joe Flanagan, the Director of Ingenious Probiotics. They explore the revolutionary concept of using probiotics not just for pet health, but also for improving indoor air quality and reducing reliance on harmful chemical cleaners. Joe shares his journey from air quality management to the pet industry, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome for both pets and humans. Their discussion delves into...

In this episode, Clayton interviews David Fluker, the president and owner of Fluker Farms, America's largest insect company. They discuss the evolution of the pet industry, the unique range of products Fluker Farms offers, including canned and vacuum-packed crickets, and the challenges of navigating regulations in the insect sector. David shares insights into the company's diversification strategy, particularly in black soldier fly production, and the importance of research and development in...

In today's episode, Clayton interviews Greg West, the owner of Cornell's World and the promoter for the WCRE (West Canadian Reptile Expo). Greg shares insights into his journey in the reptile industry, from his early experiences with reptiles to his involvement in TV shows like "Scaled." He delves into the importance of reptile expos in the industry, highlighting their sense of community and the opportunity they provide for education and networking.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Greg West, the owner of...

In this episode, Clayton and Harvey discuss the challenges and strategies of succeeding as a pet industry distributor. Both hosts share their own insights based on their extensive experience in the field. They discuss the evolution of distributors in the pet industry, highlighting the importance of niche specialization, stock management, and effective communication with suppliers. They also cover topics such as the impact of large distributors, the significance of customer service, the role...

The podcast episode features an engaging conversation between the host and Jamie Keane, the founder of Bespotted, discussing the pet industry and marketing strategies. Jamie shares her journey from working at a doggy daycare to starting her own business in the pet industry. They delve into the challenges of marketing in the pet industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding niche markets and addressing specific pain points of customers. The conversation also touches on the significance...

In this episode of the podcast, Clayton sits down with David Hartigan, the CEO of Hemp Heroes, to discuss the journey of Hemp Heroes in the CBD and hemp-based industry. David shares his background in business consultancy and how he ventured into the hemp space. They delve into the different types of CBD products, the importance of quality, and the challenges faced in the industry. David also talks about the misconceptions surrounding hemp and CBD, as well as the future plans for Hemp Heroes,...

In this episode, Clayton sits down with Michelle Hollis, a veterinary nurse and member of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society. Michelle shares her journey into raw feeding for her working cocker spaniel and the positive impact it had on her dog's health. They delve into the controversy surrounding raw feeding in the pet industry, contrasting views on raw feeding among veterinarians, and the importance of proper nutrition for pets. Michelle emphasizes the need for variety in a balanced raw food...

In this first episode of Pet Business Disruptors, Clayton speaks to Hugh Petit, the co-founder and COO of Grub Club Pets, an insect pet food company. Hugh discusses the journey of starting an insect-based dog food business and the challenges and successes they have faced. Together, they delve into the unique selling points of insect protein for pets, the challenges of introducing insect-based products to consumers, and the strategies they have used to overcome skepticism. Hugh also shares...

In this episode, Clayton interviews Chris and Katie from the Animal People Recruitment Company. The trio discusses the origins of the business, their passion for the pet and animal health industry, and the unique challenges and successes they have encountered in their recruitment work. They delve into the importance of cultural fit in hiring, the value of transparency in salary negotiations, and share amusing anecdotes from their experiences in the industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS The recruitment...

Today, Clayton is discussing the topic of influencer marketing in the pet industry with Randy Williams and Emma Lock, who is more commonly known as Emzotic. Randy and Emma share insights into their experiences with influencer marketing, particularly in the context of their businesses, WeGroCo and Zen Habitats. They discuss the challenges and benefits of working with influencers, the importance of authenticity, and the innovative approach of creating branded creator stores to enhance the...

In this episode, Clayton has a lively discussion with Pixie Greatorex, a pet industry writer, blogger, and SEO specialist. Pixie shares her journey from owning a pet-sitting business to becoming a freelance writer in the pet industry. Their conversation delves into the importance of content strategy, the impact of AI on writing, and the value of blogs in increasing Google rankings. Pixie emphasizes the need for businesses to prioritize blogs and shares insights on building relationships,...