Pet Insight
The Leading Women In Pet Issue
• Special Report: Centinela Feed and Pet Supplies 2
• Market Focus: Washington D.C. 4
• 2024 Leading Women in Pet 8
• SUPERZOO Takeaways 20
2024 Leading Women in Pet
Rooted in and driven by care and compassion for animal companions, the pet industry has benefited greatly from the insights, experiences and perspectives of its female leaders, especially with consumer data showing that women tend to make the lion’s share of household purchasing decisions. While many of these women profess that a lifelong love for pets is what first drew them to the industry, their storied career paths that brought them to where they are today illustrate there is no one way to achieve a professional goal. Some started by earning a postgraduate degree, others gained valuable experience through trial-by-fire, on-the-job training, and still others changed career fields completely. Through their inspired journeys, these leaders continue to demonstrate why women should have a place at the table. Further, if one doesn’t exist, she’ll make her own.
Meghan Verrell, VP & Executive Assistant to the President for Hollywood Feed, came from the medical field. “I’ve always enjoyed solving problems and helping people,” she said. “I was working in the hospital as a cardiac intensive care nurse when I was invited to the home of Jean and Shawn McGhee of Hollywood Feed for Christmas. After meeting the team and learning their passion for pets, I knew that Hollywood Feed was the place for me! I have worked for Hollywood Feed for more than 7-and-ahalf years during which I have served many roles including Store Manager, Jean’s Assistant, Category Manager and Director of Merchandising.”
Reflecting on what she enjoys about the pet industry, Verrell said, “I love the people and all the pets that I have met throughout the years. I love helping people. That is one of the reasons I am a nurse. Providing solutions and solving problems are among my favorite things. Connecting with people through their pet is so rewarding and easy because we love them so much.”
Verrell’s Hollywood Feed colleague Evanthia Martin, who is SVP of Technology and Strategy, has an equally colorful background. “My career prior to Hollywood Feed was focused on creating experiences for people,” she said. “I started in live music building concerts and festivals. Then, I moved to creating pa-
Sarah Daniels, National Sales Director, Pet Food Experts:
“Don’t shy away from difficult conversations. Identify and approach tension with curiosity and an open mind, in the spirit of learning something new and discovering a new path forward. You may find that some of your deepest connections are the result of leaning into discomfort. Practice being adaptable and open to change, this is crucial to a business that is constantly evolving.”
Johnna Devereaux, Owner of Fetch RI and Chief Nutrition Officer for Bow Wow Labs:
“Leave bias at the door and look not only at the skillset and experience of the person in front of you, but also their drive, accountability, motivation and ability to collaborate because not everything will translate on paper. Women often have non-traditional strengths that they bring to the table that yield immense success.”
rades and shows at Walt Disney World; then I was picked up by American Girl where I opened more stores than I can count so we could delight little girls every day. It truly feeds my soul to create a certain warmth and experience people will not forget. So, why Hollywood Feed? My sister-in-law told me about a pet supply retailer that deeply valued employee education because it drove the customer experience. She told me they were heading into growth mode and recommended I meet Jean McGhee. Shortly after that conversation, we moved to Memphis, and I have been focused on the mission of ‘doing what's right by the customer’ ever since.”
Kelly O’Brien, the Director of Veterinary Relations at Chewy Health, was on the path toward diplomacy between taking a hard turn toward animal health. “I grew up in a small town in Oregon with aspirations to be a diplomat,” she said. “I headed to Washington, D.C. for college, graduating with a degree in foreign service. Then, I began my career at a public affairs and public relations firm, where I spent six years honing my skills in coalition building, lobbying, strategy and PR for multiple clients. This experience led me to association work where I assumed several different roles at statewide business groups, until a job posting for an industry relations position at Banfield Pet Hospital piqued my interest. The rest, as they say, is history—that opportunity marked the beginning of my career in animal health, and I had a decade-long tenure leading veterinary relations and public affairs at Banfield and later Mars Veterinary Health. About two years ago, I joined Chewy Health to help create a best-inclass veterinary relations program, and I haven't looked back since!”
Pet Food Expert's National Sales Director Sarah Daniels, shared that her career path was rooted in a love for pets. “My journey started with a deep love for animals, leading me to study veterinary technology,” she said. “But after college, I took a surprising turn into the software industry. As I climbed the ladder in sales, I saw a chance to blend my love for animals with my knack for sales. That’s when I stumbled upon a distribr Cont'd on Pg. 10
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utor sales position in the pet industry. I quickly forged a strong connection with the hiring manager, and in 2005, I officially stepped into this world that I’ve come to adore. Next year, I’ll proudly celebrate two decades in the pet industry.”
Samantha Greenwood is currently Chief Marketing Officer at UK-based MPM Products. With a background in sales and marketing in the CPG industry, she only came to pet a few years ago. “I was approached to join MPM, the company who makes Applaws and Reveal natural cat food, as they were looking for someone to lead their marketing organization based out of their head office in the UK, but who had global and specifically US experience since that was one of the geographic areas in which they were experiencing significant growth,” she explained.
Now responsible for growing MPM Products’ portfolio of brands around the world, Greenwood said she’s embracing the task. “I have always found it a privilege to work on brands that at the end of day are a part of someone’s life,” she said. “The kinds of brands that people bring into their homes and share with their friends and families, I have been especially fortunate to work in categories, like coffee and candy, that bring a little piece of everyday joy to consumers. Working in the pet industry is experiencing that feeling at an even higher level because people love their pets so much, and with the brands that we have at MPM, Reveal and Applaws, I know they are giving their beloved pets the best food available which enriches that pet/owner relationship even further.”
Adrienne Kardosh, General Manager and Vice President, Pet Health & Wellness, Central Garden & Pet, shares a similar beginning working in sales before moving onto brand management. “My favorite jobs were ones in which I could work on great brands with great people to make consumers’ lives a little more well-rounded, be it with a better performing product, a meaningful gift or a yummy treat,” she said. “When said that way, how could I not end up in the pet industry? It’s one of the most diverse sets of brands sold through one
Samantha Greenwood, Chief Marketing Officer, MPM Products:
“The best way to maximize what female leaders can bring to the table once they are there is to ensure that table is open and welcoming to hearing their points of view and leveraging their unique experience. Afterall, our consumer base is unique and diverse, and ensuring different perspectives are heard in the C-suite and/or board room will only make what this industry offers even stronger.”
Melissa Gulbransen, COO, Oxyfresh Worldwide:
“Women have a natural ability to collaborate and drive fresh ideas, and we tend to not shy away from perceived hurdles. Many woman leaders I know excel in resilience. We can often adapt quickly, can see outside the box as well as overcome challenges, which are crucial in leadership roles. Our industry is in a phenomenal growth stage and much of that can be attributed to the women who are excelling in leadership.”
of the most diverse sets of retailers I’ve seen. Though I’m a relative newcomer, I’ve also enjoyed seeing how many people have chosen to stay in the pet industry. It speaks volumes of the business dynamics and competitive set that exists here.”
For Nicole Logan, SVP, General Merchandise Manager for Tractor Supply, her path through retail was a given. “I’ve been in retail my entire life, starting as a part time team member at a shoe store,” she said. “At that point, retail was already in my blood. It makes me tick. The pace, the energy, the satisfaction of serving the customer face-to-face. I love everything about it. I joined Tractor Supply nearly 16 years ago. Throughout the course of my career here, I have held a variety of roles across the merchandising organization. Ten years ago, I was serving as the hardware buyer when I was tapped to take on a new and exciting project. Tractor Supply was opening a new pet specialty concept, and I had the opportunity to lead it. Operations, merchandising, real estate, design, naming -- you name it, I was involved in all of it. It was by far the most fulfilling experience in my entire career so far. Post Tractor Supply’s acquisition of Petsense, I was promoted to Vice President and Divisional Merchandise Manager of Clothing, then moved to oversee Pet, then Large Animal and now I have the opportunity to lead merchandising for all three of those business units. What an amazing ride it has been so far.”
ZIWI Senior Marketing Manager Jessica Krueger studied marketing, international business and German at the University of Hawaii. “I began interning with a large automotive and powersports dealership group who in turn hired me full time upon graduating,” she said. “It was there that I got hands-on experience in everything from websites, business development, social media, media buying, branding, PR and digital advertising from some truly inspiring mentors. This is also where I adopted my best friends (Leo, a 9-year-old aussie/border collie mix and Jax, an 8-yearold golden retriever) who have since moved with me to Japan, Chicago and now my final home of Kansas City. When I got to Kansas City, I had realized how r Cont'd on Pg. 14
Industry Mentors
“As you grow your leadership style and preferences, know that you are also learning and developing yourself. Be curious, humble and courageous and advocate for your employees and your team. When you bring your team with you on the development journey, the stronger the individuals and the work will be.”—Anna Bell, SVP Pet Consumer Marketing, Central Garden & Pet
“Find a mentor, be an advocate, take up space and never be the smartest person in the room.”
—Kelly Pye, Director Customer Experience and National Accounts, Pet Food Experts
“The pet industry is such a special place. We get to work with amazing people and enrich the lives of pet parents and their pets. By building strong relationships and always choosing to do the right thing for the right reason, we can all grow and succeed together.”—Heather Hickey, SVP of Sales, ZIWI
“We’re good at what we love. Follow the North Star of what you believe in so you can build a business you feel excited about every single day. If ever the business is going in a direction that doesn’t feel right, change it. Operating with a strong set of values will help you remember who you are and what you set out to do.”
—Jacqueline Prehogan, President, Open Farm
“First, it’s important to identify organizations with values that align with your own. You’ll feel connected and invested in the work you do, which will inspire you to put your best foot forward. Second, it’s essential you understand your value and advocate for yourself when new opportunities arise while also recognizing the power of working as a team. Rarely has anyone risen the ranks without the synergy of those two together. Third, women are the main purchasers of consumer packaged goods and offer a unique perspective on best business practices and emerging trends. There is weight to our opinions and ideas, and we should feel empowered to voice them.”—Stacey Osborne, President, Champion Petfoods
1. Do everything you can to leave this industry in a better place, it needs the feminine light.
2. Follow and listen to your inner voice. Your intuition has a purpose.
3. Find a mentor. Since 1979, I have had the privilege of several mentors, whose coaching and teaching are instilled in my memory and heart. A contemporary mentor is Eileen Crossin, Founder of Quantum Potential, the mindfulness for business companies.
4. Face your weaknesses head on and surround yourself with folks who can help.
5. Be mindful of your purpose and all those who benefit from your work each day.
6. Visualize our objectives so they become very clear and manifested.
7. In the event you are not business savvy, find a way to learn how to write a business plan and read a P&L.
8. Network, Network, Network.
9. Remember women think differently than men, this difference creates the balance.
10. Be adventurous. Don’t be afraid to activate your new ideas.
11. Smart women are not afraid to say they don’t know or to ask for help.
12. Spend time with others with likemind and heart—there is nothing more rewarding than being in the company of female entrepreneurs.
13. Be charitable, the rewards are far greater than money.
—Susan Goldstein, Co-Owner, Earth Animal
Advice for Future Leaders
“Pet is such a unique industry to be a part of because we truly function like family. Growing up in Minnesota, I always thought it was odd that no one ever seems to move away; that was until I moved away and found myself returning home. Pet is that way too. It's comfortable here because we have a shared set of values that runs deep. This makes pet an ideal place for women to thrive. Women often excel in building relationships and leading people with diverse backgrounds to achieve common goals. This is what pet is all about. We win by helping our pet parents be the best parents they can be, and they come to us with all variety of backgrounds and demographics. Women thrive here because we lift each other up to be at our best, and we keep pushing boundaries to ensure we are the best versions of who we can be every day. Never take for granted that the next best idea may be yours!”— Julie Maday, CEO, Independent Pet Partners
“Don’t be afraid of AI. Utilize it. Understand it. Leverage all that it can do to help you scale your business and educate the audience on better pet care. It doesn’t need to replace people, it should serve as a tool to make our jobs easier so we can do more and better.”— Dianna Bailer, Chief Marketing Officer, EarthWise Pet
1. Stay Passionate and Purpose-Driven: Our industry thrives on genuine care and love for animals. Let your passion be the driving force behind everything you do, and always keep your mission at the forefront.
2. Build a Strong Network: Surround yourself with a supportive network of peers and mentors. These relationships are invaluable for sharing knowledge, seeking advice and finding encouragement during challenging times.
3. Embrace Resilience: Challenges are inevitable, but they are also opportunities for growth. Embrace resilience and see setbacks as stepping stones to success. Remember, your strength and perseverance can inspire others.
4. Stay Informed and Innovative: The pet industry is constantly evolving. Stay informed about the latest trends, research, and technologies. Don’t be afraid to innovate and think outside the box to better serve pets and their owners.
5. Give Back to the Community: Philanthropy and community involvement are key. Whether through organizing events, supporting local shelters, or educating pet owners, giving back strengthens the industry and builds trust with your audience.
—Kat Donatello, Founder, Austin and Kat
“As someone who has navigated the ups and downs of the pet industry, my advice to the next generation of women leaders is to remain true to your passion and values. For many of us, this industry is driven by a love for animals and a desire to improve their lives, never lose sight of that mission. Building a successful business or career in this field requires resilience, empathy and creativity. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and don't hesitate to think outside the box. Continuously seek knowledge and inspiration from those around you. Surround yourself with mentors who challenge and inspire you, and always be willing to learn. Remember, if you think you are the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room. Most importantly, believe in yourself. Understand that FAIL means, First Attempt In Learning. The only people that truly 'fail' are the ones that never tried to begin with. If you stumble, pick yourself up and try again until you succeed. Perseverance is key, never give up.”
—Nancy Guinn, President, Dog Krazy
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badly I missed the camaraderie of being in an office in post-Covid times, where I stumbled upon a Marketing Manager position at ZIWI. The thought of combining my love for pets with my passion for growing brands enthralled me, and it is a jump that I am forever grateful that I made. No industry has as much fun as the pet industry! ZIWI hired me while I was finishing up my MBA at the University of Iowa in the evenings, and it has been such a joy to get to apply the learnings from that program to such a wonderful company.”
As Chief Merchandising Officer for Pet Food Express, Andrea Petrone is thriving in her element. “My career path has included design, merchandising and merchandise/inventory planning, with experience in both apparel and home furnishings for both large and small companies,” she said. “These experiences equipped me with a deep understanding of retail, leading me naturally to the pet industry. The blend of my background and expertise in merchandising and planning made the pet industry an appealing and fulfilling new challenge.”
Sophie Provencher, CEO of the Legault Group in Canada which holds multiple banners including Mondou in Quebec and Ren’s Pets in Ontario and Eastern Canada, along with a strategic partnership with Homes Alive Pets in Western Canada, is also a seasoned executive. “Prior to joining the Legault Group as a CEO, I was most recently a part of the International Executive Leadership Team at Alimentation Couche-Tard (ACT),” she said. “I graduated from the Executive MBA McGill HEC. My expertise lies in customer experience including omnichannel sales, marketing and loyalty, as well as in operations management, supply chain management, centralized negotiations, exclusive brands and human resources. I have more than 25 years of experience in the retail landscape including 15 years with multinational consumer goods (CPG) companies such as Kraft Foods, PepsiCo, and L'Oréal plus more than 10 years within major retail companies including Valéro and Couche-Tard. I’m so pleased to now be part of the Legault Group, and I am aim-
Abby Heubsch, Chief Growth Officer, NutriSource:
“Research suggests that women make about 85 percent of household purchases. As pet industry leaders, we need to remember who our consumer is and innovate/renovate/ market to meet their needs. If our consumer is women (it is), as women leaders how can we take our own experiences as consumers and leverage those to make our products better? I think it starts by having a seat—and a voice—at the table.”
Jessica Krueger, Senior Marketing Manager, ZIWI:
“Never bestow a limit upon yourself. You hold the power in your hands to control your destiny. Never stop learning, never stop growing and never stop asking questions. It’s OK to not have all of the answers, but it’s not OK to lose the hunger to find those answers. Knowledge is power and curiosity is king. If you can find ways to do things more effectively in your scope of the business, you are creating value for yourself and your company in return. Be a problem solver and never stop dreaming about what comes next!"
ing to make an impact in the pet industry with our team.”
Abby Heubsch is Chief Growth Officer for NutriSource and also came to pet with a background in working for large CPG companies. “I held a variety of roles in sales/account management, category management, trade/business planning, e-commerce and digital marketing,” she said. “All of those roles and experiences helped shape me into the leader I am today. When the opportunity to join NutriSource arose, I jumped at it. I’ve been around pets my whole life and I knew this industry was where I should be. Joining NutriSource has felt like coming home; literally and figuratively—I grew up about a mile away from the Tuffy’s manufacturing plant in Perham, MN. Each day I get to work with a remarkable team of people who are passionate about pets and producing the highest quality products for them.”
Charli LeGette, Public Relations and Influencer Marketing Specialist for Propel Communications, also had her start in consumer goods. “I have spent my entire career in marketing and communications for consumer products in a variety of capacities and roles,” she said. “Ten years ago, I was asked to join Erin Terjesen's dynamic team at Propel Communications and jumped head-first into the pet industry working with the impressive list of Propel's clients and partners. The last 10 years at Propel have been truly transformative, working with some of the industry's most empowering and inspiring individuals and helping brands create awareness, increase engagement and drive revenue. The passion and dedication among the pet-passionate people in this industry is contagious, and I feel fortunate to be able to do what I love every day, surrounded by such inspiring individuals.”
Carrie Van Wert, meanwhile, came to the pet industry as a second career of sorts. Having started working in sales in the 80s for the Eastman Kodak Company, she built a network of potential partners and mentors for herself such that she also started her own Pressworks brand, which she operated for 15 years before selling it in 2010. Being semi-retired and raising three boys, she began volunteering at the local humane r Cont'd on Pg. 16
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society and came around to the reality that many cats were being surrendered for litter box issues, so she founded Kitty Sift in 2018, which manufactures disposable sifting litter boxes to make cleanup easier. As a solutions-oriented entrepreneur, Van Wert wasn’t done as this year she also founded North Start Pet, dedicated to launching innovative brands to bring enrichment to the pet space. “I love innovating and trying to provide domestic pets with a better life, new products that address enrichment in their lives,” she said.
Currently in the works is the brand Giddy Kitty. “It’s a first-of-its-kind toy that brings the ability to have a cat have the thrill of the hunt with a treat reward,” she said. “The cat space in particular has been underrepresented. It really needs some innovation to allow enrichment in the space. There’s a big opportunity that we will fill. The cat space has been lacking innovation.”
Pamela Bosco, Founder and President of Pet King Brands, seized her opportunity when her brother Michael Pellico, the scientist behind the company’s LP3 Enzyme System, first introduced the solution to her for her German Shepherd, Elizabeth, who was suffering from chronic ear infections. “I knew I had to share this antibiotic-free solution to help countless pets find relief too,” she said. “My love and care for the pet industry goes all the way back to my upbringing. I was the 10th of 11 children in a loving, tight-knit family with a backyard full of cats, dogs, rabbits and chickens. This, combined with my love and concern for Elizabeth, turned ZYMOX and Pet King Brands into what it is today.”
It’s not uncommon that a beloved pet serves as the impetus for a new venture. For Johnna Devereaux, Owner of Fetch RI and Chief Nutrition Officer for Bow Wow Labs, it was her dog Diego. “My love for my rescue pup, Diego, and his early-life ailments drove me to learn everything I could to help support his body and allow him a vibrant, welllived life,” she said. “He is the reason I opened my retail store, as at the time, I couldn’t find any ‘clean’ products that are so common these days. Diego is why
Charli LeGette, Public Relations and Influencer Marketing Specialist, Propel Communications:
“There are so many incredible female leaders that have worked hard and have established strong, trust-driven networks of collaboration and partnership. It's critical that we continue to create opportunities for women leaders to lead companies and drive our industry forward in a bigger way.”
Nicole Logan, SVP—GMM Animal and Softlines, Tractor Supply:
“Rather than mentors, surround yourself with subject matter experts who become your allies. This approach has served me extremely well. Whether I am launching a brand or developing talent within the organization, having that circle of SMEs allows me to leverage their expertise and knowledge for any given topic. Find your group of allies. Find your SMEs that you know you can rely on for any challenge that comes your way. They will advocate for you and you for them.”
I became a Clinical Pet Nutritionist and share the knowledge I have to make other pets as healthy as possible.”
Sevy Maurer, Senior Director of Vendor Sales and Marketing for Animal Supply Company (ASC) launched her professional career in fashion. She attended the Fashion Institute in New York City and later honed her retail industry experience with the Cato Corporation, a women’s and girl’s clothing store based in Charlotte, NC. The experience led to her being recruited by the Limited brands as an assistant buyer for its sub brand, Justice.
As she excelled in professional life, Maurer began shopping at her local PetPeople store weekly to find solutions for her two American bulldogs, Hank and Wylie, who suffered from several allergies. Maurer’s regular patronage, along with her retail background, led to her accepting the first buyer role that PetPeople founders Mike and Trish Elkind offered her. Maurer stayed with PetPeople until it was acquired by Hollywood Feed in 2022. “It was an amazing time in my career, and I was proud to have worked alongside some of the most dedicated and caring people I have ever met,” she said. “In eight years, we grew from 24 stores in three states to 78 stores in 11 states. I am so grateful for my time with PetPeople and the relationships we made with our community and our vendors.”
Strengthening those relationships is now part of her role with ASC. “ASC has always prided itself on identifying how to be better than the day before,” she said. “ASC always puts the customer first and is not afraid to think outside the box. We have come a long way in the last year as we have really focused on how we provide tools to sell our products on shelf and connect ASC sales teams with our vendor’s sales team to achieve turns on shelf. On the marketing side, we are focusing on best practices, streamlined processes and clever initiatives that support our customers and vendors across multiple platforms and varying outreach vehicles. We know the key to success as a national distributor of pet products starts with delivering on our mission of sharing our passion for animals through trusted partnerships that r Cont'd on Pg. 18
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connect the brands and customers we serve to those who love pets.”
Erika Spath, VP of Nutrition for EarthWise Pet, came to the pet industry after studying and working in human nutrition for several years as a dietitian in an eating disorder recovery facility. Though she had at one point envisioned this field as her career, Spath said it was high stress and not rewarding, given the emotional aspects of diet management for humans. Upon answering an online ad for a pet nutritionist, Spath met Chairman Mike Seitz and the rest was history. “I combined my passion for nutrition and pets as I stepped into a pet nutritionist role at EarthWise Pet,” she said. “I spent hundreds of hours—thousands at this point—studying the minor nuances that separate human and animal nutrition, reading every book I can get my hands on, participating in numerous training and certification programs.”
Spath said the initial job description was vague, and through the years she was able to put her expertise to the role with aplomb. “I have spent the last several years training our stores on all aspects of pet nutrition,” she said. “After utilizing my own training methods and using some third party online programs I decided it was best to create a platform that gave our stores a one-stop-shop for all of their pet nutrition education needs. So, I created a comprehensive online pet nutrition training program that allows our stores to access training from anywhere, at any time. This virtual training allows me to edit content as new research emerges, update hot topics in the pet industry and give current and necessary training on the products our stores are carrying. More recently, I have been knee deep in our private label efforts formulating canine diets. That whole side of the pet industry is so interesting to me. It has made my professional experience come full circle because I had always trained on pet nutrition and brands and their product lines, but I hadn’t yet literally been in on the manufacturing and formulating side of things; and now that I have, it’s really connected everything and heightened my level of knowledge and appreciation for all aspects of this industry.”
Sevy Maurer, Sr. Director of Vendor Sales and Marketing, Animal Supply Company:
“More and more women are starting their businesses in the pet industry. We must work together, support one another as women, and help to drive careers for ourselves in the process. The headwinds that our industry has faced with inventory, the Covid pandemic and even DCM have all tested our ability to keep pushing ourselves to ask the tough questions. The passion and heart that women provide to keep improving and providing the best products is what fuels our experience as pet parents at home.”
Carrie
Van
Wert, Founder of Kitty Sift and NorthStar Pet:
“I really admired Jane Goodall, a pioneer and champion for animals and for teaching us about how similar they are to us and how they have emotions and relationships and family. Her favorite word she talks about is ‘hope.’ We can learn a lot from her about having hope about the resilience of nature and hope for continuing even when things seem dark with the environment and things like that. There’s hope that we can make it better.”
Rachel Vosko, Owner of Las Vegas-based Bogart’s Bone-Appetit, was also inspired to help other pet parents in her own way. “In 2000, my late husband Harold and I along with three others founded a local non-profit in Las Vegas called Heaven Can Wait Animal Society. During this time, I had a Boxer named Cagney that was allergic to everything. It was not until I started buying him Solid Gold out of a garage that I realized that more people would benefit from healthier products for their pets. So, after the opening of Heaven Can Wait, I knew that I wanted to do more with the animal community in Las Vegas, so I opened Bogart’s Bone-Appetit. I love being able to help customers with their pets. Whether it may be picking out the perfect food, finding the right toy or even the perfect fitting collar and leash, I find what I do rewarding, and I leave daily fulfilled knowing that I was able to help people with their fur babies. However, my biggest passion is dog training!”
Emily Benson, Marketing Director for Starmark Pet Products, has honed her passion for pets throughout her career with Starmark. “I started out working in veterinary clinics and came to Starmark in 2000 while taking a break from college,” she said. “We were a relatively small operation back then, offering boarding and training services, hosting dog shows and running a newly opened school for professional dog trainers. Occasionally, I would assist on writing and editing projects, but my day-to-day responsibility was managing our 200run kennel. While I liked the company and really enjoyed being around the dogs, it wasn’t what I saw myself doing long-term, and so I began preparing to go back to school to finish my degree in English and anthropology."
The Pet Insight staff would like to take the opportunity to once again congratulate this year's leading women in pet. To read the rest of the Leading Women in Pet special feature, visit: https://pet-insight. com/2024-leading-women-inpet/