Joey Villani’s life in pet care and grooming began (1974) when he was only nine years old, during a visit to the Super Dog Salon in New Jersey. Invited to lend a hand by salon owner and family friend, John Nash. In 1998, he purchased the Nash Academy in New Jersey, considered an ivy league grooming school which he owned and operated until 2008. Now a well-known pet industry speaker and judge, Joey has been nominated 14 times for the Cardinal Crystal and Barkleigh honors awards. He has been enthusiastically involved with Intergroom International for 42 years and has been instrumental in expanding the organization’s reach into Belgium, Italy, and France. He is one of the original members of the International Judges Association. Joey has been seen on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Good Day NY, and Animal Planet’s Dogs 101 and Groomer Has it and Pooch Perfect. Today, Joey continues to innovate and explore new dimensions in the pet care and grooming industry. In early 2009, Joey became part of the Animal Radio on-air staff where he is known as “The Dogfather. Other notable accomplishments Joey Has taught 2462 groomers worldwide (up dated 2020) 2014 Pet grooming ambassador to Conair Pet 2015 President and Co-Owner of Intergroom 2016 Co- Owner of The World Dog Expo 2018 Barkleigh honors Outstanding contributions to the industry award winner 2018 the American kennel club leadership award 2020 EQyss pet product ambassador 2022 President of Pet Care Class 2022 PETicures international President 2024 Nash GOAT award.