Speakers
Denise Heroux
Denise Heroux has over 25 years of grooming experience, is an educator and speaker, and owns Awesome Paws Pet Salon, a Cleveland-based chain with 3 locations with active plans for expansion. Awesome Paws fosters a healthy environment for employees and pets with a focus on employee investment and learning. While managing all locations and a staff of over 25 employees, Denise finds time to work with the local pet pantry to help with donations, attends events to aid local pet charities, and founded the Ohio Professional Pet Groomers Association. This association focuses on setting a higher standard for pet safety, fostering business-building opportunities, providing versatile learning experiences, and promoting legislative clarity in the industry. Denise has given live seminars on business subjects at industry events that focus on helping business owners expand their salons with employees, build a sustainable work culture, and manage employees within the workplace. You may have listened to her on both the Women PetPreneurs and Small Business Hiring podcasts. She is passionate and dedicated to helping create good work environments for business owners and employees.
Anjie Coates
During her 36 years in the grooming industry, Anjie spent a significant amount of time learning about every aspect of grooming and business. She knew she had to share the knowledge she had gained and began teaching grooming and business so others could learn the secrets of her success. This has also led her to teach Pet First Aid & CPR classes for pet professionals and owners and become a HELP Master Chief Instructor. Her passion for continuing education is evident in her achievements, including CMRG, ICMCG, CCE, PGC, CMPTI, and PGCE. In 2023, her book, the first rabbit grooming book in the industry, “The Quintessential Rabbit Book,“ was published. She has been a web designer for over three decades and owns Coates Design, a web design company specializing in the needs of the pet industry.
Two days of education all about Technology you need to be familiar with!
Schedule
Sunday June 29, 2025
9AM PST Websites and Why They Matter (2 hours)
In today's digital age, having an online presence is crucial for any business, including pet grooming services. This 2-hour online course is designed to help pet groomers understand the importance of having a website and the key components that make up an effective and engaging online presence.
11:30 PM PST Understanding Modern Technologies and Safeguarding Your Wellbeing (2 hours)
This course will provide a comprehensive understanding of RFID, EMF, Faraday principles, and the potential health and security implications of everyday devices like headphones and cell phones, equipping participants with practical prevention strategies.
2 PM PST Protecting Your Paws-itively Important Data!
This course will educate pet groomers on common cyber threats, vulnerabilities, potential business impacts, and motivate the implementation of basic security practices.
Monday March 17, 2025
9 AM PST Digitally Unleashed: Software, Socials/Website, AI & Tech Tools for Grooming Pros (4 hours)
This extended seminar dives deep into the digital tools that modern grooming businesses need to grow with confidence. Through four focused segments—grooming software, AI, tech tools, and your online presence (socials & website)—you’ll learn how to streamline your operations, elevate your brand, and build a business that supports both your clients and your goals. Whether you're looking to save time, create consistency, attract ideal clients, or expand your team, this session will give you the strategy and clarity to move from overwhelmed to optimized. It’s time to work smarter, not harder—and get unleashed in your business!
Hour 1: Software That Works So You Don’t Have To Description:
We’ll start by breaking down the real power of grooming software—not just as a booking tool, but as a foundation for running an efficient, professional salon. Learn what features to look for, how to get more from the software you already use, and how to identify gaps that may be costing you time and money. Discover how the right system can reduce chaos, improve client retention, and free you up to lead with confidence.
Hour 2: Your Digital Front Door – Socials & Website Strategy
In this session, we’ll explore how your online presence (social media + website) shapes how clients see you—and why having both is essential. You’ll learn how to create consistency between your feed and your site, what each should be doing to support your brand, and how to convert visibility into booked appointments. It’s not about being everywhere—it’s about showing up with intention.
Hour 3: AI for Groomers – Smarter, Simpler, Stronger
AI isn't just a buzzword—it’s a powerful tool that can streamline tasks, enhance your content, and help you make better business decisions. We’ll demystify how AI works and show you how to apply it in practical, bite-sized ways: from writing captions and reminders to organizing client communications and automating follow-ups. Use it to support—not replace—your personal touch.
Hour 4: Tools That Elevate – Building a Tech Stack That Supports Your Goals
We’ll close out with a look at additional tech tools that can support every corner of your business, from team communication and onboarding to marketing and reputation management. This session will help you identify what tools align with your current needs and long-term goals, and how to build a streamlined, supportive tech stack that grows with your business—not against it.
