What does it take to go from “just a dog groomer” to a true professional? In this episode of Groomer’s Choice Hey Joe Podcast, past Paragon president and current Groomer’s Choice VP Joe Zuccarello sits down with Brandy Reese, CMG, to explore how mindset, skill development and professionalism can elevate your career and income. With 30+ years in the industry, Brandy has worked as a salon manager, mobile business owner and now runs Canine Design Nashville, specializing in precision scissor work and hand stripping for terriers and sporting breeds. Today, as a Mentor and Account Rep, she helps aspiring groomers find their fit at Paragon. Tune in to learn how higher-level skills, consistent clients and a professional approach can help you grow your business.
JOE:
Hey everyone, it’s Joe Zuccarello again. Thanks for tuning into another episode of the Hey Joe Pet Pro Podcast.
Today’s topic is one that’s especially close to my heart. I’m joined by someone I’ve had the pleasure of knowing from my time at Paragon School of Pet Grooming—Brandy Reese. I’m excited to bring her to this audience so we can talk about professionalism in pet grooming and how to maximize your income potential—whether you work in a business or own one.
Brandy’s here to help us understand how to do that one dog at a time. Brandy, thanks for joining me.
BRANDY:
Thank you for having me, Joe. I’m so happy to be here.
JOE:
Give us a quick introduction—your experience and what you do at Paragon.
BRANDY:
I’m a Certified Master Groomer and have been grooming for 31 years. I work as Paragon’s account representative, helping employers and individuals enroll in our programs.
I’m still an active groomer—I groom every Saturday and maintain a full clientele. I’m in the grooming industry six days a week, and I truly love it.
JOE:
I love that you said you keep your skills sharp—just like your tools. Skills are just as important.
Let’s jump in. When I ask groomers how to make more money, I always hear two answers: “I need to groom more dogs” and “I need to raise prices.” Both are tough, so today we’ll unpack better ways.
Let’s start with mindset. I hear groomers say, “I’m just a dog groomer.” How do we shift that?
BRANDY:
That mindset shift is core to everything. Many groomers—especially self-taught or high-volume salon groomers—see themselves as a commodity.
We need to see ourselves as skilled tradespeople. Grooming is a profession.
That shift starts with continuing education. The more we learn and improve, the more we realize: “I’m skilled. I’m creative. I offer something valuable.”
JOE:
Exactly. This is no different than a mechanic, electrician, or doctor—it requires training, skill, and practice.
So for groomers doing the same techniques for years—how do they level up?
BRANDY:
You never know everything. Even after 31 years, I’m still learning.
The difference today is access. You can attend trade shows, take seminars, or learn online through webinars and on-demand courses.
And one of the best things? Mentorship. Our industry loves to help. Reach out to experienced groomers—they’ll often guide you.
JOE:
That first step is always the hardest—just take it.
What’s the biggest mistake groomers make when attempting advanced work without proper training?
BRANDY:
Trying it without training.
Watching one video and attempting a complex groom can lead to frustration, poor results, and unhappy clients.
Everything starts with fundamentals—coat prep, proper drying, understanding anatomy. Without that, advanced work won’t succeed.
JOE:
Exactly. Grooming is an art—but it still requires structure.
Let’s talk income. Better skills lead to higher-quality grooms, which lead to more frequent appointments.
You mentioned your client base is predictable—tell us about that.
BRANDY:
I don’t take new clients—my books are full. My clients come every 2 to 6 weeks.
Instead of seeing a dog a few times a year, I see them monthly. That means more consistent revenue.
My clients trust me, value my skills, and stay for years—even across multiple dogs.
JOE:
That’s the key: fewer dogs, higher value, more consistency.
Let’s talk pricing. Groomers are scared to raise prices. Why shouldn’t they be?
BRANDY:
Because if your skill level is higher, clients will stay.
They trust you. They know your work is consistent. They value the experience.
If you present yourself professionally, you deserve professional pricing.
JOE:
Let’s talk doodle pricing—a common mistake.
If a small dog takes one hour and costs $60, and a doodle takes two hours—why charge less than $120?
BRANDY:
Exactly. My baseline is about $100 per hour. So a doodle taking two hours is at least $200.
Otherwise, I’d rather groom two small dogs and make more money with less strain.
JOE:
Simple math. Charge for your time.
Let’s talk predictable schedules—what does that do for stress?
BRANDY:
It’s everything.
I know the dogs, their coats, their behavior, and my daily income. No surprises.
That stability reduces stress and improves both income and mental health.
JOE:
Surprises should be for birthdays—not workdays.
Now, what about certifications—do they matter?
BRANDY:
Yes. Because we’re unlicensed, certifications show credibility.
Clients may not understand them, but they feel more confident when they see them and when you communicate knowledgeably.
That builds trust and supports higher pricing.
JOE:
And if you don’t have certifications—show your work. Photos matter.
Let’s shift beyond grooming. What are three ways to show professionalism?
BRANDY:
First, showcase your work. Second, communicate professionally. Third, deliver a premium experience from start to finish.
Everything either builds or reduces perceived value.
JOE:
I’ll add one more—appearance.
You don’t need to be glamorous. Just clean, neat, and professional. Clients notice.
BRANDY:
Absolutely. I gained a client simply because I looked more professional than another groomer nearby.
Presentation matters—your appearance, your workspace, everything.
JOE:
Exactly. It signals that you care.
Let’s wrap with industry impact. What does this all lead to?
BRANDY:
It elevates the profession.
Every groomer who invests in themselves raises the industry standard.
We’re shifting from a low-skill perception to a respected trade—and it happens one groomer at a time.
JOE:
You said something powerful: you’re voting for the industry with everything you do.
Before we go—what’s new at Paragon?
BRANDY:
We’re launching a new advanced continuing education level for experienced groomers.
It will cover doodles, Asian fusion, creative grooming, corrective grooming, and handling difficult pets.
It includes certification and is designed for real salon work.
JOE:
That’s fantastic.
How can people reach you?
BRANDY:
Visit paragonpetschool.com and click Contact Us. You’ll likely hear from me directly.
JOE:
Brandy, thank you so much for joining us.
BRANDY:
Thank you, Joe. It was a pleasure.