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Paragon School of Grooming and our parent company, Melissa Verplank Enterprises, are innovators who bring new products and service to market for the grooming community.
News & Events
Paragon is Going National
The Paragon School of Pet Grooming is excited to announce a new era of educational excellence. We have transitioned to a totally digital learning platform!
Together, with our membership platform, Learn2GroomDogs.com, Paragon will expand online learning resources for professional pet groomers across the globe.
The move is a natural extension for us. In 2008, Paragon introduced our first home study program. In 2018, innovative changes were made to those programs to improve and enhance the learning experience.
Today, students learn online with Paragon’s structured training system. The Paragon team works closely with individuals. Salon owners. And corporate stores. The programs have received impressive reviews. We have helped hundreds of students learn how to groom, while never leaving their hometown.
Established in 2011, Learn2GroomDogs.com has a robust video library. Currently, we have over 1,000 streaming lessons taught by top grooming experts. Whether you are a beginning groomer or a seasoned pro, the library has something for everyone.
The on-campus division of Paragon was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, a difficult decision was made. We have permanently closed our hands-on training center in Jenison, Michigan.
We have loved our “face-time” with the West Michigan community. We’ve enjoyed pampering local pups in the training of our talented alumni.
Thanks to Paragon’s rich history, there are plenty of skilled groomers in West Michigan. They are well-equipped to assist clients who frequented the school for their pet’s grooming needs.
According to Joe Zuccarello, Paragon’s Vice President, “By concentrating on our digital platforms, we feel we can best serve today’s learner.”
“Closing the physical campus of the Paragon Pet School is bittersweet. It has been the foundation – and progression – of our curriculum for 28 years,” said Melissa Verplank, our Founder. “However, the move makes sense. It highlights our commitment to our goals for digital expansion.”
If you are interested in learning how to become a professional pet groomer, we invite you to explore the Paragon Distance Learning Program. Current groomers should watch for opportunities to build your knowledge and grow your skillset through video lessons, virtual short-courses, workshops, and webinars.
Grooming Education Awards Announced – Multiple Award Winner
Paragon Is Voted Top Dog in Pet Grooming Industry Educator Awards
Grand Rapids, MI – The Paragon School of Pet Grooming is humbled to be voted #1 in three categories and nominated in a fourth for its contribution to education in the Pet Grooming Industry.
#1 Grooming School: Paragon School of Pet Grooming
Paragon received top honors for its professional pet grooming training program.
#1 Grooming Book: The Theory of Five by Melissa Verplank
Melissa Verplank’s innovative guidebook took first place in the Grooming Book category. Learn More
#1 Grooming Webinar: Learn2GroomDogs.com Member Webinars
Membership-based webinars at Learn2GroomDogs.com were recognized for their excellence. Learn More
The team for the “Hey Joe!” pet professional podcast hosted by Paragon VP Joe Zuccarello was also delighted to receive the acknowledgment of nomination in its inaugural year.
“We live and breathe for the advancement of professional groomer education so we are deeply honored to receive this recognition from our peers in the industry,” said Melissa Verplank, founder of Paragon companies and esteemed author of The Theory of Five and Notes from the Grooming Table.
“Each and every nominee should be proud of the work they’re doing to elevate our profession across North America. We are united in our passion for professionalism.”
Verplank’s own quest for the highest level of professionalism has lead her on a 30-year journey in pet grooming where she’s won numerous national and international awards, including competitor and director status at GroomTeamUSA. She has founded and owned multiple companies, including a fleet of mobile groomers, Whiskers Pet Resort and Spa, the Paragon School of Pet Grooming and its related companies, Learn2GroomDogs.com and White Dog Enterprises. Both her trials and her triumphs as a self-taught groomer have inspired her quest to share knowledge and accelerate professionalism and respect for the pet grooming industry around the world.
“I am so happy to see the grooming community come together in the Pet Grooming Industry Educator Awards to acknowledge the efforts of the many talented people who have taken up the cause,” she said.
We love helping people improve their grooming skills and turning their dreams into reality… There is nothing more inspiring than watching people find their success.
The Pet Grooming Industry Educator Awards
The awards, introduced earlier this year, are determined by crowd-sourced polling within the pet grooming industry. They are designed to recognize fellow industry educators who invest in the lives and livelihood of others.
In addition to the awards in the Grooming School, Book and Webinar categories, Paragon is especially proud of its Learn2GroomDogs.com Training Experts, who independently were voted #1 in the following categories:
#1 Livestream: Colin Taylor
London-born Colin Taylor has a long history of being an international super star in the world of professional pet grooming. Colin is certified by the United Kingdom City and Guild plus a Certified Master Groomer in the United States. His accomplishments and influence in the pet industry is beyond impressive. Visit Learn2GroomDogs.com to learn more about Colin.
#1 On-Site Skills Classes: Lisa Leady
Lisa Leady is a third-generation groomer, with over 25 years experience. She is also a clinician, speaker, Certified Master Groomer, and Certifier for IPG. She has many Best All Around and Best in Show placements. Lisa is a multiple Cardinal Crystal Achievement Award nominee and was the recipient of the 2003 Congeniality Award. Visit Learn2GroomDogs.com to learn more about Lisa.
#1 On-Site Educational Classes: Dave Campanella
Dave is an informative and entertaining seminar speaker, contributing trade columnist and genuine grooming enthusiast. He is Best Shot Products’ sales and marketing Director and has over 25 years of pet industry knowledge and experience. Visit Learn2GroomDogs.com to learn more about Dave.
Education is Everything
Professional development is the unifying mission across Paragon’s various educational platforms, including its Online professional groomer programs, it’s publications through White Dog Enterprises, and its membership-based video streaming community at Learn2GroomDogs.com, where groomers can be coached by the best the industry offers.
“We love helping people improve their grooming skills and turning their dreams into reality. We love helping others become more efficient. Become smarter business owners. Become better managers. There is nothing more inspiring than watching people find their success,” said Verplank.
About the Pet Grooming Industry Educator Awards:
For a complete list of nominees and winners, visit: https://www.facebook.com/PhoenixEdAwards/
About The Paragon School of Pet Grooming:
Online School Programs: Visit https://paragonpetschool.com/home-study/
About The Theory of Five:
Visit https://paragonpetschool.com/product/theory-of-5/
About Learn2GroomDogs.com:
Visit: https://www.learn2groomdogs.com/
About “Hey Joe!” A Podcast For Pet Professionals, By Pet Professionals:
Visit: https://paragonpetschool.com/resource-center/podcasts/
Contact Information:
Paragon School of Pet Grooming
Learn2GroomDogs.com
Joe Zuccarello, Vice President
(636) 577-8772
joez@petsmv.com
Paragon School of Grooming Teams Up with Pet Connections Expo
Free educational offerings include Adding Grooming Services, Hiring, and Training Groomers
Pet Connections Expo & Paragon Pet School announced today that they will be partnering for the Pet Connections Expo 2019 show, October 15-16 in NJ. The expo sets itself apart by providing free education exclusively for pet retailers to grow their business and be able to compete with the larger retailers and online pet stores. Paragon will serve as the educational partner, with a free seminar by Paragon VP Joe Zuccarello, floor sessions plus a VIP coffee chat.
“We were thrilled to get the call from Pet Connections Expo, inviting Paragon to be the exclusive pet grooming education partner at this year’s event! We will have lots of opportunities at the event to meet retailers and show them this solution first hand,” says Joe Zuccarello, Vice President of Paragon and Host of “Hey Joe!” a podcast created by pet professionals for pet professionals.
Joe Zuccarello will be delivering a presentation on Tuesday morning entitled Build Your Retail Business by Finding and Keeping Good Groomers. In addition to this mainstage presentation, Paragon will be delivering sessions for retailers from their booth on the show floor throughout the two days of the show. These topics include:
- Getting the Most Profit Out of Your Grooming Service
- How Do I Find Groomers
- Creating a Culture Employees Don’t Want to Leave
- How to Make Grooming Services and Retail Work Together
- Customer Experience Factor – Beyond the Product
Bill Doherty, Pet Connections Expo Show Director states, “We are excited to be working with Paragon on these educational offerings that are very important for independent retailers to stand out from their competition and gain market share. In addition, all retailers that register for Pet Connections Expo will receive a voucher to use towards Paragon’s Distance Learning Program.”
In addition to the sessions at the show, Paragon will also be holding a VIP Coffee Chat on Wednesday morning before the Retailer Boot Camp kicks off. This will be an informal discussion with a limited number of retailers that will address the realities of grooming services. Representatives from Paragon will share first-hand experiences and stories of retailers who have successfully planned, launched, and grown their grooming businesses and how they did it. This VIP Coffee Chat is limited to only fifteen retailers so it is recommended to register early.
About Paragon School of Grooming
Paragon School of Pet Grooming sets the bar when it comes to excellence in pet grooming education. While Paragon has served thousands of On-Campus students in the last 30 years, our new approach called the Distance Learning Program captures the on-campus experience and delivers it to students all across the world. Blending technology, a proven curriculum, and support by world-class mentors, more students are graduating and starting their careers than ever before. This program is especially attractive to pet supply retailers who are looking to bolster their grooming services offering, but who continue to struggle with finding groomers and managing their salons.
About Pet Connections Expo
In its third year, Pet Connections Expo is a trade-only event for pet professionals, offering free, educational sessions that help independent retailers compete with the larger brick and mortars, as well as the online giants. Buyers and suppliers from around the country attend to buy and sell products, just in time for the holiday rush, network with partners, pitch and exchange ideas, and so much more. For more information, visit www.petconexpo.com, https://twitter.com/PetConExpo, and https://www.facebook.com/Petconexpo.
About ICDevents
International Conference Development, LLC (ICDevents) produces high-quality conferences and tradeshows in a broad range of industries. Utilizing intensive, detailed market research, ICDevents creates targeted events designed to encourage companies to send their entire teams to problem-solve, network, and brainstorm with other industry leaders, consultants, and suppliers. To learn more, visit www.ICDevents.com.
Studio Packages for Professional Development
Is your Salon short staffed? If you’re having trouble finding the right personnel in this job market, consider training a suitable but inexperienced candidate instead of competing with the ‘big dogs’ for highly trained talent. Paragon offers discounted package tuition suited to growing studios for comprehensive training of bathers, groomers and stylists.