Rising Star and Pet Groomer Grad: Unexpected Career Change Produces One Impressive Groomer
Meet Rising Star and Paragon Certified Pet Groomer Eric Lomicka of Pet Supplies Plus in Fort Dodge, Iowa! Eric is a grooming rockstar, and you’d never suspect he came to the industry from a completely unrelated career. We’ve been positively stunned by his work and can’t wait to see where this journey takes him!
Just ask his mentor Liz Thompson, who shares, “We are beyond impressed with Eric Lomicka’s determination and drive to improve with each groom! From the first set of photos sent for review to the second round of practice, the growth in skill and attention to detail is undeniable. In such a short time, Eric has shown incredible progress, taking feedback to heart and applying it with precision. His commitment to refining his technique and pushing himself to do better with every groom is exactly what sets him apart as a rising star in the program. Keep up the fantastic work, Eric—we can’t wait to see where your dedication takes you next! 
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Why did you choose dog grooming as a career?
I used to work in construction until a back injury forced me to make a change in careers. I bounced around in the auto and powersports industry for a few years. The money was good, but I never really enjoyed it or felt like it was something I would want to do long-term. Thats when I found the PSP ad on a job search. At first, I simply applied for a team member job but wasn’t able to take it because it was only part-time, and I needed full-time work. However, the manager at the time told me the only full-time positions she had were for pet grooming and that I could work while I earned my certification. I thought it sounded like a good opportunity to move on to a career I would really enjoy, and so far I have not been disappointed.
What did you enjoy most during your coursework?
The most enjoyable part of the coursework was getting to learn about the dog’s anatomy, all the facts about dog diets, and the differences in dog food brands and quality. It’s always great to learn new things and keep you young.
Where can we see your work?
Coming soon to a Pet Supplies Plus website near you!
What are your future goals?
I would like to continue to improve my work as much as possible.
Any advice for aspiring groomers?
Take it a day at a time. You will have days when you struggle, but in the end, the number of days that you feel fulfilled in your work will far outweigh those days of frustration and make them more than worth it.