“Groom Expo is the place we collect and converse the language of grooming,” says Jayne Gallagher, seminar speaker and co-star of Pooch Excellent. “It’s the heartbeat of our business!”
Greater than 5,500 groomers from all around the globe gathered on the Hershey Lodge and Conference middle in Hershey, Pennsylvania to attend the 2022 Groom Expo.
“This was my first go to to any grooming present exterior of Australia,” says Sarah Warner. “I heard that Groom Expo was the most important on this planet, and once I discovered that I had been nominated for a Barkleigh Honors Award, I knew I needed to attend.
“After touring 30 hours and over 10,000 miles, I arrived in Hershey,” Sarah continues. “The primary particular person to greet me by identify was Rebecca Shipman on the registration desk, and from that second on, I felt like I used to be amongst ‘my individuals.’ I discovered the distributors, attendees, and even the grooming competitors judges to be essentially the most approachable, sort, supportive, and pleasant assortment of individuals.”
Jeff and Elizabeth Childers, who have been additionally first-time attendees, drove from Tennessee to attend the expo. “We’re making ready to open a self-serve canine wash and also will offer skilled pet grooming companies,” says Elizabeth. “The Expo has offered an unlimited quantity of precious info that may assist us to supply the proper instruments and knowledge to our pet house owners and our staff. Dr. Cliff Faver’s ‘Enterprise 101’ seminar was sufficient to make the entire journey worthwhile.”
Jennie Smith, who owns a grooming salon and grooming college in Loveland, Colorado, calls Groom Expo the “Superbowl” of grooming expos: “This yr I introduced all 13 of my employees members to Groom Expo and signed each one among them up for the VIP bundle,” says Jennie. “The VIP lounge all the time had a provide of espresso, scorching chocolate, water, and sweets. And it was good to have a spot to go to loosen up and take in every little thing you discovered within the seminars.
“And, the seminars! The place else are you able to go and have one-on-one conversations with the highest individuals in our business? One among my women acquired to be Victor Rosado’s assistant for his ‘Supercharge Your Grooming’ seminar. Let me inform you—she remains to be on cloud 9!
“I cherished the psychological well being collection and really feel it’s so wanted in our business,” Jennie continues. “We’re all such empaths for the canine, our shoppers, our employees, that we overlook to maintain ourselves. All the audio system within the collection opened up and have been sincere about struggles they’d. And I feel for myself, a 37-year veteran within the business, it was highly effective and impactful to know I wasn’t alone.”
Along with the academic seminars and grooming demos designed that can assist you take your abilities from good to nice, grooming competitions have been held all through the weekend. You possibly can sit within the viewers and watch among the finest groomers on the planet work their magic from begin to end, observing their strategies and seeing the merchandise they use.
The big commerce present was buzzing all weekend lengthy. The distributors had merchandise for each ability degree and finances, and the groomers have been taking full benefit of present specials to replenish on their favorites.
Groom Expo just isn’t all enterprise although, there was loads of time for enjoyable. The Web Social, “Groomers of the Galaxy” opening-night get together and the Barkleigh Honors after get together gave attendees the chance to satisfy up with outdated associates, make new ones, and unwind and actually get pleasure from themselves.
Saturday night featured the Barkleigh Honors Awards and dinner. It was a spectacular occasion that solidified the truth that groomers are “household.” The ballroom erupted with tumultuous applause and cheers for the winner of every of the grooming tournaments as they vied for placement within the Finest In Present Awards. Then, the 26 contestants of the Summary Runway competitors displayed their superb creations on the catwalk, and have been rewarded with the viewers’s thunderous approval.
Throughout the Barkleigh Honors Awards, each nominee acquired an enormous ovation as their identify was introduced. When Delise Knight acquired the Barkleigh Honors “Lifetime Achievement Award,” there wasn’t a dry eye in the home. Everybody rose to their ft in tribute to her and to honor her achievements.
Sunday’s Inventive Grooming competitors drew entries from throughout: “I traveled 3,576 miles from England to take part within the Inventive competitors,” says Vikki Pearman. “It was a dream come true for me. Everybody was so useful and pleasant, and I acquired many compliments for the groom I did. It was an incredible expertise and a reminiscence I’ll have perpetually.”
“I’ve been going to Groom Expo since I began my grooming enterprise 18 years in the past,” says Jolene Siebeneck. “After I acquired into competing in Inventive, my purpose was to win the ‘Folks’s Selection Award.’ I can’t even start to elucidate the sentiments I had once I was introduced because the winner! I used to be ecstatic! Then, when my identify was introduced as taking 1st place, I used to be in full shock. Each competitor works so arduous and places in numerous hours for this second. I had a tough time wrapping my head round the truth that I received each awards!”
Inventive groomer Andrea Zelinsky didn’t let a case of nerves and anxiousness hold her from competing: “Proper earlier than the competitors, I ran to the toilet, splashed some water on my face, and gave myself my finest mirror pep discuss,” says Andrea. “I opened the door and noticed Stacy Przbylinski who rapidly requested me if I used to be all proper. My tears began flowing, and Stacy instantly confirmed me her love and help and stated, ‘Simply hearken to the music and overlook in regards to the crowd.’ And, that’s precisely what I did.
“To my shock,” continues Andrea, “MY identify was introduced as Rising Star. After the present, a fellow groomer says to me, ‘Man, artistic groomers actually simply love when one another locations. That’s so superior to see.’ And, it’s so true. I’ve discovered my place amongst a neighborhood that strives for private finest but in addition strives for neighborhood success.”
Time after time, Jayne Gallagher’s remark about Groom Expo being the heartbeat of the business was confirmed by the groomers on the present.
“Though I used to be touring alone, by no means as soon as did I discover it amongst the unimaginable neighborhood of groomers I used to be with,” shares Sarah Lagos. “I discovered greater than I may ever clarify in regards to the artwork of pet grooming, about myself, and the way grateful I’m to have discovered this profession.
“I may inform you all of the issues I purchased and what I did daily, however my largest takeaway was in the course of the Barkleigh Honors Awards,” continues Sarah. “Because the awards have been introduced, speeches given, and tears shed on stage, I felt a sudden and immense gratitude. I understand that this profession is the rationale I’ve been capable of finding happiness, hope, and a function.
“I’ve a future,” Sarah affirms. “It’s what I used to be meant to do. I’m certain of it!” ✂️
Kathy Hosler
Kathy Hosler opened her store in 1971 when she was simply nineteen years outdated. She has constructed a terrific enterprise and remains to be actively grooming at this time. Kathy can be a characteristic author for Groomer To Groomer and Pet Boarding & Daycare Magazines, and has been nominated twice for the Barkleigh Honors Journalist of the Yr Award in addition to a Cardinal Crystal Achievement Award for Grooming Journalist.
