Episode #8 - Blake Hernandez : Retreats, Addiction, and Clearing the Air

**First off, I would like to personally apologize for the sound quality on MY END - I don't normally do video interviews, but when a production director with talents like Anthony Vargas want to do a video interview, it is hard to decline. However, with that being said, if you can look (hear) past the sound issues on my end, this is a great episode with lots of golden nuggets sprinkled throughout. ** Anthony "Tone" Vargas & Nina Anderson have really cooked up something special with their grooming education platform GROOMHAUS, even winning a Barkleigh Award in September of 2021 and being nominated for another. But, the term platform is used pretty loosely in social media circles, but what they have been working on is truly just that - Groomhaus 2.0.- Think Myspace for groomers - but cooler. They are in beta testing now.  They have a webinar coming out with the always sweet, talented, and energetic Jess Adorno on March 21st titled "Shear Confidence" - more details at: thegroomhaus.com Find them on most social platforms at GroomHaus, but most popular right now is probabl Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/groomhaus/?hl=en Loyalty Pet Products COLOGNES, Debonair and Luscious loyaltypetproducts.com/product-category/pet-fragrances/ Save 15% on every item - EVERY day? Subscribe and Save! loyaltypetproducts.com/legging-subscription-bundles/ Here are their inspirational role models: NINA: Chris Do (I happen to follow him, also, every day is a nice little 5 minute juggernaut of a video)                                https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-b3c7kxa5vU-bnmaROgvog ANTHONY: Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary V is someone I told my audience at my seminar in 2020 to start following) - WARNING - Gary V has NO STOP SIGN, which means if you subscribe to him on all platforms, you will get BOMBARDED with stuff - all relative & free, but he puts out a LOT of content - I follow him on Instagram exclusively & also listen to his podcast. ANOTHER WARNING - If you are offended by curse words, don't follow him. He curses - a lot - and he is not offended that he offends you. https://www.instagram.com/garyvee/?hl=en Favorite Movies Discussed: RUDY: True story with amazing heart and grit about never giving up your childhood dream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=firK4y-3bKw COACH CARTER: Another true story about a basketball coach who believed in academics over sports (oh, and there's a young Channing Tatum, ladies) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_GleoanbPE&t=7s GLADIATOR: Yes, ANOTHER true story, but this one isn't just action packed - it's a true romance story about a leader who will do whatever it takes to avenge his family's murder. A fantastic soundtrack, as well, especially after you have watched it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owK1qxDselE BRAVEHEART: See Gladiator - Same concept, but more romantic and in two totally different eras. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NJO0jxBtMo

In Episode 2 of Season 2, I wanted to dive a bit more into what I feel are some mistakes that can be corrected with a little bit of investing, study, and self-reflection.  No, I am NOT a groomer. However, I have been in a relationship with one for almost 10 years now (Happily married for 7+ of those years) and I have seen the ups and downs throughout those years of her stress, rewarding moments, and those moments where even she wanted to throw in the puppy towel. Although my wife does NOT work with corporate anymore (see Mistake #3), she still deals with other types of stress day in and day out, ESPECIALLY being a shop owner that still grooms every day.  I look forward to seeing your comments. What you agree with, what you disagree with, and mistakes I definitely missed on this top 5 list. Again, this is just my opinion being around the shop on a weekly basis and living with someone every day that has (or is going through) these issues.  I appreciate your support and remember, if you're looking for some excellent tools (See mistake #1), please use code UNLEASHED to save 10% with our sponsor, LOYALTY PET PRODUCTS (Go to the subscription page to see how you can save 15% on every item, every day!  -Ryan Alvarez 

Enjoy this episode with Natalie Ciesla as she describes how she started in Petsmart in 2017, owns her own grooming shop now that she opened in late 2020, had a viral TikTok video that put her on the map on that platform, and how her life is about to get a little more complicated (and sweeter).  You can find Natalie on social media: Instagram: @natalie.ciesla TikTok: @natalie.ciesla Instagram (Salon): @thegroomeryandco

Listen as Todd Shelly discusses the hard work that goes into the planning of trade shows, how the future may change due to COVID, and how YOU can give suggestions on how to make the experience even better.  Make sure to visit our sponsor, Loyalty Pet Products, at www.LoyaltyPetProducts.com, and save 10% off your complete order when you use code UNLEASHED at checkout. Have you tried their new amazing groomer apparel, such as their leggings and sports bras with FuRResist? Hair-resistant clothing can now be yours to groom in! Visit Loyalty Pet Products today! 

This down-to-earth conversation is full of some useful information, light-hearted banter, and thoughts on how the industry can maybe change for the better here in America. Colin Taylor started grooming in an academy when he was only 16 years old and was whisked away to groom in Hong Kong just one year later. To check out Colin's bio is, well, like a movie.  He has traveled the world as a speaker, groomer, and judge. He runs and operates Colin Taylor Grooming Acadamy, has been the inventor of multiple items (including the new Bowie comb), is a judge on the hit show Pooch Perfect, has served years on both Groom Team USA and Groom Team Scotland, and has won countless grooming prestigious awards.  Enjoy this terrific episode with one of the industry's top male groomers in its rich history, Colin Taylor.  Thank you to our sponsor, Loyalty Pet Products, home of the first ever hair-resistant grooming sports bra! Check out their amazing apparel, scissors, and accessories at www.LoyaltyPetProducts.com and use coupon code UNLEASHED to save 10% today! 

Allison Brooks hasn't "done it all".  In fact, Allison Brooks has barely been able to legally drink alcohol. Barely 22 years of age, she is working her tail off night and day to make a name for herself in the industry. Within the past 18 months, Allison has graduated from the grooming academy, ventured into her own grooming business, collected almost 5,000 Instagram followers, started her own Youtube channel, placed on a competitive grooming team called "The Loyalty Squad", and won 2nd place in the aptly named "Future of the Industry" behind her Loyalty Squad teammate Emily Landers.  The future is bright with this one. Just don't tell her she can't do something because she will find a way... Enjoy the episode!  Please visit our sponsor Loyalty Pet Products and use coupon code UNLEASHED at checkout to save 10% ! www.LoyaltyPetProducts.com

Trying to get as much depth to you all out in the grooming world, I will be holding "mini episodes" with accountant (and my brother) Steven Alvarez on tax questions that you all may have. Whether you are a shop owner, individual groomer, mobile groomer, vendor, or other entity, you will benefit from these episodes answering important tax questions.  This first episode is one you may read about countless times on grooming forums in regards to W2 or 1099 employees. Steven goes into detail about the difference of the two, the benefits of both, as well as the drawbacks of both.  You can contact Steven for further consulting for your tax questions at [email protected] or by filling out the contact form at www.alvarezcpa.com Be sure to chime in with YOUR tax questions or comments on this episode on our Grooming Unleashed page on Facebook, found here Finally, please visit our sponsor, Loyalty Pet Products at www.LoyaltyPetProducts.com and use code UNLEASHED at checkout to save 10%  Thank you for your support, Ryan Alvarez

After more than three decades working in and improving the pet industry, Khris Berry is nowhere near ready to hang it up.  This incredibly talented and inspiring young woman has been nominated (and won) countless times for some of the industry's prestigious awards.  Author, Handler, Trainer, Groomer, Salon Owner, and most importantly, mother and wife, Khris explains the importance of groomer education and  future of the industry, including how the projections of the future number of service individuals needed by the year 2026 are downright scary. Enjoy  this episode with the living legend Khris Berry! Enjoying the podcast? Please share this with your friends, coworkers, bosses, veterinarians, and other service-industry professionals.  Finally, we would like to thank our sponsor Loyalty Pet Products for making this podcast possible. Please take a moment to peruse their amazing products at www.LoyaltyPetProducts.com and score a 10% off coupon off your order when you use the code UNLEASHED at checkout. 

Grooming Unleashed - Episode 8 - Released 12/10/2019 From a bout with meth addiction to award-winning groomer, Blake Hernandez knows how it is to be near rock-bottom and be given a second a chance, like the dog that he rescued that changed his life forever. Blake loves the spotlight and he isn't afraid to let you know, but the spotlight adores him. If it is entertaining videos or educational ones, Blake isn't afraid to be himself - and that's what makes himso special. Blake has his hands in multiple successful business endeavors, and he discusses each one with great detail in this episode.  Enjoy our episode with the multi-talented Blake Hernandez. *From December 10th - December 21st, sign up on www.LoyaltyPetProducts.com for their 12 Days of Christmas Sales! 

In this episode, Kevin Alvarez of Blue Lynx Marketing provides groomers with practical advice on how they can grow their grooming shop business.  He discusses the importance of learning how to calculate the Average Customer Lifetime Value and why this metric is important.  He also shares some ideas on how you know it's time to increase your prices or scale your business.  He also provides practical tips on helping to improve your visibility online and the importance of claiming your Google My Business page as well as some advice on how to get reviews (and why they're important).  He explains why grooming shops that don't at least have a one page website are doing a disservice to themselves and their customers. You can follow Kevin on Twitter @bluelynxmktg or Facebook @https://www.facebook.com/alvarez.kevin Show notes will be added soon