From Studio Apartment to Nine-Figure Brand: How Spot & Tango is Competing in the Fresh Pet Food Market

How does the world's largest pet care ecosystem actually work? In this episode of Petworking, I sit down with Dr. Jimmy Barr, Chief Medical Officer of Antech Diagnostics, for a behind-the-curtain look at how Mars Petcare's four divisions connect to drive innovation in veterinary medicine.Most people hear "Mars" and think M&Ms. They don't think of Pedigree, Royal Canin, Champion Pet Foods, Banfield, VCA, Blue Pearl, Wisdom Panel, and one of the most ambitious longitudinal pet health studies ever attempted. Dr. Barr walks us through all of it.In this episode, we explore:How the Waltham Pet Care Science Institute serves as Mars's greenfield discovery engine, recently identifying 89 previously unknown bacterial species in the canine GI tractHow Antech is deploying AI across two tracks: improving commercial products like Rapid Read (trained on 16 million radiographs) and accelerating scientific discoveryThe Mars Pet Care Biobank, a long-term study enrolling 10,000 pets with annual lab work, genetic sequencing, quality-of-life questionnaires, and biological sample storage for future testing methodologies that don't even exist yetWhy Dr. Barr, an emergency and critical care specialist, believes the biggest opportunity in veterinary medicine is prevention and early detection, not acute careThe role of lab technicians and logistics teams in maintaining the integrity of every diagnostic result, and why Lab Week mattersThis episode is a continuation of my earlier conversation with Dr. Phillip Bosse at WVC about Antech's measured approach to AI in veterinary diagnostics.Follow Peter Kenseth on LinkedIn for more conversations at the intersection of pet care, animal health, and innovation.Subscribe to the Petworking newsletter on LinkedIn to be notified of new episodes, and see accompanying episode articles.

With Global Pet Expo right around the corner, I sat down with Jessica McCarthy, Founder & CEO of Brand Energy, to talk about something that should be on every pet brand's radar: the untapped power of LinkedIn as a marketing and relationship-building platform. Jessica brings serious pet industry credibility to the conversation, having spent nearly seven years at Mars — including a five-year run leading their national customer marketing program.In this episode, we explore:Why 99% of LinkedIn users are "lurkers" — and why that matters more than you thinkHow B2B sales and marketing in pet has evolved from boots on the ground to digital relationship buildingThe future of independent pet specialty in a convenience-driven, at-home delivery worldWhy brands questioning trade show ROI are often the ones not doing the digital work before, during, and after the showThe execution gap between knowing the LinkedIn playbook and actually running itWhat Jessica covers in her forthcoming book, Marketing Magic, and her upcoming talk at Global Pet ExpoJessica is a fractional CMO and CRO who works with pet brands and businesses of all sizes to build marketing strategies that drive real results. Her perspective on why independent pet retailers have been slow to adopt digital marketing — and what that means for the channel's future — is a must-listen for anyone in the pet industry.About Petworking:Petworking is the podcast for pet care and animal health professionals. Hosted by Peter Kenseth, VP & Partner at Maia Strategy Group, Petworking features interviews with founders, executives, and veterinarians driving innovation across the pet industry.

Is the middle class getting priced out of pet ownership?With headlines warning of rising pet debt and skyrocketing veterinary costs, I sat down with Lane Kent, former CEO of Independence Pet Group, to discuss the affordability crisis in pet care and the role pet insurance can play in addressing it.Lane shares why pet insurance adoption remains stuck at 4% despite over 90% of Americans considering pets family members, what's fundamentally broken about current product designs, and why he believes we're approaching a tipping point that could see adoption reach 10% within the next decade.We also discuss the 43% increase in veterinary costs since COVID, how employer-sponsored benefits could drive adoption, the promise of telemedicine and wearable technology, and why the current reimbursement model needs to evolve.Key topics:→ Why buying pet insurance is like buying homeowner's insurance after a fire starts→ The structural flaw of underwriting health insurance as property & casualty→ Signs of change: major insurers entering the market→ Lane's prediction for pet insurance adoption→ The PAWS Act and tax-deductible pet expensesAbout the Guest:Lane Kent is the former CEO of Independence Pet Group, one of the largest holding companies of pet insurance brands in the United States, encompassing approximately 25 brands including Pumpkin and Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC.About Peter Kenseth & Petworking:Peter Kenseth is the host of the Petworking podcast and Vice President & Partner at Maia Strategy Group, where he leads the Pet Care & Animal Health practice. He is also the founder of the Petworking Angel Fund, which provides financial assistance to families facing economic euthanasia decisions for treatable conditions.📌 CONNECT WITH USPetworking Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/petworking-7052038911409160192Peter Kenseth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkenseth

From cooking fresh meals for his dog Jack in a NYC studio apartment to running a nine-figure pet food company, Russell Breuer's entrepreneurial journey is one for the books.In this episode, the CEO & Founder of Spot & Tango joins Peter Kenseth to discuss how his company is disrupting the fresh pet food market by making minimally processed nutrition affordable and accessible. With industry giants like Hill's, Royal Canin, and Blue Buffalo all piling into the fresh food space, Russell explains how Spot & Tango carved out a unique position through their proprietary "fresh dry" process—delivering the benefits of fresh frozen at 30-40% lower cost.We cover:The origin story behind Spot & Tango and UnKibbleWhy Russell made the contrarian decision to build his own factoryHow they've maintained prices despite industry-wide inflationThe difference between freeze-dried, air-dried, and dehydrated pet foodPup Gum: rethinking dental care for dogsThe future of personalization in pet nutritionWhat it really takes to scale a startup through a pandemicWhether you're a pet parent curious about fresh food options, an entrepreneur navigating the pet industry, or just love a good founder story, this conversation delivers.🔗 Learn more about Spot & Tango: spotandtango.com🔗 Check out Pup Gum: pupgum.com—Petworking is hosted by Peter Kenseth, VP & Partner at Maia Strategy Group, covering the people, brands, and trends shaping the future of pet care and animal health.#PetFood #FreshPetFood #Entrepreneurship #PetIndustry #DogFood #Petworking

In this episode, Peter Kenseth sits down with Jeff Mard, founder of Channel M, to discuss his unique business model in the pet industry. As someone who attends nearly every major pet conference—from SuperZoo to VMX to Pet Connect—Jeff has built a consulting practice focused on connecting brands, agencies, and service providers while also investing his expertise in exchange for equity stakes.In this conversation, we explore:How Channel M facilitates connections across the pet industry ecosystemJeff's approach to investing in innovative pet startupsThe evolving landscape of pet health technology, from at-home diagnostics to smart collarsWhy the pet industry remains recession-proof and ripe for innovationWhat makes a pet company worth investing inWhether you're a pet industry professional, entrepreneur, or investor, Jeff's insights on building relationships and identifying opportunities in this growing market are invaluable.📧 Subscribe to Petworking to stay updated on the latest pet industry trends and conversations!

Rising veterinary costs are forcing families into impossible choices—and it's not just hurting pets. Veterinarians face mounting moral distress when they know they could help an animal, but financial barriers prevent proper care. This crisis contributes to the veterinary profession's alarmingly high suicide rate.In this episode, I sit down with Heather Schmid Moore, CEO and founder of PetCentric Health, to explore an innovative solution: subscription-based veterinary care plans for independent practices.What We Discuss:Why 70% of families can't afford a $400 unexpected expense—and how that translates to delayed or avoided veterinary careThe problems with traditional a la carte veterinary pricing and why pet insurance alone isn't enoughHow PetCentric Health's subscription model works: combining preventive care with flexible spending for sick visits and minor issuesWhy subscription plans allow pet owners to access more care on day one than they've paid in—and how this benefits both families and veterinariansThe role of subscription plans alongside pet insurance, telehealth, and emergency assistance funds like the Petworking Angel FundReal data on how subscription models improve compliance, reduce veterinary stress, and catch health problems earlierKey Takeaways:The way we've paid for veterinary care for the past 50 years isn't working anymore. Pet owners want bundled, predictable pricing—not line-item bills that create sticker shock. Subscription care plans address the gap between routine wellness and major medical emergencies, covering the primary care needs that often get delayed or skipped entirely.For veterinarians, these plans reduce the pressure to discount services, improve cash flow, and allow them to focus on medicine rather than difficult financial conversations. For pet owners, monthly subscriptions eliminate the barrier of walking in the door, encouraging the regular visits that lead to early detection and better outcomes.About Our Guest:Heather Schmid Moore is the CEO and founder of PetCentric Health, which currently supports nearly 40 veterinary hospitals across 10 states. Her company helps independent practices build customized subscription care plans that work for their specific client base and clinical focus.Resources Mentioned:Pet Centric Health: petcentrichealth.comPetworking Angel Fund (November cocktail party launch - details coming soon)ASPCA Poison Control (included with Pet Centric subscriptions)About Petworking:Petworking explores innovations in pet health, nutrition, and care through conversations with industry leaders. Recent episodes have focused on improving access to veterinary care and preventing economic euthanasia—the heartbreaking reality of pets being euthanized or surrendered solely due to cost.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction: Why access to care matters3:38 - The hidden crisis in veterinary medicine7:12 - Why the a la carte payment model is broken12:27 - How Pet Centric Health's subscription model works22:56 - Can you really use your subscription on day one?31:19 - Unlimited visits vs. flexible spending: what works?35:02 - Partnerships: insurance, telehealth, and poison control40:44 - Impact on economic euthanasia and veterinary burnout45:41 - Update on the Petworking Angel FundSubscribe to Petworking for more conversations about innovations in pet health and care.Questions? Comments? Share your thoughts below—especially if you're a veterinarian considering subscription models or a pet owner with experience using these plans.

Fresh from her first SuperZoo experience, Pet Connect Event Director Poppy Howard-Wall joins Peter to discuss the trends reshaping our industry. From the "Year of the Cat" finally materializing to the continued evolution away from traditional kibble, this conversation reveals what 20,000+ attendees and three Home Depots worth of exhibition space taught a strategic conference organizer.We dive deep into the strategic divergence between brands doubling down on independent pet retail versus those pivoting to direct-to-consumer models—exemplified by Stella & Chewy's surprising absence from SuperZoo's massive floor. Plus, discover how Pet Connect's December 2-4 Beverly Hills summit serves as a strategic bridge between major trade shows, featuring their new "Next 25" program identifying industry disruptors.Key topics covered:SuperZoo's scale vs. Pet Connect's strategic intimacyCat innovation white space opportunitiesThe freeze-dried inclusion trend in kibbleDistribution strategy tensions post-COVIDPet Connect's three-track programming for 2025Whether you're navigating industry relationships or seeking strategic connections beyond traditional trade show networking, this episode offers insider perspectives on where pet industry leaders are focusing their attention.Register for Pet Connect (Dec 2-4, Beverly Hills) at petconnectsummit.comUse code PETWORKING10 for 10% off registration

500,000 pets are euthanized annually in the US not because they're sick, but because families can't afford care. That number doesn't even include surrenders.In this episode, Peter welcomes back Nicole Patrick, founder and CEO of Rescue Spot, to introduce our 501c3 partner for the Petworking Angel Fund - The Rescue Spot Foundation. Together, they discuss the heartbreaking reality of economic euthanasia and how we're working to keep families together.🎯 KEY TOPICS:- Economic euthanasia crisis: 500,000+ pets affected annually- Why only 4% of pet owners have insurance- Veterinary costs rising 2-3x faster than inflation- How economic euthanasia contributes to vet burnout & suicide rates- The Rescue Spot Foundation partnership details- Solutions: pet insurance, CareCredit, All Pet Card options⛳ PETWORKING ANGEL FUND OPEN:📅 September 22, 2025📍 Vermont National Country Club (Jack Nicklaus designed)🍂 Peak fall foliage season in Vermont🎯 100% of proceeds support the Angel Fund💰 $250/person or $900/team registration🔗 REGISTER: bit.ly/AngelFundOpen💡 BOTTOM LINE: If you've ever faced an unexpected vet bill and had family help or good credit to get through it, this fund provides that same "angel hand" to families who need it most.🎪 WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE TOURNAMENT:- Adoptable pets on-site- Four-person scramble format (all skill levels welcome)- Lunch, dinner buffet & open bar included- Beautiful Vermont fall weekend getaway opportunityThis isn't about replacing responsible pet ownership or pet insurance - it's about creating a safety net for crisis situations. Because no family should have to choose between financial ruin and losing a beloved pet.👥 SPONSORS ALREADY COMMITTED:Roo, Volition Veterinary, Fera Pet Organics, Heritage Ford🏥 VET CLINICS & SHELTERS: Interested in partnering with the Angel Fund? Reach out - we want to be a resource for you.📢 SHARE THIS: Help spread awareness about economic euthanasia and solutions like pet insurance. Tag someone who needs to hear this message.🎙️ ABOUT PETWORKING:Your source for insights into pet care, animal health, and industry trends. Hosted by Peter Kenseth, VP & Partner at Maia Strategy Group.LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/PetworkingPKNewsletter: https://bit.ly/Petworking

🐱 Why are cats still a "medical black box" in 2025? In this groundbreaking episode, Petworking host and founder, Peter Kenseth, sits down with Dr. Elinor Karlsson (Broad Institute/UMass Medical School) and Dr. Jennifer Radosevich (@Hill's Pet Nutrition) to discuss Darwin's Cats—the first large-scale feline genomic study that's revolutionizing how we understand cat health.In this episode, they explore:Why 60% of cats have never been to a vet (and how that's created a knowledge crisis)The heartbreaking story that sparked a scientific revolutionHow collecting fur (not stressful cheek swabs!) is making cat DNA research possibleHill's development of cat-specific wearables that track jumping (not walking!)The open-source approach that could accelerate feline health breakthroughsWhat Darwin's Cats means for the future of personalized cat nutrition and medicineWith nearly 15,000 cats already enrolled, this initiative represents the most comprehensive effort to understand feline genetics ever undertaken. Learn how your cat can contribute to groundbreaking research that could transform veterinary medicine.🔬 Get Involved: Visit darwinsark.org to enroll your cat (survey is free, genetic testing is $150)📱 Connect with Petworking:LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/PetworkingPKNewsletter: https://bit.ly/Petworking#DarwinsCats #FelineHealth #CatGenetics #PetInnovation #VeterinaryMedicine #CatResearch #Petworking #YearOfTheCat #HillsPetNutrition #BroadInstitute

In this episode, we reconnect with Jeffrey Bishop-Hill, SVP of Marketplace at Roo, to discuss the company's remarkable growth and expansion across the veterinary relief marketplace. With 5,000 veterinarians working shifts through their platform last year, Roo is addressing critical staffing shortages while providing flexible work options that help combat veterinary burnout.We explore how the veterinary industry is evolving, including trends in practice consolidation, changing client behaviors, and the ongoing challenges of veterinary staffing. Jeff shares insights into how veterinarians are using relief platforms - from busy moms keeping their licenses active to full-time relief workers finding their perfect practice match.The conversation takes a deeper turn as we discuss one of veterinary medicine's most heartbreaking challenges: economic euthanasia. With 500,000 pets euthanized annually not because they're sick, but because families can't afford treatment, we explore how this crisis contributes to veterinary burnout and affects the entire pet care ecosystem.🚨 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Introducing the Petworking Angel Fund!We're launching a new initiative to prevent economic euthanasia by providing funding for treatable medical conditions when families can't afford care. The fund launches with our inaugural charity golf tournament - the Petworking Angel Fund Open on September 22nd, 2025, at Vermont National Country Club in Burlington, Vermont.Key Topics Covered:Roo's expansion to all major US markets by end of 2025How veterinary relief work is evolving beyond traditional modelsThe reality of economic euthanasia affecting 500,000 pets annuallyWhy only 4% pet insurance adoption creates healthcare access issuesHow veterinary burnout connects to impossible financial decisionsLaunching the Petworking Angel Fund to save livesAbout Our Guests:Jeffrey Bishop-Hill is SVP of Marketplace at Roo, the leading platform connecting veterinarians and veterinary technicians with hospitals needing relief staffing.Get Involved:🏌️ Register for the Angel Fund Open: bit.ly/angelfundopen💼 Explore sponsorship opportunities: https://maiastrategy.com/angel-fund-open/#📧 Contact us about Angel Fund partnershipsConnect with Roo:Website: roovet.comCareers: Visit roovet.com and scroll to careers sectionChapters:00:00 - Introduction & Roo's Growth03:41 - Geographic Expansion & New Markets08:19 - Veterinary Staffing Trends & Client Behavior11:35 - How Veterinarians Use Relief Platforms16:22 - Economic Trends in Veterinary Medicine21:29 - Pet Insurance & Preventive Care Crisis24:15 - Economic Euthanasia Statistics26:58 - ANNOUNCING: The Petworking Angel Fund29:22 - Angel Fund Open Golf Tournament Details32:46 - Why This Matters to the Industry36:01 - How to Get Involved#VeterinaryMedicine #PetCare #AnimalWelfare #VeterinaryBurnout #PetInsurance #EconomicEuthanasia #CharityGolfTournament #AngelFund #Roo #PetworkingSupport the Angel Fund and help us save lives - one swing at a time! ⛳🐾