“Groom Expo is the place we collect and communicate the language of grooming,” says Jayne Gallagher, seminar speaker and co-star of Pooch Good. “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 outdoors of Australia,” says Sarah Warner. “I heard that Groom Expo was the largest on this planet, and after 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 probably the most approachable, type, 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 providers,” says Elizabeth. “The Expo has offered an unlimited quantity of invaluable info that may assist us to supply the best 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 faculty in Loveland, Colorado, calls Groom Expo the “Superbowl” of grooming expos: “This 12 months I introduced all 13 of my workers members to Groom Expo and signed each one in every of 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 chill out and take up every thing you realized 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 in all my ladies obtained to be Victor Rosado’s assistant for his ‘Supercharge Your Grooming’ seminar. Let me let you know—she remains to be on cloud 9!
“I beloved 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 workers, that we overlook to handle ourselves. All the audio system within the collection opened up and have been trustworthy about struggles that they had. 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 can sit within the viewers and watch among the greatest 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 talent degree and price range, and the groomers have been taking full benefit of present specials to fill up on their favorites.
Groom Expo will not be all enterprise although, there was loads of time for enjoyable. The Web Social, “Groomers of the Galaxy” opening-night occasion and the Barkleigh Honors after occasion gave attendees the chance to satisfy up with outdated pals, 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 Greatest In Present Awards. Then, the 26 contestants of the Summary Runway competitors displayed their wonderful 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 toes in tribute to her and to honor her achievements.
Sunday’s Artistic Grooming competitors drew entries from throughout: “I traveled 3,576 miles from England to take part within the Artistic 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 excellent expertise and a reminiscence I’ll have endlessly.”
“I’ve been going to Groom Expo since I began my grooming enterprise 18 years in the past,” says Jolene Siebeneck. “Once I obtained into competing in Artistic, my purpose was to win the ‘Folks’s Selection Award.’ I can’t even start to clarify the emotions I had after 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 exhausting and places in numerous hours for this second. I had a tough time wrapping my head round the truth that I received each awards!”
Artistic groomer Andrea Zelinsky didn’t let a case of nerves and nervousness maintain her from competing: “Proper earlier than the competitors, I ran to the toilet, splashed some water on my face, and gave myself my greatest 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 concerning 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, inventive 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 group that strives for private greatest but in addition strives for group 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 group of groomers I used to be with,” shares Sarah Lagos. “I realized greater than I might ever clarify concerning the artwork of pet grooming, about myself, and the way grateful I’m to have discovered this profession.
“I might let you know all of the issues I purchased and what I did on daily basis, however my greatest takeaway was throughout 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 notice that this profession is the explanation 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 positive 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 present. Kathy can also 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.
