Innovation Is Key
- Oct 30, 2013
- 2 min read
By Jamie Damato Migdal, CEO & Pet Industry Entrepreneur
Between CanineLink on one hand and FetchFind on the other, the last month slipped away from me and I was a bit embarrassed to realize that I still had not written about my experiences at the Backer’s Total Pet Expo in September. So, without further ado, here is the blog post you’ve all been waiting for.
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I always enjoy the Pet Expo, but this year I was particularly excited to witness its rebranding as Backer’s Total Pet Expo. I was also really looking forward to having the opportunity to interview some really top-notch pet industry professionals.
If I had to sum up the theme of the expo in one word, it would be “innovation”. Not only were innovations happening on the individual product level (with items like the CatMan-Doo, Fiesta Ware pet bowls from Pet Palette, and made-in-Chicago doggy couture from Sophisticated Pup), but they were also happening on the retail, distribution, software, networking, recruiting, and publishing levels as well.
I was particularly impressed with Pinogy’s amazing 360Pet system (tied in to the equally amazing Pet Industry Database), which can increase efficiencies and provide solutions across the board for independent pet retailers of all sizes. And when it comes to supply and distribution, both RFG Distributing and General Pet Supply have made incredible strides increasing their reach, quality, and customer service and education. Pet Store Pro/PIDA was there as well, continuing their good work in connecting distributors, retailers, and manufacturers.
I had a great time talking to Susan Logan-McCracken of Cat Fancy and Craig Rexford of Pet Age, both of whom have embraced the opportunities provided by social and digital media to educate and inform pet people around the world. I also enjoyed speaking with Mike Canning of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, which pioneered the development of educational programs for pet industries and owners and continues to lobby for sensible pet-related legislation.
And, last but not least (because FetchFind is always on my mind these days), I was beyond thrilled to have a chance to connect with Carol Cotter of Preferred Recruiting Network. For the first time, and exclusively at the Total Pet Expo, PRN offered pet industry recruitment services where sales and marketing professionals could find firms looking for top talent.
I have to say that this year’s Total Pet Expo gave me great hope for the continued professionalization and integration of the pet industry. The rebranding of the Expo itself was a huge success, and the way that all branches of the pet world are becoming more connected and forward-looking is just a wonderful thing. I can’t wait until next year!
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Many, many thanks to our friends at Chicago Pet Video for doing such a great job producing these interviews (available for viewing on the H.H. Backer YouTube channel):
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