Paws & Purpose: Building Community in Pet Franchising with Michelle Sandonato
Pet care is personal. When people trust a brand with their dog’s grooming, wellness, and comfort, they are trusting that business with a beloved member of the family.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we welcome Michelle Sandonato, Co-Founder and President of Bowie Barker Bath + Groomerie, a modern dog grooming brand offering full-service grooming, self-serve wash stations, wellness checks, membership-based care, and a convenient booking experience. Bowie Barker was founded in Los Angeles and is expanding through franchising with a mission to elevate the traditional dog grooming experience.
In Paws & Purpose, we explore:
• Why trust and empathy matter in the pet care industry
• How Bowie Barker is modernizing dog grooming and wellness
• Why pet businesses can become powerful local community hubs
• How franchising can help bring high-quality pet care to more neighborhoods
• What it takes to scale a service brand without losing personal connection
• Why community-centered experiences are the future of pet care
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach and Tullio Siragusa
🎧 Produced by Martha Huerta
The future of pet care is not only about services. It is about creating trusted, joyful spaces where pets, people, and communities feel cared for.
Co-Founder + President
Michelle Sandonato is the Co-Founder and President of Bowie Barker, bringing more than 18 years of experience building and growing brands consumers love. Throughout her career, she has led strategy, guest experience, operations, and innovation for high-growth brands including Cold Stone Creamery, Sky Zone, Massage Envy, and The NOW.
In 2022, Michelle co-founded Bowie Barker alongside Jeff Platt, founder of Sky Zone, and Post Investment Group, with a vision to create a modern pet care brand rooted in hospitality, wellness, and community. Since launching franchising in 2023, Bowie Barker has grown to eight open locations with additional shops in development nationwide.
A passionate advocate for rescue animals, Michelle is a proud dog mom to two rescue pups and serves on the board of My Dog Is My Home, a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to shelter and housing for people experiencing homelessness with companion animals. That passion for strengthening the bond between people and pets continues to shape the heart and mission behind Bowie Barker.