The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Business with Kath Allen and Abbey Lee
Emotional intelligence accounts for nearly 90% of what sets high performers apart from their peers (Harvard Business Review). Yet too often, EQ is dismissed as “soft skills” instead of being recognized as the foundation of effective leadership, culture, and business growth.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Kath Allen, Founder of Hike Doggie Inc & Hike Doggie Franchising LLC, and Abbey Lee, Partner of Hike Doggie Inc & Hike Doggie Franchising LLC. Together, they are scaling a purpose-driven brand that combines adventure-driven pet care with empathy-centered leadership and franchising.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach and Mike Liwski
🎧 Produced by Tullio Siragusa
🧭 In this episode, we explore:
• How emotional intelligence strengthens leadership and team dynamics
• The role of empathy and trust in scaling Hike Doggie’s franchise model
• Systems that foster connection and resilience during rapid growth
• Why purpose and compassion are cornerstones of sustainable success
🎧 Whether you’re a founder, executive, or team leader, this conversation will inspire you to integrate emotional intelligence into the way you lead and grow.
Abbey Lee
Partner of Hike Doggie Inc & Hike Doggie Franchising LLC
Abbey, originally from West Chester, Pennsylvania, Abbey pursued her passion for sports and education in North Carolina, where she excelled as a collegiate diver and earned a degree in Elementary Education. Following college, she embarked on an international adventure, relocating to Germany with her husband and their first dog, Brandy, where they welcomed their daughter. After several years abroad, Abbey returned to the U.S., settling first in South Carolina—where her two sons were born—before making her home in Golden, Colorado.
Fueled by her love for the outdoors and animals, she joined the Hike Doggie team, where she played a key role in developing the company’s comprehensive training program for new franchisees. She continues to welcome and integrate new dogs into the Hike Doggie program with care and enthusiasm, while also helping to upgrade internal systems and software, streamline daily operations, and build a strong and reliable team.
Abbey is now excited to help lead the company’s growth through a new partnership with Loyalty Brands, expanding Hike Doggie’s franchising footprint across the United States.
Kath Allen
Founder of Hike Doggie Inc & Hike Doggie Franchising LLC
Kath, born in New Jersey as the youngest of five, Kath Allen learned early the value of teamwork, commitment, and strong mentorship—lessons she carried with her from the basketball court to the boardroom. A Division II basketball scholarship athlete at Pace University, Kath’s career path took her through sales and account management roles at both small businesses and Fortune 500 companies. Along the way, she discovered her true passion: blending personal growth, service, and a love for animals into something bigger.
After living in Italy for three years, Kath settled in Golden, CO where she now lives with her partner Malcolm and their two pups, LuLu and Storm. It was on the trails of Colorado in 2016 that Hike Doggie was born—a business redefining pet care through structured, adventure-driven dog hikes. What started as a passion project quickly evolved into a thriving company with a unique niche in the industry.
Today, Kath leads a fast-growing brand with a reputation for excellence, a focus on automation with a personal touch, and a commitment to enriching the lives of both pets and their parents. In 2024, she successfully launched Hike Doggie Franchising, empowering others to bring this innovative service to communities nationwide. That same drive and vision earned her a spot on the Titan 100 list in 2025, recognizing Colorado’s top CEOs and C-level executives.
With the support of a talented team and a recent partnership with Loyalty Brands, Kath is proud to be scaling Hike Doggie across the U.S.—and loving every minute of the adventure.
