Michelle Sandonato, co-founder of Bowie Barker Bath + Groomerie, on modernizing dog grooming with premium design, AI-assisted service, and franchising built on local trust.
Modernizing dog grooming starts with hiring dog lovers first, according to Michelle Sandonato, co-founder and president of Bowie Barker Bath & Groomerie. She walks through the Bowie Warmup ritual, the AI phone assistant that frees up the front desk, and the self-serve wash tubs built for pet parents who feel embarrassed bringing in an anxious dog.
"Freedom within a framework is kind of what franchising is," Michelle says of balancing national brand consistency with the local relationships, like rescue partnerships, that only a neighborhood owner can build.
📅 Thursday, June 18, 2026
🕚 11:00 a.m. PST
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach and Tullio Siragusa
🎧 Produced by Martha Huerta
🧭 In this video, Michelle covers:
• Why Bowie Barker hires dog lovers first, before skill
• The Bowie Warmup ritual that builds trust before grooming starts
• How an AI phone assistant helps staff stay present with pets
• Why local franchise ownership matters more than corporate reach
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