Toxic employees can quietly destroy everything you've worked to build—your team morale, your client experience, and your overall business culture. In this episode, Fern breaks down how even one negative team member can ripple through your pet resort and create serious damage. From subtle eye-rolls to full-blown defiance, it all adds up faster than you think. The big question is: how do you spot it early, and what do you do once it's there?

You'll learn how to recognize the different "stages" of toxicity and get practical strategies for handling each one—whether you're dealing with minor moodiness or someone who's completely derailing your team. Fern also shares why hiring slow and firing fast is more than just a cliché—it’s essential for protecting your business. If you've ever made excuses for an underperforming employee or hesitated to act, this episode is your wake-up call.

AI isn’t just for tech giants and sci-fi movies anymore—it’s here, it’s powerful, and it’s ready to transform your pet business if you let it. In this episode, Fern dives deep into the practical ways ChatGPT can supercharge your daycare or boarding facility. From content creation and marketing to staff training and operations, you’ll find out how this tool can become your new behind-the-scenes assistant—saving you time, boosting creativity, and helping you stand out from the pack
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Whether you’ve never touched AI before or you’re already experimenting with it, this episode breaks down how to use it effectively without getting overwhelmed. Fern also shares real-world tips on getting better results, avoiding common mistakes, and even how to build your own custom GPTs tailored for your business. If you're ready to stop watching from the sidelines and start using tech to your advantage, this is your nudge to dive in.

Sometimes the best way to grow your business is to hit pause and take a hard look at what’s really working—and what’s not. In this episode, Fern opens up about a difficult decision he had to make at Overdog and why cutting back can sometimes be the smartest move forward. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure whether to keep pushing or pivot, you’ll relate big time.

This isn’t just theory—it’s a real-world look at what it means to prune parts of your business to make space for stronger, healthier growth. You’ll walk away with fresh perspective and maybe even permission to let go of what’s holding you back. Ready to rethink your strategy? Let’s go.