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My name is Lydia Best, and I’m the Vice President of Operations at Woofie’s. I have over 20 years of pet industry experience, which includes recruiting, customer service, sales, and training in the technology and hospitality industries. I previously owned a successful pet care business, Everything and The Dog, LLC, which served Northern Virginia and parts of Maryland. For 14 years, I managed a team of over 100 dog walkers and achieved over $1M in annual revenue, which I’m very proud of!
In 2017, I made the decision to sell my company and pursue a new chapter. Not long after, I joined Woofie’s – the only franchise in the professional pet care space to combine pet sitting, dog walking, and mobile grooming services. I’ve been with Woofie’s ever since, previously serving as Senior Director of Training and Support before stepping into my current role.
My passion for animals runs deep. I have many pets, including a dog – Frenchie (a Pug), a cat named Beijing, a Yellow-Crested Cockatoo named George, and a Box Turtle named Myrtle. Being part of the Woofie’s team has truly been a dream come true for me!
Takeaways:
- Don’t be afraid of a little friendly competition. Sometimes you can use it to your advantage! You never know where a relationship with a competitor may end up taking you in the future.
- Whether you’re an aspiring or established entrepreneur, it’s important to have open communication, celebrate the small wins, and foster autonomy.
- Prioritize work-life balance. Set boundaries and carve out time for myself to do the things I love in order to recharge.
- Establish a supportive network of professional mentors and peers, as they can provide valuable support, advice, and encouragement throughout your career journey.
Photo credit: Woofies
“I love working with creative, passionate, and driven individuals. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, and being in the pet care industry makes it all the more rewarding.” – Lydia Best
We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I met Amy Addington, Brand President of Woofie’s, through a local pet care business networking group. At the time, I was still running Everything and The Dog, and Woofie’s was just starting out. Despite being direct competitors, Amy and I instantly hit it off and developed a strong friendship. I always admired her vision to elevate and professionalize the pet care industry.
Since we were competitors, we often overlapped in pet sitters and clients. However, when Woofie’s expanded into mobile grooming services, I happily referred my clients to Amy and Woofie’s since my business mainly handled pet sitting. We tried to make it as mutually beneficial for ourselves as we could. I eventually sold my business and shortly afterward, Amy approached me about joining the Woofie’s team. I’ve always had a process and improvement-oriented mindset, so I believed stepping into a leadership role would be a natural next move. The rest is history!
Every entrepreneur has a goal and a problem they’re trying to solve. What was the inspiration that started your journey?
I sold Everything and The Dog, LLC in 2017. I was just at a point in my life where I felt it was time to try something new. A short while later, I became the Director of Operations for Woofie’s of Ashburn’s mobile pet spa and absolutely loved it. That transition helped me get to where I am today, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
What is a typical day like for you?
I’m very involved in Woofie’s franchise development efforts, mainly streamlining our recruitment, onboarding, and training processes. A typical day includes managing our team of franchise business coaches, recruiting and training local staff, designing and implementing new franchise owner training materials, and providing ongoing support and resources to existing franchise owners. I also collaborate closely with my counterparts from our parent company, Authority Brands, to drive continued growth and innovation.
What strategies do you use to cultivate a positive work culture?
I believe in promoting open communication, celebrating the small wins, prioritizing work-life balance, and fostering autonomy.
What’s your favorite part about working at Woofie’s?
Hands down, the people and pets! I love working with creative, passionate, and driven individuals. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, and being in the pet care industry makes it all the more rewarding.
As part of your job, how does Woofie’s attract, retain, and train quality franchise owners?
Woofie’s is a passion brand, so “attraction” feels like the easy part. I find it’s important to be transparent during the sales process so franchise owners know what they’re signing up for is exactly what they’re getting. Since the pet care industry is highly competitive, Woofie’s also places a strong emphasis on training, ongoing support, and continued education to stand out. Training is personalized to each owner’s learning pace, broken into manageable segments, and supported by a learning management system for flexible, self-paced study. Ongoing education is a cornerstone at Woofie’s, as we’re constantly creating new training resources and forming partnerships to help our franchise owners and their teams grow.
What kind of technology does Woofie’s use to stay ahead?
New as of late-2024, Woofie’s has integrated AI-generated pet profile summaries into its software to help staff quickly understand a pet’s needs. We are also piloting AI-assisted route optimization for our administrative teams and AI chatbots to assist with customer interactions on some franchise websites.
How does Woofie’s stand out from competitors in the pet care industry?
Woofie’s is the only franchise brand that combines pet sitting, dog walking, and mobile spa services under one umbrella. What makes us unique is that our team takes the time to get to know pets and their owners so we can provide them with the utmost care. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter pet care – personalized pet care is what our clients demand and is our priority. We are also committed to innovation. Just last year, we added two new offerings – vet telehealth and Pampered Puppy – which gave our franchise owners more revenue streams and service options for clients. National partnerships with trusted brands like the American Kennel Club (AKC), The Farmer’s Dog, and Ancestry.com also help boost our credibility and visibility.
How does Woofie’s market its services to clients and franchise prospects?
For customers, offering multiple revenue streams – like pet sitting, dog walking, grooming, and more – has made us appealing to clients looking for a one-stop shop. We find that diversifying your revenue streams is not only a way to increase your bottom line but also offers new and unique services to keep customers engaged. We also lean on customer testimonials to build trust and use loyalty programs like our Woof Pack Loyalty Program to increase retention.
While Woofie’s is open to franchise owners from all walks of life, I find the ideal franchise owner is someone with a passion for animals, self-motivation and the hunger to succeed as a business owner. All we ask is that franchise owners bring their professional experience and passion for pets, and we’ll bring our decades of knowledge and time-tested processes! Our in-depth training program, combined with the support of Authority Brands, teaches first-time franchise owners everything they need to know. We begin working with them months before their grand opening to make sure they feel confident every step of the way. From day one, we give our franchise owners access to elevated training sessions, networking opportunities, established marketing tactics, up-to-date equipment and supplies, advanced technology, safety protocols for the groomer and pets in their care, proper insurance and ongoing support. Our support starts far in advance of each grand opening, which is one major reason we stand apart from other pet and dog franchise opportunities.
How does Woofie’s support the local community?
Woofie’s services, like mobile grooming, help make pet care more accessible and reduce pet owners’ stress of transporting pets. In addition to serving our clients’ needs, many Woofie’s franchise owners host free or low-cost bathing and grooming events for local animal shelters and rescue groups. Our franchise owners are allowed to select the pet featured on the side of their Woofie’s mobile grooming van, so some have also opted to showcase adoptable dogs on theirs. At our core, we’re driven by a shared commitment to improving the lives of animals and the communities we serve.
How do you prioritize your well-being while managing a demanding role?
Burnout is real, especially as a business owner or someone in a leadership role. As VP of Operations, I know firsthand the amount of blood, sweat, and tears Amy and I have put into Woofie’s. And despite this, I still love what I do. I’ve learned to set boundaries and carve out time for myself. In my spare time, I’m a foodie, an avid reader, and I love puzzles and visual scrapbooking. These are the things that help me recharge. In my opinion, balance isn’t optional; it’s necessary for long-term success.
What would you consider your biggest accomplishment and why?
Building and growing a business from scratch, and then having the opportunity to help others do the same, has been deeply fulfilling. Entrepreneurship is in my DNA, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to turn ideas into thriving businesses – both my own and those I now support through Woofie’s. Pet care hasn’t just been my career – it’s my passion!
We all face challenges. Looking back, what have been some of the biggest challenges and obstacles you’ve had to navigate?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is overcoming the misconceptions people have about mobile grooming and in-home pet care. Early on, I realized many people didn’t fully understand the level of professionalism, quality, and care that goes into these services. There’s often an assumption that mobile grooming is a “luxury” or that in-home pet sitting is informal, like asking a neighbor for help. In reality, these are highly specialized services that require trained professionals, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of client expectations. Navigating this obstacle has required a lot of education for potential clients and even for prospective franchise owners. I’ve had to become an advocate for the industry, helping our franchise owners feel equipped with the tools and messaging to build trust and credibility in their local markets. This challenge has also taught me the power of storytelling. Sharing real client experiences and showcasing the behind-the-scenes work that goes into providing exceptional care can be a powerful tool. It’s been a rewarding journey turning skepticism into loyalty and helping others see the true value of what we offer.
What challenges have you faced as a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated space?
Being a female leader in a male-dominated industry can present both challenges and opportunities. I’ve found empathy, collaboration, and emotional intelligence have helped me lead authentically and earn respect. The key is to embrace your strengths and stay true to your values.
What initiatives or actions do you believe are crucial for fostering a more supportive and inclusive business environment for women?
It’s important to establish a supportive network of professional mentors and peers in order to stay connected with my community. Participating in leadership opportunities, professional organizations, networking events, and mentorship programs has been valuable for support, advice, and encouragement.
What are the three most important habits to be a successful entrepreneur?
- Stay Curious and Coachable: The business landscape is always evolving. I believe the entrepreneurs who thrive are the ones who stay curious. They are always asking questions, seeking feedback, and are open to learning. I’ve seen franchise owners who come in with little to no experience owning a business, but succeed because they are willing to learn, adapt, and stay humble.
- Prioritize Relationships: Whether it’s customers, team members, or fellow business owners, relationships are everything. Building genuine connections and leading with empathy will open more doors than any marketing strategy. In a franchise system, especially, collaboration and support networks are key to long-term success.
- Consistency Over Intensity: Big wins come from showing up every day, not just from bursts of inspiration. Whether it’s client follow-up, team communication, or refining your systems, the entrepreneurs who succeed are the ones who are consistent with the small, everyday tasks that build momentum over time.
“Community trust is everything. Network locally, be present, and build genuine relationships.” – Lydia Best
Can you share some of the most important lessons you’ve learned from your successes and failures in business?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that success and failure are often two sides of the same coin. Some of my biggest “wins” come right after moments where things didn’t go as planned. You can’t let setbacks define you. Instead, use them to adjust and improve. From my successes, I’ve learned the power of preparation and consistency. When you build solid systems, foster relationships, and stay aligned with your values, success becomes less about luck and more about readiness. From my failures, I’ve learned clear communication is everything. When things have gone off track, it’s almost always been because expectations weren’t as clear as I thought they were. Overcommunicating isn’t a bad thing – I consider it a leadership necessity. I’ve also learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Early in my career, I thought I had to solve every problem on my own to prove my capability. Since then, I’ve learned true leadership is about building a team you can lean on and creating a culture where collaboration is valued.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Stop waiting to feel ready. You are never going to feel 100% prepared for your next big role, project, or opportunity. Confidence comes from action, not the other way around. Say yes, figure it out, and trust that you are more capable than you give yourself credit for. I’d also tell her to stop trying to do everything alone. You don’t have to have all the answers. Learn to lean on your team, ask for help, and collaborate. The sooner you learn this, the stronger you become as a leader. And lastly, I’d tell her to give herself permission to celebrate the small wins. You don’t need to hit a huge milestone to be proud of how far you have come.
What’s your biggest piece of advice for someone starting a pet care business or franchise?
Do your due diligence. If you are considering franchising, find a franchise that offers strong operational support and aligns with your values. Be prepared to network and build trust in your community; that’s how you will grow your business. It takes time. Community trust is everything. Network locally, be present, and build genuine relationships. Also, if you’re a woman-owned or minority-owned business, seek out incentives. At Woofie’s, we’re proud to offer support and incentives in alignment with our DEI values.
What are the three most important habits to be a successful high performer or leader?
- Block Non-Negotiable Time: No matter how busy things get, block time each week where you aren’t reacting to emails or calls, but instead are thinking about the business from a higher level. Sometimes that means brainstorming new ideas, and sometimes it’s just quiet reflection. The key is making this a non-negotiable.
- Keep a “Wins” Folder: This is great to have on hand when times get tough. Whenever a client or staff member sends a thank you or a franchise owner shares a success story, I save it in an email folder. On hard days, I’ll open that folder and remind myself of the real impact we’re making. It helps shift my mindset back to purpose.
- Manage Your To Do List: I try and stack my tasks based on energy level and not just sense of urgency. Creative tasks get done early while I’m fresh, calls go mid-day, and admin tasks fill in the gaps. I find it helps me stay productive without burning out.
What social media platform is the best for business growth, and why?
I think it depends on your target client. For Woofie’s, our customers tend to spend their time on Facebook and Instagram, so we encourage our franchise owners to have a presence on those platforms. Being in the pet space, we’re at an advantage because everybody loves to see cute pictures and videos of people’s pets.
What are three websites or podcasts you can’t imagine your day without? Why those three?
- A Bit of Optimism with Simon Sinek always re-centers me. His conversations remind me that leadership is about service, empathy, and playing the long game.
- The Mel Robbins Podcast is like having a personal coach in my ear. She’s practical, no-nonsense, and always gives that little push I need to take action when I’m overthinking or doubting myself.
- A Little Bit Culty with Sarah Edmondson & Anthony Ames is, I know, an unexpected favorite. It can’t be all work and no fun! But truly, it also keeps me grounded. Sarah and Anthony, aka “Nippy,” talk about influence, control, and self-awareness. It helps me stay conscious of how I lead, communicate, and build trust in my relationships both personally and professionally.
Which female leader do you admire, and why?
Brene Brown. I had the honor of hearing her speak at a small conference years ago, and her research on vulnerability and leadership shifted the way I approached leading teams. She taught me that showing up authentically, even when it’s uncomfortable, is where real connection and trust are built.
Do you have a favorite quote or motto that inspires you?
“You had the power all along, my dear” – Glinda, the Good Witch
What are some grooming trends you’re seeing?
The pet industry shows no signs of slowing down, with projections exceeding $2.16 billion by the end of the year. There is a continued focus on personalized services and an emphasis on pet wellness. Consumers want convenience, which positions Woofie’s well with our all-in-one service model.
Wrap-up/Conclusion:
Choose a question that best wraps up your interview and story for our readers. OR share a wrap-up paragraph. Feel free to insert a link for readers to find you.
How can pet lovers and aspiring female entrepreneurs learn more or get involved?
To learn more about Woofie’s services, visit Woofies.com. For franchising opportunities, visit us at OwnAWoofies.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also follow Lydia on LinkedIn, Instagram.
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