It has been such an exciting year! And while I continue to strive to make change in the grooming industry, and build upon my dream of founding the world’s first University of Pet Education and Science, I am still focused on bringing safety to the industry every day with Groomers Helper.
The year began with the inaugural Groomys Awards banquet held at Intergroom. It was such an honor to share the stage with many of the industry’s finest, including top groomers, show promoters and vendors. I was especially proud to present the Peggy Harris Humanitarian Award to Jorge Bendersky for all his efforts with the North Shore Animal League. And it was also a pleasure to present the Grooming Industry Vendors Excellence Award to my friend and colleague Bob Thompson of Governor Insurance. Bob has continued to sponsor the First Start competitions where new groomers can take part in their first grooming contest.
The members of our GroomTeam USA were honored with Pinnacle Awards in recognition of their success, while we also honored their supporters with GroomTeam Spirit Awards. You can see the results at www.thegroomys.com. It was so rewarding to be part of this event. The feedback we received from everyone was phenomenal.
A few months ago, I had the pleasure of earning the very first Barkleigh Honors Award for Contribution to the Industry at this year’s Groom Expo. I was very honored, given the fact that I am an industry vendor and these types of awards are rarely given to manufacturers. Although I have not yet given the amount of time to the industry that others in the category such as Kathy Rose, Cheryl Purcell and Ann Stafford have contributed, I hope I have been able to make a positive impact on the industry.
The night was fantastic and another gathering of the industry’s finest, including the top groomers, judges, vendors and supporters. My wife Beth was in attendance, looking as lovely as ever, and I am so happy that she had the chance to share in the moment with me. It is especially gratifying that the award was given as a result of grooming industry professionals across the country voting for the nominees. It is always an extra special feeling to know that winning was a result of the opinion of my peers. To see all the results, click here to visit the Barkleigh Honors web site.
This was also the case with the Crystal Grooming Achievement Award that I received at the Superzoo show in Las Vegas. The ballot is distributed online and in both Pet Business and Grooming Business magazines. I was truly honored to again be recognized for Outstanding Contribution to the Grooming Industry by an Individual or Company.
This award is given in honor of David G. Salzberg, former owner of The Village Groomer in Walpole, Massachusetts, who was an example of an individual who personally inspired groomers and supported the advancement of the grooming industry. The award specifically honors the Grooming Individual or Organization that has contributed most significantly to the advancement of the grooming industry through personal service or research during the past 12 months.
For the first time in the history of this category, a grooming industry vendor was the winner. I am honored to share this victory with past winners who represent the best in the industry including Rosie Lange, Judy Kurpeil, Patty Allard, Ravenna Oakes, Joyce Laughery, Don and Terri Curry, and of course, Lisa Leady.
What does the future hold in store? I am certainly geared up and ready for another great Groomys Award Ceremony. I will also continue in my role as Director of Public Relations for GroomTeam USA, and look forward to another great year on the trade show circuit helping pet stylists across the country. And as I step closer to realizing my dream of creating the world’s first University of Pet Education, Technology and Sciences, I will not lose sight of those who have supported me over the years and who have helped me to achieve my goals. Thank you, God bless you and have a very Happy New Year.