Speakers
Guzal Adekoje
Guzal Adekoje is an AKC Certified and National Certified Master Groomer with years of experience, and also an internationally recognized multi-award-winning groomer and speaker. She is the owner of a mobile pet grooming company and upscale grooming salon in Northern Virginia. Originally from Uzbekistan, she found her destiny in the United States in 2003, when she moved with just one suitcase and $200 in her pocket and built herself up to become a well-known business owner, groomer and speaker in the USA. Recently, in Barcelona, Spain, she took silver in a class competing against groomers from Korea, China, Spain, UK, France and other countries. As a well-rounded groomer, she has earned multiple awards in poodle, all other pure breeds, sporting, handstripping and freestyle classes.
Allison Alexander
A student-become-master of purebred dogs, Allison Alexander has honed her skills through hands-on experience with breeders, handlers, and groomers all over the world. She has become the go-to resource for both beginner and advanced Poodle owners, handling everything from basic grooming techniques to planning and executing the most difficult show trims. Allison is known around the world for her unique teaching ability that connects with students on every level. Allison has presented seminars on grooming Poodles, Shetland Sheepdogs, Australian Shepherds, Spaniels, Setters, Afghans, Affenpinschers, Kerry Blue Terriers, and many others all over this planet. She is also the Creative Educational Advisor and Specialist for Chris Christensen Systems. In 2017, she launched Leading Edge Dog Show Academy, the world's first online dog show training and grooming school. LEDSA has won the award for Best Online Education each year since its inception. Her mission is to help mentor a new generation of dog enthusiasts through innovative video-based grooming lessons.
Chris Anthony
Chris Anthony, weary from her travails in retail management and office work, found her calling when she discovered pet grooming. Her near fifteen year journey in this career has led her through many opportunities, experiences & life lessons, including grooming and managing in both small and corporate salons, and starting her own successful house call grooming business in New Jersey. Supplementing those life lessons by educating herself on the varying aspects of her career, she always sought out innovations in pet care, education, grooming techniques, tools and products. Now her passion for grooming & education has added more in depth knowledge on scissors, scissoring techniques and ergonomics to help preserve her own health and longevity in her chosen profession.
Jay Batista
Jay Batista is a Certified Pet Groomer by IPG, a member of the International Society of Canine Cosmetologists, and graduated Gold with EduGroom, studying under Victor Rosado. Jay is the Puerto Rico All Other Purebred and Best in Show Champion of 2017 and 2018. A social media influencer, Jay Batista has over 34,000 followers on Instagram, which lead to many brand ambassadorships including Wahl, Fresh Shears, Pawmat, Alpha Grooming Products, Tumi Wear, Duz Dryer, and Hydra USA, Puerto Rico and International. Jay has taught in Puerto Rico, the US, and Columbia featuring unique Salon and Asian Freestyle trims.
Nadia Bongelli
Nadia Bongelli has been grooming pets since 2009 and competing since 2012. Her accolades include Barkleigh Honors Up and Coming Groomer of the Year in 2016, Best All Around International Groomer at Intergroom 2017, five Rising Star Gold Medals, Rising Star of the Year award at Intergroom 2016, two Canadian BIS awards and had numerous Open Level placements in Canada and several in the United States. Nadia's proudest moment was being awarded Canadian Groomer of the Year at the very first Canadian Grooming Industry Awards. She is a Nationally Certified Master Groomer with the National Dog Groomers Assoc. of America, Inc. and a certifier with the Intellectual Groomers Association. Her ultimate goal is to represent her country on Groom Team Canada with her peers.
Taylan Bradley
From Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and with over a decade of experience in all aspects of grooming, Taylan has ventured far and wide, both geographically and professionally. Her journey has seen her compete across Australia and the USA with grooming styles that have been spotlighted in publications like Total Grooming Magazine UK in 2023 and Asian Style Magazine in 2024. While Taylan adores grooming Poodles, both in show styles and Asian fusion, she recently developed an affinity for the unique challenges presented with grooming Bedlington Terriers and Kerry Blue Terriers. Beyond grooming, Taylan’s mission is to inspire fellow groomers to unleash their fullest potential and share the wealth of knowledge she has accumulated along the way.
Allison Brooks Treil
Allison Brooks Treil is a National Certified Groomer, and despite her career beginning just four years ago, she has been nominated for multiple Barkleigh Honors Awards and has won multiple grooming competitions. Under the age of 25, she is a salon owner and social media educator who uses her platform to share grooming education and awareness across the industry.
Elli Bultemeier
Elli discovered her passion for grooming over a decade ago, starting as a bather at PetSmart. After training as a groomer, she transitioned to the private sector, where her career flourished. Elli is an award-winning competition groomer, a dually certified pet aesthetician, and an NCMG. As the Owner and CEO of Retro Stylist Wear and Grooming Biz Momentum, Elli helps groomers succeed both in style and business. Since joining Smoochie Pooch in 2017, she has taken on the role of VP of Operations, overseeing 17 salons and four mobile units with more than 80 employees. Shes passionate about growing the business, creating a compassionate, employee-first environment, and helping others succeed in the grooming industry.
Dave Campanella
Dave Campanella is an informative and entertaining seminar speaker, contributing trade columnist and genuine grooming enthusiast. He has over 30 years of pet industry knowledge, and has been Best Shot Pet Products sales, marketing, and product director for 15 years. He and his wife Tracy have co-owned a full service pet salon and self-wash in Ohio prior to relocating with Best Shot to Kentucky. Together they enjoy exhibiting at grooming shows, being industry ambassadors and showing their Kerry Blue Terriers, Lowland Polish Sheep Dog, and Samoyed.
Rachel Colant
Rachel Colant is a second-generation dog groomer with over 14 years of experience. Based in Los Angeles, she owns her own salon and serves as the LMS Director at Groom Curriculum, where she teaches college students nationwide. An award-winning freestyle competition groomer, Rachel is also a sought-after seminar speaker, known for her expertise and commitment to elevating the grooming industry through education and gentle grooming techniques. Her passion for teaching has earned her a coveted Barkleigh Honors nomination for Speaker of the Year in 2024.
Jonathan David
Jonathan David has been the recipient of multiple scissoring awards, multiple Best All Around Groomer awards and Best in Show earning him a position on GroomTeam USA in 2008 and 2009. Jonathan was also a contestant on Animal Planet's "Groomer Has It" and has been featured as a grooming expert on multiple television shows. Currently, Jonathan owns and operates his salon, Lap of Luxury Dog Spa in Delray Beach, Florida and is a board member of multiple dog clubs.
Teri DiMarino
An industry veteran, Teri has owned and operated successful salons and mobiles in Florida and California. A winning grooming contest competitor, Teri was a member of three GroomTeam USA Gold Medal teams. A multiple Barkleigh Honors and Cardinal Crystal Award winner, Teri was a regular columnist for Groomer to Groomer Magazine as well as a popular speaker and judge at seminars and trade shows across the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
Mindy Dinwiddie
Mindy Dinwiddie owns Classy Canine in Litchfield, Michigan. She began grooming in 2007, having her own shop by 2008. She started in a back bedroom of her house, growing her business to a storefront. Her experiences include daycare, boarding and training. All while consistently furthering her education by attending expos, seminars and private lessons from top stylists in the industry, Mindy has been competing for three years. With a passion for learning and teaching, she began speaking in 2017 after having one of her grooms published in Doodle Modern Styles Special Edition. Mindy is also a Brand Ambassador for Evolution Shears.
Linda Easton, ICMG
Linda is an International Certified Master Groomer and President of International Professional Groomer, Inc. As a competitive groomer, Linda had many wins, including included Best in Show, Best All-Around Groomer, winning the Edemco 'Total Groom Extravaganza'. After putting several obedience titles on her dogs, she worked as a professional handler, finishing and putting championship points on over 60 champions in over 20 breeds and 7 groups. Her grooming career began in 1973, and her current grooming salon and self-wash is in Salem, Oregon. As an educator and certifier for IPG, Linda travels all over the world certifying, giving workshops, and judging grooming contests, and introducing the exciting new Salon Details Certification.
Sierra Elbert
Sierra is an advocate for the professionalism of the dog grooming trade, is celebrated as the founder of Groom Curriculum, the first nationally collegiate approved dog grooming curriculum provider. Notably, Groom Curriculum is accredited by the National Council of Continuing Education and Training, underscoring its commitment to maintaining high standards with the field. Before launching Groom Curriculum, Elbert demonstrated her expertise through a successful board and groom business. She further solidified her standing by achieving placements in GroomTeam USA-sanctioned grooming contests on multiple occasions.
Dr. Cliff Faver
Dr. Cliff Faver, a 1987 graduate of CSU, is the founder/owner of Animal Health Services in Cave Creek, Arizona. He is the US distributor for Iv San Bernard products. He uses the two businesses as a means of merging the grooming and veterinary professions to pursue his life's passion of healing and helping pets. Dr. Faver is an international speaker and teaches the ISB Pet Aesthetician Certification program. He is a member of AVMA, AAHA, AZVMA, a sponsor for the CPPGA, a Board member for the Burbank Kennel Club, and previously served on the Novartis Lead Committee, Hill's International Global Veterinary Board, and is still active in a Veterinary Management Group.
Jason Friedman, CPA
Jason Friedman is co-founder of Friedman & Friedman Accounting & Tax Advisors (aka "Friedman Tax"), a family-owned accounting and tax-advisory firm dedicated exclusively to tattoo artists, pet groomers, body piercers, hair stylists, barbers, and salon/shop owners. Founded and operated by two CPA brothers, the "Tattoo Tax Guys," they bring deep experience in complex tax and accounting work, a passion for helping creative entrepreneurs, and a strong focus on exceptional client service. They offer full-service tax preparation and bookkeeping, LLC formation, strategic tax planning, back-tax cleanup, and consulting, all tailored to the unique needs of artists, stylists and pet grooming professionals.
Stephen Friedman, CPA
Stephen Friedman is co-founder of Friedman & Friedman Accounting & Tax Advisors (aka "Friedman Tax"), a family-owned accounting and tax-advisory firm dedicated exclusively to tattoo artists, pet groomers, body piercers, hair stylists, barbers, and salon/shop owners. Founded and operated by two CPA brothers, the "Tattoo Tax Guys," they bring deep experience in complex tax and accounting work, a passion for helping creative entrepreneurs, and a strong focus on exceptional client service. They offer full-service tax preparation and bookkeeping, LLC formation, strategic tax planning, back-tax cleanup, and consulting, all tailored to the unique needs of artists, stylists and pet grooming professionals.
Misty Gieczys
Misty is an IGA Certified Master Groomer and has won many Best in Shows, Best All Around Groomer. She was on the US Gold Winning Model Dog Team in Taiwan and took BIS Creative. She won the Cardinal Crystal Grooming Achievement Award for her Charity "Groomers for Groomers." Nominated for Creative Groomer Barkleigh Honors and awarded IJA Creative Groomer. Misty started grooming in 2005 and helped open 3 other salons. She owns 2 upscale salons in Columbus Ohio with a staff of 15; Designer Paws Salon. 1st opened in 2013 and second in 2018 with receiving multiple service awards.
Juanita Harris
Juanita is a veteran pet-industry professional with more than 15 years of hands-on experience across grooming, marketing, and brand strategy. A former salon owner who transitioned into corporate leadership, she blends real-world grooming and business ownership experience with forward-thinking marketing to help pet businesses operate smarter and grow with purpose. Juanita is currently the Key Accounts Manager for Hydra, staying closely connected to the needs of working professionals while guiding broader industry initiatives. Driven by a commitment to legacy and impact, her work focuses on inspiring the next generation of pet-industry professionals to elevate their craft, strengthen their business foundations, and build careers that last.
Blake Hernandez
Blake Hernandez is a NCMG and three-time Barkleigh Honors recipient. He is best known for his online persona and caterwauling lyrics that speak to our industry. Blake has brought innovation and current outside trends to the grooming industry from Personality Marketing to the FoxEye, a phone holding device for the everyday groomer or aspiring influencer. Blake runs Foxy Roxy's Pet Salon in San Diego, CA, in addition to competing in grooming contests and dog shows all over the country. He is the co-creator and founder of GroomSource, an app made for groomers' continued education, as well as creator and producer of many products with Foxy Roxy's Supply Co. Blake was also a feature groomer in Netflix's "DOGS" documentary and a contestant on ABC's Pooch Perfect Season 1.
Denise Heroux
Denise Heroux owns Awesome Paws Pet Salon, a Cleveland-based chain with two locations and active plans for expansion. Awesome Paws fosters a healthy environment for employees and pets with a focus on employee investment and learning. While managing both locations and a staff of over 20 employees, Denise finds time to work with the Ohio Professional Pet Groomers Association, which she founded. The association focuses on setting a higher standard for pet safety, business-building opportunities, versatile learning experiences, and creating legislative fluidity in the industry. You may have listened to Denise on both the Women PetPreneurs and Small Business Hiring podcasts.
Lis Johnston
Lis Johnston is a National Master Certified groomer and owner of Serenity Pet Spa in Madison, WI. She has 15 years of experience as a professional groomer and more than 20 years showing dogs. She has won multiple awards across the United States and Internationally. She made GroomTeamUSA in 2018 and continues to strive for her goal to become a member of the USA travel team. She runs two full service, kennel free grooming salons with an apprentice programs to help groomers become master certified.
Alyssa Kasiba
Alyssa Kasiba is an international award-winning creative groomer. She has almost 15 years of grooming experience, and she began competitive grooming in 2016. Over the past years, she has specialized in creative grooming from competing on stage to teach the know-hows. In the 2022 season, Alyssa won 30+ awards nationwide, was on the cover of Groomer To Groomer magazine twice, and ended the year winning the Barkleigh Honors Creative Groomer of the Year. You may have seen her featured on Night Line News, Good Morning America, or as a Finalist on ABC's dog grooming competition show, Pooch Perfect. Alyssa has found a passion for teaching the art and creativity of grooming and can't wait to share it.
Milena Kon
Milena started off in graphic design and direct sales before realizing that she wanted to do more with animals. So, she went into grooming in 2013. She is now the owner of Driving Me Knots (Mobile Grooming), DMK Bowtique (Pet Accessories), and DMK Marketing Solutions (Custom Graphic Designs). She started competing in Extreme Creative Styling & Creative Abstract grooming contests in 2015, and won Up-and-Coming Creative Groomer that same year. Her creative work has also been seen on "The Greatest Showman" with Hugh Jackman and "Orange is the New Black" on Netflix. She was awarded the Barkleigh Honors Creative Groomer of the Year in 2018.
Jameson Kon
Jameson has a degree in International Business Management & Marketing, and has always had interests in working with animals at a young age. After working for a massive online retail company, managing over 300+ employees amongst 7 different call centers both domestically and internationally, he decided to jump right into the world of grooming with his wife, Milena. Now the proud owner of Driving Me Knots (Mobile Grooming), DMK Bowtique (Pet Accessories), and DMK Marketing Solutions (Custom Graphic Designs), his ability to multi-task and market the companies since 2013 is only the beginning for the DMK branding.
Angela Kumpe
Internationally renowned creative stylist and instructor, Angela Kumpe has more placements in creative styling than anyone, worldwide. She won the first ever Barkleigh Honors Award for Creative Competitor. She is the author of A Creative Collection, a step-by-step guide to creative styling. Angela's work has been featured on Animal Planet, TLC, The Today Show, Regis and Kelly, and ABC Nightline as well as in The New York Times and on the cover of Groomer to Groomer magazine. Angela is the owner of Angela's Grooming and Pet Spa in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Suzanne Marchetti
Suzanne has groomed for 35 years and has owned her own business for 24 years. Her most recent business was Uptown Paw in Huntington Beach, California. She ran a 6,000 square foot cage free daycare, boarding, and grooming facility. She is a charter member for both the SCPGA (past president) and CPPGA. She holds a Certified Pet Aesthetician from IV San Bernard, a CAH certification from WWPSA, working on her IPG licensing and is an award winning competitive groomer. She is owner, breeder and an AKC licensed professional handler. She is also a board member for the Burbank Kennel Club.
Ashley Pacini
Ashley LaVonne Pacini, owner of The DogHouse in DeLand, FL, has been in the grooming industry since the age of 14 as both a bather and a groomer. She graduated from Merryfield School of Pet Grooming, and became the youngest Nationally Certified Master Groomer with the NDGAA only 3 months later. Ashley is the winner of numerous grooming competition awards, including a Best in Show, winning 1st Place with a Kerry Blue Terrier at Hyponic IGC in South Korea, moving from Entry to Open Division's Top 15 in 2019, placed in the GroomTeam USA Top 10 in 2020 and was nominated for Barkleigh Honors "Up and Coming Groomer of the Year" award in 2018. She currently represents Hyponic Americas, Jirpet USA and Utsumi.
Samantha Palya
Samantha Palya started her grooming career in the year of 1996 at Great Lakes Academy of Professional Pet Styling. She entered her first competition at the All American Grooming Show in 1996. From then she earned placements in poodles, and handstripping in her division. She was awarded Best Groomer and Best Groomed Dog in Show for a handstripped terrier at Groom Expo in 1998. At the age of 21 she opened Absolutely Pawfect Pet Styling. Samantha apprentices to help give opportunities to future pet care professionals. She holds certificates for CPR and Pet Safety, Skin and Hair, Salon Sanitation, Canine Body Language, Dog Gurus College, Pricing for profits, and many more.
Patricia Pierce
Patricia A. Pierce, M. Ed., Co-founder and Managing Educational Director of Groom Curriculum, co-authored a learner-centered curriculum focused on dog grooming with Sierra Elbert. Pierce specializes in data-driven instruction and realized the need to embed durable skills and positive growth mindset lessons throughout the curriculum.
Agnieszka "Aga" Pluta
Born and raised in Poland, Aga developed a passion for cynology from a very young age. She pursued this passion by obtaining a master degree in cynology where she studied the genetics and behavior of various dog breeds. As a prominent Shih Tzu breeder in the international dog show community, she has showcased her dogs across Europe and the United States. In 2012, she and her business partner noticed a gap in the market for high-quality, natural based dog grooming products and decided to create their own brand. As a product developer, Aga has participated in many grooming seminars and workshops across Europe showcasing her products and problem-solving grooming solutions.
Adriane Pope
Adriane Pope is an award-winning Pet stylist in Breed Profile and Creative Grooming. Her specialty is extreme creative styling and creative abstract design. Adriane is owner/groomer of Adriane's Groom and Go Mobile Grooming in Conway, SC., and also the owner of Rivertown Bed and Biscuit Luxury Kennel since 2004. She has 24 years of grooming experience, and has been mobile for 22 years. She started competing in breed profile in 1997 and started the creative world in 2004.
Michelle Price
Michelle is a credentialed teacher, holding a multi-subject teaching credential in the elementary K-6 grades, as well as a single-subject K-12 physical education credential. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from California State University Fullerton in Kinesiology and has taught in the area of science for 25 years prior to entering the grooming industry. Now as a full-time mobile groomer, her goal is to introduce proper body mechanics for less injury and pain to groomers. Michelle is also the inventor/owner of the “Handle It” dryer attachment.
Victor Rosado
With 26 years of experience in professional grooming and conformation, Victor Rosado is a NCMG with NDGAA, ICMG, and is a certifier with IPG, as well as a Grooming Contest Judge and a Licensed All Breeds Conformation Judge for FCPR/FCI. As a competitive groomer, Victor Rosado is a multiple Best All Around and Best in Show winner, and one of the top groomers on GroomTeam USA. Victor is a member of American Spaniel Club, an AKC Breeder of Merit, and an exhibitor of American Cocker Spaniels for 20 years with multiple Best in Show and Best in Specialty Shows wins. Victor is also an Oster Ambassador in Latin America and owner of Davis Puerto Rico.
Myke Ross
With over 22 years of grooming experience, Myke Ross, ICMG, has dedicated his career to elevating the pet grooming industry through education, mentorship, and innovation. Since 2017, he has proudly served as the Director of Education at the San Diego Grooming Academy, where he helps shape the next generation of professional groomers, and as Director of Approved Grooming Schools for the International Professional Groomers, Inc. (IPG). He is also the owner of the SDGA Pro Shop, which provides wholesale grooming supplies through its San Diego retail location and online. In addition, he created his own brand, Pawfection Professional, offering high-quality shears, clippers, blades, combs, and apparel designed specifically for groomers.
Madeline Rothwell
Madeline is a passionate groomer who's been pampering pets since she was 16 years old. She loves competing in grooming competitions and dog shows, and at 21, she opened her own thriving salon. Dedicated to education and continuous growth, Madeline is eager to share her expertise. She believes in lifelong learning within the ever-evolving world of dog grooming.
Arielle Scavnicky
Arielle Scavnicky has over 13 years of experience ranging from working in corporate salons, private shops, and veterinary clinics. In 2016 she opened the Cleveland Grooming Academy, a grooming school certified through the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. She is a National Certified Groomer, active competitor through Barkleigh and IJA, and president of the Ohio Professional Pet Groomers Association. Arielle has dedicated her career and future to creating a safe and fun learning environment for the new and upcoming groomers.
Kayla Scott
Kayla Scott is a professional pet groomer from Waco, Texas with over five years’ experience. A competitive groomer and educator, Kayla also runs a salon called The Groomery where she provides exclusive one-on-one services for the dogs of Waco. She's passionate about Bedlington terriers and providing educational opportunities to both up-and-coming groomers as well as pet parents.
Jay Scruggs
Jay and his wife, Michelle, own Here Comes the Groom, a highly successful mobile grooming salon in Germantown, Tennessee. Jay has won multiple Best in Show and Best All-Around Groomer awards and helped GroomTeam USA win the Gold medal in Calgary, Canada, in 2001. Jay was named American Groomer of the Year in 2001, Groomer of the Year Award at Westminster Dog Show in 2002, and Grooming Judge of the Year in 2004. In 2003 Jay won an International Gold and Bronze medal in Barcelona, Spain, helping GroomTeam USA win the silver team medal. Along with Sue Zecco, he teaches seminars and offers a video series under the "Super Styling Sessions" title.
Kelsey Ann Sexton
Kelsey Ann Sexton is an award winning Nationally Certified Groomer with almost two decades of Professional Pet Grooming experience. She owns an award winning salon outside of Nashville, TN that focuses on customer relationships for routine grooming services. She's also a member of Foxy Roxy Supply Company's Pro Team. Kelsey was nominated for Barkleigh Honors Speaker of the Year in 2022 and has a passion for continued education in the Pet Grooming Industry.
Charles Swasho
Charles Swasho is a professional dog groomer with nearly three years of experience. Prior to entering the grooming world, he pursued his passions for videography and photography. His journey took a transformative turn after attending his first grooming expo, where he was inspired by the artistry and creativity within the industry. This experience sparked a flood of ideas on how to combine his love for grooming with his background in visual arts. Since then, Charles has collaborated with various brands in the pet grooming industry that align with his vision and values. His unique approach has allowed him to showcase the beauty and creativity of dog grooming through captivating visuals.
Stefanie Swasho
Stefanie Swasho has been a dedicated professional groomer since 2018, carving out a niche for herself as a renowned doodle specialist. With a passion for grooming that extends beyond the basics, Stefanie competes nationally in the freestyle division, showcasing her creativity and skill. Stefanie is committed to continuous learning and perfecting her craft, eagerly exploring new techniques and trends in the grooming industry. Her ultimate goal is to uplift others in the field by sharing her knowledge and experiences gained from her mentors. She strives to provide the best possible experience for her clients back home, ensuring they leave with not just a stylish groom but also a sense of confidence and satisfaction.
Colin Taylor
Colin Taylor, author of ‘What Would Colin Do? 101 Situations and Solutions for Every Dog Groomer’ and founder of the Colin Taylor Academy is an international multi-award-winning groomer, who has been in the industry for 30 years. After more than 20 years of grooming in the US, Colin has returned to the UK to continue his career. His aim is to bring the same level of excitement and energy to the dog grooming industry worldwide. Colin is also an international judge and speaker and runs and manages Master Groom Dog Grooming Contest.
Shannon Tupes
Shannon Tupes is a Certified Master Groomer with National Dog Groomers Association. She has been involved in the pet industry for 28 years and has owned several successful grooming salons throughout the US. She is a member of GroomTeam USA, a current Board member of GroomTeam USA, and a national and international judge and speaker. She is also a Global Educator for Andis and a Brand Ambassador for Superior Care Pet. Shannon is a successful breeder, owner, handler of Bichons under the kennel prefix Releve, has bred over 25 champions, and is an active member of the Bichon Frise Club of America. Shannon is also a club-approved mentor for judges.
Joey Villani
In 1998, Joey purchased the Nash Academy in New Jersey which he owned and operated until 2008. Now a well-known pet industry speaker and judge, Joey has been nominated 14 times for the Cardinal Crystal and Barkleigh Honors awards. He has been enthusiastically involved with Intergroom International for 33 years and has been instrumental in expanding the organization's reach into Belgium, Italy, and France. Joey is one of the original members of the International Judges Association and has made many television appearances. Today, Joey continues to innovate and explore new dimensions in the pet care and grooming industry. In early 2009, Joey became part of the Animal Radio on-air staff where he is known as "The Dogfather".
Dan Williams
Daniel J. Williams is the managing director of EZ-Groom Pet Products Inc. in Oak Park, Michigan, U.S.A. He holds an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from Lawrence Technological University, earned a master’s degree in business administration from Baker College, and has completed the University of Chicago Advanced Leadership program. He has authored numerous articles on cosmetics, and metallurgy as it relates to pet grooming shears. Dan has designed and engineered a number of manufacturing projects at metal-making factories in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Over the past 22 years, Dan has served as president and CEO of three small closely held organizations where he managed a number of mergers and acquisitions. Dan has worked with EZ-Groom since 2002.
Olga Zabelinskaya
Olga is a Certified Master Groomer and owns two grooming salons, Elite Pet Spa & Boutique in Madison, NJ and Grooming Gallery in Morris Plains, NJ. She has multiple BIS and Best All-Around Groomer wins as well as two prestigious Winners Circle Champion titles. Olga is 2009 and 2010 American Groomer of the Year by Cardinal Pet, and was awarded the Lynne Carver Memorial Award as Best All Around Stylist 2009. Olga was born in Russia where she had a Master Degree in Engineering and finished law school. Olga was a GroomTeam USA member 2008-2012 and won the Silver medal in Belgium, 2011 as a part of the traveling team. Olga co-hosts many pet fundraising events.
Sue Zecco
Sue is a 2011 Barkleigh Honors Award winner. She is a Certified Master Groomer with both the National Dog Groomers Association (NDGAA) and the International Professional Groomers (IPG). She has been grooming for over 30 years. She has won multiple grooming awards, including her biggest show accomplishments: 1998 International Groomer of the Year and 1999 Oster Invitational Tournaments Grand Champion. Sue has been a member of GroomTeam USA since 1997 and broke all records in 1999, earning 113 points. She is also a Wahl Clipper Corporation spokesperson. With Jay Scruggs, she conducts a series of full-day seminars called Super Styling Sessions. Sue breeds Standard Poodles under the "Dreamcatcher" prefix.