The Eternal Optimist/Super Zoo 2011
Last week was a whirlwind! Thursday I drove through the floods of Hurricane Irene to Groom Expo in Hershey, Pennsylvania. On Sunday night I made it safely back to New Jersey. On Monday I headed to Las Vegas, the Mandalay Bay Hotel, and Super Zoo. I didn’t know what time zone I was in or which way was up. Another adventure was underway.
This was my first visit to Super Zoo. Primarily a retail show for the Pet Industry, they also host a small assortment of vendors in the grooming industry and a full scale grooming competition, including Rescue Rodeo. I love the Rescue Rodeo. It gives groomers the opportunity to get their feet wet in the competition ring where they don’t have to supply their own dog; one is provided for them by rescue organizations, making it much easier for them to compete. It is a labor of love by those who participate hoping that a freshly groomed pet will increase the chances that they will find a new family to care for them. Many are adopted on the spot. At Atlanta Pet Fair’s Rescue Rodeo this year about 50% of those on the grooming table found a forever home. Money is raised and donated to the rescues through Registration Fees. It’s a great cause.
The reason I went to Super Zoo this year was to attend the Crystal Awards Ceremony where I was nominated for Mobile Groomer Of The Year. I came away empty handed. I have to tell you the truth. I was disappointed when my name wasn’t called. Afterwards, in my hotel room, as I mulled this over, I began to look on the bright side. It was an honor to be nominated and I am grateful to those who voted for me. I started my business in 2006 and have been a part of the grooming industry since 2009. I have come so far is such a short time. Who could be sad about that? I perked up, counted my blessings, and promptly started planning and plotting my next move in the grooming industry, always looking towards the future.
The future for me is right around the corner. On Sunday, October 16th, I have an exciting all-day seminar planned for those interested in hearing my “take” on mobile grooming. Half day is also available. In conjunction with the Groomers Mall in Virginia, we are proud to offer the “Mobile Adventure with Ellen Ehrlich.” The Adventure includes a three-seminar package – Go Mobile And Succeed (2 hours) The 60 Minute Mobile Maintenance Groom (1 hour, NEW) and 9-5 with Royal Canine Mobile Grooming (1 hour, NEW) including an Andis Clipper Clinic and lunch. There will also be Door Prizes. Lucky groomers will win an Andis Pink XL Clipper, 2 Andis Show Edge 30 Blades, 2 Groomer's Mall $30 Gift Cards, 2 Southall Sharpening $20 gift cards and a Go Mobile And Succeed book. If you’re within striking distance, and even if you’re not, come on out! Arrangements have been made with the Holiday Inn Express for a reduced room rate at $109.00 per night. For hotel information go to: http://www.hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/midlothian/ricva/hoteldetail. For seminar information go to: www.groomersmall.com and click on “Seminar.” If you have any questions you can contact Allie at the Groomers Mall or send an email directly to me at: ellen@rcmgrooming.com.
I already have some irons in the fire for the month of November. I’ve been invited to be a guest on an Internet radio show. More information to follow. I jumped at this opportunity because my plan is to put a motivational and inspirational spin on my foray into mobile grooming and the grooming industry. This is something I would really like to expand upon in the future. When I started my new career at fifty years old, I had no idea I would travel far and wide, make new friends, both in person and online, be on TV and the radio, blog and write books, speak at grooming conventions, and most important, help others accomplish their goals, hopes and dreams.
