Chuck Simons, owner and inventor of Groomers Helper, is a champion for the grooming industry as he strives to inform groomers of their true value and helps to improve their image. He works tirelessly to help groomers improve their bottom line, increase safety in their shops and become successful in their businesses. Chuck maintains a rigorous tradeshow schedule and recently attended shows in Canada and Australia where he helped to sell out of product for his international distributors. With more than 20 years experience in the grooming industry, Chuck has worked with industry leaders to help them improve their products. He is available for consultation when planning or improving a salon and choosing the right grooming equipment. Chuck Simons is an accomplished photographer, writer and lecturer, who has touched thousands with his contributions to trade publications and his ability to help groomers expand their horizons by infusing humor into their day-to-day lives. His email newsletter is read by hundreds around the globe and continues to grow in popularity. Chuck’s new web site, www.chucksimons.com, is available for news and information on his latest accomplishments.
I am blessed! After years of hard work and dedication to the industry I love so much, I have become the proud recipient of two amazing awards. I never dreamed that my career would take me so far or that so many people would benefit from my efforts. All I can say is THANKS!
Despite a shaky start to the Hershey show, attendance was high and there was a definite excitement in the air. I would like to thank Todd Shelly and everyone at Barkleigh for putting on a great show and an equally great awards ceremony. It was a glorious night filled with good food, good friends and the best-of-the-best in the grooming world.
Jay Scruggs was the emcee for the first Barkleigh Honors awards, and after some fun with the now retiring Frank Rowe, the awards were presented. While the competition was fierce, I walked away with the Barkleigh Honors for Contribution to the Industry. Luckily, my wife Beth was in attendance and able to share this moment with me. Groom Expo is one of the few shows she attends, and this year I had the pleasure of sharing her company at the awards banquet. As many of you know, the Groomers Helper was invented for her in an effort to stop the day-to-day struggle of grooming and prevent her from being bitten. At this point, it has helped thousands around the world to groom safer and we owe it all to Beth. Thank you, Mrs. Simons.
I flew directly to Las Vegas from Hershey to attend this year's SuperZoo. This is an awesome show where the pet industry shines and an incredible amount of products are available. If you have never experienced this event, mark it on your calendar. The record-breaking rain did not dampen the spirit of the show! I never dreamed that I would be receiving a Crystal Achievement Award on the heels of my Barkleigh Honors victory.
I thank Craig Rexford and Cardinal Laboratories for keeping the Crystals alive. It is hard to express the feeling I had when my name was announced! Thanks to all who voted for me and thanks again to my darling wife Beth who makes it all worthwhile!
The next stop was Belgium for this year's Groomania show and the international grooming competition. I will report when I return to the States, so stay tuned.
WOW! It is one of the most exciting times for groomers across the country as one of the biggest and best shows in the industry gears up for September. As Summer leaves us and the shadows grow, Groom Expo ends the trade show season with a bang!
Groom Expo features the top grooming professionals in the business giving powerful seminars and sharing their expert knowledge with everyone. Barkleigh has gone out of their way to jam pack the schedule with an amazing variety of classes, special events and just plain fun. Hershey is one of my favorite shows to attend. This show continues to grow and set attendance records, and Barkleigh strives to present the best of the best at their event.
The show catalog reads like a Who's Who of the pet grooming industry, and if there is just one show you can get to all year, give this one a try! On top of presenting expert grooming advice, the amount of vendors is huge, and the selection of products is gigantic. Many shops stock their shelves for the rest of the year and beyond at Groom Expo. The combination of classes, vendors and location make for an exciting show.
And of course, there is the Barkleigh Honors Awards ceremony where I hope to win my first Barkleigh award. It is such an honor to be nominated, and this has been an amazing year for myself and my company. With the hopeful support of all my Groomers Helper and Industry friends I will have my fingers crossed and my tuxedo at the dry cleaners!
Barkleigh will be sending out e-mail ballots please contact them if you do not receive one. Check out all the nominees when you CLICK HERE.
Groomers Helper is on the road again to the ALL AMERICAN GROOMING SHOW in Chicago. This is an exciting show hosted by Jerry Shinberg. Jerry was recently honored at The First Annual Groomys with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication and contribution to the pet grooming industry.
Mr. Shinberg has always worked to help the industry and improve its image. Whether it was his contribution to the formation of GroomTeam USA, his invention of the creative styling movement, or his hosting of the All American Grooming Show, Jerry has been one of the industry's top supporters since the beginning of his career.
The All American show is one of the best in the country and features a star-studded cast of pet grooming's top professionals. Groomers Helper and SAGE Advice will be presenting the Pet Profits from a Pet Prophet seminar, so please plan to attend. This is a must-attend show and the list of vendors is terrific. There are so many great classes, great products and great activities that any groomer should jump at the chance to be there.
For more information on the show, click here and SEE YOU THERE.
Well it is shades of deja vu and and big THANK YOU to everyone who nominated me for this year's Crystal Grooming Achievement Award in the David G. Salzberg category. I am honored to be nominated and to be recognized alongside some of the biggest names in the pet grooming industry.
I have been on the road presenting seminars and demonstrating the Groomers Helper, working hard to help groomers around the world. The product has never been more popular and the new seminar, Pet Profits from a Pet Prophet has been very well received. My most recent visits to the NEPGP show in Rhode Island, and the Canada Grooms show in Toronto, CA, were phenomenal and I was able to help hundreds of groomers to work smarter. Whether they are saving themselves from stuggling with the Groomers Helper, or using the many ideas I present in my seminars to build their business, I am happy to be able to lend assistance to our extended family of pet groomers.
So if you have been able to benefit from using any of the products in the Groomers Helper line, or have put my business building tips to work for you, please vote for me this year. If you support my efforts for GroomTeam USA or are a fan of the new Groomys awards at Intergroom, please cast your vote. The competition is fierce this year with both Sally Hawks and Scott Wasserman in the running. But I know that with your help, I can earn this important achievement award.
Please CLICK HERE to download your copy of the voting ballot. You can mail it or fax it by August 31, 2011. Good luck to all the nominees and SEE YOU IN LAS VEGAS!
I just wanted to take a minute to thank you. I just attended your seminar in Rhode Island called Pet Profits. I took the class on the advice of my friend and mentor Dotti McDermott. I am soooo glad I did. I immediately came home to do some calls to my competitors to find out where I was at price wise. I discovered I am low. I then raised my prices and have been so happy I've done so. You gave great ideas and gave me a new sense of passion for my business. I love what I do and wouldn't be where I am without the sound advice of good shop owners and good groomers along the way, such as yourself. Thanks again
Hello and thanks for tuning in again. I have to brush the dust off the keyboard because I have been so busy with so many projects that I have missed the chance to blog about it. So I wanted to take the time to touch base with everyone and give you an update.
First up - the 2011 Atlanta Pet Fair and what a terrific show it was! The best of the best were in attendance including hundreds of new and seasoned pet groomers. The weather was chilly, but the atmosphere inside was warm and cheerful. Thanks to Ann Stafford for posting so many great photos at the Atlanta Pet Fair web site.
My good friend Hilery Zusi from Lambert Kay.
Jay Scruggs was in attendance at Super Styling Sessions
Angela Kumpe and her creative team
Members of the Cape and Tiara Society
Jerry Dubos, Jerry Shinberg, Hillery Zusi and Francisco Dominguez
It was great presenting my new seminar Pet Profits from a Pet Prophet where I met many groomers who were anxious to learn about trends in the pet industry. We spoke about the whole spa trend and how to become a pet care celebrity in your town. We also discussed the subject of retirement, which a lot of people need to think about.
And I also enjoyed our change in location from the main show hall to the lobby floor where I met so many great people. The foot traffic At was up and the groomers were eager to find the products they needed including Groomers Helper.
The atmosphere at Atlanta Pet Fair was one of excitement and most groomers were in agreement that they were seeing brighter days.
The Christies Direct booth at Crufts
I flew from the Pet Fair to Birmingham, UK where I experienced the Crufts show for the second time. Wow! You should jump at the chance to attend this incredible show!
I worked with my European distributor, Christies Direct, where I shared the booth with the ClipperVac creators Angie and Marlene Romani, and the folks from Tropiclean. The pace was fast and furious from the opening hours until we packed up to go. There were thousands of people gathered for the event and ten times as many dogs.
I was very privileged to see some of the judging and was especially thrilled when my good friend Sally Hawks was in the stalls along with Margery Good, the US handler who won Crufts in 2009. Margery is a veteran handler of Sealyham Terriers and owns the Goodspice Kennel in Cochransville, PA. Her 2009 winner, Charmin, was featured on the 2010 Crufts catalog and has become a shining example of the Sealyham.
Please check out the video I created of her efforts. They serve as an example of the dedication Margery displays in the competition ring.
I would also like to give some special props to Trevor T., the DJ with the most who stole the spotlight at our industry party. He kept us dancing with a combination of jokes, dance and karoake. I was able to capture his entertainment on film along with many of the people who joined in the fun.
My next stop is Intergroom where I will present Pet Profits from a Pet Prophet and welcome all my grooming industry friends to my home state! See you there!
I am back from another fantastic trip abroad and my visit to the Groomania show hosted by Transgroom. My good friends Kitty and Darren, from Transgroom, put on a great show with some of the top names in the industry from both the U.S.A. and Europe. I am so happy to have attended this top-notch grooming show.
This year, the Groomania show was held at the same time as Groom Expo in Hershey, PA. Luckily, I was able to send the Groomers Helper team including my lovely wife, Beth Simons, to cover the Hershey show and take care of business while I was away. I am thankful to have the ability to be in two places at once!
Before the show started, I enjoyed the splendid scenery of beautiful Belgium. There are incredible buildings and the old-world charm I have come to love in Europe. I don’t often visit museums because most European cities are museums on their own. I even visited a castle in Antwerp. The 'Steen' castle is the oldest structure in the city, and was rebuilt in the 11th century after it had been burnt down by the Vikings in 836. Many historical figures have spent time in the castle during their travels to Antwerp.
I always try to visit a grooming salon or two whenever I am abroad, and this trip was no exception. One of the first shops I visited was Baziel & Blanche, an upscale salon with a boutique that was clean and bright. Owner Phaedra Hoste was very happy to meet with us and I was happy to learn that she knew about my products.
The next salon I visited was Salon Kitty where I met one of the top-professionals in the industry, Melanie Vervaeke. When I asked her about the name of the shop, I learned that the original owner was none other than Kitty Dekeersgieter of Transgroom.
It was amazing to see the results that Melanie produced at the grooming competitions. The photo below does not do justice to the fantastic groom that she produced. It is easy to see why she is considered one of the best groomers in Europe.
My assistant throughout the trip was my sister-in-law, Jessie from Antwerp, Belgium. She was a great help to me during the show and I am thankful she was there.
I had the pleasure of seeing my good friend Sue Zecco, who was one of the judges for the competitions. And of course, Mr. Colin Taylor was in attendance offering his expert advice on grooming.
I believe that the grooming competitors were among the most talented professional groomers I have met. The grooms that they were achieving during the show were top-notch and I was very impressed with the results.
One of the highlights of the show for me was seeing the Groomers Helper in use on so many of the competition tables. In fact, there were groomers with dogs that would not cooperate with them. But within minutes of using the Groomers Helper, at the suggestion of the judges, they were able to groom their entries. It was a wonderful testimonial to the product!
Another highlight of the show for me was the industry party. I worked hard to get the crowd pumped up and things really got going. We danced the night away! There was a dynamite band playing and we all boogied down.
I am so glad that I made the trip to Transgroom. Thanks to Darren and Kitty for bringing the top talent together for this positive event. Special thanks to the many new friends I made on the journey and the great things they had to say about Groomers Helper. The product has truly become an international phenomenon!
And I certainly plan to visit Belgium again next year as the World Team Grooming Championship will be held there. I am looking forward to experiencing first-hand this exciting event.
Thanks to all who made the Colorado Groomfest a show to remember! Denver is a beautiful city and I love the landscape there. I believe that this show can grow into something spectacular over the years and I encourage anyone who did not attend this year to plan a 2011 trip. And if you DID make it to the show – THANKS!
As usual, the grooming competition was fierce. I saw some beautiful work done in the ring at Groomfest from some of the top professional groomers in the business. This includes the newest C-Class competitors who just seem to get better and better every year. I can’t wait to see what they do when they get into A-Class. WOW!
One of the highlights of the show for me was a trip to the incredible Dos Suertes ranch. I was invited to ride horses at the ranch by Francisco and Alonso Dominguez, owners of Edemco. Many others from the grooming industry were in attendance including Sue Zecco, Sally Hawks, Jeff Reynolds and the Been family from Oklahoma Shears. There was a delicious BBQ served by Francisco’s son, Javier with ribs, Cornish hens and t-bone steaks. Javier is going to attend culinary school, but I think he will teach them a thing or two.
The scenery is breathtaking in Colorado. You could see Pike’s Peak through the front gate of the ranch, surrounded by rolling hills and blue skies. The cloud formations were very dramatic and the colors increased in intensity over the course of the day.
Unfortunately, I was unable to ride that day. I attempted to get onboard a muscular quarter horse called ‘M.D’ and fell from the saddle when he shifted position and threw me off! But I will certainly try again next year.
My travel schedule is slowing down a bit and I will not be leaving the office again until the upcoming PetQuest show in Ft. Mitchell, KY. No more horse riding for awhile. I look forward to seeing everyone at the next show.
Beautiful scenery abounds in Colorado!
Hey buddy! You need a good used saddle?!
My dear friend Sally Hawks and I have it made in the shade.
My hosts Alonso and Francisco took great care of me.
Hello and thanks for tuning in to this edition of The Glass Globe Turns (more on that later). I was honored this year by earning a nomination for the Cardinal Crystal Achievement Awards and, as you can see, Beth and I were decked out and ready to dance the night away when my name was announced. Except that... it wasn't!
The Belle of the Ball and the Man of the Hour
Now if you are ever nominated for a Cardinal Crystal Achievement Award and the fabulous Lisa Leady is also nominated, don't get your hopes up! Everyone knows Lisa and the fine work she has done for the industry. According to the ballot, she was nominated for helping to boost the image of groomers everywhere with an appearance on the popular Animal Planet Show, Groomer Has It. But groomers also know her as a caring person who will help them with her knowledge of professional grooming.
So congratulations, Lisa! I am glad that you have been recognized the way you deserve to be. Your hosting of the evening's events was marvelous and everyone had a fantastic time. It was a wonderful experience to share that time with you.
I had the pleasure of working with Lisa earlier this year
The evening starts with a Who's Who of the grooming business in attendance. As you may know, the Cardinal Crystal Awards banquet is an annual event hosted by Christine DeFillipo and Intergroom. Thank you Christine for keeping this event alive!
I shared my table with some of the best of the best at my table including Sarah Hawks (nominated for Grooming Contest Judge of the Year), Sue Zecco (nominated for Grooming Contest Judge of the Year and the Congeniality Award) and my old friend Hillary Zusi from Lambert Kay. My lovely wife Beth Simons, a nationally certified master groomer, sat by my side and we were also joined by Cassandra Reed, another star from Groomer Has It. Bring on the food!
During our appetizers, we watched a parade of beautiful dogs as the winners were announced for the best groomed dogs in the show. What an incredible collection of dedicated groomers! While there were members of GroomTeam USA amongst the competitors, there were many more who aspired to be a part of the team and who loved the spirit of competition in the ring.
With everything that was happening and all the excitement, the awards banquet felt like something was missing. Vivian was there, but John was not. He certainly was there in spirit, and yet it will never be the same without him. As long as I have been a part of Intergroom, John Nash was there to make everything ok for all of us.
Joey Villani was kind enough to present his thoughts and feelings on the passing of a legend. After all, John and Vivian were as close to Joey as anyone can be and made him a part of their extended family. We watched a pilot from a reality show that featured the Nash Academy in all its glory. Everyone in the show was smiling and passionate about being a part of Nash. It was easy to see how John and Vivian affected all of us in the grooming business.
Thank you John for inspiring us all
I was thrilled that Olga Zabelinskaya took both the American Groomer of the Year and Congeniality awards. She is such a sweetheart and I have yet to see her feathers ruffled about anything. She is always smiling, and is kind and approachable. Way to go Olga!
It was also great to see Deb Ryan take home the International Groomer of the Year award. She accepted by way of a long distance cell phone call (isn't technology awesome) and we all could hear her screams of excitement from Australia.
When the big moment came and I waited to hear if I was this year's winner of the David G. Salzberg award, we all crossed our fingers for luck. Sue Watson, Lisa Leady's big sister and another legend in the grooming business, had the honor of presenting the award. She read the nominations and, while I received a round of applause for my nomination, the winner was Lisa.
My consolations were many and I thank everyone for their support. I would especially like to thank Linda Claflin, who I feel got me the nomination.
Thanks to Linda Claflin for her support
Also, thanks to Cardinal for their support of the industry, the wonderful letter they sent for my nomination and the delicious Starbuck's coffee I enjoyed with the gift certificate they presented me.
Cashing in the Starbuck's gift card
Still, as you can see below, I earned a few other awards which I will treasure. Thanks Ann Stafford who organizes the Atlanta Pet Fair every year for presenting me with a DOXY for my participation in that event.
The coveted DOXY awards presented by Ann Stafford
I also helped myself to one of the lovely centerpieces at the awards banquet which is now sitting (and spinning) on my desk. I consider it a consolation prize, but the real rewards were dining with dear friends old and new, being with my lovely wife and being a part of such an amazing business!
Handle With Care!
Let's hear it for everyone who lost this year!
American Groomer of the Year Greta Dalrymple Kendra Otto Irina Pinkusevich
International Groomer of the Year Shaunna Bernardin Jackie Boulton Clayton Muniz Connie Verschuren
Grooming Contest Judge of the Year Sarah Hawks Ann Marting Kathy Rose Sue Zecco
Grooming Journalist of the Year Daryl Conner Teri DiMarino Missy Salzberg Chris Sertzel
The Congeniality Award Jukie Wilkins Pantages Linda Claflin Phelps Chris Sertzel Sue Zecco
David G. Salzberg Award Chris Sertzel Chuck Simons
Let me start by saying THANKS to everyone who reached out to help our friend Luther Edmonson! The benefit was an amazing event and I had a fantastic time. I know that we really helped Luther in many ways. I will never forget my trip to Austin, Texas.
Welcome to Austin, Texas! The beautiful Austin skyline My good friend Luther Edmonson
The city itself is a gem of a town with many friendly people who made me feel welcome. We did not take the tourist route, but spent time with Luther and the Austin locals. The honky-tonks are legendary including the Giddy Up and the Broken Spoke. I heard some incredible performances, but the trip really kicked into gear when Luther and I visited the Iron Works barbecue.
The food was fantastic and the atmosphere unique. The building was a historic location where many of the branding irons used to mark cattle were created. I love barbecue and certainly ate my fill. Luther told stories from the history of the area and is a wealth of information when it comes to local lore.
The Iron Works next to the Waller Creek Samples of the brands used for cattle WHOA that's hot stuff! Luther enjoyed a Coke with his meal - of course! The plaque commemorating the efforts of F. Weigl
Another highlight of my trip was visiting Luther’s Grooming. What an incredible place, filled with Coca Cola memorabilia from floor to ceiling. It was almost impossible to take it all in. Luther’s shop has museum quality displays of Coca Cola items that he has amassed over the years.
Luther told me how people just walk into the shop and never realize they are in a grooming salon. They browse through the items and ask “how much for this?” They are beside themselves when Luther tells them it isn’t a gift shop, but a grooming salon.
The entrance to Luther's Grooming Luther made his signs by hand The shelves were overflowing with Coca Cola items Everything Coca Cola fills the salon The Coca Cola Christmas Village
The day of the big show, Luther was busting at the seams with excitement. The benefit was organized by Paula Nelson and included a variety of top-notch entertainers, along with an auction, all designed to help raise funds for Luther. I heard many great bands. And although I have always had an appreciation of country music, the performances that I saw were phenomenal.
The famous Saxon Pub in Austin, TX Getting ready for the big show Luther with Pam Lauritzen from the I.S.C.C Dawn and Bob Thompson, Luther and me
First up was a band called McLemore Avenue and they played a fusion of jazz and country with many old standards. They got the house rocking and set the tone for an amazing afternoon. Following them was Waylon Payne, who sang soulful ballads, despite the cowboy hat that Luther’s daughter, Carla, made him wear. Some of you may recognize Waylon from the movie Cross the Line, where he played Jerry Lee Lewis.
McLemore Avenue kicked the show into gear Judi Cantu-Thacker and her daughter enjoyed the show Luther had many of his friends at the show The talented Waylon Payne delivered soulful tunes
Payne was followed by local favorite Gary P. Nunn, who presented some of his greatest hits before turning the stage over to Paula Nelson. The crowd loved Paula and she dedicated many songs to Luther. It seems that Luther was instrumental in helping her down the road to musical success and you could hear the heartfelt appreciation in her performance. Paula was followed by a wonderful performer named Carolyn Wonderland. Her blending of blues and southern rock brought the show to a close.
Local favorite Gary P. Nunn was a crowd pleaser Paula Nelson was happy to autograph arms Paula Nelson and the Guilty Pleasures Mark, Rosie and Me Paula, Luther and Me The smiles went on for miles Carolyn Wonderland finished the show with some blues Some more great barbecue always hits the spot
Many fantastic items were auctioned off. A pair of $1000 custom made ostrich boots started a bidding war between a husband and wife! The wife finally outbid her husband by $50 and will soon be wearing the beautiful cowboy boots. But the item that blew them all away was an autographed guitar that fetched a whopping $3500! Everyone had a great time bidding on these items and helping Luther.
The autographed guitar raised $3500 for the benefit
Another great item was a personalized voicemail recording by Willie Nelson that was won by Bob Thompson of Governor Insurance. Wouldn’t it be great to have Willie telling your customers that you can’t come to the phone right now, so leave your order at the sound of the beep.
This event was just the first of Groomer Aid concerts that I plan on having to support professional pet groomers in need. I plan to keep the web site going for awhile and posting updates about Luther there whenever I can. The story is not over yet…!
