Meet Patsy McGirl | Pet Retail Entrepreneur

Through years of being in the pet indusrty I have seen many changes and heave learned to pivot and move forward when I make mistakes. I do not linger in the mistake – I learn and move on. It has not been easy over the years, as this is my 3rd successful business in the pet industry.

The key to success is to work hard, show up every day with a great attitude, do a little bit extra every day for your customers, and care about your business from parking lot to parking lot. That means every inch of space has to be cared for by you or teach your team to care. I truly believe your employees, your facility, your customers, your vendors, your neighbors and your community all can be effected by your amazing business if you show up with that on your mind.

The biggest lessons I have learned in business is that delegating and learning to pivot. Delegating can be difficult and I have to remind myself I hired very talented folks who want to do a good job. The pivot lesson was greatly challenged during Covid. I had Covid 2 years ago and experience something close to brain damage from it. I am getting better everyday and I pivot if I have to use a cane, or don’t know the words or how to do everyday tasks! I just move forward and move on. My wonderful team, partner, customers and family have been incredibly supportive. As we all know, the supply chain has also been a tremendous challenge and I pivot. If I can’t get a particular product I search for a healthy alternative and negotiate how to get it fast.

I am constantly learning about pet psychology, dog trainging, feline behavior, pet nutrition, and canine obedience from many great dog trainers. These great folks have been my mentor in my career and have helped me grow personally and professionally. I am enrolled in dog training classes and have done Canine Freestyle, Agiity, Rally and Obedience.

My brand is very unique… Patsy’s Pet Market is not your average pet supply store. Besides offering the most unique toys, chews and treats that satisfy your cat or dogs instinctual needs. Patsy’s offers the best in the pet food industry. I have toured every pet processing facilty and sold food during 2007 when pets were unfortunately dying or getting very sick due to contaminated products brought in from outside the US. I know all the ins and outs of pet nutrition and also pet manufacturing. Lastly, Patsy’s offers many FREE workshops; such as Dog Walking Clinics, Door Manners Classes, Tricks Classes, Potty Training Seminars, Nutrition Consultations, Bark and Wine every Friday night, Dog Crafting Classes, Rescue and Adoptions, Coloring Contests, Crawfish Boil Fundraisers, Hot Dog Eating contests, Watermelon Eating Contests and Nail Trimming Classes.

My new challenge I gave myself is to mentor young people – and old. I have students with intellectual development disabilites come in twice a week to learn social skills and help in the shop. These high school kids are so much fun and teach me gratitude and to just be happy everyday. I also mentor my staff to strive to give theor best everyday. I tell my team….attitude is everything! We can all learn from animals – they give us so much and I encourage everyone reading this to feed your pets the best and also you will never regret spending time with your pets!