Work Samples

Explore a featured selection of my writing work below.

Drop the Clippers: New Study Reveals Pro Grooming is 5x Better for Your Dog than DIY

From the “fresh from the salon” smell to those big puppy eyes, there is nothing cuter than a freshly groomed pup, but professional grooming is not just for looks (and smells!) Grooming with a pro also helps reduce licking and scratching. And the pros do it best.

We studied Teddy, an itchy scratchy Cavalier King Charles, and nearly 200 other pups, via their Whistle Insights devices and the data is loud and clear

Meet the Team: Daniel Berkon

Boasting a diverse professional background, talent for talking tech, and love of animals, Daniel Berkon is an essential part of our team at GoodFriend where he shines as the Regional Onboarding Champion AKA “go-to” for pet professionals.

“With GoodFriend, I get to connect with groomers and trainers on the challenges they’re facing and talk through how our platform can help,” explains Daniel, “I’ve always enjoyed meeting people and problem solving, and as a pet parent myself, I really enjoy bein

Pro Spotlight: Pooch La Vie

GoodFriend connects pet parents with passionate pet care pros working to give their pets the best possible care. Pros like Marianel in Philadelphia. Marianella began grooming dogs from her basement and has grown her business to a full operation with over 2,000 clients. We recently sat down with Marianella to learn more about the company she’s built, her specialties as a groomer, and how GoodFriend is helping Pooch La Vie to reach and book new clients.


How did you get started with grooming and

6 ways to handle a bad review

Just as positive word-of-mouth marketing can be a tremendous resource for a small business in the pet industry, a bad review can be equally, if not more, detrimental to your business. Pet parents rely on each other to find the best services for their pets through personal recommendations and online reviews. Here are a few tips on how to effectively handle a negative review producing the best possible results for both your clients and your business.

Though it can be tempting to delete negative c

How to build your business while you're booked

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), more than 23 million American households — nearly 1 in 5 nationwide — adopted a pet during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Americans return to their daily lives, the pandemic "pet boom" is still playing a major role in the operations of groomers as well as other members of the pet service industry. A recent study predicted the pet grooming service market is expected to grow by 38% by 2026.

The Keys to Connecting with Young Pet Owners

“The Wildest is the first online resource to provide a holistic look at pet parenting,” says Andrew Spena, Senior Social Media Manager at The Wildest, “Its content speaks to people for whom a pet is a big part of their life, while also acknowledging they have other interests, too.”

Developed by Kinship, the innovation arm of Mars Petcare, The Wildest, provides helpful content for millennial and Generation Z pet parents in an authentic and relatable way.

The results speak volumes when you consi

National trade shows reveal these 4 pet industry trends

In addition to networking and educational sessions, annual trade shows offer a glimpse into the future of their industries. Thousands of pet industry professionals from across the country gathered at SuperZoo and GroomExpo to stock up on products, catch a glimpse of the newest trends, network with industry peers, and experience the next generation of pet care. This year, GoodFriend, the newest digital platform that connects pet care pros with pet parents, exhibited at both SuperZoo and GroomExpo

How to be newsworthy

Making the evening news is an excellent way to gain publicity for your business, but it takes some work to be considered newsworthy. According to PBS Newshour, there are five key elements that make a story newsworthy: timeliness, proximity, conflict/controversy, human interest, and relevance. With these elements in mind, here are some ways to get the free publicity that comes along with being featured on a news segment.

First thing’s first, you have to get a contact

A personal touch: 3 tasks that should never be automated

Embracing technology can greatly assist in streamlining your business operations. For example, GoodFriend helps your clients find you online and book a service directly in just a few clicks. This ease of use is something that clients are coming to expect from their pet care professionals. In an age where automation is the norm, however, you may find that a personal touch is that much more appreciated by your clients. Though we recommend optimization operations to save time and money wherever pos

Savings on Set : Film Incentives in South Louisiana

It’s no secret that Louisiana was home to productions like 1989’s “Steel Magnolias” or 2019’s “Christmas in Louisiana,” but the state’s film industry is much broader than what meets the eye. South Louisiana has been the site of an increasing number of star-studded films, including “The Secretariat” in 2010 and the upcoming time-bending story “57 Seconds” featuring Academy Award-winning actor, Morgan Freeman.

Generous film incentives have helped Louisiana earn the nickname of “Hollywood South.”

Homeowners Hurricane Checklist

Is your home hurricane-ready? Whether you’re a long-time resident of Louisiana or are new to the area, it’s important to be prepared. After a historically active hurricane season in 2021, experts are projecting this year’s hurricane season to be “above average.” Now is the time to make sure that you have everything you need before there is word of a storm. Use the checklist below to keep your family and property safe this hurricane season.

Make a list of important contact information and put it

Signs Your Roof Needs Repairs

With the beginning of hurricane season right around the corner in June, homeowners and business owners need to be aware of the potential damage a storm can cause. One part of your property that you don’t want to neglect is your roof- if it’s not in good condition, a storm can exacerbate the issues and cause major damage. In addition to regular maintenance, it’s important to inspect your roof following a storm to begin repairs as soon as possible.

Here are 5 signs you need roof repairs after a s

Southern Success Stories: SchoolMint

The Silicon Bayou welcomes another new member as SchoolMint selects a permanent home in Lafayette for their national showcase facility. As the leading K-12 solution provider for strategic enrollment management, SchoolMint is a major player in both technology and education industries. The company values the opportunities and incentives made available to them in South Louisiana.

SchoolMint‘s leadership visited many locations around the area before choosing the downtown location at the old warehou

Lafayette Regional Airport Flies Forward with New Terminal

Market accessibility is a significant consideration when choosing a location to start or expand a business successfully. Having instant and reliable access to the surrounding world is paramount for reaching consumers, suppliers, and collaborators — and ultimately finding success. Connectivity through air, road, and rail travel drives regional growth on every level.

As an addition to its current connectivity infrastructure, Lafayette Parish celebrated the recent opening of a new state-of-the-art
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