Treats, Toys & Brand Lessons from Global Pet Expo

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

• [01:12] Kelsey Sora shares how Polkadog evolved from a Boston-based boutique to a national treat brand
  
  
• [04:45] George discusses how Tall Tails built trust through quality and consistency
  
  
• [07:22] The power of partnerships: How indie retailers fuel brand loyalty
  
  
• [10:10] What today’s pet parents really want—and how both brands respond
  
  
• [13:33] Ingredient transparency and why it's more than just a trend
  
  
• [16:05] Expanding without losing your brand soul
  
  
• [20:40] How Global Pet Expo shapes future innovation

In this episode…

The pet treat market is crowded, but brands that lead with purpose, quality, and connection stand out. In this engaging Global Pet Expo interview, two leaders from opposite ends of the treat spectrum—Tall Tails, known for its timeless comfort and care, and Polkadog, celebrated for its artisanal, locally-sourced snacks—come together to share how they’re redefining the category.

Mark unpacks how these brands use retail storytelling, customer feedback loops, and product-led growth to build enduring loyalty. From the importance of ingredient integrity to the evolving expectations of pet parents, this episode offers sharp insights for anyone building a consumer brand in the pet space.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• • • • Ninedot
      • Mark Bevington on LinkedIn
      • Global Pet Expo
      • Polkadog: Instagram | Website
      • 3T Brands / Tall Tails: Website | Instagram 

Quotable Moments:

• "We want the retailer to feel like they’re part of the family—because they are.” – George, 3T Brands
• "We say no a lot. That’s how we stay true to what Polkadog is.” – Kelsey Sora
• "There are a lot of treats out there. The difference is when you care about what goes in them.”

Action Steps:

1. Craft a brand identity grounded in storytelling and values
   
   
2. Partner with retailers who understand and support your mission
   
   
3. Prioritize ingredient quality and customer education
   
   
4. Show up at events like Global Pet Expo to spark innovation and feedback
   
   
5. Stay nimble and open to evolving with your customer base
   
   

Sponsor for this episode

This episode is brought to you by Ninedot.

Ninedot is a digital marketing agency specializing in UI/UX, web design, and SEO strategy for scaling pet industry brands.

Our team helps you grow smarter with high-converting websites, custom digital strategies, and measurable results. We’re proud to support brands like Pet Food Experts, Animal Care Centers of NYC, and Potter League for Animals.

We’re excited to build a relationship with you.

If you're ready to turn your underperforming website into your best sales tool, visit ninedot.com or email janine@ninedot.com to start the conversation.