Rick is a registered architect with 30 years experience in the design and construction industry.  He received his architecture degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, LA, and founded Bacon Group, Inc. in 1991.  The Clearwater-based firm provides architecture, planning and interior design with about 80% of its design work done for the animal care professional.  Services provided include design for new or renovated animal boarding, daycare and training facilities, veterinary hospitals, and animal care and control and humane shelter facilities.  Since 1995, Rick has designed or consulted on over 90 animal housing projects in 24 states.

Robin Bennett is the co-owner of All About Dogs, the largest dog training company in Virginia. Since beginning her company in 1993 she has grown from a sole proprietorship to a Corporation that boasts fourteen instructors teaching private lessons as well as numerous group classes and behavior modification lessons for shy, fearful and aggressive dogs. Robin has an excellent working relationship with local veterinarians as well as the Prince William Animal Control Bureau. She is regularly recommended by both groups to evaluate potentially dangerous dogs. Robin successfully owned and operated her own dog daycare for many years. Her book All about Dog Daycare: A Blueprint for Success is the number one reference on owning a daycare, and Robin is a highly sought-after speaker on numerous dog daycare and playgroup topics around the country. She is an active member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and has a BA degree from Roanoke College. Robin regularly attends dog training seminars, has earned Level 1 certification through the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT), the first national certification for dog trainers. Robin is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and is married with two children.

Susan is co-owner of Urban Tails, LLC, a dog daycare and full service pet facility in Houston, TX. With her partners Frances Armstrong and Crista Meyer they opened Urban Tails in December 2000 offering the first cage-free sleepovers for large dogs in Houston. A mission to provide services focused on the health and safety of pets in their care turned to an early passion to promote dog daycare safety. As active members of PCSA, the trade association for pet service providers, Susan pursued including dog daycare facilities as association members. In 2003 she accepted the position of Dog Daycare Chair and worked with a committee of daycare owners from across the country to develop the first facility and operating standards for the dog daycare industry. These standards were published in 2007 as a part of the PCSA?s Voluntary Facility Accreditation (VFA) program. In 2007 Susan was elected to the PCSA board of directors and currently serves as Region 8 director representing members in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. She also serves on the PCSA VFA committee providing expertise on dog daycare services. Susan and her partners have presented seminars on dog daycare services at PCSA regional and national conventions. After repeated requests to offer training for others they started Urban Tails Academy, offering pet professional training and consulting services. Their courses focus on hands-on technical experience in dog daycare and pet facilities operations. Susan has a Masters of Accountancy from Truman University in her home state of Missouri. She has converted to a Texan and lives in Houston with partner Bill Kamps; three dogs, Hallie, Hank and Sheppy; and Sydney her twenty year old feline.

Scott Learned founded the company and is the president of Design Learned, Inc. He has extensive experience in pet care and animal requirements, having cared for many domestic pets, pocket pets, and rescued wild animals. Mr. Learned has advanced education in thermodynamic and fluid dynamic analysis as well as computer simulation of mechanical systems. He is registered with the NCEES and holds Professional Engineering registrations in 23 states. Through the customary requirements of continuing education, Mr. Learned has completed dozens of hours of training in aspects of indoor air quality, electrical, noise control, and plumbing systems. Professionally, Mr. Learned supervises the engineering of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and noise control aspects of animal care facilities. Additionally, he provides consultation and specification of animal caging, animal equipment, finishes, and floor planning recommendations.

Al Locker is President of Turnkey, Inc., a family owned and operated, third-generation construction company celebrating over 47 years in business. Turnkey, Inc., designs and builds both residential and commercial projects, including remodeling, new design/build ?ground up? projects, high-rise condominiums and even exhibits at the Houston Zoo. In 1991, when Al?s wife Suzanne bought a kennel, Al began researching, designing and building pet care facilities. Al and Suzanne built their current 106-run kennel in 1996 and continue to operate it today. Since that time, he has designed 30 and built 12 new kennels, a veterinary hospital, a dog daycare facilities and remodeled existing kennels. He also consults owners about new construction or how to update their current facility with the latest materials and equipment.

Christine is a consultant with the Brakke Veterinary Practice Management Group and is a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM). She is a small animal practitioner from Chicago, IL, and holds degrees from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and DePaul University Kellsted Graduate School of Business. She served as Assistant Dean for Public Engagement and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine until 2005. As a teacher, she developed and provided business education and career development information to veterinary students, veterinarians and other animal health professionals. Christine?s goal is to advance the veterinary profession through the education of animal health professionals and the public. She has written articles and given numerous interviews for newspaper, radio and TV, in addition to providing both small and large seminars for clinic staff and national veterinary associations. She is an active member of several veterinary organizations including the Association of Veterinary Practice Management Consultants and Advisors (AVPMCA) where she recently served as their president. Christine has a particular interest in communications, organizational behavior and integration of marketing into private practice by focusing on staff and client education.

Joanne attended Susquehanna University and went on to own and operate four very successful Invisible Fence Dealerships for over 15 years. During this time she developed an extensive marketing and customer service background. Her dealerships won National Awards and were viewed as one of the leaders in the industry and country. She currently serves as PCSA Region 2 Director. Her vision has increased to continue to grow and improve the image of the pet care industry. She is passionate about creating opportunities for members to network and to take advantage of all that PCSA has to offer. Joanne is Vice President of Morris Animal Inn.

Ray Santerini has a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Computer Science from Hamilton College in New York. He is a Dale Carnegie graduate and recipient of Carnegie?s Highest Achievement Award. He has designed and conducted motivational seminars for thousands and was chosen as one of America?s Top 28 personal trainers by Vogue magazine. His experience with creating and operating his own business, as well as great success as a sales director and manager, have further deepened Ray?s repertoire of knowledge. Since 1989, Ray?s unique blend of insight, motivation, and inspired delivery has empowered individuals in nearly every field of professional endeavor to become more confident and effective. From his many training experiences, Ray developed the Aim High Empowerment Workshops.

As a Vice President in Wells Fargo Bank?s Small Business Administration Lending division, James concentrates on generating small business loans to owner-operated businesses and start up franchises throughout the United States. He has more than 20 years experience in the financial services industry and specializes in SBA lending.

James holds a degree in Finance and received a Masters in Business Administration. An active community member James is involved with local business associations, community college business seminar instruction, and is on the board of a local charitable organization.