MEET THE JUDGES

A panel of industry professionals joins the PETS+ team to choose America’s Coolest pet businesses. Get to know the pet pros who helped pick the 2026 winners.

Each year, we invite respected members of the pet industry to join the PETS+ editorial team — Editor-in-Chief Pamela Mitchell and Contributing Editor Melissa L. Kauffman — in judging America’s Coolest. Five pet pros helped in 2026, three of them previous winners themselves! All are actively working to move the pet industry forward. Let’s meet this year’s America’s Coolest industry judges.

GEORGANNE BENDER

KIZER & BENDER SPEAKING
Georganne Bender is a national speaker, author and consultant on store design. Her career began on the retail front lines and propelled her into senior leadership, giving her a rare blend of hands-on experience and executive insight. Since 1990, she has advised thousands of organizations across retail, healthcare, hospitality and other service sectors, consistently delivering measurable results and sustainable growth. A recognized authority in consumer behavior and the in-store experience, Bender is best known for transforming retail environments to achieve double-digit sales increases. Her impact has earned her accolades as one of the Top 40 Omnichannel Retail Influencers, a four-time RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert, and a go-to thought leader across multiple industry platforms.

KRYSTA FOX

PUG & HOUND APOTHECARY
Krysta Fox owns Pug & Hound Pet Apothecary in Geneva, IL, named one of PETS+ America’s Coolest in 2025. With more than a decade as a veterinary technician and extensive experience in pet nutrition, herbal medicine and retail, she is passionate about helping pets thrive through integrative care. Fox works alongside veterinarians, provides herbal and nutritional consultations, and is committed to educating pet owners on whole-body wellness. She believes independent pet stores play a vital role in strengthening the bond between pets and the people who love them.

JENNIFER LARSEN

FIREHOUSE PET SHOP & WORLD PET ASSOCIATION
Jennifer Larsen co-owns Firehouse Pet Shop in Wenatchee, WA, which she and her husband, Allen, opened in 2015. The store was previously recognized as one of PETS+ America’s Coolest. Larsen serves on the board of directors for the World Pet Association and the National Animal Interest Alliance, and is certified in pet nutrition. She is a strong advocate for independent pet retailers, pet wellness and consumer education throughout the pet industry.

CLAUDIA LOOMIS

CB PET MARKET & INDIEPET
Claudia Loomis owns CB Pet Market, an award-winning regional chain of holistic pet supply stores and grooming salons serving New Jersey. Under her leadership, CB Pet Market was named one of PETS+ America’s Coolest and has earned numerous other industry accolades. She holds multiple certifications in pet nutrition and wellness, and has spent decades helping families make informed decisions that improve the health and longevity of their pets. Loomis serves on the board of directors for IndiePet, where she works to strengthen the independent retail community through education, collaboration and advocacy.

JOLANTA SMULSKI

PET PRO MEDIA & PET INDUSTRY NETWORK
Jolanta Smulski, marketing strategist and founder of Pet Pro Media, is a leading AI expert and an established speaker at Global Pet Expo and SUPERZOO. She co-founded the Pet Industry Network to drive collaboration, growth and thought leadership in the pet space.