Welcome to Day 2 of the Pet Industry Rising 2025 Summit
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Dear Innovators, Visionaries, and Changemakers,
Welcome to Day 2 of Pet Industry Rising 2025!
What an incredible start we’ve had on Day 1 — filled with powerful insights, heartfelt stories, and game-changing conversations that reminded us why this industry continues to grow with such passion and purpose. From innovation in pet health to bold sustainability strategies, yesterday set the tone for what’s truly possible when vision meets action.
As we begin Day 2, our focus deepens — on connection, collaboration, and courageous leadership. Today, we continue to explore how innovation, empathy, and strategic clarity can shape the next era of the pet economy.
At the heart of this summit, and of my Decide with Grace™ philosophy, is the belief that leadership isn’t just about what we achieve — it’s about how we choose to show up. Together, we are not only transforming businesses but shaping a more conscious, connected, and compassionate future.
Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey. Let’s make Day 2 another day of inspiration, growth, and meaningful impact.
–Peggy I. Pleines
Global Growth Strategist & Creator of Decide with Grace™
Founder & CEO, My Ladybird Enterprise AG
Leveraging Agility, Data, and AI to Disrupt and Drive Growth in the Pet Treat Industry
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Meet Dewar Gaines
Dewar Gaines is the Owner and Operator of Gaines Family Farmstead, an Irondale, Alabama-based, multimillion-dollar company specializing in all-natural, American-made sweet potato dog treats. Founded in 2016 after the tragic loss of a family dog to rawhide poisoning, the company is now available in approximately 1,500 pet specialty stores nationwide and recognized on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.
An entrepreneur since childhood, Dewar’s career spans digital marketing, tech innovation, and startup leadership. His entrepreneurial philosophy emphasizes momentum over perfection, leveraging marketing insights, agile product launches, and a strong tech infrastructure to scale efficiently while maintaining quality.
Gaines Family Farmstead prides itself on a nearly 100% American supply chain, sourcing from family-owned farms to produce single-ingredient, premium treats. Dewar describes the company as “a sales and marketing firm that happens to sell dog treats with a really good tech stack,” highlighting his focus on customer experience, supply chain integrity, and innovation.
Dewar continues to drive the company’s growth by combining instinct, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to quality, transparency, and pet wellness, building a brand that balances purpose, profitability, and impact.
Meet Your Host
Peggy I. Pleines is a Global Growth Strategist, international speaker, and CEO of My Ladybird Enterprise AG. She has worked with CEOs, founders, and decision-makers worldwide, helping them scale their brands with bold clarity, grounded leadership, and strategic vision.
Peggy isn’t just about accolades and titles (though she has plenty). She is the creator of Decide with Grace™, a framework that empowers leaders to make courageous decisions that balance strategy with authenticity.
What truly sets Peggy apart is her collaborative approach — she thrives on bringing together visionaries from diverse industries, creating spaces where innovation, leadership, and impact intersect. Past participants in her events have expanded their reach, grown their influence, and built thriving global communities.
With her signature energy and insight, Peggy is curating Pet Industry Rising to spotlight leaders like you who embody innovation, influence, and impact.