Speaking

Choose any topic below and click for more information on Heidi’s Presentations:

“What Glass Ceiling? My Story of Start Up Success!”

What does it really take to be a great woman leader or business owner? We’ve inherently got what it takes…our leadership style is innovative, trusting and empowering – and ideally suited to today’s business challenges.

Nevertheless, we all know the “glass ceiling” statistics: Only 6% of top executives in Fortune 500 companies are women, despite occupying 40% of all managerial positions. Only 3% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women, and only 3% of women-owned firms have revenues of more than $1 million compared with 6% of men-owned firms. But take it from a woman who’s defied all those numbers – with the right strategies, attitudes, and “been there, done that” coaching, women can break right through that glass ceiling.

Join Heidi Ganahl as she recounts her personal story of overcoming a variety of personal and professional obstacles, then launching and growing her own wildly successful business. Along the way, she’ll share the 5 most important actions women must take to achieve professional success, whether in corporations, politics, entrepreneurship, or nonprofits. Are you ready to break through?

“Tails from the Bark Side – The Adventures of Building a Dog Gone Great Brand!”

Estée Lauder, Nike, Apple, Ben and Jerry’s, Camp Bow Wow…. despite being very different businesses, they’ve all been incredibly savvy about building their brands. Now you can be, too!

You already know that your brand isn’t just about your logo, tagline and glossy brochure. But where do you go from there? Entrepreneur Heidi Ganahl has successfully built an extraordinary brand (one coveted by hundreds of franchisees across the country!), and in this engaging presentation she’ll share 5 strategies for developing and implementing a successful, stand-out brand program. Throughout, you’ll benefit from Heidi’s insider tips as she shares her real-life stories about what worked and why, what didn’t work and why, and other lessons learned.

“Tails from the Bark Side – Franchise Lessons from the Top Dog”

According to industry analysts, there are more than 765,000 franchise-based businesses in the United States alone, employing almost 10 million people and meeting a payroll of nearly $230 billion. Needless to say, franchising is immensely popular and provides enormous economic benefits.

Franchising also is one of the toughest business models to build successfully. In fact, Camp Bow Wow founder Heidi Ganahl was consistently told that without a tremendous amount of working capital and the backing of a larger franchise, she would never survive the path to a successful franchise brand. Undaunted, Heidi launched her first camp in Denver in 2000 and has built her business into a $40 million business with more than 250 franchisees in 40 states and Canada. Not bad for a small business going up against the likes of industry giants Petco and PetSmart!

In this inspiring and engaging presentation, Heidi tells the inside story of how she did it – and makes it clear that with determination, intelligence, a great team, and the tenacity of the underdog, you can succeed, too. Along the way, she’ll explore the 10 lessons that were critical in building her pet-industry franchise powerhouse and help you become the Top Dog of your industry.

“Ready to Play Ball? Turn Your Passion into a Successful Business”

Camp Bow Wow, Heidi Ganahl’s wildly successful doggy daycare and boarding company, came to fruition because Heidi believed passionately in her vision. Overcoming fears, personal hardship, and the advice of nay-sayers, Heidi turned passion into profit – and a richly rewarding life.

As she shares her personal story, Heidi offers encouragement and advice on how to overcome a fear of taking chances, find the courage to grow and lead a business, and ultimately achieve your dreams. As her life story makes clear, even tragedy, loss, and misfortune can teach valuable lessons that help us become great leaders and entrepreneurs.

By tapping into her love for dogs, Heidi Ganahl changed the way our country cares for its furry friends! Find out how to turn your passion into a highly successful business, and maybe just change the world along the way…

“Paws to Give Back — How Cause-Based Marketing Can Help Grow Your Business”

Cause-based marketing has been a key strategy behind some of our country’s greatest brands – Microsoft, McDonalds, Patagonia, Ben and Jerry’s, Camp Bow Wow….and it can be the force that pushes your own business to new heights!

Heidi Ganahl opened her first Camp Bow Wow in Denver, CO, in 2002. In six short years, she has built her industry-leading business into a $25 million enterprise with more than 200 franchisees in 38 states and Canada. Among the secrets of her success? She learned early on the value of giving back to the cause that inspired her passion. Through the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation, Heidi has found an incredibly rewarding way to honor her commitment to the well-being of the animals she loves and give others a chance to share in that commitment.

Learn how the foundation has enriched Heidi’s business beyond bottom-line profits while also helping to build a brand of trust and authenticity. People love giving back – make sure you’ve given them an opportunity to do so!