An Inspired Chat with Nancy Hassel of Long Island, NY

Nancy Hassel shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Nancy, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
This year, I am most proud that I took a step back from traveling to pet industry events. If you know me, you know how much I love to be at the big trade shows within the pet industry and seeing our members from across the country in person. Re-connecting with peers, meeting new pet pros, speaking and teaching at said events, learning from others and seeing new products or learning from an expert. But in 2024, I was stressed out, and my last trip of the year was in December from New York to LA. While the trip itself to a conference was fantastic, I decided on the plane heading there that I needed a break. While I have attended many local events this year, or ones I could jump on the train to NYC for, I am so glad I put my health first by not traveling. I did miss seeing all of our members during events held in Orlando and Las Vegas – but giving myself a year off from the hustle was incredibly rewarding. If you can do it, I highly recommend it!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi I am Nancy Hassel the founder and President of American Pet Professionals (APP). Our company started back in 2009 when I saw the need for a networking and educational organization that would help unite pet pros, with education, community, and camaraderie through networking both in person and online. The ultimate goal to bring together pet businesses that may normally be thought of as competition, instead focusing on working together to ultimately help pets (and their pet parents.) Our members go out of their way to help each other, create bonds and friendships that is truly incredible to witness over the last almost 17 years. We love to stay on and ahead of trends both in and out of the pet industry here at APP. Education has been at the forefront of our business model since day one, whether it is a webinar hosted by a guest expert, member expert to forums, and mastermind events for pet pros. We love to focus on help, support and know-how that any member can learn from a webinar and run with it for their own businesses. We have covered many topics over the years, and this is monthly – so that is a lot of different educational sessions!

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I think over the years, as you evolve as a human and a business person, you may find things that no longer serve you. It could just be that you outgrew whatever it was. I did Public Relations for many years for lovely pet business clients, but knew it was not something I wanted to continue in the long run. Stepping away was scary, but it opened up new doors for me in my life and business. And it will for you, too, even if you cannot see it right now. Sometimes we hold on to things that no longer serve us for too long. If it is gnawing at you continually, it may be time to go for that next opportunity or adventure; you won’t regret it.

When did you last change your mind about something important?
I wouldn’t say I changed my mind, but back to listening to my body about not traveling for work in 2025. Should I have been at the pet industry events this year that I had to travel to? Yes, maybe. I think as entrepreneurs or business owners, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be everywhere, do it all, but that can wear you thin after a while. So while I think it is important to show up for your business at conferences, it’s also very important to pay attention to stress factors at play. If you truly love your business, stress should not be a huge part of it, imo.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. In the world of social media posts, and our curated social media lives, I think if you ask anyone that knows me, or meets me in person after hearing me on a podcast or interview, is going to meet the same person they heard. I think a lot of people want to put on a persona; it’s a little less scary to be themselves fully, I get it. But building trust with your clients, customers, and being yourself speaks volumes. That is one thing I said to a lot of my PR clients while doing any media training with them, “It is important to just be yourself – your expertise is going to shine through – think about if a customer came into your store and asked you a question about a product – answer the same way.” With media training, it was not to teach them to be someone they are not, but just helping carve out those ‘ums and uhs’ and how to get their point across in a short video clip. But being themselves will always shine through, and it is so much more authentic when you meet someone and see they are the same person as they are in public.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
Walking in the woods with my dog in all the seasons. Taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Exploring new places. Paddling on a beautiful day in my kayak in the summer. Being creative, whether it is learning a new craft, painting, photography, gardening, taking a class and meeting new people, the list goes on. I love what I do in my business, and look forward to helping our members – but I think it is important to have hobbies and interests outside of your work. It’s good for your soul and brain.

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Nancy Hassel

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