Humanity Over Vanity: How Holly Hartley Built Groom Garage with Heart & Grit

Charge Forward Podcast

What happens when passion, purpose, and a pandemic pivot collide?
You get your pups favorite place - Groom Garage.

In this inspiring episode of the Charge Forward Podcast, host Jim Cripps sits down with Holly Hartley, founder of Groom Garage in Ashland City, TN. From her early days grooming at PetSmart to launching a grooming salon in her garage during the COVID shutdowns, Holly shares how she built a thriving business rooted in one core value: humanity over vanity.

Discover how Holly:

• Transformed a simple idea into a dual-purpose grooming and training business
• Has trained over 20 groomers—many who now run their own successful shops
• Built a community of trust by prioritizing canine wellness and transparent client conversations
• Infuses her passion for CrossFit, nutrition, and family into her business model
• Manages life, health, and entrepreneurship while raising five kids and planning her wedding

Whether you're a dog lover, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone navigating the chaos of starting something new—you’ll walk away from this episode inspired, encouraged, and ready to charge forward.

🐾 Want to connect with Groom Garage or book an appointment?
🌐 Website: www.thegroomgarage.com
📘Facebook Groom Garage
📸 Instagram: @groomgarage
📍 Address: 1998 TN-49, Ashland City, TN 37015
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💡 New episodes drop every Thursday!

📣 Special thanks to our sponsors:
💳 Charge Forward Solutions – Merchant Services
📈 Sense Development – Executive & Data Services
📈Sense-Leads - Wholesale Lead Services
🎥 HitLab Studios – Podcast Production
🌟 Rosemary Salazar – Virtual Assistant Services

Chapters

1. Humanity Over Vanity Approach (00:00:00)

2. From PetSmart to Salon Owner (00:08:55)

3. COVID Pivot & Building Groom Garage (00:18:13)

4. Teaching Groomers as Mentorship (00:28:48)

5. CrossFit Community & Fitness Journey (00:38:32)

6. Health & Nutrition with Family (00:48:35)

7. Money Conversations & Business Lessons (00:57:13)

8. Dog Grooming Insights & Business Success (01:04:13)