Enjoying the Journey: How Will went from Store Leader to HR Business Partner

When you meet someone who radiates passion for people and pets, it’s easy to see why they’ve built a lasting career at PetSmart. That’s exactly the case for Will, who began his PetSmart journey back in 2008 as a Store Leader in Indiana and is the proud pet parent of his furry companion, Oliver, a 4.5-year-old Malipoo who's full of energy.

“I started off in 2008 as a Store Leader for several different locations in Indiana,” Will shares. “In October of 2016, I transitioned into HR. Since then, I’ve held several roles, and today, I’m proud to serve as an HR Business Partner supporting our West region.” It’s been quite a journey — one fueled by a love for leadership, teamwork, and the joy pets bring to people’s lives. “I wanted to take my passion for leading people and creating teams into specialty retail,” he explains. “I’ve always loved pets and the happiness they bring to others.”

A Career Built on Growth and Impact

Over the years, Will has gained more than just professional skills — he's found deeper meaning in what PetSmart stands for.

“I’ve learned to appreciate the joy pets bring to people and the passion our associates have for both their coworkers and our store pets,” he says. “I’ve grown as a leader by learning how to build teams that work together toward a shared goal — helping pet parents wherever they are in their journey.”

One of his proudest career moments came in 2014 when he helped a promising associate take the next step in their career.

“I had a CEL who loved his job, and I saw leadership potential in him,” Will recalls. “After a lot of conversations and detailed development planning, he was promoted to ASL in 2015 — and he’s still a great leader today. Seeing others succeed and live out their dreams is my greatest joy.”

Words to Live (and Lead) By

Throughout their time at PetSmart, they’ve carried with them a valuable piece of advice from a mentor:

“At the end of the day, you have to know you did everything you could to leave your team, pet parents, and the brand in a better place. Who did you impact today?”

That mindset ties perfectly to the PetSmart value that resonates most with Will: Excellence in All We Do.“Nobody wakes up wanting to do a bad job,” he says. “I take on every challenge with 110% effort. People will remember how you made them feel — so make it count.”

A Peek Behind the Scenes

While HR might not seem like a numbers-heavy role, there’s one surprising fact Will loves to share: “There’s a lot more math in HR than anyone would imagine! And no, we don’t get to just play with dogs all day — though that would be nice.”

On his desk, you’ll always find one essential item: “A picture of your reason. Whether that’s family, friends, or a goal you’re working toward — keep it front and center.”

Advice for Fellow PetSmart Associates

His advice to anyone starting their PetSmart journey is simple and full of heart:

“Be patient. No one wakes up on day one being the best at their job — but it happens. Stay open to learning, and enjoy the process.”

And if Will could go back to their very first day?

“I’d tell myself, ‘Eat it up! You’re going to love it here and have the opportunity to change people’s lives.’”

PetSmart has supported that growth every step of the way. “They helped me go back to school and earn two degrees — all while pursuing my passion for people and HR,” he says. “That’s something I’ll always be grateful for.”

Will's chosen meme to describe what he does 😊

Finding Joy in the Work

When asked what keeps him inspired, the answer comes easily to Will:

“Our associates — at every level — and the passion PetSmart has for its people.”

His final piece of advice sums up his outlook perfectly:

“Don’t let anyone steal your joy. Life is short — enjoy the ride and be true to who you are during the journey.”

Three words Will uses to describe his PetSmart career?

✨ Enjoying the journey! ✨