Patrick’s #LifeAtPetSmart: Growing With Passion, Purpose, and Pets

Some careers start with a plan. Others start with a moment. For Patrick, it all began with an unexpected conversation—and turned into a nearly two-decade journey rooted in growth, resilience, and responsible leadership.

“I started my PetSmart journey back in 2007 as a Pet Products Manager and worked my way through roles including Pet Care Manager, Presentation Manager, Operations Manager, Assistant Store Leader, Store Leader, and now District Leader in the Great Lakes Region,” he shared. “I am proud of the growth, resilience, and purpose that have defined every step of this journey.”

An Unexpected Beginning That Changed Everything

Patrick’s path to PetSmart didn’t start inside a store—it started next door.

“I was working right next to a brand-new PetSmart being built,” he recalled. “One afternoon, a gentleman came in looking for supplies.” After helping him save money, the interaction seemed complete—until the next day.

“He returned, asking specifically for me. He was the new Store Leader preparing to open that PetSmart in just a month, and he offered me a job on the spot.” Though he never ended up working directly with that Store Leader, the impact stuck. “He became a mentor from a distance—someone who saw potential in me before I did. His belief in me opened the door to the career I have today.”

Growing Through Every Role

Each role at PetSmart brought new lessons—and new ways to lead.

“In my early years in single-unit roles, I learned the foundations of pet care, inventory management, customer experience, and daily operations,” he explained. As his scope expanded, so did his skill set.

“What ties all of it together is change agility,” Patrick said. “With every shift, I learned to adapt, listen deeper, problem-solve faster, and lead through uncertainty.” Leadership programs, mentorship, and hands-on experience all played a role—but growth came from doing the work, learning in real-time, and staying open to change.

A Moment That Still Stands Out

When asked about a proud career moment, one experience stood above the rest. “During my time as the Store Leader in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, we hosted what became the largest and most successful National Adoption Weekend in the company prior to the post-COVID shift."

The event brought together multiple adoption partners around a shared mission. “Watching the impact on pets, families, and associates was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.”

Leadership Advice That Shaped Everything

One lesson has stayed with Patrick from the very beginning and has shaped how he supports his teams and approaches every situation. “My first District Leader told me to always assume positive intent,” he said. “That mindset became a cornerstone of my leadership.” It changed how he shows up every day—staying curious, asking questions, and leading with empathy.

What the Job Really Looks Like

If you ask what a District Leader actually does, the answer might surprise you.

“A little-known fact about my role is that I spend more time developing future leaders than anything else,” he shared. Coaching happens everywhere—from aisles and grooming salons to hotel lobbies and adoption events.

“Helping someone find their confidence or their next step is one of the most rewarding and surprising parts of the job.”

Leading With Values

Of all PetSmart’s values, one stands out most for Patrick. “Responsible Leadership is the foundation of how I show up every day,” he said. “It means being intentional with decisions, transparent in communication, and mindful of the impact we have on people, pets, and communities.”

That value guides every interaction—creating spaces where associates feel supported, leaders feel empowered, and pet parents feel cared for.

“For years, I have told my teams that when passion meets purpose, the possibilities are endless,” he shared.

Advice for Anyone Looking to Grow

For new associates with big goals, the advice is simple and powerful: “You are the steward of your own development. No one will ever care about your growth more than you do.”

Curiosity, feedback, and ownership make all the difference. “When you show initiative and accountability, doors open faster than you expect.”

And if he could go back to day one? “I would tell myself that this is not going to be a job but a career,” he said. “I never imagined I’d grow from supervising two stockers to leading 18 Store Leaders and indirectly supporting more than 600 associates.”

Opportunities That Made It Possible

PetSmart provided the runway—but Patrick's efforts fueled the takeoff. “Tuition Reimbursement, TAP, mentorships, and relationship building pushed me to stretch, learn, and lead at higher levels,” he shared. “The more I invested, the more the company opened doors.”

A Home (and Heart) Full of Pets

Patrick's ability to make purpose-driven connections extends far beyond his #LifeAtPetSmart. At home, pets are family! “Our home is filled with a lot of love thanks to our two cats,” Patrick said. His cat Leah, a three-year-old rescue adopted through the Louisiana SPCA, has “the sweetest, old-soul energy.” And his kitty Elsa, just three months old, was adopted from Columbus Humane.

“Both organizations are PetSmart Charities partners, which makes their stories even more meaningful,” he shared. “They have brought so much joy, comfort, and connection into our lives.”

Staying Motivated—and Finding Balance

What keeps him inspired after all these years? People.

“Every interaction matters,” Patrick said. “Watching people learn, adapt, and grow is incredibly inspiring.”

Balancing that passion with life outside of work takes intention. “Sometimes you have to draw a line in the sand,” he shared. Over time, better routines and stronger processes create space to recharge. “Balance is about being intentional with your time so you can grow in your career and in your life.”

Three Words That Say It All

When asked to sum up the journey in three words, Patrick’s answer was clear:

People-centric. Energetic. Value-anchored.

After nearly 20 years, one thing is certain—this career was never just about a role. It’s about people, pets, and purpose.