WPA Chairman Mike Lou
THE WPA CHAIRMAN’S Reception celebrated with purpose Tuesday night by recognizing five outstanding recipients who inspire others through their support of the pet industry, plus put passion, creativity and initiative into their own businesses. Each year, the WPA chooses retailers and industry leaders who go above and beyond for its prestigious awards, and this year’s winners, honored during the reception at S Bar — Mandalay Bay, stood out for their staying power.
“The Chairman’s Reception is where we celebrate not just success, but the passion and people behind the pet industry,” WPA Chairman Mike Lou said. “Whether you’re a first-timer or a decades-long industry veteran, the night is about honoring what unites us: a love for pets, a drive to innovate, and a community that truly supports one another. Here’s to the work we do — and the friends we make doing it.”
Back row, from left: Jim Zamzow, Jos Zamzow and Callie Zamzow. Front row: Faye Zamzow.
WPA HONORS RETAILERS AND DISTRIBUTOR
WPA Pet Retailer Lifetime Achievement Multi Stores: Zamzow Family of Zamzows Lawn, Garden & Pet — Founded in Boise, ID, in 1933 by August and Carmelita Zamzow, four generations have run Zamzows for more than 90 years, with grandsons Jim and Rick Zamzow expanding the company to include lawn and garden. Now a Boise institution with 12 lawn, garden and pet stores, each Zamzows shop has adapted its product mix to its particular neighborhood customer base, giving the individual stores a unique personality. Run by co-CEOs Jos and Callie Zamzow, the children of Jim and Faye Zamzow, the business emphasizes building bonds with both employees and customers.
“One of my favorite Zamzows secrets to success is their radio show, The Zamzows Show, that runs live on Saturday mornings at 11 on both AM and FM radio — along with on Apple Radio and Spotify,” Mike Lasky, WPA chair emeritus and managing partner of SLA Brands, said. “Fourth-generation Callie Zamzow is the host, and she is joined by weekly guests to share knowledge, musings and anecdotes on gardening, pets, family business and more.”
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From left: Sally, Bill and Mary Trufant.
WPA Pet Retailer Lifetime Achievement 1-5 Stores: Trufant Family of B&B Pet Stop — In business for more than 42 years in Mobile, AL, the family-owned retailer grew to a 14,400 square-foot building filled with supplies for all pets, plus live fish, birds, reptiles and small animals. Co-owned by the three Trufant siblings — President Bill Trufant, General Manager Sally Trufant and Operations Manager Mary Trufant, the store employs more than 40 “krewe” members, the name a reference to the family’s New Orleans roots.
WPA board member Sarah Goldberger called the Trufants advocates for animal health and wellness, “donating over $340,000 to local charities through their Round-Up for Charity program.” As active members of their community, she added they’ve hosted over 1,500 children each year on organized fi eld trips to teach the importance of animal companionship and proper care.
“Congratulations to the Trufant family as the recipient of this year’s Pet Retailer Lifetime Achievement Award,” Lou said. “For 43 years, the Trufant Family has shown what heart-led retail looks like. From their commitment to live animals to their leadership across WPA, B&B Pet Stop stands as a model for family-run excellence.”
WPA Lifetime Achievement Award: Baker Family of Pet Food Experts — Back in 1936, Herbert “Salty” Baker started selling tropical fish and aquarium supplies out of his basement in his home in Rumford, RI. The next generations expanded the business first into the Rumford Aquarium retail store and then to wholesale distribution. Today, the now named Pet Food Experts is run by president and CEO Michael Baker, and services more than 10,000 retail partners throughout the country.
Goldberger said, “The Baker Family are stewards of the industry and have donated millions of pounds of food and dollars, impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of pets throughout their journey. They are deeply invested in social change and support organizations such as PIDA, Pets In The Classroom and IndiePet, as well as various WPA Good Works programs, to enhance and support the pet industry for future generations.”
Back row, from left: George “Buddy” Baker, Jr., Alyssa Bak-er, Michael Baker, Jillian Baker. Front row, from left: George Baker, Sr., Kiley Baker.
INDUSTRY LEADER RECEIVES AWARD
WPA Pawsitive Impact: Steven Feldman, President of HABRI (Human-Animal Research Institute) — As HABRI president, Steven Feldman advances the organization’s mission of showing through science that pets and other animals play a vital role in the health of individuals, families and communities. WPA President Vic Mason said, “Under his leadership, HABRI has not only advanced groundbreaking research but also amplified the importance of pets in our lives through education and advocacy.”
Lou added, “Steven Feldman’s work at HABRI has helped the world understand something we all feel deeply — that pets make our lives better. Through science, advocacy and collaboration, he’s brought the human-animal bond to the forefront of public health and policy.”
Steven Feldman, from left, Michael Twain
WPA ALSO HONORS ITS OWN
WPA Hall of Fame: Michael Twain, former WPA Chairman and board member — Business development professional Twain, of Choo Choo Imports, One Pet Planet and Amazing Pet Products, is known for his and his family’s lifelong support of the pet industry. A longtime pet industry pioneer, he’s also played a vital role at WPA, serving as Chairman for two terms and as a board member from 2005 to 2022.
WPA CFO and Vice Chairman Heather Coots said, “Michael Twain was and continues to be an inspiration to me. His unwavering dedication to WPA and the pet industry is unmatched — and even more admirable is the way he did it all: with humility, positivity and lasting impact.”
Lou added that Twain has left a lasting mark on the pet industry, “His contributions have helped shape the foundation of today’s WPA, and we’re proud to honor his legacy with a well deserved place in the WPA Hall of Fame.”
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