(PRESS RELEASE) Barkleigh Productions Inc, the leading media company serving pet care professionals, has acquired the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) from Jeff and Mary Ann Reynolds in a deal that closed December 30. The NDGAA is the country’s largest and oldest groomer certifying organization, and also owns the Fun in the Sun grooming show in Orlando, FL. Barkleigh is currently finalizing a contract for a third-party organization to manage the certification component of the NDGAA.
The NDGAA was established in 1969 by Jeff’s father, Robert D. Reynolds, “in the hope of uniting pet groomers through membership.” Upon Robert’s passing in 1985, Jeff took over the role of executive director. His wife, Mary Ann took on the role of association secretary later that year. Regarding the sale, Jeff Reynolds stated, “For over 53 years the members of the NDGAA have meant the world to us. As in life, great and wonderful changes always take place. This happens to be one of them. It’s time for Mary Ann and I to turn the page and begin a new chapter in our lives, as it is time for NDGAA to begin its new chapter.”
Barkleigh president, Todd Shelly, stated, “We are very excited to carry on the tradition and history of the NDGAA. For as long as I can remember, Jeff has been a respected member of the grooming industry. The association and Jeff himself have always been a positive and professional force in pushing this industry forward.”
“We are excited to see what the future holds for NDGAA and its members,” Jeff stated. “They deserve the best that the industry has to offer, and we are confident that Barkleigh will provide it.”
Barkleigh is the premiere company serving the pet care industry. Barkleigh produces Groomer to Groomer, Pet Boarding & Daycare and PetVet magazines. They produce ten industry trade shows, including Groom Expo, Groom Expo West, Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo, The All American Grooming Show, among others. Barkleigh also has a line of products dedicated to pet care professionals.