Meet Chris Lacquement

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Lacquement and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, can you tell us about an impactful book you’ve read and why you liked it or what impact it had on you?
A book that deeply impacted me recently was Be Nice (Or Else!) and What’s In It for You by Winn Claybaugh. What stood out was how true Winn is to his message—he genuinely lives the principles he advocates. I’m always reading to grow as a leader, but this was the first time I found a business book so focused on kindness rather than just profit and the bottom line. It was refreshing and reaffirming to read about treating people with respect and compassion in a field often dominated by revenue-focused approaches.

Winn’s message aligns perfectly with my own belief that kindness and respect in business can help solve many problems and build a stronger, more loyal team. This book arrived at a pivotal moment for me, signed by the author, and it encouraged me to remain true to my values. Although I had other options that may have been easier, Be Nice (Or Else!) and What’s In It for You reminded me that success without integrity and kindness would not align with the person I aspire to be.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets my businesses apart is a commitment to treating people well, a principle confirmed by Winn Claybaugh’s philosophy in Be Nice (Or Else!). I place a strong emphasis on the well-being of both my staff and customers, prioritizing the happiness and growth of my team by investing in them and supporting them whenever they need me within reason. Rather than focusing solely on financial gain, I am driven by a dedication to delivering exceptional service.

For me, profit is simply a byproduct of my passion—not the primary objective. By centering my business on quality service, I’ve built a thriving company with a loyal client base that trusts us to care for their pets. This focus on genuine care and high standards has been instrumental to our success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In my opinion, Texas is known more for its vast size and robust economy than its natural beauty, being the second-largest economy in the United States and the ninth largest in the world. However, if you visit my hometown of Dallas, Texas, I would recommend dining at one of the many rooftop restaurants to enjoy the stunning Dallas skyline—a remarkable sight paired with exceptional food. Dallas also offers vibrant art districts and world-class museums, providing a rich cultural experience.

Additionally, Fort Worth is nearby for those interested in a more historic atmosphere. A visit to the Fort Worth Stockyards and a traditional rodeo experience offer a unique glimpse into Texas’s storied past.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Winn Claybaugh has inspired me to become a different kind of leader and friend. Attending the Paul Mitchell Leadership Summit in 2024 was transformative, leading me to countless realizations I’m still processing. The summit reinforced the critical role of a positive culture and the impact of how we treat others in fostering success. I gained a deep appreciation for the value of well-defined structure and processes, especially through the acronym “SYSTEM” (Save Yourself Time, Energy, Money, and Stress), which has now become an essential part of my daily approach.

Listening to the team and observing why so many staff members have stayed—often for 20 or 30 years—provided a powerful insight into the strength of this culture. I returned with pages of notes, recordings from guest speakers, a collection of new books, and connections with remarkable people, many of whom I’m fortunate to now call friends. The experience was truly once-in-a-lifetime and has left a lasting impact on both my personal and professional life.

Website: k9businesssolutions.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrislacquement/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lacquement-a47925198/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.lacquement.3

Other: https://whiterockpetgrooming.com/
https://urbandogg.com/
https://kountryklippers.com/
https://bonesbows.com/
https://bark-town.com/
https://texasbestgrooming.com/

Image Credits
https://k9businesssolutions.com/ https://whiterockpetgrooming.com/ https://urbandogg.com/ https://kountryklippers.com/ https://bonesbows.com/ https://bark-town.com/ https://texasbestgrooming.com/