Staff Pictures

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Owner, Mike Cronk, in 1975

I started the business in October of 1975 after 5 years in the army (platoon leader, Vietnam; Company commander, Ft. Benning, Ga.), one year in home construction, one year of sales with General Mills, and finally, one year of teaching 8th grade geography at Jack Jouett Middle School. After all that, I went to the dogs - volunteered to clean kennels for Sally Meade at the S.P.C.A. and opened up for business shortly thereafter. I became a Certified Kennel Operator after completing training and testing offered by the American Boarding Kennels Association. I served as Regional Director and Vice President of A.B.K.A.

First grooming shop, 1979

In 1979 we moved our location to 5th St. and added grooming. For the first five years, all groomers attended the New York School of Dog Grooming for a concentrated course designed by owner Sam Kohl specifically for our business. We also attended seminars given by various grooming organizations on terrier, poodle, and sporting breed haircuts.

Our location in the Pantops Shopping Center

At one time, we operated three locations in Charlottesville, the most recent being the Pet Salon in Pantops, opened in June of 1990. While both boarding and grooming are done at our 5th St. location, our Pantops location focuses on grooming alone.

Jennifer Davis - Groomer

Jen joined us in July of '03 and her excellent grooming skills reflect the salon's style as derived from previous training provided by the New York School of Dog Grooming. In addition to grooming, Jen maintains our daily schedule.

Laura Sapino - Groomer

Laura is the boss' daughter and having grown up in the business, brings a great work ethic in addition to wonderful grooming skills. She is doing a balancing act of wife, mother of three, and part-time groomer.

Samantha Garrison - Groomer

Samantha joined us in March of '05 and her natural flair and talent for grooming has enabled her to constantly exceed expectations. Her career choice is an asset to the Pet Salon and its' customers.

Sherry Berry - Groomer Assistant

Sherry is in charge of our bathing and drying, considered the most critical part of the grooming process. Her excellent work ethic and high standards are reflected in every pet that comes to visit us, being the best employee in that department we have ever had.

Jenna Wille - Office Manager

Jenna is a graduate of Longwood University and is responsible for customer relations, daily appointments, record keeping and pet reception. If running the business doesn't keep her busy all day, she assists in grooming.

Pantops Pet Salon & Spa Charlottesville's Professional Dog Grooming