Joey Villani

Joey Villani’s illustrious career in pet care and grooming began at the young age of nine during a visit to the Super Dog Salon in New Jersey. Invited by salon owner and family friend John Nash, Joey brushed a sheepdog named Cecilia, marking the start of his remarkable journey. After spending 18 years as an instructor at Nash’s renowned grooming schools, Joey opened his own salons. In 1998, he purchased the Nash Academy in New Jersey, which he operated for ten years.

Joey is now a renowned speaker and judge in the pet industry, nominated four times for the Cardinal Crystal Award for outstanding achievements and three times for Grooming Contest Judge of the Year. He is also a seven-time nominee for the Barkleigh Honors Award.

For 31 years, Joey has been actively involved with Intergroom International, helping to expand its reach into Belgium, Italy, and France. As one of the original members of the International Judges Association, he serves as a Ring Master and Core Judge. In 2010, Joey was named Grooming Industry Man of the Year, and in 2008, he became known as the Dogfather on Animal Radio. In 2015, he became CEO of Intergroom International and the Vice President of the newly formed World Dog Expo. He also serves as the pet grooming Ambassador for Conair Pet. In 2018, Joey received the industry's highest honor, the Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award, and the AKC Leadership Award, becoming only the fourth recipient ever.

Joey’s charisma and outgoing nature have made him a television personality, with appearances on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Good Day NY, The Katie Show, Mike and Juliet, and two seasons of both Animal Planet’s Dogs 101 and Groomer Has It.

Joey maintains a close professional affiliation with the Nash family, contributing to the development of the Nash Canine Reference and the Groomers Reference, the first online encyclopedic resource for pet care professionals. He is working with the Nash Team to create an International Educational Consortium of Pet Grooming & Styling Schools, aiming to standardize education and terminology for aspiring bathers, groomers, and stylists, and to elevate professionalism in the pet care industry. Joey also played a pivotal role in creating the national grooming standards for the PPGSA.

Joey serves on the advisory boards for Groom Team USA and Merryfield Pet Grooming School, and as a pet grooming advisor to BabelBark/BizBark.

Today, Joey continues to innovate in the pet care and grooming industry, constantly exploring new dimensions and opportunities. According to Joey, this is just the beginning.