Our Approach
What Sets Us Apart
James Straggas
Prior to founding K9 Wear James has spent the past decade consulting for Fortune 500 brands and retailers on marketing best practices.
He gives full credit to K9 Wear to his Boston Terrier Ronnie.
Mike Connolly
Mike Connolly has led sales and service teams for the past decade at CarGurus, Experian, Windstream, and PAETEC, and is currently SVP of sales at EverQuote. He holds a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Tufts University.
In his spare time, Mike enjoys running and hiking with his rescue dog Murphy.
TJ Papp
TJ Papp has spent his career hyper-focused on creating and leading consumer-centric operating models with seamless connections across digital and physical experience on both a domestic & global scale.
Most recently at Kenneth Cole, TJ was the SVP of DTC leading an oense focused operating model, that accelerated a deep connection with consumers across Kenneth’s digital and physical portfolio. TJ has held several global leadership roles within Victoria’s Secret, Cole Haan, and Nike with a focus on performance marketing, product management and merchandising.
TJ lives down the shore in NJ, a married father of 3 amazing kids, surfer, plays football, and races gravel in his spare time.
Andrew Carter
Growing up in Eastern LI, dogs and horses were Andy’s life from age 9 on. Andy discovered his chosen breed, Pembroke Welsh Corgis in 1976 and went on to breed and show Corgis for many years.
Andy has traveled internationally pursuing his study of the breed and learning the deep history of the pedigree. In 1981 he became a member of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America.
In 1981 Andy became an American Kennel Club judge (both Pembroke's and Cardigan Welsh Corgis) and has judged Corgis in the USA, England, Australia, Finland, Ireland, Russia, South Africa, and Canada.
Andy has judged at Westminster and this year the ultimate honor at Crufts in Birmingham England. He is the 2nd American judge ever invited to judge Corgis in the homeland and will be judging in Serbia in 2021.
In his non-dog life, Andy was a successful executive in the Accessory Market-based in NYC.
Nicole Franklin
Nicole Franklin is a fashion designer that isn’t into the fast trends but making quality products that stand the test of time. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, her dedication and commitment to making long lasting products while solving the age-old question of what to wear?
Nicole helps businesses stand out in apparel production through innovative design, graphics and packaging. She has worked with high caliber clients like Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, Vineyard Vines, Georey Beene, Johnston & Murphy and Lady and Butler.
Nicole is a wife and mother to 2 children, a dog and 2 cats. She is a certified yoga instructor, rides trail bikes in the mountains and enjoys hiking with her Yorkie Molly.
Steve Zanette
Steve is a strategic, creative, and analytical marketer with a proven track record of leading innovative programs that drive results. He is driven by a true entrepreneurial spirit and an absolute passion for groundbreaking marketing. With over ten years in the industry, Steve has created and successfully executed fully integrated and digital-only experiences across a diverse range of world class brands such as Reebok, Chewy, Vistaprint, and Leesa.
Chad Petipas
Chad has joined the Team from the world of B2B Tech Sales. Since being at K9 Wear, he's found his work very fulfilling and is excited to finally have an excuse to adopt a dog of his own.
Serena Samson
Serena joined the Team as our Social Media Manager and Content Strategist. She is currently attending Chico State as a Business marketing major, while gaining valuable hands-on experience at K9 Wear.
Dr. Thomas DeVincentis
Upon graduating from The Ohio State University, Dr. Tom moved to New York City and established Country Vets where he practiced small animal medicine for over 25 years. Recently he has joined Lenox Hill Veterinarians and is happy to be affiliated with a great group of fellow doctors and coworkers.
He serves on the board of Circle of Generosity, a nonprofit charity, has a written a book, Tails of the City, and is an avid equestrian. He lives with his very special dog "Hannah" a Hungarian Vizsla. "Hannah" and Tom live in NYC and Watermill Long Island.