Searching the world for new pet accessories.

MY day starts at about 7 a.m. and the first thing I do is check e-mails because we do business internationally. I make calls internationally as there is a big time difference. At 9 a.m. there's usually a meeting on new products or on merchandising. In 2006 we will have 20 or 30 new items. There are always requests for images because we are expanding our distribution network, there are forms to be filled out, and requests for advertising information on any number of things that we then address. In between all this, we try to call on local distributors and local retailers to follow up on how products are selling, see if they recommend we do something differently, and try to get input from distributors and sales people.

We're always searching worldwide to talk to people who have new items and want to see how we can incorporate them, or are looking for a trading partner or an idea that may spawn something great.

We take common items that have been in the industry for years and improve them. For example, a dog nail trimmer is just a grooming scissors device. That's all it's ever been. We took this and asked, "How can we make it better?" We used the highest quality steel and the sharpest blades so it lasts a lifetime. We added ergonomic handles, then we added a small container that holds septic to stop bleeding. And we added an emery board into the side of container. So now you have a clipper that's better quality and has three features. We take that philosophy to every product we produce.

We also look for unique items. We just launched a collar for dogs with a built-in control handle that's comfortable to hold. We also introduced a dog leash with a seat belt attachment, which will eliminate the dog from being hurt or running around the car. And we have a lot of interactive toys. For example, we have a cat fisher, a 20-inch fishing rod with catnip on the end. My cat will not let me alone anymore; I have to keep the toy on top of my refrigerator.

At about 3 p.m. there's another meeting with my inside salespeople or customer service to make sure that consumers who call are given everything they need, and to make sure we answer questions for local salespeople. Then from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. every day, we concentrate on answering e-mails, developing programs, price lists, and working on displays.

We'll exhibit at probably 38 open houses, which are mini-trade shows for our customers that are weekend work, and major worldwide trade shows in England, Germany, Italy and the U.S.

I live in Sacramento and work in North Hills, so I fly in Monday and fly back on late Friday. When I'm not in the office I'm out making sales calls, doing training for my reps and for distributor salespeople and also out talking to sources. In Sacramento, I live with my wife Linda and two lovely granddaughters, and I'm spoiling them so I can get even with my kids. We're always outdoors working in the yard, or fishing in the pond, catching frogs, riding mountain bikes. We have a lot of fun and enjoy building things so we built a big playhouse and a chicken pen for all my creatures.

Phillip M. Cooper

Vice President of Sales Bamboo Pet Center, North Hills

Creature Features: Has a dog, two cats, 11 chickens, a large outdoor fish pond and two aquariums

Tip: "I've been in the business for 40 years--yellow as a color for dog collars has never been successful."

Special Privilege: While living in Sydney, got to attend almost all of the 2000 Olympic events