Still Fun After 44 Years: The Trufant Family’s Commitment to Pet Retail Done Right
Learn how these WPA Lifetime Achievement Award recipients and siblings use teamwork, training and the power of live animals to stay energized.
Bill, Mary and Sally Trufant of B&B Pet Stop have spent more than four decades building a pet retail business that still brings them joy every single day. That longevity — paired with their commitment to excellence — recently earned the Trufant family the WPA Lifetime Achievement Award (1 to 5 Stores).
As Bill says, what makes it special is “to be recognized for something that we’ve been doing now for 44 years, and we still enjoy it!” Even after decades in business, they still get up every morning excited to go to work. But the Trufants are quick to point out that this recognition isn’t just about them.
“It’s also a reflection of our crew. They are as dedicated to this as we are,” says Sally. With a business that has grown far beyond what one family could manage alone, the Trufants emphasize that teamwork is essential. “Every day, we realize we couldn’t do this by ourselves,” Bill adds.
Staying in Your Lane
Running a family business successfully for decades requires trust, respect and clearly defined roles. The Trufants describe their approach simply: Everyone has a lane.
“I’m responsible for money. He’s responsible for buying. She’s responsible for sales,” Mary explains. While input is welcome, the key is not trying to do each other’s jobs. That clarity allows the business to operate smoothly while still benefiting from collaboration, whether it’s decision-making or attending SUPERZOO together to explore new ideas.
Training, Training, Training … and Standards
One of the defining characteristics of B&B Pet Stop is its commitment to training. The Trufants have created detailed guides for nearly every responsibility in the store.
“We have daily duty lists, and we have the books [on] how to do each duty,” they explain. These guides outline clear standards for animal care, from feeding schedules and portion sizes to lighting and habitat needs. The goal is consistency and accountability.
“If you walked into our store today and we hired you, you could follow that book and take care of our animals,” Mary notes. That level of preparation ensures high standards no matter who is on the floor, and it reinforces the trust customers place in the business.
Live Animals as the Heart of the Store
Live animals have always been central to B&B Pet Stop. When the Trufants first opened their doors, the business was largely focused on fish. Over time, the assortment expanded, but animals remain the lifeblood of the store.
“That’s what brings people in,” Bill says. Live animals create energy, movement and connection. From chirping birds to small animals, they transform the store into a space that feels alive.
Many customers, especially children, experience animals up close for the first time at B&B Pet Stop. Those moments matter. “We wouldn’t still be here 44 years later if we did not have live animals in the store,” Sally says. A common refrain for her is, “Without pets, it’s just a store.”
Learning by Connecting
Staying relevant in pet retail requires adaptability. The Trufants describe their approach as “riding waves” — recognizing trends, embracing them thoughtfully and knowing when it’s time to move on.
SUPERZOO plays a key role in that process. Beyond the aisles and product showcases, the Trufants value the informal conversations at lunch tables, in lines for coffee or while chatting with fellow retailers.
“You don’t get that sitting home,” Mary says. “You’ve got to be at the shows.” Those connections, shared insights and educational opportunities continue to influence how they operate, even after decades in business.
Join us in celebrating Bill, Mary and Sally Trufant and learn more about WPA’s mission to unite the pet community.