Someone once rightfully said that a dog is a person’s best friend. Dogs are more than just pets; they’re companions, confidants, and loyal friends with unwavering devotion and boundless affection. Whether embarking on adventures together or enjoying quiet moments of solitude, their presence enriches our lives in ways that words cannot fully express. They are cherished members of our families.
One common thing that all dog owners wish for is that their pets would live longer because of the strong emotional bonds that we forge with our furry friends. This desire for their continued presence is a testament to the deep love and connection between humans and their cherished canine companions.
Over the years, as our understanding of animal welfare advanced, so did our approach to caring for pets. From the ancient bond forged through domestication to the modern-day integration of technology and specialized services, the pet care landscape has undergone a profound transformation.
Launched in 2024, Carson&Bear™ is on a mission to extend the life and health of every pet by providing a comprehensive approach to wellness, nutrition, and education for pet parents. Bridgette Chambers, PhD, Co-CEO of Carson&Bear Dog Wellness Program, states, “Like many dog lovers, my co-CEO, Scott, and I have both experienced the loss of our beloved pets too soon. It is heartbreaking to say goodbye to a cherished companion.” The duo is determined to change the system that dictates how markets manufacture and sell products for dogs. “We believed then, and even more so today, that dogs and people can live longer, happier lives together if we can innovate and steer the market toward wellness.”
Carson&Bear’s™ Vision is to contribute to a world where healthier pets and people live longer together. Their primary emphasis lies in delivering nutritional support recognized for extending dogs’ lifespans, alongside empowering owners with the tools to make ideal decisions for their beloved pets. All offerings are backed by peer-reviewed research and clinical trials, ensuring the delivery of premium guidance and enabling individuals to excel in their roles as dedicated dog parents.
Giving Dogs More Years
Carson and Bear began its journey in 2022 with an exceptional team of veterinarians and scientists who embarked on a journey to devise products, methodologies, and technological advancements to enrich the health and longevity of canines. “Carson&Bear, named after our two canine founders, is a company driven by our love of dogs. We’re not just creating products and services to enhance the health span and longevity of every dog; we’re daring to spark a movement that changes how companies handle manufacturing and marketing dog food and treats,” shares Bridgette.
The founders hold the firm belief that if a manufacturer of dog food benefits from asserting that their product enhances canine longevity, the company should stand behind the assurance of their product’s contribution to extending dogs’ lives. The truth, however, is that numerous companies solely offer guarantees concerning satisfaction or shelf life, all the while capitalizing on claims of longevity. Although people strive to maintain the health and happiness of their furry family members, they often end up with low-quality dog food despite the appealing packaging.
“Dog food is a booming industry, worth nearly $45 billion in the US alone,” shares Bridgette. “Don’t get me wrong; some incredible companies are innovating dog nutrition and offering excellent foods, but it’s challenging to know whom to trust when faced with over 7,000 bags of dog food, all boasting amazing packaging and claims.”
This is where Carson&Bear comes in to help pet parents. They aim to shift the market toward trust, transparency, and technological advancements in products and services that prolong dogs’ lives. “We’ve launched the pet industry’s first-ever LifePromise™ Guarantee, assuring that dogs on our subscription program will outlive the expected mortality rates of their breeds according to the AKC, or we’ll refund the subscription dollars,” shares Bridgette.
The company has developed a special SuperFood™ topper for dogs that is formulated by veterinarians. This topper is designed to improve the bioavailability of nutrients in any dog food while also providing support for dogs to live longer with pet parents who prioritize optimal nutrition. Their comprehensive program includes daily use of the vet-formulated SuperFood™ topper, access to the widely-used TailScore™ app that evaluates more than 7,000 varieties of dog food, access to a nutrition clinic with specialized veterinarians and nutritionists who can create breed-specific diets, and a variety of additional resources such as wellness and kitchen resources.
“I know it sounds unbelievable to guarantee the longevity of a living being. I expect we will hit a few speed bumps as we streamline such a disruptive blue ocean concept. Still, I am confident it will happen successfully and revolutionize how dogs live. Our subscription program is based on science, process, and proactive veterinary care,” Bridgette states.
Bridgette’s Journey
Always drawn to entrepreneurship, Bridgette engaged in various business ventures and side hustles, even as a young child. “I developed a passion for taking calculated risks and turning opportunities into profits, which complemented my competitive nature,” she shares.
During her early career, Bridgette skillfully balanced entrepreneurship with her pursuit of education, seamlessly integrating school into her busy schedule whenever possible. This juggling act bore fruit when she successfully sold her first company while many of her peers were embarking on their sophomore year in college. This significant achievement left a profound impact on her, instilling a drive to aspire for even greater success in the times ahead.
Bridgette’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished within corporate settings as well. She honed her ability to navigate and foster growth within companies, propelling forward through triumphant turnarounds at both departmental and divisional levels. Following the completion of her MBA, Bridgette capitalized on CEO-level opportunities, spearheading expansive company-wide transformations. The American Business Association recognized her efforts, and she received numerous accolades, including Maverick of the Year, Female Executive of the Year, and others.
Upon earning her PhD, Bridgette found herself presented with new opportunities. She joined Texas A&M University’s Mays School of Business faculty, where she got the opportunity to share her industry expertise. Bridgette considers it a privilege to impart her knowledge to undergraduate, graduate, and executive students, teaching courses on entrepreneurship, negotiations, and organizational transformation. In her teaching approach, she seamlessly integrates theoretical concepts with practical, real-world insights. “It is hard to balance an academic and industry schedule, but I am determined to make it work. I figure if Elon (Musk) can run multiple companies, I can balance these two incredible opportunities. And, of course, I have the best support system imaginable,” she says.
A Resilient Leader
In Bridgette’s opinion, a leader must acknowledge qualities such as empathy, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence skills. “Remarkable leaders, regardless of gender, leverage these to positively influence their teams and achieve success. Whether male or female, these leaders demonstrate strength and courage in embracing their authentic selves.”
Bridgette is known for her direct and pragmatic approach to communication, which befits her personality and has served her well as a leader, ensuring that everyone is aware of what needs to happen to achieve the highest result for any given situation. However, this can lead to misunderstandings with people who are unused to such direction. “Sadly, for many women in leadership, there are those predictable moments when people will say you are ‘bossy’ or you’re ‘bitchy’ and label you instead of seeing the strength in you. It is sad to me that gender bias can seep into interactions with others and stall progress. For me, I refuse to internalize or validate these criticisms,” Bridgette shares.
Nevertheless, Bridgette chooses to disregard such remarks directed at her. Instead, she prioritizes actions that foster an inclusive culture, exemplifying unbiased leadership, and providing mentorship to young women who are navigating challenges and overcoming stereotypes. By doing so, Bridgette believes that it’s possible to avoid being consumed by unnecessary negativity and to create an environment where all individuals, irrespective of gender, can flourish.
Leading Authentically as a Woman
Bridgette has always strived to lead authentically as a woman. She believes that authentic leaders build strong relationships steeped in trust. “Trust is critical for people when they handle significant change or transformation on behalf of a company. I ran companies that not only transformed organizational processes, but if we are doing it right, we also evolve and transform industry paradigms. When I ask people to undergo organizational change, they must trust me, or resistance and issues can creep into critical projects,” shares she.
In Bridgette’s perspective, authentic leadership serves as a guiding compass, always pointing towards the true north. When assembling teams, she prioritizes bringing together intelligent individuals, fostering innovation, and contributing value to the marketplace. Bridgette believes that authentic leadership fosters innovation, which requires a clear pathway to market and subsequent results.
In challenging situations where pretense often breeds discontent, Bridgette has channeled her inner authenticity to guide her. This approach enables her to fully engage in learning experiences, take pride in her accomplishments, and ultimately discover fulfillment in her work. She expresses gratitude for the opportunities and for the support of those upon whom she relies to achieve significant milestones.
The Impact of Mentorship
“Mentorship is critical. I have and still do benefit from it in unimaginable and incredible ways. I have had the most amazing mentors. If there was a lottery for mentors, I was fortunate to draw the winning ticket more than once,” Bridgette states.
Through her professional relationships, Bridgette has undergone significant development and growth. She recalls never being advised by her mentors to conform or follow the crowd; instead, they each fostered her unique qualities. Bridgette feels a deep sense of gratitude towards them, recognizing that she can never fully repay their influence. However, she believes in paying it forward in their honor, which she sees as part of her commitment to educating business students at Mays Business School.
“In gratitude, two names that stick out for me as mentors are Scott Steinford and Lisa Leslie. Scott is my co-CEO at Carson&Bear, and he is collaborative and supportive, helping me learn more about myself as we work together. He is what Jim Collins would call a Level Five Leader. He is a fantastic architect of culture. I am better every day because of the mentorship and guidance we share.”
“It is critical to look beyond the ability to perform and think about how you feed your spiritual side. Luckily, I have had incredible leadership and guidance in my spiritual journey from my friend and business associate, Lisa Leslie. She is the most grounded, thoughtful, inspiring person I know. She has taught me so much about leadership by focusing on serving others without setting aside your strength and intensity. She is a model of how to be strong despite adversity. She is also the most talented and successful woman who maximizes her career while prioritizing her children and husband. She is amazing. To this day, I confess I do not know how she does it all. Our meet-cute story is a fun one. While serving as the CEO of a significant global trade association, I received a call from an influential stakeholder who challenged me to focus more intentionally on women in leadership. Based on this challenge, I created a sold-out, standing-room-only conference event in Las Vegas that brought together top female CIOs from the tech industry and exceptional athletes and executives in the world of women’s sports, two fields men traditionally dominated. The panel discussed secrets to success, balancing family and work, and differentiating themselves in a demanding field. This event was so popular that it evolved into a road show on building leadership that Lisa and I would take across the country. Ultimately, we memorialized these discussions in the book we wrote, “From the Court to The Boardroom.” Watching Lisa navigate the world of business and family has been inspiring, and I would be half the person I am today without her leadership and mentorship,” Bridgette shares.
