About Whitman's
Your Trusted Partner in Quality Pet Grooming Products
Who We Are
A powerhouse in the pet industry, the Whitman’s have long been providing a unique shopping experience when looking for pet grooming products. Our company has grown from providing sharpening services for tools, to inventing new grooming equipment. We have a passion for sharing our knowledge through educational seminars and sponsoring grooming competitions.
Where We Are
We are in small city named Farwell in beautiful northern-Michigan, but we travel to around 60 grooming trade shows and dog confirmation events each year.
We also sponsor many grooming seminars throughout the year. Check out our dog show and expo schedule.
Our Journey From There to Here
In the beginning...
Whitman’s was established in 1995 in Coleman, MI. What started with fresh-faced newlyweds in a ‘little blue truck’ driving around Michigan sharpening tools for various industries, including dog grooming and equestrian facilities, grew into a multi-layered business vital to the professional grooming industry.
We purchased our first red travel trailer in 1995. The trailer had living quarters, a workshop, and retail space and traveled thousands of miles until 2002.
Service with Education
Our company grew because service is the pillar of our business model. Proper tool sharpening was the first cornerstone of our family operation and from there we grew.
In the beginning we brought the sharpening to you; this has grown into a substantial through-the mail sharpening service with our unique ‘flip-n-ship’ boxes.
Business travels took Whitman’s to the state of Kentucky providing service and sales to the horse training stables. After a period, Whitman’s turned their focus to AKC dog shows, grooming salons and expos.
During this time, we were building our Michigan-based sales and service grooming shop route. This 6–8-week rotational route has grown to encompass over 600 dog grooming shops.
With our service work, we needed clipper parts and clients were asking for a variety of inventory. From here Whitman’s acquired several manufacturer distributorships and grew into the company you visit today. To learn more about what we offer for servicing grooming tools and repairs, please visit our service page.
WHY CHOOSE US
When it comes to experience, integrity, and honesty, our educational-based sales approach is unrivaled. While we transformed from a sharpening business to an epicenter of learning the grooming trade, Ralph honed his problem solving skills and started solving groomers’ problems with specific products.
This was when he decided to invent and manufacture Whitman’s first USA patented product, Redip blade wash/storage solution, a blade solution free of harsh chemicals.
Inventing becomes part of the business
In 2007, Ralph invented, patented, and manufactured the DiamaStripper hair stripping tool for wire coated breeds. Whitman’s acquired several additional CNC machines to become the exclusive USA manufacturer of Whitman’s quality tools.
Whitman’s new ‘Fast n’ Furryous’ manufacturing company was born.
In 2014 Ralph invented/patent pending the ‘DiamaGroove’, a rotary tool produced for grinding pet nails. All of Whitman’s exclusive tools are manufactured in Michigan. These American-made products are available here, as well as select global distributors.
Family First
Ralph and Chris have three children, Nick, Lane, and Sara. All three children have grown to be integral members of the Whitman’s company.
Our company prides itself on being family orientated. Our team members become part of our family and we extend this by treating our clients as family.
When you stop by our booth at a show, a team member will take the time to educate you on products, tools, and technique. This is the service that makes Whitman’s stand apart.
Whether a professional dog handler or a hobbyist, Whitman’s has the products, services, and the experience to take you to the next level in your grooming education.
