MARC LAFLEUR

Guest Instructor - CMG

Marc traded in his chef’s knife for a career as a professional pet stylist in 1987. He was formally trained under the guidance of renowned stylist, Colin Taylor. He went on the work for Four Paws Mobile Grooming, owned by Melissa Verplank and quickly went on to be one of the fleet's leading stylists. Later, Marc went on to open his own mobile grooming business which he ran successfully for many years. After a short hiatus from the grooming world, Marc has returned to the field as one of Paragon’s most experienced trainers.

Marc’s specialties are hand scissoring, speed, efficiency and mobile grooming. He has competed lightly and done exceptionally well in his only time in the ring.  Marc placed first in his division, then went on to win, with a small poodle mix, highly stylized in a Bichon trim, the First Timers Competition at the Midwest's largest grooming show, The All American Grooming Show in Chicago. Marc earned his Certified Master Groomer status late in 2002 after years of encouragement by the Paragon team. The lure of mobile grooming has called Marc back to the road but he continues to act as a guest trainer, working closely with the mobile grooming curriculum.

When Marc is not grooming, you can find him working with the horses he loves, Friesians. Marc and Melissa Verplank established Black Falcon Farms where they focus on breeding this enchanting breed. Marc is training horses under the natural horsemanship method practiced by Pat & Linda Parelli. He is a great outdoorsman's and an incredible cook. Marc loves to shoot pool, scuba drive and explore the country, trail riding with Melissa and his favorite horse, Olympia.