On February 27, 2003 at the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) Annual Breakfast, Neil Padron was inducted into the Pet Hall of Fame. Neil Padron, the founder and President of Petland Discounts, Inc has built an empire in the pet industry that merits his induction into the APPMA Hall of Fame. Padron was awarded this high honor for the significant contribution his business has made in the pet industry and the pivotal role he has played in promoting the sale of pets and pet products in the United States. Neil Padron has been in the pet industry for 38 years. He opened his first store in Glen Oaks, Queens in 1965 and has grown Petland Discounts into the largest independently owned chain of retail pet stores in America. Petland Discounts currently has 118 stores in the NY Tri-state area and employ's over 850 people. Padron and Petland Discounts is the first retailer to ever be inducted into the APPMA Hall of Fame. This is the highest honor bestowed in the pet industry. Congratulations Neil Padron on a job well done.