For more than 4 decades, Dave Ratner has been building an independent, critically and commercially acclaimed pet supply business. With seven Dave’s Soda and Pet City stores, and a nationally marketed line of high-quality pet food for dogs and cats, Dave has earned a seat at the table on the National Retail Federation Board of Directors. He also sits on the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association Board of Directors, the only small business owner representing the independent retailer alongside the VPs of Marketing for Home Depot, Walgreens, and Target. As he puts it, “It’s all these big dogs — and me!”
Dave has represented the voice of small business owners before both houses of Congress and continues to work to elevate the retail industry.
Despite a myriad of top competitors, Dave built a business with fanatical customer loyalty and employees who have been with him forever. He is known for creative and cost-effective marketing strategies that have allowed him to compete with large national chain stores and win.
He’s a working retailer, with 150 employees, who deals with customers on a daily basis. He is “one of you”:
Dave is passionate about sharing his strategies with small business and retail owners and managers. His book Customer Love: Make Your Customers Love You So Much They’ll Never Go Anyplace Else! has been called, “a must read book for insights into the strategy, creativity, and challenges in developing and sustaining a successful business.”
Dave Ratner received the Silver Award from the National Retail Federation and was named to the Massachusetts Retail Hall of Fame.
As a motivational business speaker Dave delivers common-sense, forehead-slapping insights on management, sales, marketing, customer service and customer loyalty in engaging and laughter filled keynotes and trainings.
How To Get and KEEP Loyal Customers
Don’t dig a hole with your customers. Creating rich customer experience and cultivating fierce customer loyalty. Based on Dave’s critically acclaimed book, Customer Love: Make Your Customers Love You So Much They’ll Never Go Anyplace Else!
Audience Will Learn:
“Should you hire Dave to speak to your group? All I can say is we have asked him to present at the National Retail Federation Big Show in New York for an unprecedented 4th consecutive year. Audiences love him!”
“Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater SpringfieldDave spoke at the chamber annual meeting last year. They loved him. He is funny, inspiring and full of common sense ideas that every can use. It just dawned on me… he got a rousing standing ovation. I can’t remember the last time that happened.”
“Mayer Bros. Apple Products, Inc.Dave Ratner is one of the most entertaining and informative speakers I have ever heard. His no-nonsense, no-notes, extemporaneous delivery made his message very believable and sincere. Dave’s marketing ideas hit home through his humor and honesty. His lecture commanded the largest audience with the most post questions and answers. You don’t fall asleep with this guy!”
“Pet Industry Distributors AssociationYour topics are spot on. Part of what makes you such an effective presenter is that you live what you discuss. Plus the mustache—at least half the audience shows up just to see if it’s really a hamster.”