Professional speaker and retail expert keeps audiences begging for more.

As one of the former leading independent retailers in the United States, Dave Ratner has hung up his retail hat to focus on his roles as a professional speaker and pet product developer. Back in his retail days, Dave connected with customers daily, gaining invaluable firsthand experience that now fuels his common-sense, forehead-slapping insights on management, sales, marketing, customer service, and customer loyalty. Today, his engaging and laughter-filled keynotes and trainings draw crowds eager to learn his proven strategies.
Businesses across the country have used Dave’s methods to increase revenue and go head-to-head with the “Big Dogs” in their markets— and win.
Though Dave has left the sales floor, his commitment to supporting the “little dog” remains strong. He’s one of the few independent retailers who served on the National Retail Federation Board of Directors, ensuring small businesses had a voice alongside the retail giants.

Most Requested Topics:

CUSTOMER SERVICE – ENTREPRENEURSHIP

How to Get and Keep Loyal Customers

Advertising, Sales & Marketing
How to Advertise and Market Your Business
Human Resources & Management
How to Get and Keep a Great Crew
Management & Leadership
How to Compete with the Big Dogs Lessons Learned Straight from the Titans

Meeting Planners

Find Dave’s speaker one-sheet here. Discover videos on his YouTube
Channel and throughout this site. Audience members rave about Dave—and for good reason! Back when he ran 7 retail pet stores and managed a crew of 150 employees, Dave learned firsthand what it takes to keep a business thriving.

Book Dave Now

Learn About Dave

Dave is Outstanding in His Field

Retail Representation:

  • Member of the National Retail Federation Board of Directors, where he gave independent retailers a seat at the big dogs’ table.
  • Member of the National Retail Advertising and Marketing Association Board of Directors, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of Home Depot, Walgreens, and Target.
  • Represented small business owners before both houses of Congress, passionately advocating for the underdogs in retail.

Awards & Honors:

  • Recipient of the National Retail Federation Silver Award (2010) for outstanding contributions to the retail industry.
  • Inducted into the Massachusetts Retail Hall of Fame—a true “tail-wagging” honor!

Media Maven:

  • Hosted a weekly local ABC and Fox television show for 18 seasons, sharing tips on pet care and retail savvy.
  • The media’s go-to guy for retail and small business advice, with quotes and features in The Wall Street Journal, Pet Age, and countless Associated Press stories.

Acclaimed Author:

Wrote Customer Love:

  • Make Your Customers Love You So Much They’ll Never Go Anyplace Else!—a book that’s part manual, part manifesto, and all heart.

Motivational Business Speaker:

  • As a speaker and workshop presenter, Dave brings humor, actionable advice, and real-world strategies to topics like management, sales and marketing, customer service, and customer loyalty.
  • Once juggled 8 retail stores and a team of 150 employees, proving you can compete with the big dogs if you play smart and lead with passion.
  • Known for his creative and cost-effective marketing strategies that turned customers into fans and competitors green with envy.
  • Dave’s commitment to service wasn’t just a tagline—it was his life. Whether on the sales floor, in Congress, or on the stage, Dave poured his energy into making retail better for everyone. A breed all his own, indeed!
Dave Ratner received the Silver Award from the National Retail Federation and was named to the Massachusetts Retail Hall of Fame.
Discover More »
A must read book for insights into the strategy, creativity, and challenges in developing and sustaining a successful business.
Get Your Copy »
Scroll to Top