Dave Ratner, Best Friend to Small Business and Retail
Meet Dave Ratner: From Pet Stores to the Podium (and a Dash of Luck)
For over four decades, Dave Ratner built an empire of wagging tails and happy
customers with Dave’s Soda & Pet City, a beloved chain of seven pet supply stores. But
here’s the twist: Dave sold the stores literally about an hour before COVID turned the
retail world upside down. (No, he didn’t have a crystal ball—but yes, he feels like the
luckiest guy alive!) Today, Dave focuses on Dave’s Pet Food, his nationally marketed
pet food line, and delivers hilarious, insight-packed breakout sessions at professional
conferences.
A Retail Leader Among Giants
Dave’s retail journey didn’t just stop at squeaky toys and kibble. His expertise earned
him a spot on the National Retail Federation Board of Directors—yes, alongside
marketing bigwigs from Home Depot, Walgreens, and Target. It’s no wonder he often
jokes, “It’s all these big dogs—and me!”
Before stepping away from his stores, Dave was a force in the independent retail world.
From advising Congress to landing in the Massachusetts Retail Hall of Fame, his
passion for small business has made a big impact.
Why Meeting Planners Love Dave
Whether delivering a breakout session or headlining a keynote, Dave has a knack for
combining laugh-out-loud humor with actionable insights. He gets what small business
owners go through because, well, he’s been there:
- Hiring (and keeping) great employees.
- Marketing on a shoestring budget.
- Standing out in a crowded market.
- Wearing all the hats while putting out all the fires.
Whether delivering a breakout session or headlining a keynote, Dave has a knack for
combining laugh-out-loud humor with actionable insights. He gets what small business
owners go through because, well, he’s been there:
From Local TV to the Wall Street Journal
Dave’s charm and common-sense approach have made him a media darling. For 18
years, he hosted a popular pet care segment on ABC and Fox. Meanwhile, his business
smarts have been spotlighted by The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur Magazine, and
NBC News
The Pack Leader at Retail Conferences
When retail’s top dogs come together, they include names like Polo, Neiman Marcus,
Kohl’s—and yes, Dave Ratner. As a professional speaker, he doesn’t just bring the
laughs; he delivers hard-hitting strategies that help small businesses survive and thrive
in the face of big-box competition.
Fun Fact: Trudie, Dave’s beloved dog, even starred in his low-
cost marketing campaigns. Who could resist that face?
If you’re looking for a speaker who knows retail inside and out—and
will keep your audience laughing while they learn—Dave Ratner is
your guy.
Clients Reviews
Dave has captured the essence of being a successful entrepreneur in a captivating and humorous style that is both fascinating and inspiring.
Julie Gardner, Retired Executive VP, chief marketing officer, Kohl’s Department Stores
