Small Business And Retail Expert Speaker Available For Interviews
Dave in the News

Giving back to the community, shown above is Dave, donating blood.

Dave’s expertise has earned him a place in the media as well. For 18 seasons he has hosted a weekly local ABC and Fox television show focused on caring for pets, while his business savvy and marketing genius regularly land him on the pages of The Wall Street Journal, Pet Age, and countless Associated Press stories.
Dave is an entertaining speaker and a knowledgable expert available for commentary and interviews on topics including:
- Customer Service
- Customer Loyalty
- Customer Experience
- Small Business Competing with National Brands
- Local Business Branding and Marketing
- Small Business and Retail Management
- Small Business Start Up Strategies for the Entrepreneur
- Small Business Marketing
- Cost-effective Retail Marketing
- Pet Supply and Pet Care Industry
- Health Care Law Impact on Small Business
- Niche Marketing for Small Business
- Retail Industry Trends
Contact Dave to set up an interview
Check out Dave’s Media Appearances
Small Business Management Expert Articles
When It Comes to Business, Dave Ratner Has Some Pet Peeves
When Dave Ratner speaks to small-business owners — something he does often — he will inevitably touch on some of the highlights from his intriguing, 40-year career selling soda and pet food, during which he has made his first name and face into a nationally known brand.
SMALL BUSINESS; Tackling the High Cost of Health Benefits Takes Some Creativity
Dave Ratner, the owner of a small retail chain in western Massachusetts called Dave’s Soda and Pet City, took a gamble with his firm’s health insurance this year…
Big Advice From A Small Retailer
At the recent eTail West conference, Dave Ratner gave a terrific presentation on how small retailers can win against big chains — real world examples from somebody who worked his way up from the bottom.
30-Minute Interview on Competing With The Big Guys for Resale Shop Owners
“It’s not about metrics. It’s not about anything, it’s about being nice. It’s a great lesson for your kids, it’s a great business lesson. Write thank you notes…”
Good Boss, or Good Leader?
Do you nurture your employees so they can grow to be leaders themselves? Do you let your employees make decisions and yes, even wrong decisions? Is it difficult for you to give up control, or are you at the point where you are happy to have other folks help run the business?
Retail Management Expert Articles
Creative Services and Products to Build Customer Loyalty
One way we have coped with the economy is by doing things to build customer loyalty…
Small Business Retail Entrepreneur Expert Interviews and Articles:
National Retail Federation Launches Small Business Retail Council
The National Retail Federation (NRF) has launched the Small Business Retail Council to represent and respond to the interests of small regional and local independent retailers.
Mass Pet store owner speaks for the little guy to senators
Ratner, wearing a suit, wing-tip shoes and sporting a remarkable mustache, recently testified before the powerful Senate Finance Committee on Capitol Hill and masterfully fielded questions from U.S. senators.
It’s all about TRUST with Dave Ratner
Dave is an innovative professional with a passion for creating great brands that resonate with consumers. This personal connection is at the heart of Dave’s work and integrity, a hallmark of his career in business.
Weigh Risks and Take Your Best Shot
“A good entrepreneur takes a carefully calculated risk. If the pluses outweigh the minuses, only then do they take the shot.”
Retail Customer Loyalty Expert Articles
Dave Ratner Inducted Into Retailer Hall of Fame
“You need to give the customer a reason to do business with you,” Ratner said “If I can build a brand that says you love Dave’s, hopefully you will feel too guilty to shop somewhere else.”
Too many cards? Dave’s Soda and Pet City teams up with The Loc Card to get universal loyalty!
“What I like about this is it is great for the consumer,” said Dave Ratner, the owner and founder of Dave’s Pet City.
Steady As He Gives
“Having been in the retail business for many years, I make a lot of decisions based on feedback from my customers,” said Ratner. “I am happy to work with rescues and shelters who are huge influencers in our pet community. The greatest way to build a great reputation is for people to trust you. People entrust us with their most precious creatures in the world—their pets.”
Dave’s Pet Show
In its 18th season, Dave hosts a 1/2 hour tv show for 14 years on the local ABC and Fox affiliate.
Retail Marketing Expert Interview
Customer Relationship Marketing: Dave’s is Best in Show
It doesn’t matter if your clientele has four legs, two legs, wings or fins: good customer relationships are vital. We chatted recently with Dave Ratner, the “chief instigating officer” of Dave’s Soda and Pet City, an Agawam, MA-based chain of pet supply stores (that, yes, also sells soda).
Big advice from a small retailer
At the recent eTail West conference, Dave Ratner gave a terrific presentation on how small retailers can win against big chains — real world examples from somebody who worked his way up from the bottom.
Dave has captured the essence of being a successful entrepreneur in a captivating and humorous style that is both fascinating and inspiring.
Julie Gardner, executive VP, chief marketing officer, Kohl’s Department Stores