Speaking – Dave Ratner

From Soda to Success: Dave Ratner’s Journey (and a Lucky Break)

Once upon a time (okay, just a few years ago), Dave Ratner was at the helm of Dave’s Soda & Pet City, running seven thriving pet supply stores. Then, in what can only be described as an act of cosmic timing, Dave sold all seven stores just an hour before COVID crashed the retail world. (Yes, he’s the luckiest guy in the universe. No, he had no idea what was coming!)

Now, Dave focuses on Dave’s Pet Food, his nationally loved pet food line, while bringing his humor and hard-earned insights to professional conference stages across the country.

Why Choose Dave?

Learn How to Play with the Big Dogs and Win

Dave isn’t your run-of-the-mill sales or marketing speaker. He’s an award-winning entrepreneur who’s built a loyal following of customers and employees (and yes, their pets too). His talks deliver “aha!” moments, laugh-out-loud stories, and actionable strategies tailored for small businesses and retailers.

Most Requested Topics

Customer Service & Entrepreneurship

Creating Customer Love

How to Get and Keep LOYAL Customers

Dave’s secret sauce? Building relationships so strong that customers never stray. Based on his acclaimed book, Customer Love, this session is packed with practical tips to turn your customers into lifelong fans who spread the word for you.

I have built a pretty successful business concentrating on making sure my existing customers not only come back but tell their friends to shop in my stores. You will learn how I do it and how you can adapt my practices to your business.” —Dave

Julie Gardner, Executive VP and Chief Marketing Officer
Kohl’s Department Stores

ADVERTISING, SALES & MARKETING

How to Advertise and Market Your Business

Outsmart the big guys with creative, cost-effective marketing. From crafting killer ads to snagging free publicity, Dave’s interactive sessions will arm you with strategies you can start using the moment you leave.

“Increasing small business and retail sales through creative marketing is fun and affordable with these proven tips I use for my shop advertising and marketing.” – Dave

Cheryl High, Retail Manager
Just 4 K-9s and Kitty 2

MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP

How to Compete with the Big Dogs

Don’t let national chains scare you. Learn how to out-service, out-local, and outsmart them. Dave shares 10 game-changing actions you can implement right away to become the go-to business in your community.

“Compete with national chains by owning your local market. As obvious as it seems it’s the small business owners and managers who pay attention to the details and put customers first that lead the pack to success.” – Dave

John R. Goodman, President
Pareto Marketing Inc., formerly Senior VP Marketing and Customer service Helzberg
Diamonds, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway

HUMAN RESOURCES & MANAGEMENT

How to Get and Keep a Great Crew

Hiring the right people is hard; keeping them is even harder. Dave lays out the keys to building a dream team, fostering loyalty, and knowing when (and how) to say goodbye to the wrong fit.

“I get more emails after this session than any other talks I do. If you are like me, the hardest part of running my business is managing people. This action-provoking session will help you become a better manager and run a better business. You will learn why it is so important to have a great crew and what you need to do to keep them. We will cover how to get that great crew and what you need to do to foster a fabulous working environment. We will also cover how to hire and yes, how and when to fire people. I promise, this session will light a fire under your butt!” — Dave

William “Mac” McDonald, Marketing & Brand Management Coordinator
NRF

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Lessons Learned Straight from the Titans

Dave has rubbed elbows (and swapped stories) with business legends like Terry Lundgren of Macy’s, Mindy Grossman of HSN, and Laura Sen of BJ’s Wholesale. While they’ve moved on, Dave’s still sharing their pearls of wisdom—plus his own firsthand experiences—as an independent retailer who’s faced the big dogs and come out on top.

“I am SO fortunate to be in a position to interact with some of the real titans of the business world. To say that I am humbled in their presence is an understatement. The opportunity to listen to them, get to know them, and ask them questions about how they run their businesses has provided me with an incredible amount of wisdom and knowledge. If I am really lucky, I will put a fraction of what I have learned to use! In this session I will share many inspiring and amusing stories and conversations I have had with these folks. I am certain you will get a few takeaways from this one!” —Dave

Al McClain
Retailwire

Audience Reviews: Why Dave Rocks the Mic

Whether it’s a keynote or breakout session, Dave’s blend of humor, authenticity, and actionable insights leaves audiences raving. His presentations resonate with store clerks and CEOs alike, providing tools that increase revenue, simplify management, and make businesses better, one sale at a time.

In the Media

From The Wall Street Journal to NBC News, Dave’s expertise has been celebrated far and wide. And for 18 years, he hosted a pet care segment on ABC and Fox, proving that he’s just as comfortable in front of the camera as he is behind the counter.

If you’re looking for a speaker who gets it—really gets it—Dave Ratner is your guy. With decades of experience, a hilarious sense of humor, and a talent for making complex ideas simple, Dave delivers talks that inspire action and make a lasting impact.

Book Dave today and learn how to wag more, bark less, and win big!