Best Retail Store Optimization Podcasts (2025)

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Positive Thinking vs Grounded Optimism 13:03

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8h ago13:03

13:03

Have you ever felt that positive visualization hasn’t changed your life as much as you’d hoped? Have you ever wondered why those vision boards and affirmations haven’t manifested your dreams? Fantasizing about success can actually hold you back…..unbridled positive thinking can sometimes backfire if not tempered with grounded optimism. In this epis…

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Kenton Industries : Simplifying Long Range Precision Shooting With Tech 31:56

10d ago31:56

31:56

In today’s episode of Tactical Business, host Wade Skalsky sits down with Mark Kenton from Kenton Industries. Mark Kenton about his journey from shooting enthusiast to founder of Kenton Industries, a leader in custom bullet drop compensator (BDC) turrets that simplify long-range precision. Mark shares how he turned a passion into a thriving busines…

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Bicycle Retail Industry Review for June 2025 Workstand platform data and April 2025 People for Bikes data 27:33

13d ago27:33

27:33

Boulder visit Doggy happy hour Coffee Bike ride PFB let me work from their office Upcoming BRAIN article about scheduling software Service Appointment Scheduling feature (drop off) WorkstandIQ staff scheduling NBDA State of the Industry webinar reinforces our value The recent National Bicycle Dealers Association hosted a webinar with expert guests,…

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Stress- Difficult to Live With - Can't Live Without It ! 11:34

14d ago11:34

11:34

In this episode we are reminded that stress is ever present in our lives. Even though it is difficult to live with at time, we need to realize that we can't live without it! Left unattended .. Stress can impact job satisfaction, lead to burnout, and even affect interpersonal relationships or physical health…. if not managed effectively. Recognizing…

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Andy Hallinan: Elite Marketing Strategies For The 2a Space 33:18

26d ago33:18

33:18

In today’s episode of Tactical Business, host Wade Skalsky sits down with Andy Hallinan from Carry Daily to discuss game-changing marketing strategies for firearm instructors and FFLs. Andy reveals how firearm instructors and FFLs can leverage Facebook ads, email lists, and direct response strategies to scale—even during political slumps. Learn why…

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Humour - The Last Frontier 14:05

30d ago14:05

14:05

In this episode, you can debate how much humour to use, you can debate when humour is most effectively inserted, you can even debate the type of humour that should be used. But you cannot deny the power of laughter as a universal bond from human to human. (00:00) Introduction (03:16) Story telling with Humour (04:16) Humour is the Highest form of L…

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Episode 25: Role-Playing - Your Training Secret Weapon 4:23

1M ago4:23

4:23

Smoke Break - Episode 25: Role-Playing - Your Training Secret Weapon Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how role-playing transforms awkward training sessions into powerful skill-building experiences that boost customer service confidence. Learn proven techniques from successful store owners who've used role-playing t…

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Bicycle Retail Industry Review for May 2025 data, NBDA summit, important proposed legislation 19:04

1M ago19:04

19:04

Ryan and Mark discuss results from May, with a quick note on the strong March and April numbers that we didn't get to talk about due to Ryan's many travels when we'd normally record an Around the Workstand episode. We mention this recent episode with our Key Accounts Advisor, David Martinez, and the Digital Advisor Service he's offering Workstand c…

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Episode 24: Mastering Problem Resolution 4:20

1M ago4:20

4:20

Smoke Break - Episode 24: Mastering Problem Resolution Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he transforms how you view customer complaints and problems, revealing how effective resolution strategies can turn unhappy customers into loyal advocates. Learn proven techniques from successful store owners who've mastered the art of tur…

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Freedom Hunters: Combining The Great Outdoors With Veteran Outreach 28:45

1M ago28:45

28:45

In today’s episode of Tactical Business, host Wade Skalsky sits down with Anthony Pace from Freedom Hunters. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Anthony Pace from Freedom Hunters, a nonprofit that takes veterans on life-changing outdoor adventures. From Colorado hunting roots to organizing global veteran hunts, Anthony shares how nature and …

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Workstand's Digital Advisor Service - leveraging current technology to grow sales in-store & online 19:42

1M ago19:42

19:42

The idea of leveraging catalog-enabled websites and ecommerce to grow sales beyond a retailer's home market is one of the main reasons Workstand has so many bike shops using our platform. In addition to the website platform, Workstand's marketing agency team helps more than 400 stores manage their digital presence and promote their store locally an…

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Uncensored Anonymous Conversations 13:27

1M ago13:27

13:27

The title of of this Episode is "Uncensored Anonymous Conversations", having anonymity in other words. I am requesting your contribution to thought provoking ideas, or suggestions that add value to the community of Eye Care Professionals. I am introducing a new segment in the podcast; offering an opportunity where your voice can be heard and shared…

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Episode 23: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Service Weapon 3:53

2M ago3:53

3:53

Smoke Break - Episode 23: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Service Weapon Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how deep product knowledge transforms your staff from order-takers into customer service experts. Learn proven strategies from successful store owners who've turned product expertise into a competitive advantag…

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Episode 22: The Impact of Store Cleanliness 4:07

2M ago4:07

4:07

Smoke Break - Episode 22: The Impact of Store Cleanliness Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how store cleanliness directly impacts customer perception, shopping behavior, and sales success. Learn proven strategies from real store transformations that show how smart cleaning systems, staff engagement, and attention t…

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David Merrill: How A Missed Opportunity Changed Bowhunting Forever 39:30

2M ago39:30

39:30

In today’s episode of Tactical Business, host Wade Skalsky sits down with David Merrill of Bow Spider. Learn why failure is just finding ways that don’t work (thanks, Edison) and how marketing can trump product perfection. Hear a wild 30-year regret about a missed patent opportunity, plus why launching now beats endless refinement. Discover how COV…

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Examining the powerful role music plays in the in-store customer experiencehttps://youtu.be/tWdRZDvGrSA 20:59

2M ago20:59

20:59

Music plays a pivotal role in the retail customer experience as well as retailer's success. As Ola Sars, CEO of Soundtrack Technologies, shares with Judy Mottl, editor of Retail Customer Experience, in this episode of the CX Innovators podcast, music has become a CX strategy that can drive customer loyalty as well as revenue. Sars was a co-founder …

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Secret Shopper - Uncovering the Truth 22:56

2M ago22:56

22:56

In this episode I will share with you my findings after entering 7 different optical business as a Secret Shopper. My objective was to look for a new frame and wanted to see how I would be engaged and if I might be pleasantly surprised. Hopefully, this would take the form of being educated on what might satisfy both my want and needs, but also prov…

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Episode 21: Mastering Efficient Checkout 3:54

2M ago3:54

3:54

Smoke Break - Episode 21: Mastering Efficient Checkout Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for transforming slow, frustrating checkout experiences into swift, memorable interactions that keep customers coming back. Learn how independent store owners have dramatically reduced wait times and improved cu…

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Woody Morrisson: Building A Lifestyle Firearm Training Business 37:15

2M ago37:15

37:15

In today’s episode of Tactical Business, host Wade Skalsky sits down with Woody Morrisson of VC Firearms Training, a firearms instructor with a unique, laid-back teaching style tailored to individual needs—especially women looking to defend themselves. Woody shares his journey from offering free training to building a niche "lifestyle business" tha…

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Episode 20: The Art of Greeting and Assisting Customers 4:33

2M ago4:33

4:33

Smoke Break - Episode 20: The Art of Greeting and Assisting Customers Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares powerful stories and proven strategies for transforming customer experiences through effective greeting practices. Learn how independent store owners like you have significantly increased customer loyalty and sales…

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Michael Schwartz: From Banker To 2A Advocate 41:00

2M ago41:00

41:00

In today’s episode of Tactical Business, host Wade Skalsky sits down with Michael Schwartz of San Diego County Gun Owners. Michael breaks down 15 powerful moments that shaped the early days of San Diego County Gun Owners. From bold leadership moves to major political victories, these highlights show how a grassroots movement turned into a regional …

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Pulling Back the Curtin -The Hosts Back Story 30:22

2M ago30:22

30:22

In this episode I offer insight about the person who is delivering this podcast content and why he thought he had the ability to pursue the optical business without any previous experience. There were a lot of lessons learned along the way in his journey that did not always follow any logical path, but rather an attraction for adventure and change,…

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Episode 19: Building Your Store's Reputation Through Service 4:43

2M ago4:43

4:43

Smoke Break - Episode 19: Building Your Store's Reputation Through Service Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for developing and maintaining a stellar reputation that brings customers back again and again. Learn how exceptional service can become your store's most powerful competitive advantage in today's …

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Episode 18: Maximizing Sales Through Exceptional Service 5:02

3M ago5:02

5:02

Smoke Break - Episode 18: Maximizing Sales Through Exceptional Service Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals practical strategies for transforming good customer service into increased sales. Learn how to train your team in service techniques that naturally boost transaction values and create more profitable customer int…

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How Gen Z is driving change in the retail customer experience 12:17

3M ago12:17

12:17

In this episode of the CX Innovators podcast Judy Mottl, editor of Retail Customer Experience, talks with Dr. Steven Stovall, Ph.D., associate professor of management at Southeast Missouri State University, on how the Gen Z consumer is impacting the retail customer experience strategy. Stovall is former corporate executive who managed a global sale…

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"You Have Nothing to Fear, but Fear Itself" 18:32

3M ago18:32

18:32

Fear Is a Survival Mechanism. Our brains were built to protect us — not make us happy. In the past fear helped us survive predators or danger. Today our brain still scans for threats — just now it’s bills, judgment, failure, rejection. "nothing to fear but fear itself” It is a powerful motivational line that still gets quoted a lot today. What it m…

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Episode 17: Word of Mouth - Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool 4:55

3M ago4:55

4:55

Smoke Break - Episode 17: Word of Mouth - Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for turning satisfied customers into your most effective marketing team. Learn how to create experiences that inspire customers to spread the word about your store without spending a fortune on ad…

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Episode 16: The Power of Customer Loyalty 4:55

3M ago4:55

4:55

Smoke Break - Episode 16: The Power of Customer Loyalty Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for transforming casual shoppers into devoted customers who drive business growth. Learn how to build meaningful customer relationships that increase sales, encourage word-of-mouth marketing, and create a community a…

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Changing the Narrative from a Sales Centric Approach 19:33

3M ago19:33

19:33

In this episode we are going to step away from references to selling and sales and being sold and move more towards what I believe is how to serve without trying to convince and persuade the customer to buy. But first we need to change the way we communicate and label opticians relative to selling and sales. We need to change the narrative when it …

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Episode 15: Building a Culture of Compliance 6:12

3M ago6:12

6:12

Smoke Break - Episode 15: Building a Culture of Compliance Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for the final episode in our compliance series as he shares strategies for transforming compliance from a set of rules into a core part of your store's identity. Learn how to create an environment where doing things the right way becomes …

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Bicycle brands, suppliers, and retailers gathering at key industry events - uncertainty and optimism 20:38

3M ago20:38

20:38

Ryan Atkinson has continued his travels and brings us the latest in how brands, suppliers, and merchants in bicycle retail are feeling during some uncertain times. There are bright spots and some optimism, particularly among retailers. Themes from industry events Bicycle Leadership Conference (suppliers) NBDA Retailer Summit (both) - join the Midwe…

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Episode 14: Regular Audits and Reviews - Your Path to Compliance Success 5:38

4M ago5:38

5:38

Smoke Break - Episode 14: Regular Audits and Reviews - Your Path to Compliance Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for implementing effective audit systems that protect your business and prevent compliance issues. Learn how regular reviews can transform from tedious tasks into valuable tools f…

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Building A Sporting Goods Store With Good People - Tom Denniston 26:04

4M ago26:04

26:04

In today’s episode of Tactical Business, host Wade Skalsky sits down with Tom Denniston of Fort Thompson Sporting Goods. From humble beginnings to a thriving sporting goods empire—Tom Denniston shares the incredible journey of building a store with good people, smart business moves, and a deep passion for hunting. From the rise of camo and deer sta…

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Tariffs Loom over the Optical Industry 15:17

4M ago15:17

15:17

In this episode we will examine this new world of tariffs that are having a direct and indirect effect on us as business owners as well as our customers. There is a ripping effect as well as a trickle down impact that needs to be understood. To close your eyes and ears and hope for the best is not a call to action. We need to be knowledgeable of wh…

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Episode 13: Training Your Team for Compliance Success 5:48

4M ago5:48

5:48

Smoke Break - Episode 13: Training Your Team for Compliance Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for developing effective compliance training programs that stick. Learn how to transform procedures from paper documents into daily practices that protect your business and customers. Episode Overvi…

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Building an FFL Business Fast! - Keenan Allemond 34:53

4M ago34:53

34:53

In today’s episode of Tactical Business, host Wade Skalsky sits down with Keenan Allemond of Lateral Limits Works to talk about the challenges and triumphs of starting and running a firearms business. He shares his journey of finding a location, securing an FFL, and navigating inventory shortages during COVID. Keenan also dives into the importance …

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CEO Chris King defines Monster Mini Golf's 'philosophy of fun' CX strategy 14:42

4M ago14:42

14:42

In this episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Chris King, CEO of Monster Mini Golf; shares insight on how the indoor family entertainment brand fulfills its 'philosophy of fun' and why it's the center piece of the brand's customer experience strategy. Monster Mini Golf is an indoor family entertainment brand with 30-plus franchise locations across …

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Running effective promotions for your bike shop - tips and action items for success! 20:56

4M ago20:56

20:56

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of conducting successful promotions, a pivotal segment in our ongoing year-long marketing program aimed at empowering businesses. We focus on strategies that not only help retailers remain competitive but also enhance customer engagement, particularly as we approach the prime spring sale season. Our di…

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Episode 12: Navigating the World of Regulatory Compliance 5:57

4M ago5:57

5:57

Smoke Break - Episode 12: Navigating the World of Regulatory Compliance Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential compliance strategies that protect your business, customers, and reputation. Learn how regulatory adherence can become a competitive advantage rather than just a necessity. Episode Overview Master …

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Tactical Headlines with John McCoy – MAR. 20, 2025 33:46

4M ago33:46

33:46

Discover the latest in firearms and gear on this episode! Christensen Arms is now a member of SAAMI! Plus, we take a look at Winchester’s innovative .21 Sharp cartridge—how it’s designed, loaded, and what makes it special. Don’t miss this deep dive into cutting-edge ammo technology!

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Conversion Rate - Internal and External Influencers 16:52

4M ago16:52

16:52

The Conversion Rate - The HOLY GRAIL for success in the Optical business. Conversion takes on many faces on the road to converting patients and visitors to the dispensary, into paying customers. The influencers that affect your conversion rate come from both internal and external forces. This episode will explore the many factors that require your …

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Using YouTube To Grow A Firearms Business - David Dorsey 33:31

4M ago33:31

33:31

In today’s episode of Tactical Business, host Wade Skalsky sits down with David Dorsey from D'Boss Firearms. David shares his journey of navigating FFL licensing, dealing with the ATF, and growing a YouTube channel to 100K+ subscribers. He discusses the challenges of fingerprinting, audits, and firearm sales, along with the impact of social media r…

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Episode 11: Balancing Short-Term Sales with Long-Term Success 9:29

4M ago9:29

9:29

Smoke Break - Episode 11: Balancing Short-Term Sales with Long-Term Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for finding the perfect balance between immediate sales boosts and sustainable business growth. Learn how to create promotions and pricing approaches that drive both today's revenue and t…

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Building a 2A Business in Phases - Toby Leary 43:38

4M ago43:38

43:38

In today’s episode of Tactical Business, host Wade Skalsky sits down with Toby Leary of Cape Gun Works. Toby shares the journey of building a firearms training and retail facility from the ground up. He discusses the challenges of location, financing, and industry competition while emphasizing customer service, community engagement, and persistence…

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Industry trade shows, YTD results, and expectations for the rest of the year 26:21

4M ago26:21

26:21

Ryan is back with us after some travel, but he's not done yet! There are a few more trade shows and industry gatherings on the horizon, and he'll be presenting at most of them. We talk about those shows and the state of the bicycle industry, and the vibe and attitude of the dealers Ryan is meeting at shows like CABDA. CABDA Midwest Split, dealers l…

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Episode 10: Building Trust Through Honest Pricing and Promotions 5:43

5M ago5:43

5:43

Smoke Break - Episode 10: Building Trust Through Honest Pricing and Promotions Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategies for creating transparent pricing and promotions that build lasting customer relationships. Learn how honest business practices can become your store's most powerful competitive advantage. Episod…

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Revenue RX hosts Robert Dalton Exec. Dir. (OAC) Part #2. 50:50

5M ago50:50

50:50

Welcome back to Revenue RX Optical Retails Win's and Part 2 with Mr. Robert Dalton the Executive Director of the OAC - The Opticians Association of Canada. Today we continue to drill down on the commercial aspect of the Optical Retail business and the important role the Optician plays it it success. Robert continues to offer his thoughts and recomm…

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Episode 9: Using Data to Drive Pricing and Promotion Decisions 5:53

5M ago5:53

5:53

Smoke Break - Episode 9: Using Data to Drive Pricing and Promotion Decisions Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to transform your store's data into powerful pricing and promotion strategies. Learn practical approaches to analyze sales information and make data-backed decisions that boost your profits. Episode Ove…

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Mike Barham From Galco Holsters: Building An Enduring Brand From The Ground Up 36:45

5M ago36:45

36:45

In today’s episode of Tactical Business, host Wade Skalsky sits down with Mark Barham from Galco Holsters. Mike shares his journey from working various jobs to finding his passion in the firearms industry. Starting in customer service at a firearms importer, he later joined Galco Gunleather, where he worked his way up to Media & PR Manager over 21 …

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UltronAI founder on how AI, computer vision enhance retail checkout, reduce shrink, optimize operations 25:48

5M ago25:48

25:48

In this episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Marios Savvides, founder, chairman and CTO at UltronAI, offers insight on how AI and computer vision can educe retail shrink, optimize operations and improve the customer experience Savvides is a leader in AI computer vision, having spent decades working on AI models that solve complex identification ch…