In episode 39 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer interviews Russ Hawkins, CEO at Agilence Inc., as he discusses the importance of leveraging data to tackle challenges like shrinkage and total retail loss, and how Agilence helps businesses make better decisions through effective data management.

Tune in to explore the fascinating world of retail data analytics and its impact on business operations.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:03:30] Building companies and problem-solving.

[00:05:30] Data wrangling for businesses.

[00:12:35] Total retail loss concept.

[00:14:56] RFID technology advancements.

[00:19:09] Data-driven customer engagement strategies.

[00:25:20] Online presence in retail.

[00:28:10] Supply chain disruptions and inventory.

[00:32:06] Consumer behavior during Christmas sales.

[00:36:09] The origin of Black Friday.

[00:38:41] Data-driven decision-making.

QUOTES

• "A long history of working didn't grow up with any money but found that the way to basically run your own business without having the capital to start it is to be in the sales business." - Russ Hawkins
• "We can't get accustomed to just doing the same thing every day. You gotta evolve with change, which is constant as we all learn." - Kevin Spencer
• "It's kind of a self-fulfilling, you know, virtuous circle here, that virtuous cycle where you give the employees the ability to be better consultants to the customers." - Russ Hawkins

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

Russ Hawkins

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russhawkins/

WEBSITES

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

Agilence Inc.: https://www.agilenceinc.com/

In episode 38 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer interviews Lorena Tomasini, owner of MALM Life and Health Insurance Agency, as she discusses the distinction between health insurance and health supplements, clarifying common misconceptions.

Tune in to gain insights into the life and health insurance field

TIMESTAMPS

[00:04:01] Financial protection through insurance.

[00:07:36] Common misconceptions about insurance.

[00:08:17] Protecting your finances with insurance.

[00:12:48] Life insurance age demographics.

[00:18:03] Hobbies and interests of guests.

[00:21:43] ICRA and health insurance trends.

[00:24:46] Life insurance policy trends.

[00:29:00] Importance of personalized insurance plans.

QUOTES

• "Always doing what's right for the client and not based on what you're going to get paid or anything like that. It's always offering a solution to the client that meets their needs." - Lorena Tomasini
• "It's about protecting your finances if something were to happen unexpectedly, that you don't have to owe the $50,000 bill at the hospital." - Lorena Tomasini
• "I think everybody needs to have that life and health insurance covered, especially in this modern day where anything can happen spontaneously." - Kevin Spencer

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

Lorena Tomasini

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lore0125/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malmins22

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenatomasini/

WEBSITES

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

MALM Life and Health Insurance Agency: https://www.malmins.com/

In episode 37 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer celebrates his birthday and discusses the significance of customer loyalty, particularly on special occasions.

Tune in to discover how businesses can leverage these moments to strengthen customer loyalty and drive success in the retail and hospitality industries.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:00 - Introduction to Retail Checks and Balances

00:00:31 - Kevin’s Birthday and Customer Loyalty

00:01:04 - Personal Birthday Experience at a Restaurant

00:03:34 - Applying Birthday Loyalty to Retail

00:05:25 - The Power of Surprise in Customer Loyalty

00:06:29 - Extending Loyalty Beyond Birthdays

00:07:16 - Recap and Final Thoughts on Loyalty

00:08:22 - Closing Remarks

QUOTES

• “This is how we foster loyalty and build emotional connections to our customers. And the key driver of customer loyalty specifically for birthdays is delivering something that serves to be consistent and build a great foundation with your customer.”
• "Tailoring the experiences and offers to the individuals can create a deeper loyalty than you can ever imagine."

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

In episode 36 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer interviews Nolan Bradbury, founder of Bradfield Accounting and Advisory, as he shares the misconceptions surrounding the accounting profession, the importance of mindset in business, and how Nolan helps business owners achieve their personal and professional goals.

Tune in as we explore Nolan's insights into the accounting field and his passion for supporting entrepreneurs in their business journeys.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:20] Psychology with numbers.

[00:06:07] Family office light concept.

[00:10:03] Conscious decision-making in business.

[00:11:03] Workforce retirement and supply issues.

[00:15:03] Legacy and its impact.

[00:19:00] Success and client improvement.

[00:23:41] Financial improvement and consultations.

[12:34:56] The impact of social media.

QUOTES

• "I want someone to help me kind of buy back my time without sacrificing the things that are going to create a legacy for my family." - Nolan Bradbury
• "It's no longer my job to make you do the right thing. It's my job to make sure that you have all the information to make the best choice for yourself." - Nolan Bradbury
• "Whether you're a business owner or not a business owner, whatever your financial situation is, it can be improved and it can be changed." - Nolan Bradbury

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

Nolan Bradbury

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-bradbury/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

Bradfield Accounting & Advisory: https://bradfieldco.com/

In episode 35 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer dives into the crucial vendor business relationship that underpins the food and retail industries. He emphasizes that any delays or quality issues from vendors can disrupt business operations, making these partnerships vital for success.

Tune in to understand why cultivating strong vendor partnerships is vital for success in the retail and culinary sectors.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:00 - Introduction to Retail Checks and Balances

00:00:32 - Vendor Business Relationship Basics

00:01:16 - Importance of Vendor Relationships

00:02:04 - Vendor Relationships in Supermarkets and Restaurants

00:03:10 - Building Trust and Mutual Benefit

00:03:54 - Reliability and Transparency in Vendor Relationships

00:04:49 - Challenges in Vendor Relationships

00:05:46 - Resolving Vendor-Business Conflicts

00:06:21 - Trends in Vendor-Business Space

00:07:25 - Summary and Future Outlook

00:08:20 - Closing Remarks and Subscription Reminder

QUOTES

• "These relationships between vendors and businesses are built on trust, communication, and mutual benefit. And I say they would mutually benefit because the partnership must benefit both mutually."
• "The most successful partnerships are those where both sides are willing to work through issues together rather than jumping ship at the first sign of trouble."
• “One of the biggest strengths is the rise of technology in managing these relationships.”

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

In episode 34 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer interviews Jason Baylis, President of Great Lakes Data Systems, to discuss a unique perspective on the buzzword AI. Jason sheds light on how AI can be utilized as a support and intelligence tool, rather than just a standalone program or robot.

Tune in to this insightful discussion that delves into the practical applications of AI in the retail and hospitality sector.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:09] The buzzword AI perspective.

[00:06:55] Using AI as a tool.

[00:09:22] AI agent learning habits.

[00:15:45] A new maintenance program.

[00:20:33] Supporting small businesses.

[00:22:30] Building trust with clients.

QUOTES

• "If I don't start somewhere, you're going to go down the rabbit hole of all the things you can and can't do, and you'll never implement anything. It's really that definition kind of like insanity, really, you keep going." - Jason Baylis
• “Making a difference for those who make a difference, right? That's what we're here for…So it's like, I'm going to make you change how you're used to doing it, but I'm going to show you that you might actually be able to save some money with me.” - Jason Baylis

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

Jason Baylis

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-baylis-43b06844/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

Great Lakes Data Systems: https://www.glds.net/

In episode 33 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer discusses the crucial role of procedures in the retail and hospitality industries. From ensuring consistency and customer satisfaction to risk management and adaptability, well-defined procedures are essential for success.

Tune in now to gain valuable insights and tips for implementing effective procedures in your own business.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:02 - Introduction to Retail Checks and Balances

00:00:31 - Importance of Business Procedures

00:01:17 - Consistency in Service and Operations

00:03:18 - Training and Onboarding

00:04:03 - Adaptability and Updating Procedures

00:04:48 - Risk Management

00:05:22 - Customer Satisfaction

00:06:07 - Summary and Conclusion

00:07:15 - Closing Remarks

QUOTES

• “While having set procedures is important, It's equally vital to review and update them regularly because sometimes we may have missed something and we need to make sure that this procedure is tweakable depending on the situation.”
• “From the moment a customer enters your store, or hotel or restaurant to the time they leave. Every interaction is an opportunity to create a positive impression. Happy customers are more likely to return and recommend your business to others.”
• “By investing time and effort into developing and maintaining these procedures, business can not only survive but thrive in competitive markets.”

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/

In episode 32 of Retail Checks and Balances, Kevin Spencer dives into the importance of customer appreciation events in the retail and hospitality industry. From open houses to exclusive product launches, Kevin explores various ways businesses can show gratitude to their clients and strengthen relationships.

Tune in to discover why customer appreciation events are crucial for building loyalty and engagement, as well as practical tips for planning and executing successful events.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:53 - Importance of Customer Appreciation Events

00:01:14 - Types of Customer Appreciation Events
00:02:08 - Strategic Importance of Customer Appreciation
00:02:51 - Planning the Event
00:03:02 - Knowing Your Audience
00:03:12 - Setting a Budget
00:03:24 - Choosing the Right Venue
00:03:46 - Sending Invites Early
00:04:32 - Engaging with Guests
00:04:43 - Creating Memorable Moments
00:05:25 - Recognition Awards
00:05:36 - Marketing the Event
00:05:58 - Ending with a Bang
00:06:41 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

QUOTES

• "Happy customers are more likely to become repeat customers, and customer retention is great for your brand."
• “Giving customers plenty of notice to plan their attendance can make a difference in the turnout itself. Provide value, offer something value, whether it's a free product, exclusive information or memorable experience when it comes to giving gifts or keep customers excited and engaged.”
• "Whatever you think is great to make your event stand out and powerful and show customers your care. And they would see that you were investing time and effort into these events and building stronger relationships, foster loyalty, and create memorable experiences that keep customers coming back."

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Kevin Spencer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kspencer007/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspencer007/

WEBSITE

Rod Plus Solutions: https://rodplussolutions.com/