This week’s episode is sponsored by Fine Lines, a west coast wholesale rep agency with showrooms in Las Vegas and Seattle representing over 50 fabulous gifts, fashion + home lines.

Patrick Keiser is the Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit Heart on Main Street. Following a career as a high school educator, Patrick entered the wholesale industry in 2016 with a passion for making a difference in communities.

After several years of learning within the wholesale industry, Patrick believed he could be doing more to help independent retailers. In 2021, he conceptualized the idea of bringing together the efforts of companies and organizations that relied on Main Street businesses to provide more tools, resources, and education to retailers across the country.

With the belief that by supporting the growth and sustainability of independent retailers, you can help create better economic conditions for those in the community, Heart on Main Street was formed in 2022. In its first full year in 2023, Heart on Main Street provided over $60,000 to retailers affected by natural disasters and continues to grow as an organization.

Patrick shares his career journey from a high school teacher to his work with One Coast and Heart on Main Street. He shares how Heart on Main Street grew from just an idea to the organization it is today. Michelle and Patrick also discuss mentorship in the industry and the power of community, how Patrick works with retailers, the story behind his Main Street Monday tours, and what the future holds for Heart on Main Street.

What’s Inside:

• How and why Patrick started Heart on Main Street
• A discussion on mentorship and the power of community
• The story behind Patrick’s Main Street Monday tours

Mentioned In This Episode:
Heart on Main Street on Instagram
Heart on Main Street on Facebook
Heart on Main Street Website
Heart on Main Street on TikTok