What can Disney fireworks, empowered employees, and “the little things” teach you about running a standout retail business? A lot more than you think. In this bonus episode, Vance Morris—a former Disney World executive turned customer experience strategist—dives into the principles that made Disney world-renowned for customer loyalty.

Vance shares how retailers can borrow from Disney’s playbook to elevate everyday interactions, boost retention, and outshine competitors—without a theme park budget. Whether it’s redefining your target market or empowering your team to resolve customer issues, this episode will inspire you to rethink your customer experience from the ground up.

[4:27] What Disney fireworks reveal about building loyalty

[9:24] The one thing that can quietly kill your business

[13:29] Rethinking your real competitor

[23:49] Why empowered employees make or break the experience

[30:49] The small touches that leave a lasting impact

[37:31] Who Disney is really targeting?

[44:41] Practical steps to “Disneyfy” your business

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In this episode, Tanner takes the stage at EVOLVE to break down exactly how businesses can win with social media. From showing up consistently to staying authentic, Tanner shares actionable tips that helped him build a powerful online presence—and how you can do the same.

This episode is all about using content to build connection, credibility, and community. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, you’ll walk away with strategies to grow your brand through content that feels real and resonates.

[7:00] Why social media attention matters—and what it means for your business
[10:10] “Just post”: The power of consistency and commitment
[16:16] Scheduling content to stay top-of-mind
[17:07] Doing the research to show up smarter
[29:29] The secret to standing out? Be yourself
[36:27] How to attract the right people to your brand

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Merchandising isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about strategy. In this episode, Ani Nersessian shares how to create a retail space that not only looks great but drives real results. She walks you through practical starting points, from visual tweaks to organizing product flow, all grounded in understanding what your customer truly needs.

Whether you’re setting up shop for the first time or giving your space a much-needed refresh, this episode will help you lay a solid foundation for smarter, more effective merchandising.

[1:45] Ani’s retail journey—and how she learned to design for the customer
[4:59] Simple tweaks that instantly improve your store’s look and feel
[8:41] Why categorizing and sub-categorizing products boosts the shopping experience
[16:56] How understanding your customer leads to better merchandising choices
[21:16] Staying ahead: Why keeping up with retail trends matters

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Think direct mail is dead? Think again. In this episode, we sit down with David, a seasoned direct mail expert who’s helped businesses of all sizes use physical marketing to drive real results. David shares how traditional mail is making a comeback—and how you can use it to stand out in a noisy digital landscape.

From building smarter (not bigger) mailing lists to launching your first campaign on a $500 budget, you’ll get practical, no-fluff advice for turning mail into a powerful marketing channel. David also breaks down whether direct mail works best solo or when paired with email—and the answer might surprise you.

This episode is your beginner-friendly guide to using the physical inbox to reconnect with your audience in a more meaningful, memorable way.

[6:30] Why direct mail deserves a spot in your marketing plan today
[17:24] The real reason their newsletter list is intentionally small
[20:18] A great starting point if you’re new to direct mail
[23:38] Does physical mail work better with email—or on its own?
[26:52] How to launch a solid direct mail strategy with just $500

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Think PR is just for big brands? Think again. In this episode, we explore how organic PR can actually outperform social media, influencers, and even paid ads—especially for local retailers. Learn how to write press releases that land, earn high-quality backlinks, and pitch your story in a way that drives real foot traffic.

You’ll also uncover the most common PR mistakes businesses make (and how to fix them), along with simple yet powerful strategies to get noticed by local media—without a big budget.

This episode is your crash course in high-impact, low-cost publicity!

[5:04] How organic PR can outperform social media, influencers, and paid ads
[8:03] Backlinks: what they are and why they matter
[14:55] What to write in your press release to grab attention
[17:46] Common PR mistakes retailers make—and how to correct them
[23:00] How to pitch local media and bring more people through your doors

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In this special episode, we take you inside the opening keynote from EVOLVE, where the spotlight is on navigating change in your retail business with strength and resilience.

You’ll discover why your brain naturally resists change, how to reframe discomfort into growth, and even how to channel emotions like anger into purpose and momentum. From unexpected tariffs to tightening ad budgets, this episode is filled with actionable insights for retail leaders ready to thrive—even through tough times

[2:42] Why your brain is wired to resist change

[2:56] The comfort of familiarity vs. the discomfort of growth

[4:01] Why change feels exhausting—and how to move through it

[5:04] The emotional toll of business shifts

[10:08] How anger can become your driving passion

[10:35] Using emotions to fuel your retail store’s growth

[12:25] Turning tariffs and challenges into innovation

[17:36] Being strategic with ad spending

[20:26] Why showing up—consistently—matters most

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What happens when a business is born out of mud runs, muscle pain, and a mission to help others heal? In this episode, we sit down with Natalie Gardner, co-owner of Dr. Doug’s Balms, to explore how a grassroots wellness brand scaled with heart, honesty, and a focus on progress—not perfection.

From magnesium-infused balms to mindset shifts for overwhelmed entrepreneurs, Natalie shares why staying rooted in purpose matters more than chasing trends. She also breaks down how retailers can embrace imperfection, lead with authenticity, and ask for what they truly need.

This episode will inspire you to build a brand that protects, heals, and restores—for both customers and creators alike.

[3:16] Natalie’s journey into retail and wellness
[5:45] A walk-through of the Dr. Doug’s Balms product line
[7:39] How to stand out without relying on trends and flash
[11:20] Embracing imperfect progress as a retail mindset
[14:51] What to do when business feels overwhelming
[18:58] The underrated power of asking for what you need
[20:21] The benefits of magnesium and why it’s trending in wellness

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What do Disney-level customer experiences have to do with your bottom line? A lot more than you might think. In this episode, Vance Morris—a former Disney World executive turned customer experience strategist—reveals the secrets behind turning casual buyers into loyal fans.

Drawing from years of real-world experience at one of the world’s most customer-obsessed brands, Vance shares powerful strategies that retailers and e-commerce businesses can use to boost retention, create memorable brand moments, and stand out in a competitive market. From the underrated value of print ads to the magic behind intentional experiences, this episode is packed with insights for businesses serious about customer loyalty.

[8:50] How to turn first-time buyers into repeat customers

[15:22] Why print ads still work in a digital age

[16:41] The crucial mindset shift every retailer needs

[21:15] How customer experience drives loyalty and long-term retention

[22:53] Disney-inspired strategies to transform your brand experience

[30:24] Using e-commerce packaging to elevate product perception and delight

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What does it really mean to be part of a thriving business community that understands the retail grind? In this bonus episode, Crystal Vilkaitis reveals the perks members get when they join IndERA—and it’s so much more than just another business mastermind.

From staying ahead in the ever-evolving retail landscape to unlocking exclusive access to tools, resources, and strategy, Crystal walks you through the six foundational pillars that set Indera apart from other business groups.

If you’re craving real-time business support, a strong network, and tangible growth in your digital presence—this episode is your first step.

[5:05] - You need more than just social media training, you need to be profitable

[6:56] - Making sure to keep up with the changes of the retail world

[13:34] - Growing your digital footprint and online presence

[21:05] - A big part of your membership at Indera is the word access

[21:51] - Six pillars that are foundational to the success of your business

[28:48] How IndERA differs from other business masterminds?

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What does it take to build a successful independent retail business—and keep it thriving for decades? Carol Schroeder, co-owner of Orange Tree Imports, joins us to share her journey as a retailer and local business leader. From launching a gift and gourmet shop to navigating the shift to e-commerce, Carol offers grounded insights on team leadership, community-driven business, and how to stay relevant in a changing retail landscape.

In this episode, you’ll learn how collaborative management can transform your store culture, why thinking of your online shop as a second storefront matters, and how independent retailers can thrive by tapping into local connections.

[5:42] How Carol started Orange Tree Imports and built long-term success

[8:02] What “participative democracy” looks like in a retail team setting

[19:38] The power of community and collaboration in independent retail

[24:42] Why your e-commerce store should be treated like a second physical location

[25:04] Tips to connect with your local audience and build partnerships with community groups

[29:03] Carol’s biggest challenge as a retailer—and how she works through it

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