Best Patrick Keiser Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 19: Why We Buy: The Decompression Zone 13:39

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2d ago13:39

13:39

In this second installment of our Why We Buy Summer Book Club series, host Patrick Keiser unpacks one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of any retail space — the decompression zone. Based on insights from Paco Underhill’s seminal book, Why We Buy, this episode explores what happens in the first 5 to 10 feet inside your store and why it can …

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Episode 18: Why We Buy: The Store Experience Starts Outside 20:06

5d ago20:06

20:06

Welcome to the kickoff of our Main Street Matters Summer Book Club series! In this special edition of the podcast, host Patrick Keiser dives into the first takeaway from Paco Underhill’s retail classic Why We Buy. And it all begins… before your customer even walks in the door. This week’s episode explores how the outside of your store sets the tone…

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Episode 17: The Five Senses of Retail: Designing a Store That Customers Feel 15:06

12d ago15:06

15:06

In today’s episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser explores a game-changing idea: your store isn’t just a place to shop, it’s a full sensory experience. Customers don’t just buy with their wallets. They buy with their eyes, ears, hands, noses, and even taste buds. That’s why the most memorable retail spaces are those that engage all five sen…

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Episode 16: All Things WhizBang and Bob Negen! 48:33

19d ago48:33

48:33

Join host Patrick Keiser for a special episode of Main Street Matters as he sits down with Bob Negen, the respected founder and owner of Whizbang Retail Training. A seasoned retailer who built an incredibly successful business before launching another venture to teach other retailers, Bob has been a vital supporter of Heart on Main Street. In this …

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Episode 15: What Happens When Retailers Come Together: The Power of Community in Independent Retail 19:26

1M ago19:26

19:26

In this inspiring episode of Main Street Matters, host Patrick Keiser explores one of the most transformative forces in retail: community. Through real-life stories from Saratoga Springs, NY, to Lincoln, IL, Patrick highlights how independent retailers across the country are coming together to collaborate, support one another, and create thriving d…

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Episode 14: Retail That Gives Back: Building a Store With Purpose 15:27

1M ago15:27

15:27

What if the secret to long-term retail success isn’t just found in your numbers, but in your values? In this inspiring and actionable episode of Main Street Matters, host Patrick Keiser explores how independent retailers across the country are building their businesses around generosity, connection, and purpose. You’ll hear stories of shop owners w…

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Episode 13: 5 SEO Mistakes Retailers Make — and How to Fix Them with Samantha Conner 59:24

2M ago59:24

59:24

If you’ve ever felt like your store’s website isn’t getting the traffic it deserves, you’re not alone — and SEO might be the missing piece. In this practical, no-fluff episode of Main Street Matters, host Patrick Keiser and guest Samantha Conner break down five of the most common SEO mistakes that independent retailers make and how to fix them with…

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Episode 12: Retail as a Relationship: Why Loyalty Starts with the Little Things 11:05

2M ago11:05

11:05

In a world dominated by big-box convenience and digital ads, what truly sets independent retailers apart? Relationships. In this heartfelt episode of Main Street Matters, host Patrick Keiser explores how genuine customer connections are built — not with marketing gimmicks, but with consistent, thoughtful, everyday moments. Drawing inspiration from …

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Episode 11: The 5-Minute Fix: Tiny Changes That Make a Big Retail Impact 15:27

2M ago15:27

15:27

What if five minutes could make your store more profitable, more welcoming, or more efficient? In this episode of Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street, host Patrick Keiser shares five small but mighty changes you can make today to improve your retail business, no budget, no major overhaul, just quick wins with big potential. Drawing on insig…

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Episode 10: Quick Wins to Improve Sales and Save Time with Daniel Tadros 32:46

2M ago32:46

32:46

In this conversation, Patrick Keiser speaks with Daniel Tadros, founder of 360 Retail Management, about strategies for independent retailers to improve sales and efficiency. They discuss the importance of optimizing POS systems, enhancing product listings for better SEO, and leveraging AI tools to streamline operations and improve customer service.…

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Episode 9: Main Street Mythbusting: Debunking the Biggest Misconceptions in Retail 12:52

2M ago12:52

12:52

Is Main Street retail really fading away? Are small businesses doomed to lose on price? In this bold and empowering episode of Main Street Matters, host Patrick Keiser busts four of the most common myths surrounding independent retail — and replaces them with the truth: Main Street is alive, evolving, and more important than ever. Using real storie…

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Episode 8: Picture Perfect: In-Store Photography Tips with Janzen Tew 58:38

3M ago58:38

58:38

Length: 58:38 Hosted by: Patrick Keiser, Heart on Main Street Guest: Janzen Tew, Photographer & Founder of Denim + Velvet 📸 Episode Description: Want to take better photos of your store but don’t know where to start? In this actionable episode of Main Street Matters, we’re joined by retail photography expert Janzen Tew, founder of Denim + Velvet, f…

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Episode 7: Two Stores, One Mission: Stories of Support in Western North Carolina 21:17

3M ago21:17

21:17

When disaster strikes, it doesn’t just damage buildings — it upends lives, disrupts communities, and tests the resilience of independent retailers. In this heartfelt episode of Main Street Matters, host Patrick Keiser travels to Western North Carolina to share the powerful stories of two retailers — J. Gabriel in Asheville and Willow Creek in Chimn…

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Episode 6: The Revival is Local- 7 Trends Shaping Main Street Retail in 2025 11:55

3M ago11:55

11:55

What’s driving the future of independent retail in 2025? In this fast-paced episode, Patrick Keiser breaks down 7 emerging trends transforming Main Street shopping districts across the country. From hyperlocal merchandise and immersive in-store experiences to TikTok-ready storefronts and community-driven collaborations, this episode is packed with …

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Episode 5: Rooting for Your Success with Crystal Vilkaitis 1:02:03

4M ago1:02:03

1:02:03

On this episode of Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street, Patrick interviews Crystal Vilkaitis, the Founder of Rooted in Retail and the host of the Rooted in Retail podcast. They talk about the need for small businesses and independent retailers to change and evolve as business changes around them. Crystal provides tips and insights on how bu…

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Episode 4: Visual Merchandising Techniques with Retailworks Inc. 1:07:26

5M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

Looking to give your store a new look in 2025? Lyn Falk and Suzanne Rafenstein join Main Street Matters to discuss visual merchandising techniques you can incorporate into your store! Whether you're looking to make little tweaks or a whole new redesign, the team from Retailworks Inc. can set you on the path to realizing your visual merchandising dr…

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Episode 3: The Secrets of a Thriving Main Street 53:58

5M ago53:58

53:58

Join host Patrick Keiser on Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street, where we uncover the secrets behind America's most vibrant downtown shopping districts. After visiting 50 communities across the country, we've identified what makes a successful Main Street—from small-town gems to bustling city districts. In this episode, we highlight real ex…

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Episode 2: What Makes a Main Street Thrive? 34:33

5M ago34:33

34:33

In this special episode of Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street, host Patrick Keiser reflects on two years of Main Street Mondays, a journey that has taken him to 50 towns across the country and showcased the resilience, creativity, and community spirit of independent retailers. From historic streets to modern downtowns, Patrick shares the i…

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Episode 1: Trends for 2025: What Retailers Need to Know to Stay Ahead of the Curve. 1:04:26

5M ago1:04:26

1:04:26

Welcome to a brand-new episode of Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street! In this episode, host Patrick Keiser shares exciting updates from the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, highlighting our Giving Tuesday fundraising success, our ongoing disaster relief efforts for retailers impacted by wildfires in California, and the $40,000 raised…

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Episode 65: Giving Thanks in the Giving Season 12:35

8M ago12:35

12:35

In this episode, we want to thank all who have supported our organization this year. Listeners like you make it possible for our organization to help retailers in need. This week, we traveled to Chimney Rock, NC, to donate to Bubba O'Leary's General Store. The funds for this donation came from individuals, other retail owners, and small business en…

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Episode 64: Meet the Boutique Hub and Grow Using Community Over Competition with Ashley Alderson 51:33

8M ago51:33

51:33

Ashley Alderson, founder of the Boutique Hub, joins the Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street podcast to talk about the Boutique Hub and its resources, how retailers can use "Community over Competition" to grow their business, and the information that she is hearing from her network of retailers around the nation.…

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Episode 63: Using Facebook Live to Maximize Your Fourth Quarter Cash Flow with Kathy Cruz 1:02:17

9M ago1:02:17

1:02:17

Do you want to sell more during the holiday season? Do you want to clear out your inventory and put more cash in your pocket? Kathy Cruz, the Savvy Shopkeeper, joins Main Street Matters to talk about how to leverage Facebook Live to create more sales, maximize your cash flow, sell more products, and ultimately be happier at the end of the year. In …

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Episode 62: Celebrate Pink Friday 1:03:37

9M ago1:03:37

1:03:37

Patrick talks about Hurricane Milton's effects on the communities and businesses of Florida. Heart on Main Street is raising money to donate to retailers affected by the recent hurricanes in the southeastern part of the United States. If you would like to donate, go to https://givebutter.com/hurricane-relief-fund This episode also features an inter…

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Episode 61: A Retailer's Tale: Recovering and Rebuilding After a Hurricane 26:21

10M ago26:21

26:21

Many areas of the southeast US are hurting in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Hundreds of thousands of people are without power and cutoff from resources. Additionally, countless retailers have lost their businesses and don't know what to do next. In this episode, Patrick sat down with retail owner Anita Cereceda, who lost her stores to Hurricane Ian…

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Episode 60: Main Street Monday: Sulphur & Ada, OK 26:37

10M ago26:37

26:37

Patrick discusses his trip to Oklahoma in July, during which he visited the towns of Sulphur and Ada. He talks about the beauty of the state and the impact that the Chickasaw Nation has on the area. While both towns were visited on Mondays, they were for very different reasons. In April, a tornado devastated the historic downtown of Sulphur, leavin…

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Episode 59: Summer Sourcing Series Recap 19:45

10M ago19:45

19:45

As the summer comes to a close this weekend, Patrick reflects on the Summer Sourcing Series webinars that Heart on Main Street conducted this summer. Through the webinar series, they explored how retailers can find products for their stores by attending trade shows, working with a local sales rep, and using an online marketplace like Faire.com. All…

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Episode 58: Faire.com- A Wholesale Solution for Independent Retailers 58:01

10M ago58:01

58:01

Heart on Main Street's Summer Sourcing Series concludes with a discussion with Faire.com. Learn more about Faire Wholesale - a marketplace focused on helping independent retailers simplify the way they find, finance, and manage unique inventory from around the world. Hear about their mission, learn more about their marketplace and financial benefit…

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Episode 57: Main Street Monday: Bishop Arts District - Dallas, TX 58:15

11M ago58:15

58:15

In this episode, we go out on the road to explore a fun and vibrant arts community within Dallas, the Bishop Arts District. I saw artwork that made this area unique and worth exploring. I met with great retailers whose stores fit so well with the community and culture of the neighborhood. And I ate some pretty good food. While in Dallas, I also had…

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Episode 56: Shop Talk: Live from Ely, MN 31:18

11M ago31:18

31:18

Our Shop Talk series continues with a little twist. Patrick travels to Ely, MN, to meet in person with Kara Polyner, the owner of the Ely Mercantile! We discuss how she fared through the latter half of Ely's busy season with their Blueberry Arts Festival and the All-Class Reunion to celebrate the local high school's 100th anniversary. These events …

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Episode 55: Main Street Monday- Downers Grove, IL 29:09

11M ago29:09

29:09

Explore the town and independent retailers of Downers Grove, which underwent a significant renovation in 2001 to attract more people and businesses and build a better downtown community. In this episode, we discuss what Downers Grove accomplished in its renovation project and how this has helped improve downtown businesses. We also talk about four …

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Episode 54: Leveraging Relationship with Sales Reps 54:59

12M ago54:59

54:59

Vendor sales reps provide much more to the retail business than catalogs. They can inform you about what they're seeing in the field, exclusive deals, and knowledge and insights to help your business grow. I spoke with Adam Schrier of Creative Co-Op, Angela Schmook of Road Runners, Brian Schroeder of Creative Brands, and Majda Rensberger of OneCoas…

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Episode 53: Main Street Monday: Sturgeon Bay, WI 26:52

12M ago26:52

26:52

Come explore the gem of Door County Wisconsin: Sturgeon Bay. We highlight the brilliant retail stores around downtown, and what they're doing to help stand out amongst the crowd. Filled with longevity and love, these stores serve their community in unique ways to bring together the town of Sturgeon Bay. We look at a kitchen store, apparel shop, qui…

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Episode 52: Shop Talk: The Ely Mercantile Enters Busy Season 33:43

1y ago33:43

33:43

In this episode, we talk about what Heart on Main Street has planned for Independent Retailer Month, including a donation that we made to The Mix Mercantile in Sulphur, OK. We also catch up with our friend, Kara Polyner, the owner of the Ely Mercantile in Ely, MN. Since we last spoke, Ely has entered into its busy season, and The Ely Mercantile has…

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Episode 51: Main Street Monday: Estes Park, CO 18:55

1y ago18:55

18:55

We recently visited Estes Park, CO, as part of our Main Street Monday series. This is a beautiful part of the country that has a fantastic independent retail scene, in part because the history of the town has prioritized a focus on its community. The area has seen devastating natural disaster that has only made Estes Park more resilient and more ap…

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Episode 50: Main Street Monday: Lincoln, IL 24:49

1y ago24:49

24:49

Come explore the first US town named after Abraham Lincoln! I was invited to this town by one of its wonderful store owners and not only learned much about the town of Lincoln but also saw first-hand how a group of business owners worked together to make their downtown a better place. Donate to help retailers affected by natural disasters: https://…

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Episode 49: Unlocking the Magic of Trade Shows 1:04:54

1y ago1:04:54

1:04:54

Heart on Main Street's Summer Sourcing Series kicks off with a panel discussion about the importance of attending trade shows this summer! Hear from retailers and representatives of Dallas Market Center and AndMore (formerly International Market Centers) about why summer trade shows are so crucial for your business and how to make a plan to get the…

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Episode 48: Main Street Monday: Noblesville, IN 18:33

1y ago18:33

18:33

It was eclipse day when I visited Noblesville, IN, and the atmosphere was incredible! Downtown Noblesville has vibrant retailers and unique shopping environments to meet the needs of all shoppers. And the community of retailers has banded together to ensure that everyone's experience in Noblesville is a positive one. https://www.heartonmainstreet.o…

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Episode 47: How Retailers Can Utilize AI to Make Their Lives Easier with Crystal Vilkaitis of Crystal Media 1:02:09

1y ago1:02:09

1:02:09

Since it burst onto the scene over the last couple of years, AI has been positioned as a force that can completely change our lives. Yet, most people are still figuring out what AI is and how to incorporate it into their work. For retailers, the potential uses for AI are limitless, but they need to know where to start to take advantage of the possi…

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Episode 46: Main Street Monday: Waukon, IA 52:08

1y ago52:08

52:08

Join us as we explore the resurgent downtown area of Waukon, IA. Located in the Driftless, Waukon is an extraordinary setting that has seen local residents invest in over the last decade. I met with new retailers to see how they're reshaping the town of Waukon, and I interviewed Valeria Reinke the Director of Economic Development in the county to f…

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Episode 45: Shop Talk: Journey of a New Retailer Episode 3 Finances and Social Media 41:35

1y ago41:35

41:35

We resume our conversation with Kara Polyner of Ely Mercantile as Ely, MN, begins its busy season. In this episode, we discuss how Kara has structured her finances to keep everything aligned and the beginning of her social media journey! If you'd like to contact Kara to offer advice or well-wishes, her email address is [email protected] You ca…

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Episode 44: Main Street Monday: Franklin, TN 20:12

1y ago20:12

20:12

In this episode, we discuss some of the great information shared at the EVOVLE 2024 conference in Denver, CO, and then head out on the road to visit the town of Franklin, TN. Downtown Franklin is nicknamed "America's Favorite Main Street District," so we explore the area, highlight some of its wonderful retail stores, and see what makes it so great…

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Episode 43: Insurance Needs for Retailer Owners with Heather Ingersoll of Hometown Insurance 43:04

1y ago43:04

43:04

Imagine that you've just lost your store to a natural disaster like a flood, hurricane, tornado or fire, and then you find out later that the insurance that you thought you had either doesn't cover that type of damage or doesn't provide adequate coverage to help you rebuild your store. This is the case for hundreds of retailers every single year. T…

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Episode 42: Main Street Monday: Monticello, IL 27:16

1+ y ago27:16

27:16

In today's episode, we explore the historic downtown of Monticello, IL. Despite being a rural community, Monticello has become quite the tourist destination due to its Railway Museum, 14-acre park, and historic downtown. I found myself enamored with the downtown and its retailers, who capitalize on the town's charm to help their businesses grow. I …

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Episode 41: Shop Talk: Journey of New Retailer Episode 2 50:34

1+ y ago50:34

50:34

In this episode of Shop Talk, we talk with new retail owner Kara Polyner of the Ely Mercantile in Ely, MN, about what she is doing to establish her brand and what she is doing within her store and with the products that she carries to help create repeat customers for her store. YouTube Link to watch the interview: https://youtu.be/B0vCgxx2rRY Ely M…

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Episode 40: Strategies to Help Retailers Boost Customer Purchase Frequency and Maximize Revenue With Nick McHenry of OneShop Retail 52:24

1+ y ago52:24

52:24

Transitioning a customer into a repeat customer is an easy way to secure increased revenue. However, it's also easier said than done. Nick McHenry of OneShop joins the Main Street Matters webinar to talk about how to drive revenue by increasing the frequency at which your customers purchase and tips and tricks on how to do this. Heart on Main Stree…

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Episode 39: Main Street Monday: Stillwater, MN 23:19

1+ y ago23:19

23:19

Come explore of the US's premier downtown destinations, Stillwater, MN. Stillwater has everything going for it: gorgeous scenery, tremendous history, passionate communities, and local pride. It's no wonder that this Main Street and its independent retailers are thriving. Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/ Register for …

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Episode 38: Main Street Monday: Pontiac, IL 24:40

1+ y ago24:40

24:40

Come take a trip down Route 66 to Pontiac, IL. In this episode, Patrick talks about his recent visit to Pontiac and how its history is on display throughout the downtown. Since Route 66 is so integral to the story of Pontiac, we take a little detour to talk about what Route 66 was, what it meant for towns that existed along it, why it's still a cul…

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Episode 37: Shop Talk: Journey of a New Retailer Episode 1 40:06

1+ y ago40:06

40:06

Meet Kara Polyner! Kara is opening a new store in Ely, MN, called the Ely Mercantile. She has invited us into her store to get a first-hand account of what it's like to open a retail store. We will follow along month-by-month as Kara develops her concept and grows the Ely Mercantile into a staple of downtown Ely's life. This episode focuses on her …

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Episode 36: More Traffic Does NOT Mean More Sales with Cathy Donovan Wagner from RETAILMavens 1:06:52

1+ y ago1:06:52

1:06:52

More Traffic Does NOT Mean More Sales with Cathy Donovan Wagner from RETAILMavens Join Cathy Donovan Wagner from RETAILMavens as she debunks the myth that more people through your door automatically translates to increased sales. You’ll learn why focusing on more profit rather than more traffic is the solution you’ve been looking for. Register now …

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Episode 35: Main Street Monday: Niles, MI and Seymour, IN 29:27

1+ y ago29:27

29:27

We're going on a road trip! Come explore the retailers in the historic downtowns of Niles, MI, and Seymour, IN. Both of these towns are rich in history and culture and have fabulous retailers that are making a difference in their communities. Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/ Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://ww…