I am the product of an ‘immersive’ retail upbringing as the son of a midcentury American merchant. I witnessed my dad and uncle go from accidental retailers to brand builders, which became the genesis for my four-decade career as a retail planner, trend forecaster, speaker and author. I’ve had the great pleasure to share my insights on the ever-changing world of retail with audiences on three continents. Lessons learned from the ‘early days’ as well as from clients, retail legends, and change agents are chronicled in my 2015 IBPA award winning publication RETAIL SCHMETAIL, One Hundred Years, Two Immigrants, Three Generations, Four Hundred Projects. In my current state of indefinite semi-retirement, I’m managing my LinkedIn group, RETAIL SPEAK as well as cultivating my lifelong passion for all things vehicular.