Rick Segel, CSP, a seasoned retailer of 25 years, owned one of New England's most successful independent woman's specialty stores. He is the marketing expert for Staples.com, a contributing writer for numerous national publications, and a founding member of the Retail Advisory Council for Johnson & Wales University. Rick is the Director of Retail Training for the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. He is the creator of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts Awards of Excellence Program (RAMAEs) that has recognized over 50 of the most innovative retailers in the state. Rick is currently serving on the Boards of Directors for five corporations and associations. After authoring and developing The Retail Technology Assessment Survey and The Retail Store Assessment Survey, online assessment applications designed for small to medium sized retailers, he created The Retailer's Advantage, a membership website devoted to helping independent retailers improve their businesses. Rick holds the CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) designation from the National Speakers Association, an elite rank held by only 7% of professional speakers. Rick is a past President of the New England Speakers Association and he has been a featured speaker in 49 states, on four continents, delivering over 1900 presentations. Rick has authored 10 books, two training videos, and a six-hour audio program. Retail Business Kit for Dummies, published by Wiley, Inc., became the #1 selling retail how-to book in the United States in January 2002 and is now in its 2nd edition. The Essential Online Solution: The Five Step Formula for Small Business Success, published by Wiley, Inc. is a primer for business owners on creating ecommerce success. Rick also has much experience with the media and has appeared on TV, radio, and in many print articles. To find out more about Rick's available products or to see what he can do for your organization, contact him at: RickSegel.com