Raving Fan Testimonials & Clients

Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor helps a variety of businesses increase their profits

“What fun we had working with you at our convention! I have been working with keynote speakers for more than I care to admit andyou truly had an understanding of their business, the day-to-day competition they face and the steps they need to take to compete. Many of our dealers have commented on the appropriateness of your speech and the fact that they would have loved to have heard more.”
- Nancy Jewell, Husqvarna Viking

“I engaged Bob to deliver a selling strategy for the 111 unit retail chain, Lumber Liquidators. During our growth to now over 270 units, he was able to produce a structured, measurable, actionable, and reproducible system that actually improved results. He spent time learning the culture of the business which allowed him to demonstrate an understanding of the challenge that our small staffing model presented and that gave added credibility to his presentations.  He is a unique gem in the sales training world as an individual that wants to tie results to process.”
-Rob Morrison, Lumber Liquidators

(See the brands who have hired the Retail Doctor at the bottom of this page)

“If I had a nickel for every time you were mentioned from the stage (“… it’s like Bob said yesterday .”), I’d be a rich man. You were easily the most-quoted speaker at the show”. - James Bickers, Retail Customer Experience Executive Summit

“Bob pushes aside the buzzwords and feel-good trends of the day and cuts to what really matters in retail: selling and growing your business. But this retail doctor’s treatment is far from the pushy “in-your-face” salesman that nobody likes. Instead, he offers genuine advice on how to achieve realistic goals with immediate positive results. And he presents his expertise in a creative, dynamic and inspiring fashion.” – Mark Leslie Lefebvre, Canadian Booksellers Association

“People were raving about your presentation! Everyone said this was the best event they ever attended of any manufacturer!” – Dean Shulman, SVP, Brother International

“Our indie bookstore members are facing a number of challenges in a book industry that is rapidly changing. By focusing on the key question of what practical steps retailers can take to better meet the evolving needs of customers, with a clear eye toward increasing sales and profitability, you offered a stimulating and thought-provoking program. I would certainly recommend you to any group of retailers who want to evaluate the keys to business growth.” – Dan Cullen, American Booksellers Association

“It is rare to find a professional speaker who is willing to immerse himself in our industry and customize a training program specific to our participants. Bob Phibbs has done this for us. He has worked side-by-side with our customers, consulted with them and attended our product trainings. Our customers feel connected to him because they feel he really knows and understands their business”.- Donna Keeler, Alliance Manager, Hunter Douglas

“Bob is a one-of-kind presenter who understands the challenges retailers are facing, has the expertise to offer real time solutions and the attention- grabbing wow factor to make it interesting for them to tune in and stay tuned in. My members are still talking about the presentation but more importantly talking about implementing what they learned and heard that day. Not only have they overcome the fear of something new, they are seeing results. Your presentation set off a storm of activity at the member level. For weeks now retailers have been actively setting up Facebook pages and using social media. They came away from your session with the confidence and the motivation to try something new. That’s the best result any association can hope for when they hire a speaker. Thank you for the awesome presentation.” - Kathleen McHugh, President, ASTRA

“If you want to witness something amazing and totally different you ought to catch Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor’s seminar on “You Can Compete.” This seminar is highly motivating and thought provoking for a retailer who finds himself in a slump! Bob offers a variety of tools that are both adaptable and enforceable to any industry. My customers and theirs could not get enough of this energetic seminar filled with tons of exercises that truly get you to thinking about your business, while also keeping the passion.) It was assumed that there was not much more you could do to get your customers excited about our products, but with Bob’s tips on thinking outside of the box and five steps to selling; there has been a shift in paradigm. If I hadn’t been there to witness it myself, I wouldn’t believe it. Do yourself and your customers a favor and present one of Bob’s seminars, believe me, it will be a business changing experience.” - Anissa Burrell-Butler, Sales Program Manager, Tru Vue

“You know your material and the challenges and reactions that people will present when they do not want to make the change or do the work to retrain themselves and their staff, that is invaluable in countering the arguments and objections. You have a great ability to command attention and get people involved, I also felt like some people who would normally be reluctant to ask questions really opened up and shared the challenges they were facing in rolling out the program. My only regret is that we didn’t do it sooner.” - Kurt Rachdorf, Senior Manager, Retail Operations, LEGO

“You re-energized us. It is so important to go back to why I actually started this! I love selling, I loved developing relationships with our customers, and I love the product we carry. It is so good to know there is someone like you in the world who understands me and the businesses I own. You are an incredible source of inspiration.” – Leah Artsy, Owner Artsy Abode

“Your ability to convey solid business advice and information in a dynamic, humorous fashion made your presentations the highlights of the CGTA show. The general consensus was that you were “absolutely excellent.” But with an important message.” -  Margo Warren, Special Events Manager, Canadian Gift and Tableware Association

“I am always apprehensive when I book a speaker from outside our industry but the way you customized your presentation to suit our members hit the nail right on the head and you really connected with them.  I have received nothing but positive comments about your presentation and I can tell that our members are excited to get back to their stores and apply what they learned from you. Great job!” - Ken Wilson, Director of Professional Development, NAMM

“We brought Bob to Portland during the economic crunch as a way to help our our small business advertising partners and to help us reach out to new businesses. His positive, energetic message emphasizing what they CAN do to improve their business was a strong antidote to the harsh economic news. Several members of our sales staff also commented that they felt energized and better equipped to tackle their tasks after hearing Bob”. - Judy Rooks, Strategic Marketing Manager, The Oregonian Newspaper

“I chose Bob as a trusted advisor that not only is willing to challenge the status quo but also help us navigate the fast changing world of retail. Bob’s insights have been a tremendous asset not only to me personally as the leader, but also to our organization as a whole.” – Marc Cinque, President, Premio Foods

“You successfully brought applicable and interesting information to both 30-year veterans and newcomers.  I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend bringing your interactive presentations of retail expertise and innovative ideas to any group. Our managers are looking forward to sharing your insights with their teams and incorporating the “Presentation is everything” philosophy into the day-to-day operations to create the ultimate guest experience.  Thank you again for the great ideas.” – Annette Tarantino, Retail Visual Manager, Aramark

“We are convinced that we have been taught a better way to sell and have started rolling out a programme to teach every person in our business our new methods and style. For anyone who is considering visiting the Retail Doc the best advice that I can give is to come along with an open mind and be prepared to change everything that you do. This is not a fine tuning exercise, this is a selling revolution.” - Colin Montgomery, Cannock Beds (UK)

“What impressed me about Bob was his ability to connect with our audience of Star Motorcycle dealers. He did his homework prior to the seminar and his research paid off as he was able to explain concepts that hit home with our dealers. Bob has a laid back style that allows him to show his knowledge of retail while the audience laughs and enjoys the training. After Bob’s presentation you realize you had fun but you also have key take-aways that you can implement to make a difference in your business. I told Bob he had to present real world ideas that can be implemented that will have a positive impact on our dealers business and Bob delivered. I would definitely recommend Bob, he understands retail and brings to the table real business concepts that can be turned into actionable items.” - Joe Dagley, Motorcycle Product Manager, Yamaha

“Bob has a great mastery over facilitation and his unique training system. I strongly recommend Bob to every company that wants their staff to improve their sales.” - Kamel Shaaban, Brands General Trading (Dubai)

“Bob is an engaging, and interesting speaker. He emphasizes the human side of retailing and values product and service more so than the discount/coupon world he’s afraid retailing is becoming. “- Al McClain, CEO RetailWire

“Congratulations on a stimulating presentation on Monday at our North American dealer conference. Your topics and presentation hit the mark with our dealers who have seen a great variety of speakers throughout the years. As you are no doubt aware, finding a speaker who truly understands the retail process along with its’ creative solutions, is a difficult task. Your confidence to ask for “any questions you would like me to satisfy by the end of this presentation” sums up the reason I would refer you to others in the future. Keep up the passion , we need it in this retail game!” - Craig Lungren, VP Sales, Beachcomber Hot Tubs

“I wouldn’t be in business if it weren’t for Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor.” – Mike Sheldrake, Owner, Polly’s Gourmet Coffee

“You had a lot of great information that you shared, but did not come across as a know-it-all. You took the time to ask the attendees what kind of information they wanted. You didn’t just jam your presentation down our throats. I have been to many conferences in the past where speakers have been rather arrogant. You have a lot of good, solid, practical information. You present it in a casual way which keeps the audience engaged. I have been to a lot of sessions over the years, and yours was hands down the best that I have ever been to”. - Jerry Groh, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

“Our dealers are still raving about our July event – especially your presentation. A few of our dealers even put your advice into practice, and – guess what – they saw an immediate improvement in their business and employee morale. Thank you again!” - Shirley Howson, Sr. Marketing Manager, Brother International

“When we first engaged you, we had an idea about growing our business, but had little idea as to how to make it happen. Your help in every aspect of the development of our business—menu, recipes, training, marketing, just to name a few–has brought us a national following and tens of thousands of customers to our stores every month. You have been there to help build our brand from 4 stores to more than 100. Your passion during our two-week franchisee training has given them a clear picture of how to build their business. Your wisdom, patience and insight have made us a better company.” - Marty Cox, Founder and President, It’s A Grind Coffee Franchise

“Bob, our metamorphosis has been wildly successful! There has been a consistent monthly increase in materials circulation averaging from 12-20%! Watching the hungry public gobble up books and DVDs in this area has been the single biggest thrill!” - Paula Brown, Chula Vista Public Library

“Your keynote address exceeded our expectations. Bob, you certainly were well prepared and kept the client’s attention. Thank you for a job well done. We would highly recommend you and would certainly use your services again.” - Pat Poucher, Myriad Software

“Thanks again for your inspiring presentation to our members.” - Dave Kornheiser, Director of Education, True Value

“We have had several occasions to invite Bob Phibbs to provide training for groups of retailers. Bob’s style makes the sessions fun and memorable. His message is actionable, with a to-do list for the attendees that will grow their business if they follow his advice.” - Ron Spies, Vice-President, Hunter Douglas Inc. Corporate Education

“Bob wrote a comprehensive new training plan and manual, established new customer service standards that set us apart from our competitors and held a series of workshops that kept my managers entertained and energized, as well as gave them the necessary resources to implement the changes needed to improve store operations. Three of our twelve stores won the Pretzel Perfect Award for 2009 from Auntie Anne’s, Inc.  These are the top stores in the country. I don’t think any franchisee has ever had that many stores win in one year. Thanks!”  - Linda Reed, Pretzel King

“We flew Bob in and within two weeks Bob provided us with more than 80 concrete ideas that were understandable and capable of implementation for our three stores. Bob was very candid with us and forced us to focus on who we were and enabled us to determine the direction needed to go.” - Trent Boaldin, Vice President, Epic Touch

“The Retail Doctor was great…In just 90 min he really hit on a few key points that could be helpful for business… We all are selling something in our businesses..products and service.” - Tracy McGranaghan, Downtown Annapolis Partnership Secretary, Downtown Annapolis Partnership

“Bob has endless possibilities when it comes to training, motivating, consulting, speaking, book writing and mentoring… Kid you not! Just go to one of his sales classes like I did in Chicago and you’ll know why we need to get out of our sales comfort zone and practice our trade. Bob’s class was designed to review the five parts of the sale and to identify personality types. We were able to accomplish the class goal, which has allowed me to slow down in the field and sell more.” - Brendan Kenny, Regional Sales Manager, Norman Window Fashion

“Bob focused us with an enthusiastic review of the fundamentals of retail that tend to fall by the wayside when you’re worried about a tough economy. If you need a speaker who will engage and motivate your retail-oriented audience, Bob’s your guy!” - Erin Pirro, Business Consultant, First Pioneer Farm Credit, ACA

“It has been a challenging year and our retailers need more support now than ever. Bob offered to work with a group of our retailers in the Chicago market and they left refreshed with a new perspective of their business and the economy today. Those retailers who attended Bob’s training are showing sales increases while a majority of the window treatment industry is suffering double digit decreases. - Justin Murray, General Sales Manager, Hunter Douglas Fabrication

“Bob’s strengths are his wit and ability to build instant rapport without being overbearing. In his line of work, it is necessary to guide and direct without being too dominant. It is a fine line and Bob walks it with integrity and elegance.” - Melodie Grace, Director of Procurement, James Hardie

“I would highly recommend Bob! He took time beforehand to become familiar with our members, brought a lot of great energy to our event and delivered a fun presentation. Our attendees walked away with great lessons that they can all take back to their businesses.” - Andy Orozco, Director of Communications, Home Entertainment Source

“I was able to listen to Bob at the ASTRA convention in my own home state- it was a refreshing reminder that we need to stay fresh and relevant and on our game! This is not the time to attribute lack of sales to anything but our own ability to push forward. I hired Bob at Creative Kidstuff to freshen our thoughts, organization and energy. He did all of that and more- we re-organized, took a hard look at our financials, all marketing efforts and hired Bob to TRAIN our staff– there is a renewed energy on all levels– our average sale has increased and we have a renewed sense of where we are going. I highly recommend Bob- he is a phenomenal guide, trainer and human being-focused on making you and your company succeed! ”
- Roberta Bonoff, CEO/President, Creative Kidstuff

Bob presented two outstanding sessions at our recent market. Member attendance at both was overwhelming, and their comments on Bob’s presentations are among the most positive we have ever seen. Bob understands retail and small business. He gave our members practical advice on customer engagement and store display techniques that they can take back to their operations to drive an immediate positive impact. - Bob Taylor, President & CEO, Do it Best Corp.

You know how you feel after listening to an inspirational speaker at a conference? You head home with great aspirations and goals and then… reality hits you in the face and the notes end up in a pile on the corner of your desk. Since I started Bob’s mentoring program, I find we get to those ideas every week! I get an experienced and honest (sometimes painful) opinion on how to make my business grow. Having a mentor has saved me time and money by concentrating only on marketing strategies and business practices that really work. - Kathy Mabry, The Village Toy Shop

I love the Sales RX program. As a store owner I could see that I had very week sales skills and I could see that as a team we were all working with our customers differently. When I watched the Sales RX dvd’s I felt relieved, this was something I could do. It looked so easy. I started to try my new skills out with customers, the feedback from the customers was fantastic!! I than started to train staff by working with them and in staff meetings going over features and benefits as well as doing role plays. We are all loving our new sales skills, we feel like we are helping our customers and our regular customers now walk into our store and just ask for help. The customers are seeing us as the experts and they trust our ability to help them find the perfect gift. We are still perfecting our skills during staff meetings and we are learning about our customers because we are truly listening to them. - Nichole Menard, Over the Rainbow

“100% of the attendees said they learned something.Thanks… a wonderful job.” – Stephanie Fisher, Photo Marketing Association International

“I called the Dr. and I have been getting on track all year long. Our email blasts are opened at 40 to 50% rate. Our customers love the changes that are happening here at Kidstop and I’m sure will love all future happenings that are in the works! Thanks Bob–and by they way I’m up 24% this year on top of a 15% last year. - Kate Tanner, Kidstop Toys

“Bob got the audience involved with parts of his presentation, and they were better off for it. He demonstrated his points with alacrity, authority and humor. Bob opened up retailers’ thinking to new ways of doing regular activities (like greeting the customer) and also brought them back to basics. Heads bobbed in agreement as Bob’s presentation resonated with the audience. The feedback from this seminar has been off-the-wall positive. In fact, as some retailers were leaving, they were asking when Bob would be speaking again at a J.D. Associates/IBM-sponsored seminar!” - Debra Neville, Marketing Director, J.D. Associates

“You saved us 100X the cost of the phone conference! Your consultation was just what we needed!  Our company has been super lucky over the last 20 years, we never really had to manage our business, good things just seemed to happen.  With the tough economy, we knew we had to change but really did not know where to start. In sixty minutes you made it clear that we need to build the brand, not widgets.  You saved us 100X the cost of the phone conference! “- Carl Towley, CEO PowerBlock

“It was refreshing to have someone who focused on the viewpoint of getting back to customer connectivity.  You can instinctively feel the retailers who are pushing numbers down the managers throat everyday, as the tension seems to translate to the sales floor.  Your ideas really resonated with me and I am sure others in the room.”  - Adam Lindquist, Clear Channel Radio

“Bob’s presentation was a great start to our sales conference. Bob is a highly motivational, energetic speaker who understands what it takes to make retail successful. All retailers should hear Bob’s message. I look forward to reading his book.” Marshall Burdette, Director of Retail Operations, Woodcraft Supply

“I was pleasantly surprised to see he researched their industry in advance of this program without me having to ask. His presentations were fun and interactive. I would happily bring Bob back to present to this group and others that could also benefit from his proactive and positive messages.” – Pam McKenna, CAE

“I was already sold once I had read your book The Retail Doctor’s Guide to Growing Your Business. Your being here gave me and my sales manager the affirmation we needed. In addition, your approach reminded me of that of a teacher you were able to keep everyone engaged and we are now taking baby steps first the greeting and then the window it’s a start”. - Nels Lewis, President, Parklane Mattresses

“Just wanted to send a BIG thanks your way -your speech was a hit!!!! Franchisees loved the interaction!”  - Katherine Meariman, VP of Administration, Smoothie King Franchises

“We held our convention at the peak of the worst business climate California has seen since the great depression -a potential for a very disinterested group of attendees. Bob not only was able to create excitement and enthusiasm, he was able to send them away with practical tools to improve their business even during these tried economic times. Most speakers at this level can generate excitement during the event but few are able to cause actual change to take place. Customers left with an intention of making changes.” – Ron Helder, BR Funsten & Co.

“Bob has the unique and uncommon ability to turn strategic concepts into street level reality. Not many executives can accomplish this.” – David Wetzel, Sr. Director, Franchising and Operations, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

“For the two days that he was with us, we literally tore apart our entire store and reset it to a much more eye catching and interesting layout.  That paid dividends already, as that very day, which was a mid-month Tuesday, we had our best sales day of the month!”  - Tim & Cynthia Holliday, Owners,  Children’s World Uniform Supply

Clients Have Included:

Associations / Trade Shows

• American Library Association
• American Specialty Toy Retail Association
• Booksellers New Zealand
• California Downtown Association
• Canadian Gift & Tableware Association
• Casual Furniture Retailers Association
• Consumer Electronics Association
• Coffee Fest
• Drapery Manufacturer’s Association
• Hobby Industry Association
• Independent Booksellers Association
• International Western Show
• National Association of Music Merchants
• National Retail Federation
• New Zealand Retailer’s Association
• Northwest Nursery Buyers’ Association
• Photo Marketing Association
• Specialty Coffee Association

Improve your business and increase your profits with help from the Retail Doctor Bob Phibbs.