Rick Segel, CSP, (http://www.ricksegel.com), 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, founding member of the Retail Advisory Council for Johnson & Wales University, and the creator of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts Awards of Excellence Program (RAMAEs). This program is celebrating its 13th year and has recognized over 75 of the most innovative retailers in the state.

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. He has authored thirteen books, two training videos, a six-hour audio program, and The Retail Technology Assessment Survey and The Retail Store Assessment Survey both developed for Microsoft Retail Systems. He is a founder and president of The Retailer’s Advantage.com, a private membership site devoted to helping independent retailers improve their businesses.

His best-selling books include the Retail Business Kit for Dummies, published by Wiley, Inc., now in its 2nd edition and The Essential Online Solution. His other books include Laugh & Get Rich: How to Profit from Humor in any Business, The Art and Science of Creating Powerful Promotions and Sensational Sales, and Becoming the Vendor of Choice: The Secrets to Powerful Retail Relationships. The Retail Sales Bible will be released in late 2010.