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 44 of the most innovative retailers in the state.

Rick is currently serving on the Boards of Directors for five corporations and associations. He was recently contracted by Microsoft Business Solutions to author and develop two retail assessment surveys—The Retail Technology Assessment Survey and The Retail Store Assessment Survey, designed for small to medium sized retailers. These will be distributed worldwide by Microsoft. Rick earned his CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) designation from the National Speakers Association making him part of an elite group. Out of almost 4000 members, only 7% hold the CSP, the highest earned designation in professional speaking. Rick is a past President of the New England Speakers Association and he has been a featured speaker in 47 states, on four continents, delivering over 1800 presentations.

Rick has authored eight 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. Laugh & Get Rich, published by Specific House, has been critically acclaimed as a must read for its insightful outlook at our entertainment based society, and has been translated into Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. How to Become the Preferred Vendor is a collection of tips and techniques that help vendors create profitable relationships with retailers. How To Run A Sale, is a step by step approach to managing every sale situation. His newest book, The Essential Online Solution: A Five Step Formula for Small Business Success, published by Wiley, Inc. is a primer for business owners on creating ecommerce success. Rick recently represented the retail community on a Sally Jessy Raphael Show entitled, "Buy It, Wear It, and Return It". His down to earth, streetsmart approach to business makes him a crowd pleaser wherever he goes.