Wisdom by WESA

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220

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

The Western & English Sales Association (WESA) provides the world’s largest trade events for retailers, manufacturers, and sales representatives of the Equestrian Industry. In this podcast, we feature exclusive interviews and with noteworthy Western/English personalities, retailers, and exhibitors who you’ve always wanted to talk to! Don’t miss out on all the news for manufacturers and retailers of the Equine industry!

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60 recent

June 10, 202636 min

The Opportunity in the Dover Crash

Glenn sits down with Rose from Equus Now and Mary from Kerrits to unpack what the Dover Saddlery closures really mean for the equestrian retail industry. They explore how independent tack shops and small to mid-size manufacturers can turn Dover’s liquidation into opportunity through smarter inventory management, omni-channel selling, and stronger vendor–retailer partnerships. The conversation covers vendor credit risk, the role of private equity in niche equine businesses, using events and community-building to drive traffic, and practical strategies to keep core products in stock while still offering “good, better, best” assortments. It’s a must-listen for tack store owners, equine brands, and anyone navigating the changing landscape of horse retail.WESA Retail Roundup June 10, 2026:Host: Glenn the Geek, Host of Horses in the MorningFacebook: Retail Roundup Facebook grouGuest: Rose Staeck from Equus NowGuest: Mary Hallissey, VP of Sales, at KerritsPresented By: Western English Sales AssociationTime Stamps:03:30 - Dover history & ownership changes05:30 - Millers/Iselin collapse parallel07:45 - Fire sale fears & real inventory picture10:25 - Vendor risk, terms & big accounts12:10 - Diversifying beyond Dover13:05 - How local retailers capture Dover customers14:50 - Events, community & vendor-supported promos17:35 - Credit limits, communication & due diligence21:20 - Private equity: good, bad & misunderstood26:50 - Future of small tack shops & omni-channel28:50 - What new shops should NOT do31:50 - Core product, inventory tools & final takeaways

June 4, 202619 min

174: How Hamley’s Turned Retail into an Experience

From attending WESA as a buyer to building a multi-experience western destination, Hamley’s Western Store proves that retail can be immersive, profitable, and community-driven. In this episode, we talk with Katrina Eichner about what happens after WESA and how retailers can turn inventory, events, and experiences into long-term growth.Links:Hosts: Jennifer Hebert, Morgan Nicole ZipperlenContact: Sophia Jagella, WESA Marketing SpecialistGuest: Katrina Eichner from Hamley’s Western Store

May 28, 202640 min

Where the Eyeballs Are

What actually makes shoppers stop scrolling, watch, and walk into a store? On this episode of Retail Roundup, we sit down with WESA videographer Chris Johnston of Truthful Studio to talk about the evolving world of video content for retailers.WESA Retail Roundup May 28, 2026:Host: Glenn the Geek, Host of Horses in the MorningFacebook: Retail Roundup Facebook grouGuest: Chris Johnston of Truthful Studios | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedInPresented By: Western English Sales AssociationTime Stamps:

May 21, 202624 min

Built for Retail

As Twisted X prepares to unveil major company news, we sit down to talk innovation, retailer relationships, and why the brand continues to double down on wholesale instead of going direct-to-consumer. From comfort technology to building retailer trust, this episode dives into what’s next for one of the western industry’s most disruptive brands.Links:Hosts: Jennifer Hebert, Morgan Nicole ZipperlenContact: Sophia Jagella, WESA Marketing SpecialistGuest: Jud Taylor, VP of Sales at Twisted X - Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

May 14, 202635 min

AI for Retailers

AI can not be ignored in any aspect of business. Jamie Samples of Yellow Barn Media shares how retailers should be using AI in their operations. WESA Retail Roundup May 14, 2026:Host: Glenn the Geek, Host of Horses in the MorningFacebook: Retail Roundup Facebook groupGuest: Jamie Samples of Yellow Barn MediaLink: Jamie's beginner AI course Presented By: Western English Sales AssociationTime Stamps:2:00 - Why you can’t ignore AI3:00 - Learning AI: courses & tools5:00 - AI search vs SEO & websites7:00 - Using AI on business data10:00 - Inventory analytics & automations12:00 - AI as your business assistant13:00 - Content and copywriting help17:00 - Marketing and social media content20:00 - Research, fact-checking, and links23:00 - Video scripting and Canva automation25:00 - Reviews, sentiment, and feedback26:00 - Customer retention and win-back campaigns29:00 - Handling unhappy customers with AI31:00 - Yellow Barn offers, course, and closing

May 7, 202615 min

172: The Art Behind Peyote Bird

How do you turn global artisan relationships into a standout retail experience? Amanda Alexander shares how Peyote Bird blends storytelling, sourcing, and smart curation to create collections that truly sell.Hosts: Jennifer Hebert, Morgan Nicole ZipperlenContact: Sophia Jagella, WESA Marketing SpecialistGuest: Amanda Alexander, Peyote Bird | Instagram | Facebook

April 23, 202619 min

Inside Wei's Western Wear

From a single family store to a multi-location retail powerhouse, Nathan shares how Wei’s Western Wear blends tradition with modern marketing. We dive into trade shows, social media strategy, and bold ideas shaping the future of western retail.Hosts: Jennifer Hebert, Morgan Nicole ZipperlenContact: Sophia Jagella, WESA Marketing SpecialistGuest: Nathan Mah - Website

April 16, 202632 min

Why Mental Health Matters in Equine Retail

This session explores how mental health shows up in-store and shares practical, approachable ways retailers can better support their teams and customers while staying true to the values of the western community. Listen in...WESA Retail Roundup April 16, 2026:Host: Glenn the Geek, Host of Horses in the MorningFacebook: Retail Roundup Facebook groupGuest: Taylor Douglas, CEO of Happy Horses | Facebook | Instagram | YouTubePresented By: Western English Sales AssociationTime Stamps:01:37 - Introducing guest Taylor and mental health focus02:03 - Taylor’s horse-industry background03:34 - What Happy Horses is04:11 - Products: minerals, Himalayan salt, subscription box05:23 - Western/cowboy culture & mental health stigma08:01 - Retail stress, burnout, and overwork09:14 - Therapy, inner child work, redefining workload11:45 - Procrastination and “eat the frog” strategy13:36 - Hiring help and getting accounting off your plate15:42 - Employees, empathy, and abundance mindset21:29 - Using AI and contractors for marketing/e‑commerce26:35 - Accessing mental health care, meds, ADHD diagnosis

April 9, 202626 min

The Fringe Effect

From a South Dakota ranch to building Fringe Scarves into a must-have Western accessory brand, Jodi Hendrickson shares how grit, creativity, and storytelling shaped her journey. This episode dives into brand building, industry insight, and thinking beyond the traditional Western retail playbook.Episode LinksHosts: Jennifer Hebert, Morgan Nicole ZipperlenContact: Sophia Jagella, WESA Marketing SpecialistGuest: Jodi Hendrickson | Fringe Scarves | Facebook | Instagram YouTube

April 2, 202632 min

Juggling Life and Running a Retail Business

Owning/Running a retail business while maintaining a life outside of work seems impossible sometimes. Rosemary Staeck of Equus Now joins us to explain how she does it and still rode 2,100 miles in 2025. Equus Now! is a premier equestrian retailer offering a comprehensive selection of high-quality riding apparel, horse tack, and equipment both online and through their flagship destination store in Ohio. Listen in...WESA Retail Roundup April 2, 2026:Host: Glenn the Geek, Host of Horses in the MorningFacebook: Retail Roundup Facebook groupGuest: Rosemary Staeck of Equus NowPresented By: Western English Sales AssociationTime Stamps:01:29 - Early days of online tack retail04:12 - Shipping from the garage & first “fake” store06:05 - Opening the second Equus Now store08:08 - Kids, family, and work–life balance10:20 - Reigniting riding passion & foxhunting11:35 - Building a strong long‑term team13:23 - Hiring when you “need a person before you can afford a person”14:55 - Spotting the “spark” in new hires17:12 - Hardest tasks to delegate (marketing & buying)19:21 - Switching systems: Retail Pro to Shopify Plus20:39 - Game‑changer tool: Inventory Planner by Sage21:25 - How Rosemary uses AI in the business25:21 - Concerns about data centers & protecting horse country30:11 - Final advice and closing remarks