Wisdom by WESA

For more than 40 years, Schaefer Outfitter has represented the grit, values, and traditions of the American West. What started with a need for better gear for working ranchers evolved into a beloved western brand with an incredibly loyal following. In this episode of Wisdom by WESA, Jason Smith shares the story behind Schaefer's enduring success, the lessons learned from generations of western customers, and why preserving western heritage matters now more than ever.Links: Hosts: Jennifer Hebert, Morgan Nicole ZipperlenContact: Sophia Jagella, WESA Marketing SpecialistGuest: Jason Smith, CEO & President Schaefer’s Outfitter - Website | Instagram

Sales expert and podcaster Donald Kelly talks about practical sales training for small equine retailers. They dive into role-play as the most effective way to teach associates “what good looks like,” including how to handle the classic “I’m just looking” objection and use micro stories to build trust. Donald explains how to upsell ethically by focusing on solving customer problems, not pushing product, and how to compete with online price-shoppers through superior in‑store experience and expertise. They wrap up by exploring simple, concrete ways small retailers can start using AI to analyze sales data, optimize store layouts, and improve overall performance. Listen in...WESA Retail Roundup January 19, 2026:Host: Glenn the Geek, Host of Horses in the MorningFacebook: Retail Roundup Facebook groupGuest: Donald Kelly, The Sales EvangelistPresented By: Western English Sales AssociationTime Stamps:00:00 – Intro, show setup, Donald introduced01:44 – Small retail sales training; role-play focus06:32 – Handling “I’m just looking” and better opening questions10:42 – Using personal/customer stories to sell13:31 – Upselling mindset and Amazon-style “also buy” approach19:55 – Competing with online price-checking via in-store experience23:01 – 80/20 rule, difficult customers, and “fire your worst client”26:39 – How small retailers can use AI (data, layout, training)34:00 – Donald’s podcast/consulting info35:31 – New podcast release schedule and closing

In this post WESA Trade Show episode Glenn highlights some of the new companies and products that he came across in Dallas. Listen in on these seven short interviews and you might find some new products that you can add to your store shelves. WESA Retail Roundup February 5, 2026:Host: Glenn the Geek, Host of Horses in the MorningFacebook: Retail Roundup Facebook group01:30 - Product Highlight: Lane Boots08:10 - Product Highlight: Equestrian Chocolate Company11:25 - Product Highlight: Watercolor Western14:30 - Product Highlight: Grace 'n Grit18:48 - Product Highlight: Wallaroo Hat Company21:10 - Product Highlight: Bymora USA23:04 - Product Highlight: Walls WorkwearPresented By: Western English Sales Association

In this episode, we dive deep into the engine room of a successful retail business: Inventory Management Software. Whether you are running a boutique tack shop, a high-end apparel brand, or a mobile unit hitting the horse show circuit, your inventory is your biggest asset—or your biggest liability. Join us as we sit down with Cathy Donovan Wagner, founder of RETAILMavens and a powerhouse in the world of independent retail coaching. We discuss how the right systems can help you implement the Profit First method, eliminate the stress of "dead" stock, and ultimately reclaim your time.WESA Retail Roundup January 12, 2026:Host: Glenn the Geek, Host of Horses in the MorningFacebook: Retail Roundup Facebook groupGuest: Cathy Donovan Wagner of RetailMavens and the Richer Retailer PodcastPresented By: Western English Sales AssociationTime Stamps:00:03 – Show introduction, Dallas trade show announcement, guest introduction (Kathy Donovan Wagner)01:35 – Kathy’s background and Retail Mavens overview03:32 – Importance of inventory management, introduction to the main topic05:00 – How inventory management/data has changed, common challenges for retailers06:00 – Clarifying important data for retail businesses, store data misconceptions08:02 – Inventory turn rates: best practices, what should/shouldn’t stay in inventory11:09 – Choosing inventory management/POS software for your business17:07 – Profit First approach and paying yourself as a business owner21:38 – Managing slow inventory, turning inventory into cash, clearance strategies24:43 – When to switch POS systems and the process, treating it as a financial reset28:44 – Covering online/mobile vs. brick-and-mortar retail management30:43 – How to book a “Game Plan Call” with Retail Mavens and final guest insights34:30 – Community, closing remarks, and Dallas trade show reminder

In our most-listened-to Wisdom by WESA episode of 2025, we sit down with Kelly, founder of Cascada and winner of the Most Innovative Product Award at the WESA Trade Show. Cascada is reshaping equine care through digital tools and education. Tune in!Hosts: Jennifer Hebert, Morgan Nicole ZipperlenContact: Sophia Jagella, WESA Marketing SpecialistGuest: Kelly MunroWebsite: https://www.lighthoof.com | https://cascadaequine.com

We celebrate 30 years of Cowboy Hardware with Grant, Presley, and Lainey Gomez, a family who has built the brand into a western staple since 1995. Grant shares the story behind the company’s roots, what it’s like to run a thriving family business, and how Cowboy Hardware continues to design for the whole family while staying true to its western heritage.Hosts: Jennifer Hebert, Morgan Nicole ZipperlenContact: Sophia Jagella, WESA Marketing SpecialistGuest: Cowboy Hardware owner Grand Gomez, brand director Presley Gomez, co-owner and designer Lainey GomezCowboy Hardware Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Tik Tok