MEET THE JUDGES
BOB NEGEN opened a small specialty kite store in 1981 and spent the next 20 years growing his business and learning how to be a successful merchant. In 1999, he and wife Susan founded WhizBang! Retail Training. They have since traveled the world teaching store owners and managers the nuts-and-bolts skills needed to run successful retail businesses.
ANNE OBARSKI is the founder and CEO of Merchandise Concepts, which works with organizations to create astonishing customer service experiences at every touchpoint. As a professional speaker and retail coach, she shares strategic ideas to see repeat customers referring others because of their infectious, enviable, repeatable and remarkable customer service experiences.
DR. BOB AND SUSAN GOLDSTEIN founded Earth Animal Ventures in 1979, which develops and manufactures premium and natural organic herbal remedies, supplements, food and treats formulated by Dr. Bob. They also partner in the Healing Center for Animals, an integrative veterinary consultation practice, and the Earth Animal Retail Store in Westport, CT.
CHLOE DIVITA, co-founder of media company All Pet Voices and the online community BlogPaws, brings 10-plus years of digital and influencer marketing experience and six-plus years of performance coaching to help entrepreneurs, influencers and brands communicate their content to their audience. She is head performance coach for TEDxCambridge, the longest running TEDx event.
TAMMY VASQUEZ and husband Mike own Bark Life, a 14,000-square-foot store, day care and cage-free pet resort in Seminole, FL. Bark Life won first place in the 2020 PETS+ America’s Coolest Stores contest.