Retail Leader, Industry Challenges, and the Role of AI

Retail Leader, Industry Challenges, and the Role of AI

Welcome to another episode of Covered by NewLeaf, where we dive into the world of service contracts and retail excellence. In this episode, host Sean Hicks, CEO of NewLeaf Service Contracts, sits down with Pete Theran, the CEO of the Home Furnishings Association (HFA). Theran shares his extensive journey as a "career retailer," from his early days in the Macy’s executive training program and serving as a float participant in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to leading Boston Interiors and the Bose Corporation retail division. Now at the helm of the HFA, Theran discusses the association's mission to be "indispensable" to furniture retailers of all sizes. In this episode, you’ll learn about: * The HFA Mission: How the association serves over 10,000 storefronts through education, qualifying industry partners, and government relations. * Navigating Industry Challenges: Theran provides insights into the impact of shifting tariffs and how the HFA assists members in interpreting complex legislative changes. * The Future of AI in Retail: A discussion on how "Agentic AI" is being used to supplement human talent in the high-touch furniture industry. * Servant Leadership: Theran explains his leadership philosophy of inspiring organizations while "coaching like crazy" from the back. * Upcoming Events: Information on the HFA Resource Center and seminars at the High Point Spring Market. * Website: nahfa.org [https://www.google.com/url?source=gmail&sa=E&q=http://nahfa.org] * Email: ptheran@nahfa.org 1. #HomeFurnishings 2. #RetailLeadership 3. #FurnitureIndustry 4. #NewLeafServiceContracts 5. #BusinessEducation 6. #AIRetail

Navigating the Digital Transformation in Retail

Sean Hicks, CEO of New Leaf Service Contracts interviews Chad Evans, the Executive Vice President of Merchandising at BrandSource, a leading buying group for independent retailers. They discuss BrandSource's mission to support its members in staying profitable, the transition of independent retailers to the digital age, and the various services offered, including marketing, credit card processing, and inventory financing. Chad also highlights the importance of engaging members to maximize the benefits of their services, the role of AI in retail, and how BrandSource assists in business transitions and supports young professionals in the industry.#BrandSource [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/brandsource], #independentretail [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/independentretail], #digitaltransition [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/digitaltransition], #merchandising [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/merchandising], #businessservices [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/businessservices], #AIinretail [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/aiinretail], #vendorpartnerships [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/vendorpartnerships], #memberengagement [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/memberengagement], #businesstransitions [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/businesstransitions], #youngprofessionals [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/youngprofessionals]

Scaling Success of Appliance Repair Technicians with Dan Verschleiser, President and CEO of Dan-Marc Appliance

In this episode of the Covered by New Leaf Podcast, host Sean Hicks, CEO and co-founder of New Leaf Service Contracts, welcomes long-time partner and industry veteran Dan Verschleiser, President and CEO of Dan-Marc Appliance. Together, they dive deep into what it takes to build a thriving service business — from Dan’s early days fixing refrigerators and washers by hand to leading one of the largest single-brand Whirlpool service providers in the country. Dan shares how a hands-on leadership style, grounded in humility and personal accountability, shaped his company’s culture. From unloading trucks alongside his employees to empowering his sons to lead the next generation of Dan-Marc, his story is proof that sustainable success starts with commitment, mentorship, and trust. Sean and Dan also discuss how focusing on one brand unlocked operational efficiency, better technician training, and improved customer outcomes — all supported by a close partnership with Whirlpool. Listeners will gain valuable insight into technician development, recruitment challenges, and the future of skilled trades. Dan explains how appliance repair can be a six-figure career path, why trade schools need to expand into appliance education, and how his company’s pay-for-performance model rewards excellence in both service and customer experience. Watch the full conversation with Sean Hicks and Dan Verschleiser now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/57iGSYImeZw #CoveredByNewLeafPodcast #SeanHicks #DanVerschleiser #NewLeafServiceContracts #DanMarcAppliance #RetailLeadership #CustomerExperience #Whirlpool #ServiceExcellence #TradeCareers #BusinessGrowth 00:00 Leadership Evolution and Personal Growth 06:40 Journey into the Service Industry 13:42 Transitioning to a Single Brand Service Provider 20:52 Challenges in Technician Recruitment 27:58 Leadership Style and Business Structure

Training for Excellence in Retail

In this conversation, Shawn Buffum, CEO of Orville's Home Appliance, discusses the importance of appliance warranties, the role of service departments in retail, and his unique journey into the appliance industry. He emphasizes the need for customer loyalty and the challenges of managing service departments as profit centers. Shawn shares insights into his leadership philosophy, the significance of succession planning, and his vision for the future of Orville's, focusing on growth and sustainability. #retail #tariffs #holidaysales #independentretail #salesteam #training #supplychain #buying groups #COVID19impact #appliancewarranties #customerservice #retailstrategy #leadershipjourney #successionplanning #servicedepartment #applianceindustry #businessgrowth #customerloyalty #OrvillesHomeAppliance #NewLeafServiceContracting #NewLeaf #servicecontracts #3PL