Your guides to more profit, better sleep and a life you’ll love
Cathy Donovan Wagner
Founder & PRESIDENT
As a former retail store owner, RETAILMavens founder Cathy Donovan Wagner learned how to master numbers to go from near bankrupt, to owning three successful multi-million dollar stores.
“With four kids and three stores, I had to have some incredible systems in place so that I could manage it all and enjoy family time,” says Cathy. “The art of retail is in the passion of each store owner and team, the science remains the same in all stores regardless of what is being sold.”
Cathy now uses her cutting edge expertise in retail and consumer behavior to help thousands of independent retailers increase sales and improve cash flow, using her proven Profit Breakthrough SystemTM. Together with the RETAILMavens team she guides retailers to more profit, better sleep and living a life they love, through powerful group and private coaching programs, industry speaking events and a thriving online community.
Paul Wagner
CEO
After a long career in customer service and retail where his time-management skills helped a 7-figure retail business grow from two to ten retail stores, Paul now brings his shopper-first mentality to RETAILMavens clients.
“No job demand compares to the time management skills required to keep a family running, happy, and healthy. That’s why we emphasize ways to give our retailers time for family and life balance” says Paul. “Nothing inspires me more than seeing people who have a vision for success, and then helping them to bring that vision to life so they can earn more money and get better sleep,”
Paul is an integral part of keeping RETAILMavens growing behind the scenes, and will also offer insights, support and levity to clients, while also proudly owning the title of “Father of America’s Most Fun Family”.
Cecilia Kautzman
OPERATIONS & MARKETING MAVEN
With her experience both as a retail store owner and copywriter, Cecilia helps facilitate growth for both the RETAILMavens team and our clients! She is passionate about sharing her love of planning, organizing and marketing with the RETAILMavens team as well as clients in RETAILMavens programs.
"As a former RETAILMavens client, I have been where our clients are now and I’m thrilled to be a part of the process that will help them improve their profit and sleep better!" says Cecilia.
Cecilia grew up in Sweden but now joins the RETAILMavens team from Regina, Canada where she enjoys the beauty of the prairies with her husband and son.
Juanita Margetts
Maven Coach
With over 30 years of successful sales and management experience Juanita understands the unique dynamics of retail well, and brings this knowledge to clients of RETAILMavens programs.
“Our programs and services have a proven track record,” says Juanita. “They take out the guesswork and put a plan in its place: More Profit + More Sleep = Sweet Dreams!”
When not sharing the latest retail trends and customer behaviors with RETAILMavens clients, Juanita enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and dog Kipper in the western Chicago suburbs where she lives.
Clare Wagner
CLIENT HAPPINESS MAVEN
As the Client Happiness Maven, Clare uses her communication and organizational skills to join the family business in a variety of supportive roles, including making clients feel extra welcome and cared for during virtual and in-person events, keeping systems running smoothly and offering invaluable support to clients and the RETAILMavens team.
"Retailers pour their hearts and souls into serving their customers. I love that we give them tools and strategies to do that better than they ever have before. And we can make them feel supported and cared for in this community", says Clare.
Thanks to growing up in independent retail she has the same passion to help people succeed as her parents and loves the rewarding experience of watching clients reach their dreams.
Dana Connell
Maven Coach
Dana brings over 40 years of retail experience to the team, having been active in sales, management, buying, and now higher education as a retail professor. She enjoys making sense of the numbers and executing plans that put PROFIT at the core of retail businesses. Dana is energized by the fast pace of change and what that means in retail. She guides store owners to push the boundaries of retail brands and reimagining the future landscape through experiential retail and collaboration.
“The depth of knowledge and data to drive decision making is top notch at RETAILMavens. Pay yourself and get better sleep with us on your team.”
Dana is an avid researcher of everything retail, consumers, marketing, and trends. When she isn’t teaching retail or working with RETAILMavens clients, you’ll find her splitting her time between Chicago and Michigan with her husband or Facetiming with her three daughters and grand dogs.
Jane Hamill
Maven Coach
Jane Hamill, the owner of Fashion Brain Academy, brings a wealth of experience to the RETAILMavens team as a former retailer and fashion designer. Having owned her own boutique for 14 years and designed her own clothing line, Jane understands the intricacies of running a successful retail business from both the creative and operational perspectives.
“Having run my own store for 14 years and created my own designs, I know firsthand the passion and dedication required to thrive in the retail industry,” says Jane. “It’s all about combining creativity with smart business strategies to achieve sustainable success.
Jane’s a Mom of 2, and when she’s not goofing around with her boys, coaching or speaking at industry events, Jane enjoys what she calls wunning (run-walking, heavy on the walking), outdoor adventures, and baking chocolate chip cookies.
Kirk Johnson
Profit First and Bookkeeper Maven
As the owner of two different stores and an assistant store manager for a big box store, retail has played a big part in Kirk’s life.
“While running my own stores, I made all the mistakes that most small business retailers make and I’m passionate about helping others avoid those pitfalls.”
Since leaving retail, Kirk became a Certified Profit First Professional as well as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, skills that allowed him to provide small business consulting for over a decade. Kirk joins the RETAILMavens team from northern New Jersey, just outside New York City. When he’s not answering calls as a volunteer with local emergency services, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two small boys and their retired greyhound racer, Clyde.
Mariel Anginell
Bookkeeper Maven
Mariel Anginell is a dedicated bookkeeper with five years of experience. Specializing in financial record management, payroll, and reporting, she ensures accuracy and reliability for small businesses.
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