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Retail technology consulting
Independent, vendor-neutral retail technology advice.
For grocery, convenience and dollar stores. Eight years inside a billion-dollar retail technology platform — working hands-on with the vendors, the platforms, and the teams behind them — so you can choose the right technology with eyes open, not from a sales deck.
Platforms & teams I know firsthand
Real experience, not a vendor brochure
I've worked directly with the technology — and the people — at these companies: in evaluations, integrations and live rollouts. Here's the landscape, grouped by what each technology does.
Loyalty & Engagement
Programs that recognize and reward repeat shoppers and keep them coming back.
- AppCard
- Eagle Eye
- Punchh
- Givex
- Birdzi
- RSA America
- Swiftly Systems*
Coupons & Promotions
Digital and targeted offers, promotion mechanics, and the settlement behind them.
- Inmar Intelligence
- Catalina
- AppCard
- Givex
Retail Media
On-site and off-site ad networks that turn shopper reach into a revenue stream.
- Instacart Carrot Ads
- Criteo
- CitrusAd
- Kevel
- Swiftly Systems*
Cashback & Rewards
Cashback and rewards networks that drive trips and basket size.
- Ibotta
- Snipp
E-commerce & Online Ordering
Online storefronts, delivery and pickup that meet shoppers where they are.
- Instacart Marketplace
- Instacart Storefront
- Instacart Storefront Pro
- Mercatus
- Local Express
Data & Point of Sale
The systems where transactions happen and the shopper data that comes out of them.
- ECRS
- S4
- Alliance Retail Group iPro
Wholesaler Perspective
I've partnered with major grocery wholesalers, so I understand the distributor side too.
- UNFI
- MDI
- AWG
*Shown for context only — see “Where I stay independent” below.
Because I know these platforms firsthand, I can speak to how these technologies work together (or don't) and how your technology selection and solution configuration will play out in practice, not just on paper, based on what you're looking to achieve.
What you get
What I deliver — and where I stay independent
I deliver the decision myself: the evaluation, the strategy, and a recommendation you can act on — whether you're a single-store independent or a chain of thousands of locations. And where my independence matters most, I take nothing from the vendors, so the advice is the only thing I'm selling you.
What I deliver to you
Honest Platform Evaluation
What each platform really does — its genuine strengths and weaknesses, not the demo version.
Vendor Viability & Investment
How heavily each vendor is actually investing, and whether they'll still fit you in three years.
Strategy Across Channels
Mobile apps, websites, loyalty, martech and advertising — how the pieces should fit together.
A Written Recommendation
A clear, written recommendation you can take to your team and act on — not a verbal maybe.
Implementation Oversight
I quarterback the rollout — managing the vendors, timelines and handoffs so the decision actually lands. I don't build it or resell it; I make sure the people who do get it right.
Where I stay independent
This is the part that makes the advice worth having. I have nothing to sell you but the recommendation itself.
No referral fees, ever
I take no commissions or kickbacks from any vendor. My only incentive is the call that's right for you.
Nothing to resell
I don't resell platforms or take a cut of what you buy, so I'm never steering you toward my own margin.
Not tied to any platform
Not even one I hold shares in: as a Swiftly Systems shareholder, I don't consult on their platform.
Pricing: simple flat hourly rate.
Weighing a retail technology decision?
Tell me where you are and what you're deciding. I'll tell you straight whether I can help.
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