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A Heart for Retail: Supporting Stores in Times of Crisis

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What does it take for local retailers to thrive after facing disasters and challenges? In this episode, Patrick Keiser, Executive Director of Heart on Main Street, shares how he founded the organization in 2022 to provide tools and resources to help Main Street retailers succeed within their communities. Patrick explains the pivotal role that retailers play in rebuilding hope after a disaster and how his mission has evolved since its inception.

A Heart for Retail: Supporting Stores in Times of Crisis

A Family Tradition and a New Mission

Patrick grew up surrounded by the world of wholesale, working in showrooms and preparing for trade shows from a young age. Though he initially pursued a career in teaching, he eventually returned to the wholesale industry in 2016 with One Coast. There, he discovered a deep passion for independent retail, drawn to the vital role retailers play in their communities.

However, it wasn’t until 2021 that the idea for Heart on Main Street was born. During a conversation with a retailer facing difficulties, Patrick realized the need for a resource hub where retailers could turn for guidance, education, and support. Many small businesses were struggling to keep up with the demands of a rapidly changing retail landscape, and Patrick wanted to help them not just survive but thrive.

Heart on Main Street: The Beginning

Heart on Main Street was officially founded in early 2023 with a mission to provide resources, education, and financial aid to independent retailers, particularly those affected by natural disasters. After Hurricane Ian hit Florida in 2021, Patrick saw the potential for his nonprofit to offer assistance to retailers dealing with disaster recovery.

Retailers are often the heart of their communities, and when they can rebuild, it brings hope to the people around them. Heart on Main Street focuses on helping retailers in need, whether through providing financial support or offering educational resources to help them rebuild their businesses.

Supporting Retailers Through Disaster Recovery

One of Heart on Main Street’s signature initiatives is its disaster recovery support. Retailers who lose their stores to fires, floods, hurricanes, or other natural disasters often face insurance gaps. Patrick noted that many retailers have found their insurance coverage falling short due to the rising costs of construction and inflation. Even those who are insured often discover that what would have covered them five years ago is no longer enough today.

In these cases, Heart on Main Street steps in to help fill the gap. For example, Patrick shared a story of a retailer in Fort Myers Beach who lost two out of three stores—and her home—after Hurricane Ian. With the nonprofit’s help, she was able to rebuild and continue serving her community.

The Jumpstart Program: Helping Retailers Restock

One of the key ways Heart on Main Street assists retailers is through its Jumpstart program. This initiative partners with wholesalers to provide coupon codes or credits that allow retailers to restock their stores without incurring additional costs. This can be critical for businesses that have been damaged or destroyed and need to get back on their feet quickly.

Last year alone, Heart on Main Street donated over $60,000 to help retailers impacted by natural disasters. These efforts are making a tangible difference in helping small businesses continue operating after crisis strikes.

How Brands and Retailers Can Get Involved

For wholesalers and brands looking to support this mission, there are several ways to get involved. The Jumpstart program allows brands to donate products or provide discounts to retailers who need assistance. This not only helps retailers get back on their feet, but it also strengthens the independent retail community as a whole.

As Heart on Main Street continues to grow, they are also focused on expanding their educational outreach. Whether it’s providing advice on insurance coverage, helping retailers prepare for worst-case scenarios, or simply offering encouragement, the nonprofit is dedicated to being a resource for retailers when they need it most.

Getting Help and Getting Involved

If you’re a retailer who has been affected by a natural disaster or you want to support Heart on Main Street’s mission, there are several ways to get involved. Retailers can apply for assistance directly through their website, and wholesalers or brands interested in supporting the Jumpstart program can reach out to Patrick and his team.

Heart on Main Street is on a mission to ensure that independent retailers not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity. With programs like disaster recovery support and Jumpstart, they’re helping retailers continue to be the heart of their communities.

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A Heart for Retail: Supporting Stores in Times of Crisis

APPLE PODCAST | S POTIFY | YOUTUBE