Power of the 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙀𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙮: CHRISTIAN JOHANNSEN

In an era of two-day shipping, endless scroll, and chatbot support, how can local brick-and-mortar and micro businesses survive? The answer isn't to compete with the giants—it’s to become everything they are not. Join us for an insightful session with Christian Johannsen, owner of Foot Solutions, on the power of the 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙀𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙮. We will dive deep into why the future of local retail and micro businesses isn't about the transaction; it's about the relationship.

Christian will explore the strategy of finding a market niche that requires a physical presence—offering products and services that simply cannot be matched online. He will discuss moving beyond 𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 and into 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮-𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨, creating an environment where customers feel heard, valued, and treated like family.

In this session, we will cover:

• The Reality Check: Why competing on price and inventory depth is a race to the bottom, and how to pivot to a 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯-𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 model.
• Finding Your Blue Ocean: How to curate a unique product mix and service offering that creates a protective moat around your business.
• The "Family" Factor: How to build a radical hospitality culture that turns casual shoppers into raving fans who refer their friends and family.
• The People Puzzle: Strategies for hiring staff based on empathy rather than just experience, and how to incentivize them to care as much about the business as you do.

Who should attend? This event is perfect for small business owners, brick-and-mortar retailers, and entrepreneurs looking to create a loyal community around their brand and 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦-𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘧 their business against the online giants.

Come ready to learn actionable steps to transform your shop from a place people buy things into a place people belong.

SPEAKER BIO
Christian Johannsen, Owner, Foot Solutions Kitsilano
Since opening the doors to Foot Solutions Kitsilano in 2001, Christian Johannsen has been a fixture in the local retail community, proving that specialized expertise and genuine care never go out of style.

Over the past 25 years, Christian has successfully navigated the changing retail landscape through significant global shifts—from the uncertainty of post-9/11 and the 2008 housing crash to the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, the business hasn't just survived; it has thrived by doubling down on what e-commerce can’t do: providing a tactile, personalized, and problem-solving experience.

With a business built on glowing Google reviews and a loyal client base that feels more like family, Foot Solutions specializes in custom orthotics and footwear solutions that improve quality of life. They are passionate advocates for the "brick-and-mortar" advantage, demonstrating that when you listen to your customers and solve their pain points, you build a business that is referral-driven and resilient.
https://shopfootsolutions.ca/

COFFEE & SNACK SPONSORS
Coffee Sponsor: Robert (Bob) Peden, Senior Member Business Advisor at Greater Vancouver Board of Trade https://www.boardoftrade.com/

Snack Sponsor: Robert (Bob) Peden, Senior Member Business Advisor at Greater Vancouver Board of Trade https://www.boardoftrade.com/

𝗞𝗶𝘁𝘀𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿: Judy Reiman, Solving Legal Problems Before They Start | Business Collaboration Champion

KitsBizLeaders ENTRY COST: $15 cash or e-transfer
𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗟𝗘
𝟳:𝟯𝟬-𝟴𝗮𝗺: Coffee and Breaky Snack networking
𝟴𝗮𝗺: Round the room attendee brief intros, 5 minute spotlights on Coffee and Breaky Snack Sponsors
𝟴:𝟯𝟬-𝟵:𝟭𝟱: Keynote speaker
𝟵:𝟭𝟱: Wrap-up and door prizes