2026 COASTAL CONNECTIONS SPEAKERS

HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

MANAGEMENT ONE  

 Dane Cohen brings more than 15 years of experience across fashion, wholesale and retail. He previously led the retail division of his family’s specialty department store chain, Lester’s, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges facing independent retailers.

Before returning to Management One, Dane served as Director of Retail Development at The Boutique Hub, creating educational programming for boutique owners nationwide. 

A passionate advocate for independent retail, Dane hosts the Retail Unhinged podcast and is a frequent speaker and panel expert. With a diverse background spanning every corner of the retail world, he is dedicated to elevating and empowering independent retailers to thrive. 

OWNER

SAVVY SHOPKEEPER 

With a passion for indie retail, an eye for trends and an analytical mind, Kathy Cruz has carved her niche as a go-to expert for brick-and-mortar business owners looking to thrive in the ever-evolving retail landscape.

As the founder of Savvy  Shopkeeper, she has transformed her experiences and insights as a retailer and entrepreneur into a valuable resource for fellow shop owners. 

Through her blog, podcast and social media platforms, Kathy shares practical tips, success stories, and industry trends, empowering indie retailers to navigate challenges and maximize their potential.

CEO / FOUNDER / CREATIVE DIRECTOR

RETAIL REHAB    

Michael Hale is a retail design executive specializing in experiential store design, strategic space planning, and impactful visual merchandising across travel, hospitality, and specialty retail environments. 

As CEO of Retail REHAB, he transforms brand vision into immersive, high-performing retail spaces – integrating sales analytics, operational flow, and fixture design to create environments that engage guests and drive results. With a career spanning cruise, airport, resort, and specialty retail, he brings a proven ability to align design, display, and business strategy from concept through completion. 

OWNER

THE CONFIDENT ENTREPRENEUR  

  Jennifer Johnson is the creator of The Confident Entrepreneur, a proven framework helping small business owners grow profitable companies without sacrificing their well-being. A sought-after coach, she is the author of the Amazon bestseller Grace & Grit: Becoming a Confident Entrepreneur and host of the award-winning The Confident Entrepreneur podcast, ranked among the top 100 female-hosted shows nationwide. With more than 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, Jennifer is also the founder of True Fashionistas, Florida’s largest lifestyle resale store, where she built a thriving retail brand from the ground up. 

OWNER

MOONBRIDGE CONSULTING 

  Melissa Steadman is the founder of Moonbridge Consulting, where she advises business owners through periods of 

growth and change. 

With more than 20 years of cross-industry experience in marketing, operations, and business strategy, she is known for 

helping leaders cut through complexity, make better decisions, and build stronger businesses. Melissa is a regular contributor to Seaside Retailer magazine. 

FOUNDER

INVENTORY GENUIS

   Ciara Stockeland is the founder of Inventory Genius, a consulting program helping inventory-based business owners increase profitability and cash flow with clarity and confidence. A sought-after speaker and author of Inventory Genius and Profit Genius, she equips retailers and wholesalers with practical financial strategies that drive measurable results. A serial entrepreneur, Ciara built, franchised and sold multiple businesses, including a first-to-market wholesale subscription box. She has testified before two U.S. Senate Committees and represented small businesses at White House economic summits. A 4x Ironman, she brings endurance and discipline to every stage and strategy.