Gee focused his verbal presentation on the industry skills gap, the use of new media to attract talent, success of apprenticeships and training programs in the industry, and the bias against trade jobs.

Many manufacturers open up direct sales to counter a competitive threat or serve a channel that distributors are not interested in pursuing. However, if they do so without researching their channels and end users, and lack a solid financial evaluation of the channel costs, their efforts are usually unsuccessful.

As a business owner, you have myriad ways to transfer your business. Having total clarity and understanding about your ultimate motives is the first step to getting there.

By connecting with your target audience, keeping brand vision consistent and communicating effectively with your clients, you shape the entire customer experience online, in-store and in-home.

Apple’s foray into financial services, news and video games is to keep up with competitors also expanding outside their core business.

In April, Jen attended Epicor Software Corp.’s Insights user conference as the company’s guest at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Due to Epicor’s great hospitality, Jen is already campaigning with Rich to attend in his place again next year.

The conference has updated this year's program and list of speakers.

Check out some of our favorite highlights from the show!