This book began when I met my agent, Kelli Jerome, through a mutual friend, Anne Whitney. Finding Kelli proved fortuitous. Our early conversations validated the concept of this book, and concept validation turned out to be as fundamental in developing a book as it is in developing a retail idea. Kelli assembled an outstanding team that was dedicated to the book from its birth, to the related Web site, and to the marketing and publicity efforts.

Co-author Collins Hemingway was invaluable in framing and fleshing out a topic as broad and complex as retail. He challenged me to articulate my ideas in the broadest possible ways, while still ensuring that we expressed those ideas in the most concrete and meaningful manner. Collins' business background contributed greatly to the content, and our personal rapport provided encouragement as we wrestled with numerous drafts, often late into the night.

Many other professionals deserve acknowledgement, beginning with Tim Moore, Publisher at Prentice Hall's Wharton School of Publishing. Tim initially saw the potential in our book. I also want to acknowledge Paula Sinnott, who stepped in and took the project enthusiastically under her wing. Russ Hall tirelessly read early versions of the manuscript. His perceptive feedback enabled us to develop content more fully. Insightful comments about the manuscript by William Ghormley and Stephen J. Hoch led to substantive improvements. We are grateful to the many others at Prentice Hall who helped produce, market, and sell the book.

CKA Creative's Dan Fraser produced the artwork in the book and Mark Anderson designed the Web site. Megan McKenzie of McKenzie Worldwide helped immeasurably with the publicity. I also appreciate the efforts of Amy Hatch in helping to keep all of us on track.

Special thanks to Jayson Tipp, Dave Barrows, Mark Austin, and Ada Braswell, my colleagues at AIRVISION; to M. Mark Albert, my partner at AV CAPITAL; and to Bill Sleeth and Shauna Stinson at Vizwerks for their important contributions and support.

Many people fostered my career. I am extremely grateful to Jeff Brotman, who has shared his wisdom and sound advice with me over the years, and to Michael Epsteen, who has generously given his time and energy to mentor me in the retail business.

As you will shortly learn, much of my business maturity developed during my tenure at the Starbucks Corporation. For my experience there, I am deeply indebted to Howard Schultz, Orin Smith, Howard Behar, and Dave Olson. It was an honor to be part of such an extraordinary, inspirational team. Also deserving of recognition are Michael Casey, Georgette Essad, Cydnie Horwat, Nancy Kent, and many other Starbucks partners.

Several people shared their insights and experiences with me or contributed to the book in other ways. Thanks to Pat Ackerman, James Allard, Joel Benoliel, Wayne Bettis, Colin Baden, Kjirsten Doole, Amy Dowless, Robert A. Fulton, the late Irving Getnick, Neil Getnick, Wendy Hemingway, John Heubusch, Mike Hislop, Mark Jaffe, Thomas S. James Jr., Tom Jednorowicz, Bryant L. Keil, Dave Lorenz, Kathleen Mazzocco, Mike McClure, David Meckler, Mike Morgan, Link Newcomb, Jeff Obtsfeld, Danny Piecora, Michael Raskin, Steve Rosen, Ellen Rubinfeld, Engle Saez, Bruce Simon, Todd Simon, Brad Shaw, Stuart Skorman, David Smith, Craig Tall, TMB members Richard Cogan and Denis Woychuk, Bob Tiscareno, Ted Waitt, and Gary Wenet.