Business Experts

American Quilt Retailer collects and presents strong, seasoned business advice that covers many areas of expertise, presenting a full, comprehensive set of tools to help run your business. Our contributing quilt shop Business Experts play a big part in this, and we’re proud to share their expertise with you and encourage you to connect with them to learn how they can help your business become the best it can be.


Beth Montpas

Beth Montpas is a Life Coach, Speaker, & Trainer. She loves to motivate & inspire others to design their best life and reach their full potential — because if you don’t like the part you’re playing in your life story, you can write a new script! It’s never too late to say, “this is not how the story is going to end!” Beth’s passion is running high vibe book clubs for women to shift into their true selves. Whether you are facing a major life change; like a layoff or downsizing, family changes, or financial loss; or you want to manage your time, be grounded and have deeper, more meaningful relationships with those you love, Beth’s book clubs and lifestyle coaching is the vehicle for change you’ve been searching for.

Click here to read more about Beth.


Kizer & Bender

American Quilt Retailer Contributor Kizer & BenderThis dynamic duo are frequently keynote speakers, they are consultants who have helped thousands of businesses in the retail, restaurant, hospitality and other service industries. They are contributors to MSNBC’S Your Business, they made Meetings & Conventions Magazine’s list of Meeting Planners Favorite Keynote Speakers and they have been names two of Retailing’s Most Influential People.

Learn more about Kizer & Bender.


Leanne Pressly

American Quilt Retailer Contributor Leanne Pressly

When advice in social media planning, web design and marketing are needed for a business, it’s smart to choose a consultant who knows the language being spoken. Quilters and makers, meet Leanne Pressly, the CEO and #bosslady of Stitchcraft Marketing! Leanne comes from a strong maker background and her niche agency serves only craft companies, such as quilting shops and related businesses.

Learn more about Leanne and Stitchcraft Marketing.


Sommer Sharon

American Quilt Retailer Contributor Sommer Sharon

Sommer Sharon has been working with content strategy, SEO (search engine optimization) and digital marketing for more than 17 years. She started in the business so long ago it wasn’t even called SEO at the time! She and her company, Sleigh Consulting, make up the team who can help get your website in front of the relevant customers, can assist with presenting your brand’s message in the clearest way and can manage all aspects of digital marketing.

Learn more about Sommer and Sleigh Consulting.


Tom Shay

American Quilt Retailer Contributor Tom Shay

When Mark Twain spoke “A man who has had a cat by the tail knows a lot more than the man who read about it” he didn’t know Tom Shay, but he painted an accurate picture of the man. What’s the cat? Owning a small retail business. Tom’s passion is the small business and what makes it work. He can and does tell–through website, podcasts, speaking engagements, newsletters and articles¬– what makes a small business successful.

Learn more about Tom and Profits Plus Solutions, Inc.


Gwen Bortner

Gwen BortnerGwen Bortner is a business consultant focused on the craft enthusiast industry. For more information on how she helps her clients build profitable businesses and to get more down-to-earth business advice, click here.