We recently connected with Christopher Berthelson and have shared our conversation below.

Christopher, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)? Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style.

In the early 2000s, I received a message on Facebook from a former coworker—a young woman I’d managed as a grocery stock clerk while she was studying nursing. Back then, I was an assistant manager just starting my career. She reached out to thank me for the impact I had on her life, saying that my leadership had inspired her and helped her achieve her goals. I was taken aback. At the time, I was trying to live up to the example set by my own mentor, and I didn’t think I was doing nearly as well. But her words made me realize something profound: my true calling had always been about uplifting others.

It wasn’t just about my achievements; it was about how I could make a difference for those around me. From that moment, everything became clear. My success wasn’t just mine—it was a reflection of the teams I’d empowered and supported.

Since then, I’ve built and managed businesses in various fields, including real estate, trucking, and hospitality staffing. Through these experiences, I’ve come to understand the unique challenges entrepreneurs face. They have the vision and drive, but often lack the resources and guidance to succeed in a competitive world.

That’s why I founded Beyond Storefronts. I’m committed to providing practical, accessible, and effective solutions tailored to help small business owners thrive. My goal is to ensure that every entrepreneur, regardless of their size or budget, has the opportunity to succeed. Working together, we’ll elevate your business and turn your vision into reality. It’s a partnership built on trust, collaboration, and a shared mission to achieve greatness.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello I am Chris Berthelson.

I am an entrepreneur and small business owner. I have over 30 years of experience as a Retail Business Leader across multiple sectors with proven results and accomplishments—not only from a consulting and coaching standpoint—in the trenches, doing the work and understanding every aspect of a successful business. I know what it takes.   I have been more than a turnaround specialist—I have been a catalyst for transformative leadership.

For over 30 years, my journey has been defined by scaling top retail brands, optimizing operations, and achieving sustainable growth for entrepreneurs.

I have founded, owned, and operated several independent businesses across several sectors, including real estate brokerage, trucking and transportation, and hospitality staffing. Through these diverse experiences, I have come to appreciate the immense potential and unique challenges entrepreneurs and small business owners face daily. They possess the vision, the drive, and the unwavering determination to bring their dreams to life, yet often lack the necessary resources and guidance to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.

My consultancy is tailored to meet these unique needs. I leverage real-world experience and high-level success to offer practical solutions that are accessible, affordable, effective, and specifically tailored to help business owners achieve their objectives and often exceed what they thought possible.

I created Beyond Storefronts around the belief that every entrepreneur, regardless of size, should have an equal opportunity to succeed. I understand the challenges of limited resources, tight budgets, and the constant need to stay ahead of the curve. Working together, I will help you elevate your business in every way that matters. It’s a partnership, a journey, and a mission rolled into one.

Any advice for managing a team?

I’ve found that the true value in a business isn’t just about the profit margins. It’s about the energy and passion of the team behind it. Investing in your people isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart strategy with impressive returns.

Teams that feel respected and valued are more loyal, innovative, and productive. When you create a culture that empowers your people, you see more than just financial gains. You build an environment where everyone thrives, and success becomes a shared journey.

The real asset of any business is its people. When you see them as partners rather than just employees, the rewards go beyond the bottom line. You gain collective growth, shared victories, and a legacy of a thriving team.

Closing one chapter is just the start of another. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, nurture your team, and reap the extraordinary rewards that come from valuing people as the core of your success.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Results and Experience Matter – Here is Why

As an experienced retail business leader, I’ve spent over three decades transforming underperforming stores into profitable enterprises. My hands-on approach and strategic insight have consistently delivered measurable results for over 30 years.

I am an entrepreneur and small business owner myself. I have over 30 years of experience as a Retail Business Leader across multiple sectors with proven results and accomplishments—not only from a consulting and coaching standpoint—in the trenches, doing the work and understanding every aspect of a successful business. I know what it takes.   I have been more than a turnaround specialist—I have been a catalyst for transformative leadership.

For over 30 years, my journey has been defined by scaling top retail brands, optimizing operations, and achieving sustainable growth for entrepreneurs.

My business success includes hundreds of new retail locations for supermarkets, liquor retailers, consumer home goods retailers, and airport duty-free stores. In addition, I have founded and operated several independent businesses, including a real estate brokerage, a hospitality staffing company, a transportation and trucking business, and a consulting firm.

I created Beyond Retail around the belief that every entrepreneur, regardless of size, should have an equal opportunity to succeed. I understand the challenges of limited resources, tight budgets, and the constant need to stay ahead of the curve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://attractwell.com/ChrisBerthelson/page/home-page
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondretailgroup/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondretailgroup
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisberthelson/
• Twitter: https://x.com/bretailgroup
• Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mqqvdt1ceQ9F4Q4s8