Brent Felten
With more than 20 years in the design and construction industry, Brent brings a deep passion for the work and a client-first mindset to his role as business development director at Henderson Engineers. His instinct for client service sets a benchmark for excellence, while his people-first approach strengthens relationships across clients, teams, and the industry. Fueled by a love for travel, Brent seizes every opportunity to engage with clients face-to-face, forging lasting connections that transcend business boundaries. Brent’s time at Henderson started as a project manager in Luxury Retail before relocating to Manhattan to assist in opening and managing Henderson’s NYC office and resided there until 2018. Over the course of his tenure, he has led growth and strategy across multiple retail markets, serving clients like Ford, BMW, Audi, and Porsche. Brent has helped open flagships from Soho to Rodeo Drive and Robson to Bloor, and managed rollout programs across the United States and Canada for some of the most recognizable brands.
Thursday Oct. 8
SAME CONTINENT, DIFFERENT PLAYBOOK
Expanding from the U.S. into Canada may seem like a natural next step for many retailers, but success is far from guaranteed. Though the two markets share many similarities, the retailers that thrive understand that crossing the border requires far more than replicating a proven formula. This panel will examine why some brands have flourished while others have stumbled, exploring the critical roles of geography, real estate strategy, operational execution and cultural nuance. Through real-world examples, attendees will uncover the practical adjustments that separate successful cross-border expansion from costly missteps and leave with a clearer understanding of how to tailor retail strategies for long-term success in the Canadian market.
Takeaways:
• Understand the importance of localization over replication
• Discover the importance of scale vs. strategic focus
• Learn how culture drives performance