The strongest retention strategy in retail isn’t a program or a perk — it’s the leader who shows up.

In this episode of Frontline Fridays, host Ron Thurston sits down with Billy Kissel, Head of Stores (East) at Office Depot, to explore why visibility, presence, and culture-building are the real drivers of keeping great people. After 35+ years leading teams at brands like Gap, J.Crew, West Elm, and Office Depot, Billy has seen one truth hold steady: people stay when leaders lead with intent.

Billy shares how being present — in stores, on video, and in moments that matter — builds trust at scale. He and Ron dig into what great field leadership actually looks like, why recognition needs to be real and earned, and how closing the loop on feedback transforms culture from the inside out.

They also unpack the true cost of short staffing, why compensation is only one piece of retention, and the urgency required to turn frontline insight into meaningful action.

Why Retention Starts With Leaders Who Show Up — Season 2, Episode 6 is available now.

🎧 Watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrohqoj-V_gskdgonZVHPSVNYO0K2mtpO
📱 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/frontlinefridayspodcast/
👤 Billy:https://www.linkedin.com/in/billykissel/
👤 Ron:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronthurston/
💡 YOOBIC:https://yoobic.com | https://www.linkedin.com/company/yoobic/