by U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  • Start

    Everything that you need to know to start your own business. From business ideas to researching the competition.

    Start
  • Run

    Practical and real-world advice on how to run your business — from managing employees to keeping the books

    Run
  • Grow

    Our best expert advice on how to grow your business — from attracting new customers to keeping existing customers happy and having the capital to do it.

    Grow
  • Good Company

    Entrepreneurs and industry leaders share their best advice on how to take your company to the next level.

    Good Company
  • Product Guides

    Let us help your business find the best tools and solutions to thrive and grow.

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Mark Hamstra

CONTRIBUTOR

About Mark

Mark Hamstra is a freelance business writer with experience covering a range of topics and industries, including food and mass retailing, the restaurant industry, direct/mobile marketing, and technology. Before becoming a freelance business journalist, Mark spent 13 years with Supermarket News, most recently as content director, where he was involved in all areas of editorial planning and production for print and online. Earlier in his career he also worked as a reporter and editor for other business publications, including Financial Technology, Direct Marketing News, Nation’s Restaurant News and Drug Store News. \nAreas of expertise include:\n• Company financial performance\n• Technology deployments\n• Supply chain strategies\n• Product marketing, merchandising and procurement\n• Retail real estate, design and construction\n• Labor issues

Latest—
GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Startups Help Restaurant Takeout Businesses Go Green
Technology — and changing consumer behavior — are key to the success of this emerging business model, founders of reusable container businesses say.
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GOOD COMPANY » THE LEAP

CHOPT Salad Chain Blends Digital Conveniences and Culinary Experiences to Drive Sales
Co-founder and Co-President on how the quick-service restaurant is leaning into off-premises dining opportunities and ‘making healthy eating exciting’ to grow.
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GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

How Marketers Are Capitalizing on Mobile Commerce Market
Experts from companies that provide m-commerce solutions for brands such as Weber grills and UNTUCKit menswear unpack how content and convenience are key to driving sales on mobile devices.
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GOOD COMPANY » THE LEAP

Hormel Foods Modernizes Product Portfolio to Woo Today's Consumer
The parent company of iconic brands from SKIPPY to SPAM focuses on global flavors and healthy fare to meet demands of both foodservice and retail customers.
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GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Startups & Legacy Brands Monetize the Pain Points of Remote Work
Groundfloor, Webex by Cisco, and Letsmeet, are offering solutions that facilitate out-of-office functions and strengthen relationships among coworkers, as the work-from-anywhere trend continues.
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GOOD COMPANY » THE LEAP

The Agency Taps Tech to Elevate User Experience & Accelerate Growth
The Agency incorporates content, communication functionality from acquisition of digital platform Triplemint as it expands around the globe.
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GOOD COMPANY » THE LEAP

How Loop Media Is Disrupting the Digital Out-of-Home Market
Startup leverages its Co-founder and Disney veteran’s media and entertainment background to stream ad supported content and drive business amid changing viewing habits.
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GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Experts Tips for Driving Holiday Sales in a Cautious Consumer Environment
In-store experiences, digital tools, and strategic promotions can help drive brand awareness — and consumer spending.
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GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Cost of Holiday Product Returns
Automation helps merchants make returns processes more efficient and sustainable and retain customers.
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GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

How Retailers Are Taking ‘Grab-and-Go’ Checkout to the Next Level
QuikTrip, Hudson Nonstop, Whole Foods Market among retailers testing advanced checkout solutions, including cashier-less technology and biometric scanners.
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