Howie Busch

Founder & Dude-in-Chief DudeRobe

Howie Busch is the Founder and Dude-in-Chief of DudeRobe™, the brand that took one of the most overlooked items in a guy’s wardrobe – the bathrobe – and completely reinvented it for how men actually live and lounge today. After landing on Shark Tank and building the brand into a nationally recognized success, Howie led DudeRobe through a successful exit, and still runs the company as CEO, driving its growth, product innovation, and distinct brand voice. With a background as a sports agent and attorney negotiating deals for NFL players, broadcasters, and major brands like Under Armour, Howie understands how to create value and impact, whether it's in a contract or a customer experience. His work at DudeRobe centers around more than just comfort and function – it's about creating a product and a brand that makes people say, "Damn, this is exactly what I’ve been missing." He’s a big believer that great brands don’t just sell – they surprise, delight, and build loyalty by making people feel seen, understood, and appreciated. And that’s exactly what DudeRobe was designed to do.

Main Day Three: Thursday, August 14

9:05 AM KEYNOTE Panel: Creating Surprise and Delight Moments for Lasting Customer Loyalty

Creating lasting customer loyalty requires more than just transactional interactions—it demands memorable experiences that surprise and delight. By crafting personalized moments of joy and appreciation, businesses can foster deep emotional connections with their customers, driving loyalty, retention, and ultimately, long-term growth. This keynote panel will explore the art of surprise and delight, discussing strategies for leveraging data-driven insights, innovative technologies, and creative marketing tactics to deliver unexpected rewards and experiences that leave a lasting impression on customers and set brands apart. Expect to hear about: 

  • Using customer data to tailor shopping experiences, offering personalized recommendations and surprises that resonate with individual preferences
  • Implementing surprise incentives, such as unannounced discounts or loyalty rewards, to enhance customer satisfaction and encourage repeat purchases
  • Designing creative and memorable packaging that adds an element of surprise upon delivery, making the unboxing experience enjoyable and shareable
  • Training customer service teams to go above and beyond in interactions, providing unexpected solutions or gestures that leave a lasting positive impression

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Howie.

Download The Latest Agenda