Robert Spector

Robert Spector is widely recognized as the world’s leading independent authority on Nordstrom—the iconic company long regarded as America’s gold standard for customer service.

He is the only journalist ever granted deep access to the inner workings of the Nordstrom culture and the only author to interview three generations of the Nordstrom family. For more than three decades, he has chronicled the company’s evolution, writing four editions of The Nordstrom Way (1995, 2005, 2012, 2017), each reflecting how great organizations adapt without losing their soul.

Robert’s newest book, The Century-Old Startup, reveals how Nordstrom has remained innovative for more than 125 years—by combining focus, agility, and an unwavering commitment to people.

Known on stages around the world as “The Nordstrom Whisperer,” Robert has delivered engaging, story-driven keynotes in 30 countries. His presentations blend business insight, historical perspective, and actionable takeaways that leaders can apply immediately.

He is also the author of Amazon.com: Get Big Fast, the first book on the ultimate disruptor, and his memoir, The Mom & Pop Store: True Stories From the Heart of America. Robert’s writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated, and more.

A native of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College, Robert teaches at Western Washington University and continues to study the culture of Seattle-based innovators including Nordstrom, Amazon, Starbucks, Costco—and even Pearl Jam.