Biography

Paco founded Envirosell Inc. in 1986 as a testing agency for prototype stores. A consulting firm that does research, Envirosell has worked in 50 countries and with more than one-third of the Fortune 100 list. While prototype testing of stores, restaurants, and bank branches is still 30% of its business, Envirosell’s largest clients today are global technology companies trying to understand consumer behavior in-store, in-home, on the job, and online. Other clients included global Mall Developers, CPGs, healthcare groups, airports, professional sports clubs, theme parks, home builders, office designers, and online agencies. Paco stepped back as CEO of Envirosell in August 2020 and is now serving as a strategic advisor

Paco is the author of popular books including Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping out in 27 languages and 28 editions and used in MBA programs, design schools, and retailing training programs across the world. His books and articles are used in English as a Second Language (ESL) textbooks published by both Oxford University Press and National Geographic. His newest book, How We Eat: The Brave New World of Food and Drink, was published by Simon & Schuster in January of 2022. Both print and audio versions of, How We Eat, have been on the Amazon best-seller list. The company that owns rights to Paco’s books and is the recipient of his speaking income is Peckshee LLC. 

As a speaker and presenter, he has worked in 50 countries talking to merchants, marketers, bankers, technologists, hospital groups, government agencies, cultural institutions, non-profits, trade institutions, and most importantly students. As the son of a diplomat who grew up around the world – he has a global perspective and believes in Edutainment – laughter, and education are intertwined.

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Founding President of Envirosell & Expert On Global Consumer Trends

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Best-selling author of Why We Buy, Calling of the Mall and What Women Want, Paco’s books have been translated into over 26 languages

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With insightful anecdotes, he breaks down buying behavior and consumerism in the modern era

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Testimonials

The Dalai Lama said, ‘Shopping is the museum of the twentieth century.’ Paco Underhill explains why. Brilliantly.
– Faith Popcorn, author and Future Forecaster
Underhill is a knowledgeable observer … offers first-rate insights with equal measures of humor and rage.
– The Wall Street Journal

Booksby Paco Underhill

How We Eat: The Brave New World of Food and Drink

Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping

What Women Want: The Science of Female Shopping

Call of the Mall: The Geography of Shopping

Blog Posts

How a Simple Apology Can Spark Healing and Mental Health Conversations

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The Power of Play: Why Entertainment Is Essential for Engagement

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Discover Wendy Porter’s proven WPE Planning Process for crafting live, virtual, and hybrid events that foster genuine connections, boost engagement, and drive ROI.

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Blog Posts

 

How a Simple Apology Can Spark Healing and Mental Health Conversations

Imagine if a single, mental health–focused apology could dismantle stigma, validate someone’s pain, and launch...

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An Astronaut’s Guide on Leadership and Innovation Lessons on Earth

In the boundless vacuum of space, leaders face challenges that dwarf anything encountered on Earth....

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The Future of Event Keynotes: Personalization, AI, and Interactive Storytelling

Imagine a keynote at your next event that feels designed just for your audience—where every...

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The Power of Play: Why Entertainment Is Essential for Engagement

“Entertainment is the emotional glue that connects people to ideas.”—Robert McKee, storytelling expert There’s a...

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Designing Events That Spark Lasting Connections

Imagine stepping into an event where every detail is designed to foster genuine human connection—from...

Read More

The Best Diversity and Inclusion Speakers

Why are diversity and inclusion speakers some of the most transformative voices on stage? Because...

Read More