In September 2022, I joined Amazon Accelerate, Amazon’s premier annual seller conference, as both an Executive Seller Summit attendee and a featured speaker. This annual event gathers entrepreneurs, innovators, and Amazon leadership to explore new tools and strategies for building successful businesses online.
As the CEO of Ravenox, an American manufacturer and retailer, I was invited to share insights from both sides of the marketplace; creating products domestically and successfully bringing them to customers worldwide through retail channels.
Sharing Insights for New Sellers
One of my favorite moments at Amazon Accelerate 2022 was the opportunity to share advice with entrepreneurs just starting their journey on Amazon. Drawing on Ravenox’s experience, I discussed how small businesses can build credibility, grow brand trust, and use Amazon as a platform to expand their reach.
In this clip, I outline strategies for sellers entering the Amazon ecosystem, including how to position your products effectively, build a recognizable brand, and avoid common early pitfalls.
Becoming a Business Advocate: Public Policy and Your Business
Beyond product growth, I also participated in a breakout session focused on public policy advocacy. This panel, hosted by Amazon Public Policy Senior Manager Erica McCann, featured myself, Kennedy Lowery of Live By Being, and Colin McIntosh of Sheets & Giggles.
Together, we highlighted why entrepreneurs should engage with lawmakers at the federal, state, and local levels. Policies and regulations have a direct impact on how businesses operate, and small business leaders can play an important role in shaping fair and effective frameworks.
This session demonstrates how business owners can become effective advocates, sharing real-world perspectives that help elected officials understand the challenges and opportunities of today’s economy.
Amazon Accelerate Day 1 Highlights
Day one of the conference featured keynote sessions with Amazon leadership, including Doug Herrington, CEO of Worldwide Amazon Stores, who spoke about innovation and future opportunities for sellers. Venus Williams, tennis champion and successful entrepreneur, shared her story of launching a brand and building a resilient online business.
From strategy to inspiration, day one showcased the tools and mindset entrepreneurs need to succeed on Amazon and beyond.
Amazon Accelerate Day 2 Highlights
The second day of the event built on those themes with additional breakout sessions, seller testimonials, and product announcements. For attendees, both in Seattle and online, it provided a roadmap for scaling businesses and navigating the complexities of retail and manufacturing.
These highlights capture the energy and practical knowledge shared with thousands of business owners eager to grow their brands.
Looking Ahead
Amazon Accelerate 2022 was more than just a seller conference. For me, it was a chance to represent Ravenox as both a manufacturer committed to American production and a retailer successfully leveraging e-commerce. It also reinforced my long-term mission: advocating for policies that enable small businesses to thrive.
By combining entrepreneurship with policy advocacy, I aim to ensure that small businesses, whether building products, selling them, or both, continue to have a strong voice in the marketplace.
(l-r) Amazon Senior Manager, Public Policy Erica McCann, Live By Being Managing Partner Kennedy Lowery, Ravenox CEO Sean Brownlee and Sheets & Giggles CEO Colin McIntosh