Retail, Analytics, Flooring, and World Domination: Just a Typical Tuesday for Me, Nathan Strickland

by Nathan Strickland

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “I wonder what it’s like to be chronically obsessed with data, dog washes, and dominating the stock market,” you’re in luck. Welcome to the inside of my brain.

I’m Nathan Strickland—digital creator, retail dreamer, analytics obsessive, future IPO-ringmaster, and the guy behind KeepUpWithNate.com. But honestly, let’s put all that on the back burner for now. Because right now? I’m just trying to get one stubborn, beautiful, chaos-filled store open in Dalton, Georgia.

The Original Plan: Suds and Pups

So here’s how it started:

I wanted to open a retail space that would showcase Boston Made and also include a self-service dog wash because—well—who doesn’t want to wash their 90-pound golden retriever in a boutique setting while shopping for premium streetwear?

It was going to be genius. Cute dogs, clean paws, trendy apparel, and the occasional Instagrammable bubble shot. But then came reality. You know, plumbing, permits, water pressure PSI charts, and the sudden realization that I’d rather build a spreadsheet than unclog a drain full of Great Dane fur.

The Pivot: When Life Hands You Laminate

So, I pivoted. Now, I’m focusing more on flooring, which honestly makes a lot more sense—less barking, more margin. Plus, nothing says “retail mogul” like having opinions on luxury vinyl tile. I’m diving deep into floorplans and logistics and trying to make this store actually open—which, fun fact, is about 10x harder than launching a website, and about 100x harder than just talking about opening a store on a podcast.

Shoutout to everyone who asked, “When’s the grand opening?” Please know I’m screaming internally.

Analytics: My Love Language

While I juggle retail chaos, you better believe I’m still living in Google Analytics. I’m the guy who refreshes page views like it’s TikTok. I know bounce rates the way other people know football stats. Funnel conversion tracking? Yes. Heat maps? Absolutely. If you’ve ever clicked a link on my site, I’ve probably stared at that session data like it’s a live feed from NORAD.

It’s not just a passion. It’s… an unholy compulsion.

The Bigger Vision: IPOs and Bosstox

Now here’s where we get to the dream—the big dream. One day, I don’t just want Boston Made to be a brand. I want it to be a publicly traded empire. IPO? Yup. But not on Nasdaq. No, no. That’s too predictable.

I want to launch Bosstox—the stock market of the people, by the people, for the people who like Dunkin’, dog hoodies, and dividend yields. Think Wall Street, but with a New England accent and a lot more attitude. Every share would come with a free flannel. Possibly a Fenway Frank.

But first—I need to get the flooring installed, get the sign up, get the doors open, and make sure someone doesn’t think the dog wash is still operational and start shampooing their Labradoodle in aisle three.

So Why Should You Keep Up With Nate?

Because it’s ridiculous. It’s chaotic. It’s ambitious and messy and filled with failed plumbing plans and late-night SEO audits. And I love every second of it.

KeepUpWithNate.com is where I brain-dump all of it—the ideas, the meltdowns, the spreadsheets, the site launches, the grand visions of retail domination. It’s the behind-the-scenes of a guy who’s trying to build something real, something bold, and something that will one day ring the opening bell of Bosstox in a Sox cap.

Until then, I’ll be at the store in Dalton. Probably assembling a display rack. Probably tracking foot traffic with a suspicious level of enthusiasm. And definitely dreaming way too big.

Stay tuned, and keep up. I dare ya.

— Nathan