Rising StarOEN Member Spotlight – Paul Duncan of Retail Dimensions Inc.

RDi provides robust, innovative solutions for retailers that interact seamlessly between an e-commerce platform and a host of functions in other supportive software applications.

Q: What does your business do?
A: We provide seamless integration between Retail Point of Sale systems and ecommerce Web sites.

Q: What problem does it solve?

• Automation of product catalogue from a single location
• Elimination of manual web order input
• Automatic update of when an order is shipped
• Support of multichannel e-tailing

Q: How did you come up with this business idea?
A: We stumbled upon it with a large Oregon retailer who was looking for a cost-effective solution for their new POS system and existing ecommerce site.

Q: What are your biggest challenges?
A: Avoiding the one off custom projects that are time consuming. Every retailer is different.

Q: What are your goals for the company?
A: To integrate additional Point of Sale Systems with proven shopping cart platforms.

Q: Are you looking for funding?
A: Yes.

Q: Do you have any news to share about your company’s evolution, new products or partnerships?
A: We started with one customer (Made in Oregon) and now have customers nationwide. We signed an agreement last year with Retail Pro Inc. to be their exclusive ecommerce integration provider for their customer base of 52,000 stores.

Q: Have you been an entrepreneur before?
A: No.

Q: What brought you to OEN?
A: OEN was recommended by a business associate.

Q: What has been the biggest surprise in your entrepreneurial experience to date?
A: How much time is needed on the business rather than in the business.

Q: What has been the best entrepreneurial advice you’ve received?
A: It does not happen overnight, but with the right people and the right idea, it will come together. Relationships – Build them and value them.