From 2017 to 2025, I served as Vice President of Digital Technology at Build-A-Bear Workshop, where I led the complete Salesforce Commerce Cloud migration to SFRA with zero downtime, launched the AI Record-Your-Voice feature that grew voice volume more than 50%, integrated same-day delivery via Uber to capture 8% of digital revenue, and built The Bear-Builder digital customization experience. Digital revenue grew 20–140% year-over-year across that period, with 60%+ CAGR overall.

Before Build-A-Bear, I led B2B eCommerce strategy at Sigma-Aldrich (cited as a major reason the company was acquired by Merck), omnichannel transformation across 90+ stores at Hudson's Bay Company, and digital revenue acceleration at Bass Pro Shops — with P&L ownership of $100M+ in digital revenue.

Today, I work as a fractional digital leader (engagements from 12 hours to 12 months) and offer a 90-day AI Readiness Accelerator for owner-operated SMBs preparing for sale or transition. Recommended on LinkedIn by 15 leaders across those four enterprise engagements.

Gateway Commerce Consulting is the solo practice of Arthur G. Huggard, based in St. Charles, MO. Not affiliated with Gateway, Inc., Gateway Casinos, the Gateway Commerce Center logistics park in Edwardsville, IL, or any Gateway Chamber of Commerce.