Author Archives: aaronhurd

Shutting down a business

For the last five years, I’ve run a small electronics supply chain business as a kind of “side hustle.” I sourced a niche category of consumer electronic devices and arranged for distribution. The business was profitable… in the last few years, I made around $50,000/year on volumes of about $1M/year. And it didn’t take tooContinue reading “Shutting down a business”

Why you should use your miles now, even as a Delta frequent flyer.

This post was inspired by a thread on Twitter with Jaime Primak that made me realize that there are many of you out there sitting on a ton of SkyMiles wondering, “What do I do with these?” Maybe you’ve been a road-warrior business traveler for the past two decades and have millions of miles inContinue reading “Why you should use your miles now, even as a Delta frequent flyer.”

How to think about the value of credit card rewards and benefits.

I get asked all the time by friends and colleagues if they should sign up for a new credit card for [insert reason here]. Ultimately whether I recommend signing up for a new credit card comes down to one question: Will you receive quantifiable value out of the credit card that is well in excessContinue reading “How to think about the value of credit card rewards and benefits.”

Connecting with your colleagues: The most important thing you can do at work.

In the “before times” when we were all at the office, I always started out my week the same way. Monday mornings, I would take deliberate time to do “rounds” and catch up with my colleagues and work friends. Some may see time spent catching up with colleagues, asking them about their weekends, or learningContinue reading “Connecting with your colleagues: The most important thing you can do at work.”

A Big Opportunity for Customer Experience and Operational Excellence: Airline Baggage

If you know me, you know that I am always talking about airlines… from operations, to customer experience, to loyalty programs, to pricing and route strategy. (Some of those who went to business school with me might remember my explanation of how airline deregulation led to the growth of the sugar beet industry.) In everyContinue reading “A Big Opportunity for Customer Experience and Operational Excellence: Airline Baggage”

Testimony Delivered at the Public Hearing for the Clean Cars Minnesota rulemaking

The following is my transcript of my public testimony, given February 22, 2021 at the public hearing for the Clean Cars Minnesota rulemaking. It may differ slightly from the transcript that is a part of the public record. Thank you, your honor. Hello. My name is Aaron Hurd. I’m a resident of Minnetonka, Minnesota andContinue reading “Testimony Delivered at the Public Hearing for the Clean Cars Minnesota rulemaking”

Going for the Next Low-Hanging Fruit

I was having a discussion with a friend today about product strategy and we were discussing how to evaluate expansion options in a product portfolio and why companies succeed or fail in transforming their businesses. If you’re looking to increase your business, launch a new product, build a capability or better your business’ bottom line,Continue reading “Going for the Next Low-Hanging Fruit”

Travel Gear – Luggage

I frequently get asked what travel gear I recommend. By far, one of the most common questions is, “What luggage should I get?” Like many things in life, there is no one-size-fits all answer. What is the best luggage for you depends on your travel habits, preferences, and budget. Here are some things to considerContinue reading “Travel Gear – Luggage”

How College Retail Can Thrive

Almost everywhere you turn you hear about the demise of retail. Gap, Sears, K-Mart, J.C. Penny, RadioShack, Teavana, Macy’s, Abercrombie & Fitch… one could fill an entire blog post with just the list of stores that are making major cuts or have gone out of business this year alone. Even Warren Buffett has pulled almostContinue reading “How College Retail Can Thrive”