Stories help us grow, see what is possible, understand why, and, at least for some, try on something new.

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Author, Marketing Strategist, & Entrepreneur

Jeff Tanner is the author or co-author of 15 books on sales and marketing, nearly 100 scientific journal articles, and numerous other works. His textbooks have significantly impacted the field of selling, including Selling: Building Partnerships (co-authored with Steve Castleberry) and Sales Management: Shaping Future Sales Leaders (with 5 co-authors, including daughter Emily). His texts are known for demystifying complex concepts while emphasizing practical strategies and real-world applications.

Jeff has also written several works of fiction, which you can explore in this site. He loves to read, and write, optimistic stories of hope and redemption, whether they are mysteries, thrillers, or simply stories of living.

As a marketing consultant, Jeff works with companies big and small, such as IBM, Cabela’s, Teradata, and many others. His longest client, Seasons of Change, changes the lives of teens and young parents, serving those most at risk by teaching responsible decision-making while providing for their basic needs.

Explore Jeff’s works and connect - he’d love to hear from you!

A woman with a braided hairstyle in a plaid shirt standing beside a horse, holding its reins. The background features a racetrack with a warm sunset glow. Text at the top reads 'the heart is why.'

The Heart is Why

The Heart is Why is an inspiring homage to the love and resilience of those involved in horseracing who never make the headlines. Their stories are where you find heartbreak, grit, determination, and true victory.

Upcoming Events

  • Seasons of Change, Fatherhood Training

    TBD

    Arlington, TX

    The team from Tanner Behavior Sciences will participate in the training, a moving and empowering day, for the purposes of our own personal development as well as designing an effective evaluation protocol. This event is by invitation only.

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  • Chesapeake Writer's Workshop

    March 22, 2025

    Arlington VA

    A one-day high intensity conference that brings together writers, agents, and publishers of fiction and nonfiction. I will pitch both The King’s Collar and The Heart is Why. Fingers crossed!

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  • Malice Domestic

    April 25-27, 2025

    Bethesda, MD

    Malice Domestic is a 3-day conference for fans of mysteries. I met Iona Whishaw here last year and she became my new favorite author. Since then, I devoured 7 of her Lane Winslow mysteries. Debut author, Matthew Greene, who wrote the delightful There’s No Murder Like Show Murder, was another author I met. I hope his new book will be the first in a new series. And, I met Clair Lamb, who edited the King’s Collar and did a wonderful job. This year, I will see my friend and writing partner, Marlie Wasserman. Can’t wait!

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  • Society for Marketing Advances

    November 4-8.2025

    Las Vegas, NV

    This fall will be my 41st Society for Marketing Advances (SMA) conference, and probably my last. Join me at the premier academic marketing association’s annual conference that brings together marketing educators and professionals from the United States and abroad.​SMA is founded to foster service, research, and education in all marketing phases and encourage the exchange of ideas among members with similar interests.  SMA endeavors to promote the growth of intellectual leadership in the field of marketing on the part of teachers, researchers, and students in universities and executive businesses, and government.

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