A Q&A with Microsoft’s Michael Forrest

You’ve worked for some big retail names, including Nordstrom, Apple and now Microsoft. What drew you to a career in retail?

I started as a part-time salesperson and fell in love with the constant change and immediate feedback. The continuous learning is addictive.

How has the industry changed since your first job?

Early in my career, I did physical inventory with pencil and paper. Now, technology enables us to make better decisions in less time by helping us spot trends, communicate internally and externally, manage inventory, lower overhead costs and decrease check-out time.

In 10 words or less, describe what you want consumers to feel when they walk into a Microsoft store.

A sense of discovery and a desire to explore.

What’s your favorite design element of the new Microsoft store format?

Our digital wall. The high-definition retail display is equal to 18 times the width of an IMAX movie screen.

What’s your reaction to the commentary that the first two Microsoft stores look similar to an Apple store?

I’d say take a closer look. The Microsoft Store has several unique experiences, like our video wall, our Xbox demo area where people can play on 94 inches of screen, our workshop area with a 103-inch touch screen display, and Microsoft Surface tables with custom applications that allow you to do things like create your own ringtone. We’re illuminating the Microsoft experience.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Success is a choice, and you control your future.

The worst?

That product is more important than people.

When did you get your first computer?

In 1981 – an Osborne 1. It was awesome.

Favorite TV show growing up?

“Spider-Man.”

Favorite TV show now?

“30 Rock.” Tina Fey is brilliant.

If you could trade places with any person for a day, who would it be and why?

My son, Blake. I want him to understand my world and I want to understand his. Plus, he sleeps so peacefully and I’m a little jealous.

Sidebar: Toy Man

Favorite non-tech holiday gift you received as a child?
Evel Knievel Super Stunt Cycle.
Favorite technology toy?
An Intellivision video game system. I don’t mean to brag, but I rocked at Astrosmash.
As an adult, what gadget can’t you live without?
My Windows phone. If I leave it at home, I feel naked.

For more on Microsoft's first two retail stores, click here.