Expert Details
Consumer Goods, Exporting, International Outsourcing, and Big Box Retail
ID: 731410
Illinois, USA
Expert -28 years of experience and knowledge with a detail understanding working as an industry expert an consultant to investment companies, banks, Hedge funds, Law Firms, venture capital investors on the strategy transformation business model design and management. Former Principal and Senior executive of Martha Steward Arden companies, Totes Isotoner, Hartmann Inc, Arbone LLC, Clipper products . Previous board member of TGA, CORE-housewares association and Chairman of LLGMA steering committee. .
Expert's consulting services to his firm's clients include their direct-in-field channel and market checks, delivering real-time information and solutions to their clients regarding business challenges, market demand, sales trending, customer outlook, management trending, and the related topics.
This real-time information, coupled with expert consulting, communication, experience and depth of knowledge, delivers current trends, competitive landscape, business problem resolution, positive and negative performance analysis, demographics, strategic planning, compliance, outsourcing, new product introduction, competitive landscape, forecasting, budgeting, GMROI, and merchandising / marketing / sales trends,.
Expert's company helps businesses to find the right solutions and opportunities by specializing in:
- Real-time information in field channel and market checks delivering timely feedback for problem-solving
- Consulting on increasing sales, distribution, and market share for new domestic and international markets and trade channels
- New Distribution and Markets expansion
- Management development
- Strategic Planning
- New procedure and Product introductions and launches
- Profit and Loss
- Distribution / Manufacturing Alliances
- Business / Market / Sales / Management
- Outsourcing: international and domestic
- Forecasting, Budgeting, and Cost controls
- Current solutions on business challenges
Among others, Expert's firm has worked with these clients: Amazon, Nike, Do –It –Best, Catalogers, Brookstone, Front gate, QVC, HSN, Fortune 500 companies, Macys, Dillards, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Sears, JC Penney, Target, Sears, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Office Depot, Staples, Kroger, Costco, Expert Meyer, Walgreens, CVS, Amazon.com, Longs, AAFAS, Martha Stewart, Premium Incentive, ASI, PPAI, Michaels, and Coach.
Clients' fields span Internet, B2B, Mass Market Chains, Specialty Stores, Drug Chains, Grocery and Discount stores, DFS, Importers and Exporters.
Results: Expert's firm has delivered or perfected client programs by working with their customers and growing business to over 4,000 new retailers, distributors, or market channels. These efforts increased clients' sales up to 430%. As a firm, they research, consult, and work with their clients on business solutions focused on the most cost-effective results.
Expert conducted a detailed study and case analysis for a major supplier to a major discount retail chain. The client’s 1, 3 gallon refill and 5 gallon replacement business requires multiple levels of tracking, servicing and replacement, to all the chain’s stores. That the client has limited control over its distributors as they are "at will" providers of these services may be a concern. This program is a traffic builder for the retailer, and should not be viewed as an on-shelf retail SKU. The expert completed a detailed SWOT analysis that detailed the client’s solid footing (generally) in this chain and the specific threats in product/service mix that the client should address.
Expert completed a detailed case study and SWOT analysis for an apparel firm with an international/upper tier supplier base and varied sales profiles in different geographical regions. STRENGTHS: Good brand recognition in their client demographic. This is the higher-income (+ $150,000) male consumer, 30 to 70+ years with excellent fitting tailored to the individual. Their clothing delivers a nice-fitting garment that separates their clients from the crowd. Paul Stuart has a very loyal repeat customer base. Their Catalog business is growing. Another strength is their excellent customer service and well trained, knowledgeable sales staff. The client has more assortments in the high end luxury men's business than their other competitors.
Education
| Year | Degree | Subject | Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year: 1983 | Degree: Xerox PPS | Subject: Business Management Systems | Institution: Xerox PPS |
| Year: 1969 | Degree: BBA | Subject: Busniess Mangement and Ecomomics | Institution: University of Wisconsin |
Work History
| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years: 2000 to Present | Employer: Undisclosed | Title: President | Department: |
Responsibilities:Expert is President and owner of his eponymous consulting and business information firm, which has been doing business since January 2001.Expert's firm offers business consulting, marketing, sales and outsourcing services. He leverages his experience as past Director and Chairman on the boards of TGA, NHMA, and CORE. Expert has vast experience on business trends, logistics, shipping trends, eCommerce, major branded companies outsourcing, and leveraged buyouts. Expert works with investment firms, eCommerce companies, banks venture capitalists, hedge funds, manufactures, distributors, retailers, importers and exporters. Applications included international and domestic markets, new manufacturers, retailers, new product development, introductions, and placement. His clients include eCommerce platforms, eCommerce companies, educational facilities, Amazon, Outlet malls, Wix, Wayfair, investment firms, financial companies, mass market chains, discounters, auto industry, major brand consumer goods companies, retailers, China manufacturers, South American and Brazil manufactures, importers, Shopify, big box retailers, grocery and drug stores, Dollar Stores, Forever 21, Zara, H&M, Nike, Coach, Soda Stream, Prada, luxury brand companies, Jansport, Wrangler, Target, QVC, Saks, Federated, Dillard's, Martha Stewart, Penney’s, Totes, Macys, Specialty Stores, Brookstone, and Catalogers. Expert has served as Executive Vice President at Hi-Performance Hong Kong and has held C-suite positions or was a principal at Hartmann, Inc., Martha Steward-Arden, Totes/Isotoner, Clipper Products, And Arbone Inc. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1998 to 2000 | Employer: Hi-Performance Industries | Title: Executive Vice President | Department: Marketing and Sales |
Responsibilities:Executive Vice President: Sales and Marketing. Responsible for all U.S. sales, branding, budgeting, account development, and new product introductions. Strategic development and leadership of this luggage bags and consumer goods manufacturer with facilities in Guangzhou, New York, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China, Italy, and Michigan.Accomplishments: Developed new customer base with Do It Best, Ace, K-Mart, Eddie Bauer, Dillards, Distributors, Martha Stewart, Columbia, Sears, London Fog, Totes/Isotoner, Swiss Army, Coleman, and Timberland. Developed and launched 28 new products and opened up 7 new trade channels. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1996 to 1998 | Employer: Arden and Martha Stewart Companies | Title: Vice President | Department: Marketing and Sales |
Responsibilities:Responsible for the management, sales, branding, marketing, budgeting, strategic development, and leadership of Arden’s Consumer goods products division.Accomplishments: Developed six new private label brands for mass market, distributors, specialty stores, and upscale retailers. Eliminated down trending and turned around largest major account (56% of total business. Added new trade channels of e-commerce, catalogs, premium, and O.E.M. Expanded Arden and Martha Stewart brand business by 20%. Developed one / three /five year strategic business plan.: Implemented K-Mart inventory reduction program reducing excess inventory 50% in 6 months while increasing brand awareness and sales 37%. Opened 3000+ new retail/distribution locations in one year. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1986 to 1996 | Employer: Clipper Products | Title: President | Department: Principal |
Responsibilities:Responsible for the management, growth, and leadership of this consumer goods, and travel accessory Company.Accomplishments: Achieved +35% sales growths for seven consecutive years; Established new distribution in Canada, Europe, Far East, and South America. Developed and implemented branded/private label business with Sears, Totes, Target, Samsonite, Distributors, L.L. Bean, Halliburton, Coach, Oakley, Chivas Regal, Seagram’s, V/F Corp- Jan Sport, Easton, Kmart, Macy's, Sharper Image, Nike, Wilson, Spaulding, and Orvis. Opened Sears, Target, QVC, Host Marriott, Meijer, the Sharper Image, AAFES, Zero Halliburton, Hartmann, Lands End, L.L. Bean, Premium Incentive, e-commerce, and catalogers. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1984 to 1986 | Employer: Totes-Isotoner Inc. | Title: National Sales Manager | Department: Mens and Ladies Apparel and Accessories |
Responsibilities:National Sales Manager of this $300 +million apparel, luggage, bag, accessories, rainwear, patio, and Umbrella CompanyAccomplishments: Increased accessories division sales $4 million in first year. Developed and implemented brand/private label programs with Neiman Marcus, Saks, Totes Apparel, Totes Rainwear, Penny’s, Sears, Mass Market/Chromatics label and Totes Footwear. Built sales and management team responsible for 47% sales increase in 2 years; Opened Saks, Neiman Marcus, Sears, Penny’s, Macys, Nordstrom’s, K-mart, Federated, Dillard’s. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1969 to 1984 | Employer: Hartmann Luggage | Title: Vice President-Principal | Department: Marketing and Sales |
Responsibilities:Vice President and Principal of this $60 million company which was a division of Brown-Forman a $5.7 billion corporation. Managed ten direct sales personnel; Responsible for twenty-five states and Canada. Accomplishments: Increased sales over 45% per year for four years. Manager of the Year Award for 4 consecutive years (1977-1980); Introduced brand programs for Halston, Gloria Vanderbilt, Brooks Brothers, and Dansk; Promoted four times; Implemented program that delivered largest single year sales increase (72%) in company's 135-year history. |
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Government Experience
| Years | Agency | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years: 2000 to 2004 | Agency: AAFAS | Role: Market Development | Description: Set up Planograms, Budgets, Forecasts, Compliance for travel ware and accessory area. |
International Experience
| Years | Country / Region | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Years: 2000 to 2010 | Country / Region: China | Summary: Outsourcing new factories and vendors for houseware products, travel ware, and consumer goods. Working with vendor of record on compliance, factory inspection, VAT, import export, QA, pricing, duties, and production scheduling. |
| Years: 1991 to 1997 | Country / Region: Vietnam | Summary: Outsourcing new factories and vendors for House ware products, travel ware, consumer goods. Working with vendor of record on compliance, factory inspection, VAT, import export QA, pricing, duties, production scheduling. |
| Years: 1985 to 2012 | Country / Region: Canada | Summary: Outsourcing new factories and vendors for House ware products, travel ware, consumer goods. Working with vendor of record on compliance, factory inspection, VAT, import export QA, pricing, duties, production scheduling. |
| Years: 2000 to 2013 | Country / Region: India | Summary: Outsourcing new factories and vendors for House ware products, travel ware, consumer goods. Working with vendor of record on compliance, factory inspection, VAT, import export QA, pricing, duties, production scheduling. |
| Years: 2000 to 2013 | Country / Region: Mexico | Summary: Outsourcing new factories and vendors for House ware products, travel ware, consumer goods. Working with vendor of record on compliance, factory inspection, VAT, import export QA, pricing, duties, production scheduling. |
Career Accomplishments
| Associations / Societies |
|---|
| Director TGA Association Director - CORE Association Chairman LLGMA Association |
| Licenses / Certifications |
|---|
| Xerox Senior Management Courses 1, 2, 3, and 4 |
| Professional Appointments |
|---|
| Board Chairman LLGMA Association |
Additional Experience
| Expert Witness Experience |
|---|
| As an expert witness, he leverages 25 years of experience and knowledge with a detailed understanding working as a consultant to investment companies, banks, hedge funds, Law Firms, and venture capital investors seeking information on his areas of thought leadership, including: Quality Assurance, in-store inspections, current trends, competitive landscape, real-time in-store intercepts, in-field geographic intercepts, overruns, and numerous other fields. |
| Training / Seminars |
|---|
| Xerox PSS l, ll, lll Supplier Demand Seminar Customer Demand Habits Seminar Outsourcing Study and implementation Wal-Mart case study Motivation Training Luxury Goods / trade up merchandising Expert Witness testimony EDI Training and implementation |
| Vendor Selection |
|---|
| Expert has outsourced products in the following countries: China Hong Kong, USA Mexico Canada Vietnam Malaysia EU UK |
| Marketing Experience |
|---|
| Expert consults on marketing, sales, outsourcing, financial and business expansion services to investment firms, banks, venture capitalists, hedge funds, manufacturers, retailers, importers and exporters for international and domestic markets, new product development, introductions and placement. Expert has held executive level positions and was the Principal at Arden, Martha Stewart, Clipper Products, Hartmann Luggage and Totes. He was also the Director and Chairman on the boards of TGA, NHMA and CORE. Expert has over 25 years of experience and is very knowledgeable on business trends, major branded companies and leveraged buyouts. |
Fields of Expertise
advertising, branding, brick and mortar, business management, business operations, consumer choice prediction, consumer demographics, consumer focus group, consumer marketing, consumer product, consumer product design, consumer product ergonomics, consumer product label, consumer product labeling, consumer product marketing, consumer product packaging, consumer product safety, consumer purchasing behavior, consumer survey, conventional licensing, cost, cross marketing, customer satisfaction, customer segmentation, design for manufacturability, design for manufacture and assembly, direct store delivery receiving system, dispensing device, distribution channel, e-tailing, efficient consumer response, electronic data interchange, franchise marketing, high volume, low cost product assembly, high volume, low cost product design, household appliance, household appliance liability, household appliance new product development, household product, household product packaging process, in-store system development, international marketing, Internet marketing, market, market assessment, market development, market forecasting, market positioning, market potential, market research, market segmentation, market trend, marketing, marketing brand management, marketing communications, marketing database, marketing mix, marketing software, mass customization, mentoring, new consumer product development, new product assessment, new product launch, new product market survey, niche marketing, package consumer testing, packaging material selection, point-of-sale equipment, point-of-sale hardware selection, point-of-sale scanning system, primary packaging, product, product cost reduction, product evaluation, product launch, product liability, production cost, promotion, public relations, research and development, retail information system, retailing, management consulting, questionnaire, mobile marketing, over-the-counter drug packaging, post consumer recycling, retail expense reduction, retail operations improvement, retail system planning, retail system development, retail automation