THE RETAIL THINKTANK

McKinney, TX,  2008-Present

 

Managing Partner

Retail & Wholesale Consultant; Strategic Planning, Merchandising and Brand Consultant focused on Retail & CPG. Brings "clarity to the situation" by using a "Customer Centric Vision" to create innovative merchandising and branding strategies to position brands as “top of mind". Examples of consulting projects:

• Restructured Cabela’s Merchandising and Inventory Organization in partnership with another consultancy firm.

• Built the successful Corporate Strategy for Marich Chocolate- dramatically increasing sales & margins.

• Developed the Corporate Vision that clarified Brand and Strategy issues for PFI Western Store.

• Produced selling strategy for Providence Products (footwear findings) increasing their sales by 40%

• Created and executed innovative turnaround brand initiatives for “Brick and Mortar” Strategy at Wisteria.

• Work with PEGs, Private Equity Groups to judge opportunity levels for acquisitions.

• Leadership and development of the Vision for the “Turnaround Merchandising Strategy” for Baskin’s (Women’s, Men’s, Children’s Apparel Specialty Stores own by Private Equity). 2004

  • Created and successful execution of Merchandising, Brand, Marketing, and Online Strategies. Met goals of sustainable sales increases, reduced marketing costs, destination shopping, lower inventories.

• Improved profits (500bps GM% increase) and created a roadmap for scalability

• 600% ROI performance on Exit Strategy for the Private Equity Group- dramatically above expectations.

• Executive recruiter for multiple retailers focused on merchandising, e-commerce and planning. (1 year)

• Instruct MBA Classes on “Retail Strategy” at SMU and  “Branding 101” at Texas A & M  and UNT (5 years)

 

 

RUSSELL-NEWMAN, INC.

Denton, TX,  2002-2004

 

President of Intimate Apparel, Executive Leadership Consultant

• Authored corporate vision for new structuring model that created strategic competitive advantages and processes to increase growth organically and by acquisition: doubled size through acquisition in 2007.

• Launched first E-Commerce site and informational marketing brochure - Company Profile/Brand Identity.

• Created new Intimate Apparel Division generating first year sales of $5M.

 

 

HARRY and DAVID

Medford, OR,  2000-2002

 

Senior Vice President Merchandising, Retail Stores and Wholesale Division – Gourmet Food

Led creation of new merchandising revenue model for “Brand” contributing to additional Sales, GM$.

• Successful turnaround of 125 Stores in 12 months using “Market Basket Analysis”

• Identified and executed strategy for a $50M chocolate wholesale opportunity with first year sales of$5 million.

• Strong partnerships with cross functional teams for every element of execution; product development to packaging.

• Increased sales by 10% through affinity cross selling plan and a new “Big Three” product strategy.