Experience

PENSOLE, INC

• Design Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• President

  • Mar 2022 - Present

  Oversee operations that includes our design agency PENSOLE STU/DEO and JEMS by PENSOLE: the 1st black-owned athletic footwear factory in the USA. Both founded by Dr. D'Wayne Edwards of Pensole Lewis College of Business. Oversee operations that includes our design agency PENSOLE STU/DEO and JEMS by PENSOLE: the 1st black-owned athletic footwear factory in the USA. Both founded by Dr. D'Wayne Edwards of Pensole Lewis College of Business.



LaunchPad Services

• Greater Los Angeles Area

• Founder

  • Jun 2011 - Present

  LaunchPad Services specializes in brand development, marketing & sales planning and go to market strategies. Clients include professional athletes, designers and startups to help them develop and launch their brands. LaunchPad Services specializes in brand development, marketing & sales planning and go to market strategies. Clients include professional athletes, designers and startups to help them develop and launch their brands.



PUMA Group

• Germany
• Sporting Goods Manufacturing
• 700 & Above Employee

• National Sales Manager, Internet Accounts

  • Apr 2015 - Apr 2016

  Recruited from Converse to create, implement and execute strategic imperatives to the Wholesale.com channel. Implemented change management processes and alignment of business models with current clients, internal teams and direct reports. Managed a $30+ million portfolio and sales account executives in footwear and apparel for clients including Amazon.com, Zappos.com and Shoes.com. Recruited from Converse to create, implement and execute strategic imperatives to the Wholesale.com channel. Implemented change management processes and alignment of business models with current clients, internal teams and direct reports. Managed a $30+ million portfolio and sales account executives in footwear and apparel for clients including Amazon.com, Zappos.com and Shoes.com.



Nike

• United States
• Retail
• 700 & Above Employee

• Converse Senior Account Executive

  • Oct 2007 - Apr 2015

  After being recruited from parent company Nike, I helped to develop Converse's premium and sneaker boutique businesses in Los Angeles as well as licensed collaborations, kids and revamped heritage categories. Some clients within my $14.5M portfolio have included Neiman Marcus, UNDFTD, HUF, Fred Segal, Kicks Hawaii and American Rag. My specialties in this position lie in my ability to implement strategic plans, partner with internal (design, product and marketing) and external teams, accurately manage inventory, as well as implement seasonal initiatives to drive in-store and online sales. These specialties have been very effective, helping me to achieve average territorial growth of 22% YOY from 2010 to 2014, and account territory growth from $5MM to $12MM in less than three years. I've also been integral in opening new opportunities. I developed Converse's Wholesale.com business segment for the U.S. This major endeavor included re-delegation of my accounts, business model development, and research-driven account selection. Just a few of the segment's clients now include Piperlime.com, Shoes.com and Zappos.com. On the Zappos.com designer division, I also helped to improve the Converse by John Varvatos ranking from #13 to #3 within just five months. As a result, Converse presented me with its Key Account Award. Show less

• NIKE & Jordan Account Executive

  • Oct 2001 - Oct 2007

  As owner of a $6M portfolio, I cultivated and grew multiple regional accounts and apparel lines. By carefully analyzing performance, trends, product assortments, potential opportunities, and client business models, I was able to effectively steer regional growth for numerous clients. In fact, I grew top client Eurostar's account from $150K to $1.25M - that's more than 700% - within just four years. This resulted in my acceptance of Nike's Sales Growth Recognition Award.In fact, my efforts garnered numerous awards including a highly selective national sales award with a trip to Scotland, as well as several awards for exceeding sales goals, leadership and motivation, and account and brand results.As an effective intraprenuer, I orchestrated multiple efforts to expand business opportunities from persuading Nike management to pursue the company's first exclusively online client Zappos.com to implementing premium gyms/resorts/spas accounts including high-end resorts (Four Seasons) and gyms (24 Hour Fitness). Show less

• NIKE & Jordan Visual Merchandiser

  • Oct 2000 - Oct 2001

  After receiving this highly competitive position, I trained sales associates within national department stores and boutiques on merchandising techniques and standards. I also produced seasonal sales contests and provided support to account executives. After just one year in this position, I received a promotion to Nike's youngest account executive (Nike normally required two years before consideration for account executive).

• NIKE Brand Marketing Manager

  • Jun 2000 - Oct 2000

  I was recruited for a temporary summer campaign immediately after graduation, which included planning weekly events throughout the Los Angeles area to showcase and sell premium Nike products to trendsetters (prior to retail launch). I also presented weekly sales plans and sales goals as well as guidance and motivation to my team of four employees. Management of product inventory levels and sell-through reports was also part of this initial position.