Experience

• 

  Sabot Hill Group

  • Greater Boston

  • Bindlestiff

    • Aug 2023 - Present
    • Greater Boston

    Vagabond Advisor. Will work for lift tickets and greens fees…Professional Bio:With a moniker like “Vagabond Advisor,” I bring a refreshing blend of wanderlust and wisdom to the boardrooms and business landscapes I traverse. My career is a tapestry of strategic triumphs, woven from threads of innovation and fiscal prudence.At the core of my professional journey lies a robust expertise in Corporate Governance, where I champion ethical practices and ensure regulatory compliance. My knack for Turn Around Management has breathed new life into organizations, steering them away from the brink and towards a prosperous horizon.In the realm of Product Development, I am known for transforming nascent ideas into market-ready marvels that resonate with consumers and stand the test of time. My role in Interim Management is characterized by a seamless transition into leadership, where I catalyze change and spearhead growth.Startups find in me a sagacious ally, as I infuse their ventures with strategic insights that propel them beyond the startup phase and into the annals of industry success. My contributions to the Board of Directors are marked by a strategic vision that shapes corporate futures.As a Financial Advisor, I navigate the complexities of finance with an analytical eye, ensuring stability and growth. My acumen in Mergers & Acquisitions orchestrates harmonious unions that amplify value and innovation.Above all, my approach to Strategic Planning is both methodical and visionary, ensuring that the organizations I guide are not just surviving the present but are thriving with an eye towards the future.Whether it’s for the thrill of the challenge or the joy of the journey, I am the Vagabond Advisor — your compass in the corporate wilderness, ready to exchange wisdom for the next adventure.

• 

  DRD Partners

  • Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States

  • Chief Operating Officer

    • Jul 2019 - Aug 2023
    • Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States

    As the strategic spearhead at DRD Partners, I was at the forefront of transforming our business model from a traditional service provider to a partner vested in our clients’ success. Our expertise in the design, development, and sourcing of footwear, sporting goods, hard goods, and accessories is now leveraged through equity-based partnerships. This paradigm shift not only aligns our goals with those of our clients but also fosters a deeper collaboration that transcends conventional client-service dynamics.Under my leadership, DRD Partners is not just a consultant; we are collaborators, innovators, and co-creators. We invest in our clients’ visions, ensuring that every project benefits from our comprehensive design and development capabilities. Our commitment to this partnership model is a testament to our belief in the products we bring to life and the relationships we nurture along the way.

• 

  Sabot Hill Group, LLC

  • Greater Boston Area

  • Advisor

    • Jun 2013 - Jul 2019
    • Greater Boston Area

    COO/Controller at Sports Engineering Inc.Spearheaded a successful turnaround of a footwear technology company, enhancing operational efficiency and market positioning.Strategic Advisor for Finance & Fundraising at Juris PartnersGuided a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) startup through the intricacies of Private Equity (PE) investment, securing the necessary capital for growth.Consultant for USA Launch Plan at Alpina d.o.o. Footwear (Slovenia)Developed and executed a comprehensive launch strategy for Alpina’s entry into the U.S. market, focusing on outdoor and fashion segments.Company Acquisition & PE Liaison at pw minor & sonFacilitated the acquisition process and served as the liaison with Private Equity firms, ensuring a smooth transition and continued success in the healthcare footwear sector.

• 

  pw minor & son

  • Rochester, New York Area

  • Executive Vice President

    • 2008 - 2014
    • Rochester, New York Area

    As a visionary leader and strategist, I orchestrated the renaissance of p.w.minor, a venerable 150-year-old family business, preparing it for a successful transition. My holistic approach to brand management encompassed every facet of the business, from product design to sales and marketing, sourcing, and beyond.Selected Accomplishments:Repositioning the Brand: I spearheaded the brand’s revitalization by adopting a “Health and Heritage” stance, honoring its storied past while forging a connection with contemporary consumers.E-commerce Launch: Under my direction, p.w.minor launched its inaugural e-commerce platform, embracing a new brand ethos and driving profitable direct-to-consumer sales through strategic SEO/SEM/PPC and direct marketing initiatives.Product Line Overhaul: I led a comprehensive overhaul of the footwear line, infusing it with modern trends while staying true to the brand’s identity. This resulted in a 35% increase in sales over three years, propelled by a new design philosophy, updated components, and the introduction of a USA-made Heritage collection that serves as a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.In my role, I not only directed the brand’s resurgence but also laid the groundwork for policies and programs that maximized sales potential and profitability. My leadership in marketing communications and product planning was pivotal in navigating the company through changing market conditions, ensuring tactical agility and policy relevance.

• 

  Spinglass Management Group

  • http://www.spinglassllc.com/

  • Consultant / FotoStick Online PhotoShop

    • Jan 2007 - Dec 2007
    • http://www.spinglassllc.com/

    FotoStick is a start-up online personal publishing, photo printing and sharing service being run by Spinglass Management Group. • Successfully leveraged a proprietary supplier agreement into a ‘branded component’ strategy, using the ‘Intel Inside’ model.• Successfully lead redesign of website to enhance navigation and greatly improve user experience.

• 

  Jarden Consumer Solutions

  • Greater Boston Area

  • Marketing Manager

    • 2006 - 2007
    • Greater Boston Area

    Selected Accomplishments:• Successfully negotiated the license of game-changing air filtration technology for the Bionaire brand for 2008. Built the business plan - sales and marketing go-to-market model.• Successfully built category-busting product, marketing and distribution program for 2008 go-to-market that exploits a $1m consumer research and product development program.• Direction of $4m mar/com budget, $500k industrial design budget and 2 PM direct reports. • Direction of cross-functional team that includes product management, industrial design, project engineering, finance, purchasing, manufacturing, sourcing, mar/com and sales.

• 

  JiBS After-Sport, LLC

  • Portsmouth, NH

  • President & Owner

    • 2002 - 2006
    • Portsmouth, NH

    Andy purchased the brand IP and patents as a turnaround challenge and worked with angel and private equity investors to finance operations while adding equity partners with specific expertise as needed.We launched the brand as after-ski/board winter shoe in 1994, I successfully re-energized JiBS to capture the after-sports category and broadened the line, offering an innovative materials technology story.US sales increased 30% in the first 6 months. Sales coverage was expanded to 75% of the USA and distribution agreements negotiated in Korea and Japan.

• 

  New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc

  • Boston, MA

  • Marketing/Brand Manager

    • 1999 - 2002
    • Boston, MA

    Selected Accomplishments:• Successfully launched new footwear brand, Aravon, a comfort-casual line of premium leather footwear. Defined the opportunity, wrote the plan, executed through launch. P&L responsibility.• Achieved all sales targets in launch season.• Extensive travel upwards of 50% both domestically and internationally.• Two direct reports as well as direction of cross functional brand team that included outside design and product development resources, outside branding consultancy, sales management, the field sales rep force as well as internal IT, finance and sourcing.• Mentored NBAS sales reps strategy and tactics of selling premium leather footwear.

• 

  Saucony

  • Peabody, MA

  • Director - Brand Licensing & Apparel

    • 1997 - 1999
    • Peabody, MA

    Selected Accomplishments:- Prepared and executed international brand licensing plan, shifting international sales strategy from product distribution to brand management oriented, and local production of in-country product. a much more profitable business model.- Directed product management of Saucony brand apparel line that supported the technical running shoe program. Championed the apparel program with footwear sales reps that were largely unfamiliar with apparel selling issues.

• 

  Firebrand Consulting

  • Greater Boston Area

  • Consultant

    • 1995 - 1997
    • Greater Boston Area

    Selected Accomplishments:- Led client engagements to evaluate business practices, recommend & execute brand building including mar/com, manufacturing, sourcing and financial models.- Developed and executed business plans for client companies resulting in new product introductions, performed acquisition analysis and built an innovative floor traffic program for “big box” retailer.

• 

  Textron

  • Greater Boston Area

  • Marketing Director

    • 1990 - 1995
    • Greater Boston Area

    Selected Accomplishments:- Created “Boron Certified(tm)” & “Hybor(tm)” brand composite materials using "Intel Inside" branded component marketing model.- Grew sales from $8 to $13 million.- Built international sales network of distributors & sales agents throughout Europe.

• 

  UVEX Sports

  • North Smithfield, RI

  • Product Manager

    • 1988 - 1990
    • North Smithfield, RI

    Selected Accomplishments:Responsible for 80% of product distributed ($7m in sales).Managed multiple line including:* UVEX ski goggles* Toko brand ski wax’s and ski tuning accessories* Invicta brand gloves and bags.

• 

  SnowSports Industries America

  • New England, Mid Atlantic and Northeastern US

  • Marketing Rep

    • 1985 - 1988
    • New England, Mid Atlantic and Northeastern US

• 

  Squaw Valley USA / Jackson Hole / Mt. Hotham

  • Ski Country

  • Technical Director / Instructor & Coach / Director of Racing

    • 1977 - 1985
    • Ski Country

    PSIA Examiner and Clinician @ Intermountain and Western Regions