Experience

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  Evolution Lighting, LLC

  • Sr. Product Development Manager/Manager Marketing Services

    • Apr 2009 - Present

    Responsible for $13M plus net sales in task, novelty and bulb categories as well as manager for marketing direction in all categories and retail directions for a $70M plus company. Manage and development for all products related to the categories through design, sourcing and development. Travel regularly to sales meetings throughout North America and Asia to meet with customers to understand development needs, cost constraints as well as what is working in stores and what may not have been. Daily collaboration with sales, graphics, order services, QA and customer service to ensure our products are on trend, on time, with quality standards and are meeting predicted goals at the retailer. Achieved highest margin in the company for 2011 at 36.53%. An increase of 12% over LYCurrently hold 2 Pending Patents on innovative products in the US and Canada with Patent OfficeKeep abreast of all trends with relations to style and color for the current and coming seasons. Complete development based on competitive analysis, research, field visits and trend research.Negotiate all cost with factories through formal bids and factory selection to ensure EL margins are protected and the customer margin is achieved. Travel to Asia 3-4 times each year for design, development, and sourcing.Travel to Trade Shows throughout North America, Asia and Europe.

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  DESIGN SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL

  • Product Development and Design Manager

    • Jan 2007 - Apr 2009

    Provide new and upcoming designs, finishes, and fabric options for 24 retail establishments throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. Research and understand all marketing and design trends through North America and Europe. Use this knowledge to work with a team in Asia and the US to develop lighting and furniture for various retailers at various levels through price point and design. Keep retailers who are supplied by DSI up to date on current trends and how DSI can work for them to ensure that the customers they supply are getting these designs at a price that is comfortable for them. Work closely with buyers and designers for each retailer to make sure they are going to see what they are looking for in line reviews throughout the year.Keep company sales and coordination team abreast of Trend and Market information.Develop new designs for lighting, furniture, and accessories.Present new designs, ideas, and concepts to retailers. Developed new and innovative packaging with an external Graphic Designer. Major growth with retailers because of this feature. Develop new lighting and furniture designs through factories in Asia by communicating with other designers and engineers. Building and re-working designs until they are perfect and ready to meet the needs of consumers.Implemented and became and Energy Star Partner for DSI. Designed new lighting for a new product line.Travel to Furniture and Lighting shows across North America and Asia.Communicate daily with Asia team as well as all DSI representatives in North America.

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  Pier 1 Imports

  • Divisional Visual Merchandiser

    • Jan 2001 - Jan 2007

    Provided visual direction to one divisional director, seven regional managers, four regional visual merchandisers (RVM), and 92 stores in Florida division. Gave direction on monthly advertising events, seasonal changes, and marketing strategies to drive sales and target different customer bases. Observed and implemented directions in stores. Managed clearance sweeps in division to move precise product out of correct stores, driving sales in clearance/outlet stores. Oversaw on site and off site storage facilities to reduce spending and protect bottom line. Ensured stores executed plans in a timely manner. Trained associates to adapt visual direction across customer bases in each market. Designed RVM mentor program to train and develop future promotable candidates. Focused RVM training with store managers on quick visual standards which allowed more concentration on customer service and operational directives to maximize sales. Grew Florida to conversion leader for the company.Utilized various reports to analyze and deliver solid business decisions for regions and individual stores. Designed and implemented the first store in company to be merchandised by finish.Worked closely with corporate planners to finalize plans for location and size of the first "Store within a Store". Oversaw completion of the first Pier 1 Kids store within a regular Pier 1 store. Trained each RVM on computer systems as well as reports for dashboard, best sellers, ISGPA, and Manifest to continue to drive sales in each market.Achieved RVM of the month four times.

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  CHOATE'S INTERIORS

  • Store Manager

    • Jan 1996 - Jan 2001

    Oversaw sales transactions throughout store. Directed placement of merchandise after processing. Set up displays and storefront windows. Held responsibility for cash management as well as accounting transactions. Doubled sales within first year and had successful sales gains each year following.