Experience

Signarama

• United States
• Retail
• 400 - 500 Employee

• Former Owner/Currently Director of Sales

  • Mar 2001 - Present

  Purchased the assets of the Signarama franchise in Fort Myers in 2001. Increased the sales volume eight times within four years through smart marketing efforts, broadening the product offerings, and the training and development of quality associates. The vendor structure was broadened to offer additional products that could not be manufactured in house however were instrumental in expanding market share i.e.. LED illuminated channel letters, neon signage, router cut dimensional signage, EMS's… Show more Purchased the assets of the Signarama franchise in Fort Myers in 2001. Increased the sales volume eight times within four years through smart marketing efforts, broadening the product offerings, and the training and development of quality associates. The vendor structure was broadened to offer additional products that could not be manufactured in house however were instrumental in expanding market share i.e.. LED illuminated channel letters, neon signage, router cut dimensional signage, EMS's (electronic message centers), monument signage, and interior digital signage. The company was sold to the current owner in September 2014. Currently I am the Director of Sales however I am involved in all aspects of the business from training, procurement, marketing, sourcing new products, and designing. My personal sales have reached over $500,000 yearly. Show less Purchased the assets of the Signarama franchise in Fort Myers in 2001. Increased the sales volume eight times within four years through smart marketing efforts, broadening the product offerings, and the training and development of quality associates. The vendor structure was broadened to offer additional products that could not be manufactured in house however were instrumental in expanding market share i.e.. LED illuminated channel letters, neon signage, router cut dimensional signage, EMS's… Show more Purchased the assets of the Signarama franchise in Fort Myers in 2001. Increased the sales volume eight times within four years through smart marketing efforts, broadening the product offerings, and the training and development of quality associates. The vendor structure was broadened to offer additional products that could not be manufactured in house however were instrumental in expanding market share i.e.. LED illuminated channel letters, neon signage, router cut dimensional signage, EMS's (electronic message centers), monument signage, and interior digital signage. The company was sold to the current owner in September 2014. Currently I am the Director of Sales however I am involved in all aspects of the business from training, procurement, marketing, sourcing new products, and designing. My personal sales have reached over $500,000 yearly. Show less



Service Merchandise

• United States
• Retail
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Vice President & General Merchandise Manager

  • 1998 - 2000

  Worked closely with cross-functional teams including Finance, Human Resources, Stores Organization, and MIS. Managed and directed overall sales operations for Housewares, Tabletop, Crystal, Small Appliances, Personal Care and Fitness Products Division of a $3.5 billion, 356-store national specialty store chain (before the downsizing). Responsible for strategic planning and formulation of integrated merchandising, marketing and business development campaigns targeted to consumers nationwide… Show more Worked closely with cross-functional teams including Finance, Human Resources, Stores Organization, and MIS. Managed and directed overall sales operations for Housewares, Tabletop, Crystal, Small Appliances, Personal Care and Fitness Products Division of a $3.5 billion, 356-store national specialty store chain (before the downsizing). Responsible for strategic planning and formulation of integrated merchandising, marketing and business development campaigns targeted to consumers nationwide through retail stores, 400+page full line catalog, bi-weekly full color direct mail catalogs/newspaper inserts and ecommerce. Provided direction for long-range business focus to meet industry changes and requirements. Successfully reestablished confidence among the financial and vendor communities following the company’s bankruptcy filing. Achieved the companies highest sales and profit increase for year 2000. Show less Worked closely with cross-functional teams including Finance, Human Resources, Stores Organization, and MIS. Managed and directed overall sales operations for Housewares, Tabletop, Crystal, Small Appliances, Personal Care and Fitness Products Division of a $3.5 billion, 356-store national specialty store chain (before the downsizing). Responsible for strategic planning and formulation of integrated merchandising, marketing and business development campaigns targeted to consumers nationwide… Show more Worked closely with cross-functional teams including Finance, Human Resources, Stores Organization, and MIS. Managed and directed overall sales operations for Housewares, Tabletop, Crystal, Small Appliances, Personal Care and Fitness Products Division of a $3.5 billion, 356-store national specialty store chain (before the downsizing). Responsible for strategic planning and formulation of integrated merchandising, marketing and business development campaigns targeted to consumers nationwide through retail stores, 400+page full line catalog, bi-weekly full color direct mail catalogs/newspaper inserts and ecommerce. Provided direction for long-range business focus to meet industry changes and requirements. Successfully reestablished confidence among the financial and vendor communities following the company’s bankruptcy filing. Achieved the companies highest sales and profit increase for year 2000. Show less



Reading China & More/Kitchen and Company

• Newark, Delaware

• Vice President of Mercahandising

  • 1997 - 1998

  Was recruited by the President and Owner to manage overall operations for merchandising for a 32-Store National Chain of Jewelry, Housewares, Food, Tabletop, and Giftware Superstores which achieved $100 million annually. Reengineered and expanded merchandising and marketing methods, which streamlined operations and increased profitability. In charge of developing and initiating a Direct Mail Catalog and eCommerce Marketing Campaign to successfully increase sales, which was the first sales… Show more Was recruited by the President and Owner to manage overall operations for merchandising for a 32-Store National Chain of Jewelry, Housewares, Food, Tabletop, and Giftware Superstores which achieved $100 million annually. Reengineered and expanded merchandising and marketing methods, which streamlined operations and increased profitability. In charge of developing and initiating a Direct Mail Catalog and eCommerce Marketing Campaign to successfully increase sales, which was the first sales increase the company had experienced in over 10 months. Continuously updated the Internet Web Site to anticipate consumer needs online. Show less Was recruited by the President and Owner to manage overall operations for merchandising for a 32-Store National Chain of Jewelry, Housewares, Food, Tabletop, and Giftware Superstores which achieved $100 million annually. Reengineered and expanded merchandising and marketing methods, which streamlined operations and increased profitability. In charge of developing and initiating a Direct Mail Catalog and eCommerce Marketing Campaign to successfully increase sales, which was the first sales… Show more Was recruited by the President and Owner to manage overall operations for merchandising for a 32-Store National Chain of Jewelry, Housewares, Food, Tabletop, and Giftware Superstores which achieved $100 million annually. Reengineered and expanded merchandising and marketing methods, which streamlined operations and increased profitability. In charge of developing and initiating a Direct Mail Catalog and eCommerce Marketing Campaign to successfully increase sales, which was the first sales increase the company had experienced in over 10 months. Continuously updated the Internet Web Site to anticipate consumer needs online. Show less



Witmark, Inc.

• Grend Rapids, Michigan

• Executive Vice President of Merchandising & Marketing, Member, Board of Directors

  • 1995 - 1997

  Was recruited by the CEO and Owner to manage overall operations of merchandising and marketing of West Michigan’s leading value-priced Fine Jewelry, Gift, and Home Specialty Store with 10 locations and more than $70 million in annual sales. Completely turned around this store’s declining sales by restructuring operations and aggressively leading a team of Merchandising Directors, Buyers and Marketing Manager. Transitioned an outdated Catalog Showroom design into an upscale Specialty Retailer… Show more Was recruited by the CEO and Owner to manage overall operations of merchandising and marketing of West Michigan’s leading value-priced Fine Jewelry, Gift, and Home Specialty Store with 10 locations and more than $70 million in annual sales. Completely turned around this store’s declining sales by restructuring operations and aggressively leading a team of Merchandising Directors, Buyers and Marketing Manager. Transitioned an outdated Catalog Showroom design into an upscale Specialty Retailer to increase revenue. Worked closely with a talented Advertising Agency to create and initiate a new brand awareness for Witmark, Inc. in order to reposition company as a leader in the Specialty Retailer industry. Show less Was recruited by the CEO and Owner to manage overall operations of merchandising and marketing of West Michigan’s leading value-priced Fine Jewelry, Gift, and Home Specialty Store with 10 locations and more than $70 million in annual sales. Completely turned around this store’s declining sales by restructuring operations and aggressively leading a team of Merchandising Directors, Buyers and Marketing Manager. Transitioned an outdated Catalog Showroom design into an upscale Specialty Retailer… Show more Was recruited by the CEO and Owner to manage overall operations of merchandising and marketing of West Michigan’s leading value-priced Fine Jewelry, Gift, and Home Specialty Store with 10 locations and more than $70 million in annual sales. Completely turned around this store’s declining sales by restructuring operations and aggressively leading a team of Merchandising Directors, Buyers and Marketing Manager. Transitioned an outdated Catalog Showroom design into an upscale Specialty Retailer to increase revenue. Worked closely with a talented Advertising Agency to create and initiate a new brand awareness for Witmark, Inc. in order to reposition company as a leader in the Specialty Retailer industry. Show less



L. Luria & Son Inc.

• Miami FL>

• Sr. Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing

  • 1987 - 1995

  Asked to join Luria's as Vice President of Merchandising of Hardlines. Later promoted to Senior Vice President of Merchandising and added Jewelry to responsibility. Later promoted to Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing and added Marketing division to responsibility. Asked to join Luria's as Vice President of Merchandising of Hardlines. Later promoted to Senior Vice President of Merchandising and added Jewelry to responsibility. Later promoted to Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing and added Marketing division to responsibility.



Jordan March of Miami, Divison of Allied Stores Corp.

• Miami. Florida

• Senior Vice President, General Mercandise Manager

  • 1985 - 1987

  Promoted to larger division responsibility and an opportunity to return to Miami to head up the Hardlines division. Promoted to larger division responsibility and an opportunity to return to Miami to head up the Hardlines division.



Joske's Department Store, Division of Allied Stores Corp.

• Houston, Texas

• Senior Vice President, General Marchandise Manager

  • 1975 - 1985

  Rejoined Allied Stores Corp. with first assignment as Vice President of Hardlines. Later promoted to Senior Vice President and added Menswear to responsibility. Helped to remarket the store to add the growing segment of younger customers as Houston was evolving from an older population. Rejoined Allied Stores Corp. with first assignment as Vice President of Hardlines. Later promoted to Senior Vice President and added Menswear to responsibility. Helped to remarket the store to add the growing segment of younger customers as Houston was evolving from an older population.



Buridines, A Division of Federated Department Stores

• Miami, FLorida

• Divisional Merchandise Manager

  • 1972 - 1979

  Joined company as a Branch Store Divisional Merchandise Manager responsible for Hardlines, Cosmetics and Leased Departments in the second largest volume store in the chain. Promoted to Divisional Merchandise Manager of Housewares responsible for six buyers and staffs. Did extensive traveling both domestically and to foreign trade shows. Attended cooking schools at La Varenne in Paris and Le Cordon Bleu in London as research to open one of the first gourmet cooking schools at Burdines. Hired… Show more Joined company as a Branch Store Divisional Merchandise Manager responsible for Hardlines, Cosmetics and Leased Departments in the second largest volume store in the chain. Promoted to Divisional Merchandise Manager of Housewares responsible for six buyers and staffs. Did extensive traveling both domestically and to foreign trade shows. Attended cooking schools at La Varenne in Paris and Le Cordon Bleu in London as research to open one of the first gourmet cooking schools at Burdines. Hired TV personality and author Burt Wolf to act as celebrity spokesman for local Budines TV commercials in conjunction with several leading housewares manufacturers. Opened an all store cooking demonstration program in conjunction with leading housewares manufactures and Publix Supermarkets. Show less Joined company as a Branch Store Divisional Merchandise Manager responsible for Hardlines, Cosmetics and Leased Departments in the second largest volume store in the chain. Promoted to Divisional Merchandise Manager of Housewares responsible for six buyers and staffs. Did extensive traveling both domestically and to foreign trade shows. Attended cooking schools at La Varenne in Paris and Le Cordon Bleu in London as research to open one of the first gourmet cooking schools at Burdines. Hired… Show more Joined company as a Branch Store Divisional Merchandise Manager responsible for Hardlines, Cosmetics and Leased Departments in the second largest volume store in the chain. Promoted to Divisional Merchandise Manager of Housewares responsible for six buyers and staffs. Did extensive traveling both domestically and to foreign trade shows. Attended cooking schools at La Varenne in Paris and Le Cordon Bleu in London as research to open one of the first gourmet cooking schools at Burdines. Hired TV personality and author Burt Wolf to act as celebrity spokesman for local Budines TV commercials in conjunction with several leading housewares manufacturers. Opened an all store cooking demonstration program in conjunction with leading housewares manufactures and Publix Supermarkets. Show less



Stern Brothers, A Division of Allied Stores Corp

• Paramus, New Jersey

• Buyer

  • 1969 - 1972

  Joined company as Buyer of Housewares and Bath Shop. Also appointed as a Buyer of Imports to assist Allied Stores Corp. on foreign buying trips to Europe and Far East. Joined company as Buyer of Housewares and Bath Shop. Also appointed as a Buyer of Imports to assist Allied Stores Corp. on foreign buying trips to Europe and Far East.



The May Company

• Cleveland , Ohio

• Buyer

  • 1965 - 1969

  Started as a personnel trainee. Promoted to personnel supervisor of basement department store with over 200 salespeople responsible for scheduling and moving salespeople around to handle customer traffic. Promoted to staff assistant to Vice President, General Merchandise Manager of Hardliners. Handled research and reports to aid decision making functions. Responsible for development of seasonal sales and merchandising plans for all buyers. Responsible for coordinating weekly advertising meeting… Show more Started as a personnel trainee. Promoted to personnel supervisor of basement department store with over 200 salespeople responsible for scheduling and moving salespeople around to handle customer traffic. Promoted to staff assistant to Vice President, General Merchandise Manager of Hardliners. Handled research and reports to aid decision making functions. Responsible for development of seasonal sales and merchandising plans for all buyers. Responsible for coordinating weekly advertising meeting with marketing department. Promoted to Buyer of Gift and Gourmet Housewares and Bath Shop ( youngest person to ever be promoted to buyer level at this time). Traveled to Europe to research products to purchase to open one of the first Gourmet Cookware Shops in the United States. Chosen as one of the Keynote Speakers at the first Annual Bath Products Show in New York which has developed into a major industry show today. Show less Started as a personnel trainee. Promoted to personnel supervisor of basement department store with over 200 salespeople responsible for scheduling and moving salespeople around to handle customer traffic. Promoted to staff assistant to Vice President, General Merchandise Manager of Hardliners. Handled research and reports to aid decision making functions. Responsible for development of seasonal sales and merchandising plans for all buyers. Responsible for coordinating weekly advertising meeting… Show more Started as a personnel trainee. Promoted to personnel supervisor of basement department store with over 200 salespeople responsible for scheduling and moving salespeople around to handle customer traffic. Promoted to staff assistant to Vice President, General Merchandise Manager of Hardliners. Handled research and reports to aid decision making functions. Responsible for development of seasonal sales and merchandising plans for all buyers. Responsible for coordinating weekly advertising meeting with marketing department. Promoted to Buyer of Gift and Gourmet Housewares and Bath Shop ( youngest person to ever be promoted to buyer level at this time). Traveled to Europe to research products to purchase to open one of the first Gourmet Cookware Shops in the United States. Chosen as one of the Keynote Speakers at the first Annual Bath Products Show in New York which has developed into a major industry show today. Show less