Experience

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  Victorian Trading Co.

  • Lenexa, Kansas

  • Director of Technical Design and Quality

    • Aug 2015 - Apr 2017
    • Lenexa, Kansas

    As Director of Technical Design and Quality, I implemented new processes for receipt of product, Built SOPs, and instituted a QC review board process that dramatically improved return rates, saving the company approx. $100K in 12 months.Created, Instituted and trained existing personnel in the development of professionalized Spec/Tech sheets for new product, reducing the back and forth needed to develop new product.

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  Mordan Studios

  • kansas city, missouri area and los angeles

  • Principal and CEO

    • Dec 2013 - Aug 2015
    • kansas city, missouri area and los angeles

    Mordan Studios is a multi-service branding, marketing and product development company that is dedicated to creating unique design solutions for companies in a multitude of industries, including the entertainment industry, hotel groups and giftware consumer goods.As a team, we have great fun with our projects where we are involved in every aspect of bringing creative projects to market. From writing story lines to corporate identities, brand logos, and promotional ads and materials, Your success is OUR success and as such we are committed to creating strong and personal relationships with our clients.

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  Santa Barbara Design Studio

  • Oxnard, CA

  • Director Of Product Development

    • Dec 2012 - Dec 2013
    • Oxnard, CA

    As the Director of Product Development for Santa Barbara Design Studio, I have the privilege of leading one of the most talented product development teams in the country.In addition to our iconic Lolita hand-painted glassware, Santa Barbara Design Studio is expert at bringing social-expression and occasion driven giftware to market.As the Director of Product Development, I am involved in all aspects of development, including sourcing, sales projections, monitoring of inventory, and strategic planning. I am able to bring my years of experience in every aspect of sourcing and development to create well-planned, strategic introductions that meet the needs of retailers.I'm also looking every day for new and fun product ideas to bring to market with new twists to materials and finishes, as well as looking for top designers, artists and illustrators to collaborate with in order to bring new visions for how we connect with others!

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  DEMDACO

  • Senior Creative Product Manager

    • Sep 2006 - Aug 2012

    Reporting to the Silvestri Creative Manager, developed and executed all aspects of product launch across multiple product categories including personal accessories and jewelry, gifts, home decor, and holiday decorations including market intelligence, brainstorming, line planning and balance, art direction and communication with Licensors. Executed production art, oversaw the daily development of product reviews and directed corrections while communicating closely with buying agents and overseas vendors. Styled photo shoots and display visuals for catalog, marketing materials and showroom. Traveled to China and trade shows in the US for Research and Artist development. Travelled to Surtex and/or Licensing Shows, Creative Connection Events and Art Fairs in order to locate promising new artist opportunities. Learned Illustrator program on-the-job while producing production art- saving the company in excess of $15,000.00 a year. Managed in excess of 300 skus across 8 lines with 5 unique external artists for summer 2012 and future 2013 introduction. Worked with 9 individual artists in 2010 and 8 in 2011, meeting target deadlines and developing top revenue-per-sku producing items as part of a fashion accessory offering.

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  DEMDACO

  • United States
  • Manufacturing
  • 200 - 300 Employee

  • Creative Director

    • 2002 - 2006

    Directed entire product development process and guided product introductions which doubled revenue in portfolio brands. Increased department size from 4-15 people. Worked with Inventory Control to develop Product Development Lifecycle Plan to increase efficiency of product Intros and exits. Worked closely with Marketing to develop packaging, branding and store merchandising strategy. Traveled extensively to China for factory visits and trade fairs, with yearly visits to various European trade fairs for trend research. Responsible for locating promising new Artist opportunities and negotiating contracts.

  • Product Development Coordinator

    • 2000 - 2002

    First associate in product development department at DEMDACO. Handled all elements of PD process including line planning, communication with artists, overseas buying agents, marketing , contracts, et al. Responsible for hiring that increased department from 1 to 4 associates

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  Linda Mordan Design

  • Owner/Designer

    • 1997 - Sep 2000

    Concepted, designed and executed original product design for a variety of clients including Terry's Village, DEMDACO, Ruff Life, in multiple mediums

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  Oriental Trading Company/ Terry's Village Catalog

  • Designer

    • Apr 1996 - Jul 1997

    Designer for in-house gift and home accents catalog. Traveled to China/Thailand/Philippines/Taiwan to trade fairs and to visit factories.