Experience

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  Kohler Co.

  • Kohler, WI

  • Senior Channel Manager - Retail Operations

    • May 2015 - Jul 2022
    • Kohler, WI

    Directs a team responsible for the development and execution of business analytics, programs, processes, visual implementation, and systems in support of the KOHLER Signature Stores and Premier Showrooms.

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  CHRISTOPHER GUY

  • High Point, NC

  • Consultant

    • Oct 2014 - May 2015
    • High Point, NC

    Executive support and program implementation for vertically integrated luxury home furnishings manufacturer. Recent projects include:• Salesforce.com implementation • National Sales Meeting program and presentation development• Logistics strategy for customers in Latin America• Program to address excess inventory

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  GuildMaster, Inc

  • VP Sales and Marketing

    • Nov 2013 - Sep 2014

    National Sales Manager and trade marketing leader for vertically integrated high-end home furnishings manufacturer serving multiple wholesale channels, including e-commerce, specialty retailers, interior designers, department stores and Top 100 furniture retailers. Managed a team of 5 manufacturer’s representative groups (45 reps) and 3 in-house sales people to produce a 20% increase YTD through programs and promotions targeting inventory cash conversion. Provided team members with ongoing training, mentoring and reviews to maximize performance. Managed 4 regional market center showrooms to generate 40% of total revenue and ensure ROI.

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  MMPI

  • Chicago, IL

  • Director - Tradeshow Events

    • Apr 2013 - Nov 2013
    • Chicago, IL

    Leadership of specialty leasing/exhibit sales team in executing a trade marketing strategy designed to revitalize the longest running wholesale Gift and Home Market in the industry. Implemented programs to capitalize on the recovering Midwest economy and retail growth by solidifying the existing buying audience and capturing emerging new specialty retailers.Managed a team of 3 specialty leasing/exhibit sales agents to develop and sell a compelling value proposition focused on key market segments to ensure exhibitor ROI while building the market. Led trade marketing efforts to develop new branding for website and all trade advertising. Developed category segmentation approach utilizing integrated sales collateral, email tools and personal sales outreach to solidify existing channels and develop new business.

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  IMC / International Market Centers

  • Las Vegas, Nevada Area

  • Vice President - Leasing and Tradeshow/Las Vegas

    • 2008 - Nov 2012
    • Las Vegas, Nevada Area

    Vice President Leasing – GiftManagement and P&L responsibility for Gift Industry business unit sales and leasing team at World Market Center Las Vegas (WMCLV). Acted as industry ambassador, drawing on extensive experience and leveraging long-term relationships within the Gift and Home Décor industries to promote and establish WMCLV as the premier wholesale market center in the Western US.Vice President Tradeshow / Las VegasLaunched Gift Industry trade channel at World Market Center Las Vegas through successful planning, development, and execution of bi-annual GIFT+HOME Tradeshow events. P&L responsibility for all exhibit sales/specialty leasing business units, including: GIFT+HOME, Design & Living, Vegas Kids and Home Furnishings.

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  The Hershey Company

  • Chicago, IL

  • Marketing and Sales Manager, Hershey Stores / The Hershey Experience

    • 2007 - 2008
    • Chicago, IL

    Development and execution of marketing programs to enhance brand experience and drive retail sales. Responsible for managing third-party operations teams in Chicago and New York.Generated annual sales of $15 million with year-on-year increase of 6% through innovative B-to-B Trade Marketing partnerships with other local retailers and attractions to increase awareness and enhance brand image.

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  Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.

  • Los Angeles, New York, Chicago

  • Director of Sales and Leasing

    • 2002 - 2007
    • Los Angeles, New York, Chicago

    Director – The Chicago Market: Living and GivingP&L responsibility for bi-annual wholesale trade show event serving 700 exhibitors and attracting 20,000 specialty retail attendees to generate $6 million in specialty leasing/exhibit sales revenue annually. Enhanced attendee onsite experience and launched the brand through the creation and management of brand-consistent theme and décor design, floor layout, signage, visual displays, and events.Director of Leasing – The L.A. Mart and 7W New YorkLeasing and sales responsibility focused on business development and sales revenue for the Gift and Home Decor industries in both Los Angeles and New York wholesale trade marts. Responsible for creation, execution, and development of Specialty Leasing projects to increase market penetration: Temporaries @ LA Mart and 7W New York tenant acquisition program.

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  Enesco Group, Inc.

  • Greater Chicago Area

  • Director of Merchandising and Trade Marketing

    • 1995 - 2002
    • Greater Chicago Area

    P&L responsibility for Enesco’s corporate showrooms, retail merchandising, event planning, experiential and trade marketing programs (both consumer and trade) for all brands. Consolidated the Merchandising, Trade Marketing, and Event Planning departments to effectively administer an annual budget of $15 million in executing over 100 events annually. Drove $3 million in off-market sales through effective outbound sales efforts in major showrooms. Successfully launched and managed retail merchandising programs for major retailers (Walmart, Walgreens, Sears, JC Penney) and specialty retailer network of over 10,000 accounts.

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  Homart Development

  • Chicago, IL

  • Corporate Visual Merchandising Manager - Specialty Leasing

    • 1994 - 1995
    • Chicago, IL

    Developed and implemented visual merchandising programs for Specialty Leasing team responsible for temporary leasing of retail space, carts, and kiosks in over 25 regional malls nationwide.Consulted with specialty retail tenants on strategy to increase inventory turns through enhanced visual merchandising and execution practices. Developed Specialty Leasing tenant manual as an enhancement to individual property rules and regulations for improved overall visual presentation and brand consistency. Supported leasing team with key account presentations and creation of a monthly newsletter. Presented seminars on visual merchandising principles and techniques at retailer conferences to give exposure to Homart’s Specialty Leasing program.

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  See below

  • Contract Interior Design, Retail Design and Visual Merchandising

    • 1984 - 1994

    Attained increasing levels of responsibility in the following positions:HERALD OFFICE SYSTEMS Contract Interiors / Sales DesignerHALLMARK CARDS Regional Retail Designer PRIVATE LIVES Director of Visual MerchandisingROEDIGER/CORPORATE INTERIOR PLANNING Contract Interior Designer